There are some things in automobile possession that make your abdomen drop. It may very well be an engine gentle approaching, a sudden breakdown, or worse but, watching your brand-new automobile puff out smoke proper after a routine service. However what if the actual problem isn’t slightly below the hood, however in the best way the dealership responds? That’s what one Kia K4 proprietor is grappling with after a easy oil change become one thing way more regarding. This morning, I encountered Amy’s story via the “KIA K4 2025” group on Fb. She had simply gotten an oil change at a Kia dealership, however throughout the hour, her brand-new 2025 Kia K4 was leaking oil, smoking, and making loud metallic clanks. The dealership’s response? A imprecise reassurance that the engine was superb, and a suspicious request to keep away from finishing the service survey.
Here is what she wrote in full: “I would like some recommendation please. I bought an oil change at a KIA dealership, drove off, and about an hour later heard a metallic clunk underneath the automobile. Then it began smoking. I pulled over and a bunch of oil was on the bottom. I Instantly referred to as KIA for a tow. They stuffed the oil and inspected the engine and mentioned it was all good. Then the supervisor requested me to not fill out the survey I used to be going to get! Odd, proper? Then I bought the ‘I am actually sorry.’ I requested in regards to the engine blowing and metallic fragments and so they instructed me that I’ve a ten yr/100,000 mile guarantee so if the engine goes out, it is going to be changed and if it was going to occur, it could look ahead to 10/100,000 to go dangerous. This complete state of affairs shouldn’t be sitting effectively with me and everybody I ask says I ought to request a brand new engine or a lifetime any KIA dealership guarantee. Oh, and free oil adjustments for the lifetime of the automobile. Individuals additionally instructed me to contact a lawyer as a result of this may trigger severe injury. What do you all suppose?”
Pink Flags and Rolling Smoke
What makes this case so disconcerting isn’t simply the mechanical failure itself, although that alone is alarming on a brand new car. It is actually how the dealership appeared extra involved with its service survey than transparency. When a dealership asks you to not full a survey after a botched service, that alerts a crimson flag.
Some group members wasted no time reducing to the core of the difficulty. Mandy Cobb didn’t mince phrases, saying, “I might contact a lawyer.” That single sentence displays a rising sentiment amongst prospects who really feel dealerships aren’t at all times trustworthy or forthcoming once they know they’ve tousled. Authorized illustration isn’t only a risk, however a crucial line of protection generally.
Oliver G. Hardley took a extra proactive stance: “Demand a brand new motor in your automobile and report this to Kia company.” His remark underscores one thing many new Kia homeowners are beginning to really feel: in case your dealership received’t defend you, escalate it to the producer. Doc every little thing, file a declare, and go to the highest when you should.
Danny Goncalves added one other layer: “I simply maintain listening to horror story after horror story with Kia. Man, I ought to have caught with Honda.” That comparability displays the rising rigidity between Kia’s latest features in worth and efficiency versus lingering doubts about long-term reliability. Many homeowners, together with some who initially traded of their Civics or Corollas, are starting to surprise in the event that they gambled on the flawed wager.
To that time, it’s value noting how strongly the 2025 Kia K4 has been praised for its efficiency and worth. One reviewer even mentioned it rivaled the Honda Civic at its worth level. However as we’re seeing right here, a stellar check drive doesn’t at all times assure worry-free possession.
A Deeper Drawback?
Steve Spicer added a dose of realism: “Too early for lemon regulation. It takes 3 repairs on the identical problem getting the producer concerned at every step. Insure it effectively and drive it like a rental and see what occurs subsequent.” His recommendation is pragmatic but additionally irritating. It implies that the one technique to see in case your brand-new automobile is a dud is to attend and hope it breaks once more. That’s a bitter tablet for anybody who simply made their first or second automobile buy.
There’s additionally the bigger problem of how guarantee security nets are actually getting used as company shields. Kia service facilities could technically repair the difficulty underneath guarantee if the engine fails, however what if the injury isn’t instant? What if an absence of oil triggered untimely inside put on that doesn’t present up till after the powertrain protection ends? In these instances, the shopper could be left holding the bag years later, particularly if the dealership didn’t doc the difficulty truthfully within the service data.
That actual nervousness is what many homeowners are starting to precise on-line. Whereas the 2025 Kia K4 has been described because the sort of automobile automakers as soon as constructed their reputations on, these reputations can crumble rapidly when belief is violated. If a fundamental oil change can result in potential engine failure, and the service employees tries to maintain it quiet, allegedly in fact, then it taints every little thing that automobile may need represented.
When the Guarantee Isn’t Sufficient
Kia’s 10-year/100,000-mile guarantee has at all times been a serious promoting level. It reassures consumers that even when one thing goes flawed, they’re lined. However on this case, the guarantee grew to become a part of the deflection. As an alternative of specializing in fixing the instant downside, the employees allegedly leaned on the guarantee as a security blanket as a substitute.
That doesn’t sit proper for most individuals as most engines don’t smoke and leak oil as a result of they’re wholesome, however that does appear to be the extent of what one would anticipate till the automobile breaks down as soon as extra.
It’s much more upsetting contemplating that many consumers selected the K4 for its refinement and upgraded options. Some homeowners praised the K4 for its easy journey, impartial rear suspension, and premium really feel for the value. However once more, none of that issues if the dealership doesn’t take possession severely when one thing breaks.
This additionally isn’t the primary Kia K4 proprietor to come across an unsettling post-service shock. We not too long ago lined one other case the place a 2025 Kia K4 suffered wiring injury from rodents, leading to 1000’s of {dollars} in injury. The dealership mentioned it wasn’t lined underneath guarantee, since most of these damages aren’t usually lined. That too felt like one other instance of shifting duty onto the shopper although.
So I believe tales like this do make one factor clear: irrespective of how good a automobile appears to be like on paper, the actual possession expertise is outlined by what occurs with who you belief together with your car. Plus, if manufacturers are going to supply a class-leading guarantee like Kia, you then want a community that stands by it truthfully and never one which dances round accountability, hoping points get swept underneath the rug.
Key Takeaways
- If one thing goes flawed proper after a service, doc every little thing. Pictures, tow data, dealership notes, and time of day data might prevent later.
- Don’t let imprecise reassurances substitute for actual solutions. In case your engine clanked and smoked, demand a full write-up of what occurred and why.
- Use your guarantee strategically, however don’t let it change into a crutch that permits poor service to slip.
- Push for written affirmation that your engine was correctly inspected and isn’t broken, or higher but, get a second opinion.
- Attain out to company when dealership habits raises flags. Strain from above can get outcomes you received’t see on the service desk.
Time For Your Opinion
Have you ever ever skilled one thing going flawed proper after a supplier service? Did they take duty or attempt to downplay it?
And what’s your tackle the K4 thus far? Do you suppose it has the potential to actually compete with long-standing favorites just like the Civic, or are there nonetheless too many considerations to miss?
Let me know what you suppose within the feedback under.
Aram Krajekian is a younger automotive journalist bringing a recent perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Observe Aram on X and LinkedIn for each day information protection about vehicles.
Picture Sources: Kia Gallery
