KIA Motors
reviews and complaints

I am writing to you in the hope that Kia Motors South Africa will take responsibility for their obvious manufacturing defect and shocking customer service.

The details of my car are as follows:
* 2014 U Kia Sportage 2.0 A/T
* Mileage: + 67 500 km
* Full service history

I have had an ongoing problem whereby my engine warning light comes on and off; together with the car revving by itself and lurching forward - for over a year.
Kia Tygervalley Multifranchise in Stikland, Cape Town, keep telling me it is a map sensor problem. They replaced this part over a year ago - and despite it being replaced - I have still had this ongoing problem every 2-3 months. Everytiime I take it in, they say reset the error and send me on my merry way.

3 Weeks ago today, I took it in again and told them that I refuse to drive the car until this problem has been resolved once and for all. I travel approximately 500km every alternate weekend, with 2 little kids in the car - and I refuse to just believe that nothing is wrong. Surely you have to heed the engine warning - how do I know it isn't something else that is serious and that could be fatal?

The service manager, Imraan, told me point blank that he cannot do anything else, other than reset the engine warning light ... in other words, ignore that the problem exists. He has washed his hands clean and told me to take it up with Kia South Africa.

Even the dealer principal at Kia TygerValley Multifranchise, Eugene, has told me that he would follow the instructions of Kia South Africa. Since then, he has also avoided all my calls.

So I contacted Kia South Africa customer service and spoke to Fiona. She told Kia TygerValley Multifranchise to submit all their technical reports and then her technical team up in Joburg would work through it and tell the Stikland dealership what to do. They said they'd get back to me.

Eventually after giving me the run around, I asked my father to be the contact on my behalf. Fiona avoided my father and eventually sent an email saying that they are going to replace the same part - the map sensor - which they did a year ago and that didn't work. My car is still at Kia Tygervalley Multifranchise - after 3 weeks. They say that the part is arriving from Korea sometime next week.

So, ultimately, I don't believe that Kia South Africa are taking responsibility for an obvious manufacturing defect. If they could have solved the problem, they would have. Instead, they have given me a rental car, from EuropeCar for the last 3 weeks.

And the worst part of this all, is that when I eventually get my car back, how do I know that it is safe to drive? The car manufacturer themselves don't know whats wrong, so are they just going to reset the warning light and send me merrily on my way - driving long distances with my 2 little children?

Over and above that, I am unable to reach anyone at Kia South Africa. They ignore my calls and are permanently out of the office. The CEO of Kia South Africa - Gary Scott - is uncontactable. They keep sending me to Fiona - who refuses to answer my calls. Since the dealership have told me they can't do more, they refuse to help me too.

Here are all the contact details:
* Kia TygerValley Multifranchise branch Tel: [protected]
* Kia Dealership principal: Eugene Tel: [protected]
* Kia South Africa: Fiona Tel: [protected]
* Kia Headoffice: Gary Scott Tel: [protected]

Why do I need to wait for a major component for my lease car? Also, I am owed $245. On February 28, 2018 after visiting several other car dealerships, I ventured to Camelback KIA on Camelback Road in Phoenix, AZ. The current lease I had on my KIA Sorento was soon to expire, and I was looking to make a purchase. I arrived around 5pm, and finally decided to call it quits when none of the paper work could be completed in a timely fashion by 10pm. This was the first of a two-day experience I share with others with the warning to never venture to this dealership.

I have a disability and request a vehicle with heated seats, electric hatchback, GPS, and a backup camera. My main goal was to make a purchase with my 2011 Spyder as a trade in. I was adamant in sharing the disability I live with daily, and my limitations. The goal for the sales people at this dealership was to wear me down into not only believing I would be unable to purchase a car, but, I also would not be able to keep my payments under $400. Venturing out on this experience alone, only leaves me in the predicament to believe, others are there to make money, but, I never believed I would end up with another lease.

When I noticed the amount of $245.00 withdraw from my checking account for the KIA Sorento now in the possession of Camelback KIA, I called and spoke with Travis. He stated he would investigate the problem and call me back. Well, that did not happen. Upon calling him back, he politely informed me this amount would be kept by Camelback KIA in exchange for any repairs that needed to be completed on the returned lease. At no point during this ungodly lengthy experience, was this mentioned. So, now I am out of $245.00; I am leasing a car instead of purchasing one, I do not have my much-needed GPS and need to wait until who knows when, I was taken advantage of because of my limitations, and being on my own.

My final experience with KIA was not a pleasant one. Even though I am 100% pleased with driving a KIA Sedona, and two Sorento's over the past seven years, I will never subject myself to this experience again, and surely never at Camelback KIA. My goal was to make a purchase, instead I have a lease for only three years, am paying more than I was adamant about, am out $245.00, and four weeks later am still without GPS.

In conclusion, my resolution would be for the $245.00 returned to me immediately. With the trade-in I made, my payments should be lower than what I currently have. My KIA lease should be a purchase and not a lease. Finally, how can any dealership lease a car to someone, forget to give them the GPS chip, call them back into the dealership to pick up the chip, only to be informed after thirty minutes the GPS chip is on back order! Please help.

Sincerly,
Jude Zecchino

Hello, my name is Nicole Hatchett and I recently purchased a 2018 Kia Optima. I was a owner of a 2013 Hyundai Sonata of which I did not have any issues or problems, I just wanted to make a change. I began to research vehicles and found a lot of good reviews on the Kia Optima. The very next day I went in to a Kia store in Manteca California. I let the salesperson know which car I wanted but I told him to run the numbers first after we set up financing I was led to a specific vehicle. One of which I did not want which was not the Optima, then I let the salesperson know that I wanted the Optima and he led me to a Titanium colored Kia Optima FE, which was not what I wanted. Originally I specifically requested a White Kia Optima with the panoramic sunroof. I was told that it was not in my budget. He continued to push the titanium colored vehicle and I let him know if I could not get the sunroof I at least want a white vehicle. Then I asked about the white Optima that was parked behind the other vehicle and he said the payments would be five dollars more I agreed to that and we signed the paper work. I drove the car home and was very happy, but after the second day of having the car I went out to go to work and tried to start my brand new 2018 Kia Optima LX and it would not go into gear all of my indicator lights on the dash was lit up, check engine, airbags, etc... There was a message on my camera screen that stated engine needs emergency service please set up an appointment with the KIA dealer. I had to turn the car off and on several times before it would go into gear the whole time I rode with the check engine light and the low tire pressure monitor light on. Needless to say I was late for work. I took the car to the dealer that same day and they did not know what the issue was they put it on the machine to see if there were any codes and I had to leave the car there overnight and was given a rental. I did receive a call from KIA headquarters stating that the car was being trouble shooted and that everything would be ok. The next day I was called and told that my car was ready and that the problem was fixed. I was told that the HVAC wires were loose and that they had taken the car apart and fixed it. I was very excited to get my car back. But the next day I had to go to a very important appointment I went out to my car and it happened again, the car would not go into gear and all of the indicator lights were on. This time the car would not go into gear at all after sitting in the car for several minutes I called the KIA store and I was told to call roadside assistance to get it towed in. Just as I was on the phone with them the car had a message about gears and I was able to put it into drive. I took the car in to the dealer and was told that they would give me another car but it would not be comparable to the car I had it would still be a 2018 Optima but it would be a FE and it would be the titanium color just the vehicle I did not want. I felt at this point that I had no choice and just took what they offered me because I was so very frustrated. I just wanted to let you know how disappointed I am with KIA, I had heard so many good things about these vehicles and now I absolutely regret ever stepping foot in a KIA dealership! And I am stuck with a car that I NEVER wanted in the first place! I work very hard for my money and to know that I am stuck paying 523.00 a month for 72 months for a car that I absolutely hate gives me nightmares. I am so serious I have literally not slept for days because I am so dissatisfied with what I was forced into. I let the salesperson know that I was dissatisfied and he did not care. I just wanted you all to know my discontent and disappointment in all of this. And I will share my experience with as many people as possible.

Thank you for nothing!

Nicole Hatchett
[protected]

We purchased a 2016 Kia Soul in July 2017. Then upgraded to a 2018 I Jan of this year. We were approved to get a cash back. As of today we have still not received this. We have called and been in numerous times and keep getting told" you should have it in the next few days". We had an apt last week to have window guards put on. The day before the call someone from customer service called to see if we had any questions regarding the apt. I said no, we were fine. He then said he noticed that there were no referral cheques for us and asked if we had anyone to refer. I said we weren't happy with Kia and at this time and we had a hard time referring someone if they were going to receive the same kind of service. When we originally signed our papers we were told it would take a couple weeks to get our cheque. We were fine with that, but 2 1/2 months is ridiculous. We also had to go back numerous times to sign loan documents cause errors were made.

Dear All
i have Cerato car model 2011, 110, 000 KM
I went to Kia Motors Egypt, Egyptian International Trading Agencies Co. ( EIT ) to make maintenance for my car as usual every 10, 000 KM
actually i found they asked me to change parts because its broken and when i asked them to show me the broken parts i found that they brooked due to bad way of dealing with the part ( not professional way as i expected )
I tried to explain to them but they insist that it was broken before hand
will attach you photo for the part but the problem that this part effect on a very important other part and they asked me to pay whole amount for whole parts

Regards,
Mostafa Fathy
[protected]@nhk-mena.com
0020 [protected]

I'll sum up the mistreatment
Purchased kia soul 2018 fully loaded $30, 000.00 car on 3/3/18. It had a scratch on the side mirror. Was told bring it in and we will replace it on wed 3/7. Day 2 the trunk stopped opening, day 3 the rear camera stopped working. Called gm derwin, no return call. I called service, they told me they would fix everything. It snowed, rescheduled for friday 3/9, asked if parts are in, told yes, plus I was to get a loaner car. Went in on friday to find part was never ordered and no loaner car available. They sent me to enterprise with a po #.. Enterprise tells me kia yonkers hasn't paid on their po's so if kia doesn't pay it I will be responsible for the bill. Called and left 10 messages for kia gm sales no return call.. Called service everyday, told something different everyday.. It's now week two.. Finally got a nice man justin on the phone, he told me now the radio is broke and back ordered, new car parts are not in stock. At least I have an idea on whats going on. But, still I have no idea when I will get my brand new car back and if will work properly, plus I might get stuck with a rental car bill for all this time. I am so unhappy with the way I have been ignored and lied to. Obviously, once I signed on the dotted line.. I was on my own.. Not one person other than justin has cared that I bought a lemon of a car, had to make my first payment, and am driving a rental. They made there sale and now screw me. Kia has failed me and has taken full advantage of me. I feel like I was robbed.

Hi,

I would like to make a complaint regarding my vehicle purchased from GT Motors in Grand Cayman.

I have been having so many on going issues with my car and have not gotten no help regarding this issue.

I would like for something to be done on it or I will have to look into taking serious matters as I am sure I am not the only person that had have issues with the issue.

I have taken my car to get multiple checks and nothing has worked.

I brought my car (2016 Kia Picanto - EG4976) at Kia Service Center (128 Gorordo Ave, Cebu City 6000) last February 10, 2018 for PMS and repair. They asked for the warranty booklet and I said I did not received any even after my 1st and 2nd PMS, and they said it's okay and I should just leave my car while they check and ask for warranty approval. After 3 days on Feb. 13, 2018 they reached out through text message asking if I have warranty booklet of the unit bec. as per checkig my unit was not registered in the plant. So I said I already told them I don't have it bec. I wasn't provided by my agent with a warranty booklet when I purchased my car bec. they had no booklets available at that time. My agent told me that I will be provided when I had my first PMS but no one gave me nothing aside from my bill receipt. So I needed to wait for the feedback if my repairs would still be covered without any timeline provided. Today, March 14, 2018 after more than a month of waiting in vain bec. I wasn't provided with a warranty booklet to begin with and for some reason my car was not registered for a warranty, I received 1 text message from them/you guys saying that my warranty claim have been denied due to lack of maintenance. I am very frustrated and upset about the service. If I only this would happen, I could have not wasted a month of my time and I should have been driving my car by now. This is very unacceptable. I hope that my complaint will be heard and addressed as soon as possible. I hope someone from your company could turn this traumatic experience around.

Dear Kia Team,

I'm very disappointed with Kia Cerato 2.0 that i bought on 2016 December.The problems keep occur after i bought the car.

1. air-conditoner leaking (water drop at back seat ) fixed for several times only get to solve the problems.It took more than 2 months for the whole process.

2. auto lock not functional well

3. hear the sound of wind from driver seat's window.

The problems occur when i get the car from first year and kia workshop response very slowly.
But finally they managed to solve the 1&2 problems as stated.

However Kia couldn't solve my 3rd problem.
Until today(6/3/2018) i received the call from Kia (from glen marie branch, first time i check my car at this branch) Glen Marie said i need to pay for two rubbers which is not under warranty and will cost me around RM 600 .

I feel very disappointed not just because of the services and price and the most important is the car quality that produced by Kia which cost me RM106k.

I wish Kia Centre could help me replace with new rubber with free of charge (i 'm suffering from the problems since i bought the car n the problems keep coming)and response me ASAP. Thanks.

-my car plate WC2788L
-Tan Yvonne
-my contact: [protected]

Sir/Madam,
I have submitted my hyundai eon model magna+ (lpg) registered no. PB 35S 1559 in your setvice centre located at chamba, H.P, 176310 for the purpose of some minor repairs on 29 sep 2017. On 30 sep 2017, your employee is involved in an accident of my motor vehicle which makes the vehicle nearly impossible to repair during the course of transferring the vehicle from chamba to kangra service centre. The manager at chamba service centre as well as kangra service centre have said to taken the responsibility of the mentioned and help us in any way possible.

But it's been 6 months and they still not have given back the vehicle to us. We have contacted them time to time but their response is not satisfactory.

Please take actions as seems fit according to you.

Thanking you

Ketan Singh Thakur
+[protected]
[protected]@gmail.com

Good day

Can someone please contact me on [protected]

I would like to lodge a complaint against your branch in Boksburg, South Africa

We bought our Kia Sportage brand new from this branch and now they say there is no warranty

It went in for the 80 000km service and apparantly the coil springs is now faulty and they said they were going to lodge a claim.

my car went in for this service 4+ weeks ago.

I need to call the Boksburg South Africa branch everytime and never do they phone me back

and when I once again called they told me that I had no warranty? But how is this possible as all new Kia cars has warranties?

This is very very urgent please

Kind Regards

ANDRE POTGIETER
[protected]

I went to Aljaber automotive in Jeddah Quraysh St. /King Fahad St intersection on Saturday FEB 24th at around 10 AM for the regular fast every 5000 km car maintenance for my 2015 white optima car plaate KLJ 3580. I have no complaint they charged me 1500 SAR(about 400 USD) just to do basic car maintenance because I have agreed to pay before they started working on the car. However, when I pay 1500 SAR I expect a high level of efficiency and good service. Unfortunately, there was not. I was the only customer in the garage and it took them 1 hour to change oil, battery water and other simple fast car maintenance stuff. After one hour, the cashier was busy on his personal phone while I was standing in front of him 15 minutes just to get the bill. After 1500 SAR and 1 hour and 15 minutes the guy who did the maintenance held my car key in his pocket and asked me to give him a tip for his excellent work. Is this the type of service I should expect from a multinational company like KIA. P.S... I do not want to be treated like a prince. All I want is to be treated like is a customer. Just a customer. I pay for your service and you do it efficiently.

Kia 417 Ottawa
On January 22nd 2018 I brought my car To Kia 417 Ottawa for small knocking Noise around 5PM
The sale Guys Stephen took my keys, I mentioned I might be interested in an upgrade down the line. so he introduced me to a sale Rep witch then started the process for upgrade, he then transferred me to a financial advisor at Kia the financial advised took down my info, his name was Andrew Duncan.

The next day I call for the status of my car around 3 PM I'm told they will call Me back in 15 minutes. By the service rep Roxane carrier St-jean, she said the mechanic was not done yet 1 hr goes by I called again the service rep tell me I will require a short Block and gasquet kit. So I go to get my car, the financial advisor said I was approved they just add more paperwork to do they would pay mi service Bill of $76.28 they never Did Pay it,
He add me sign a bill of sale for the Kia Sportage 2018 trade in was my kia forte 2014, they offered me 4000$ for my car Minus the 3700$ of repair work they add to do on the car to fix it I was getting 300$ for the car in total.

They showed me the kia Sportage 2018 the one I would be purchasing, and told me they would pay for the service on my kia forte 2014 they would cut me a check they said after I add paid the bill, 1 hr later he ask me to pay the bill after the sale they would reimburse me.

So I waited until next day I call in the morning they said they were waiting on TD Financial to approve the buy out of my previous loan for the kia forte 2014 because the kia Forte 2014 no longer add value the bank was not giving answers on the Loan
so I give him until lunch at lunch january 24 I go and asked back for my kia forte 2014 I knew something was wrong they said we still waiting on answer from TD financing.
I go home i saw I got 2 more credit alerts Kia was still doing Credit checks for find financing,
So I go back im at the doors in kia 417 no one would talk to me they were hiding being the showcase cars talking quietly I tell them to give me my car back.
I go home it was knocking louder I check the oils was full of prestone, head gasquet was blowen in my kia forte 2014 the day before i add done an oild change at MR Lob on Bank street there was no preston in my oil this was cause by kia 417.
So I call them they said it was like that when I came in for service,
the problem is the day before I add went to mr lube to do a oil change because 2 week prior I done one oild change at Oil changer in Ottawa and they used synthetic Oil I found my motor loud a bit so I asked mr lube to put in normal oil and there was no prestone in my oil I ad also done fuel injection clean by mr Lube at the same time.
I Confronted 417 kia by phoe I told them I would seek legal advise the sale rep kep calling me telling me its my fault and that they add nothing to do with the car was not there problem.

my car was fin before it went to Kia 417 Ottawa just a small knock I was setup by kia 417 so that they could give me nothing for my car and that they could sell me one of there's to make money my payment were going to from 265 a month to 340 for 84 Months mi kia forte I add 4 years left to pay on it.also wen I went back to get my car no would talk to me they add me stand oin the floor showroom they were hiding talking beind the showcase vehicule the finance rep Andrew Duncan was making face at me they really made me feel uncomfortable I add to go buy a new vehicule I add to go to my old dealership I add to add my previouse loan on my on my new loan now I owe 50 000 in depth because of Kia 417 Ottawa

I told Kia 417 Ottawa I would seek legal advise the sale rep Stephen kept calling me over and over to advising me nothing I could it was my issue the motor not there it wasn't there problem

http://ici.radio-canada.ca/nouvelle/1080254/bruit-claquement-anormal-dmoteurs-kia-forte-la-facture

I was right all along they were trying to screwed me badly.
I called the headquarter customer service Case Number:[protected] the customer service rep was rude ignorant I get tossed over to a supervisor Cindy completely Useless she did not want to help was not her issue as she said I add to take it up with kia 417 they are owned and operated in there owen way
Nothing headquarters can do she said and they hung up on me .no sympathy or empathy towards the clients I work in customer service 17 years and this is customer service at its worst

I tried to reach months before but I couldn't ok I explain my daughter had to go to work in the morning when she started drive one neighbor said stop look in front some piece almost in the floor and we have to take the part and we went close to my area to mechanic and told us the part in the front one click was broken he has to change the part. He charged $220.00, you imagine is my daughter was driven in the highway big accident could happen. I can sent proof of my bill and part was changed..

I was struck directly in the driver's side door by a woman who ran a red light. The car was totaled and I was injured. The impact hit directly on the driver's side door. No air bags deployed. My auto body shop said they should have deployed. I purposely picked a Kia due to its safety ratings and fully expected to be safe when struck by another car.