I’ve had to start a buyback process with Kia. My car hasn’t been the same since the engine was replaced around 5 months ago. Now it shifts rough between 1st and 2nd, and it sounds like the engine is about to leap out. The trim has even started falling off, and I’ve had just about every recall you can think of.
Anyone had any success with this kind of process? I love the car but not one that’s breaking down like this.
Make sure you have all the paperwork to show the issues. Just the door and engine replacement probably won’t be enough. If it sounds like the engine is jumping, you might want to head back to the dealership. What are they telling you?
@NiroNomad
The engine replacement was the start. After that, it led to a whole front suspension rebuild from the steering column down to the control arms, and they still couldn’t figure out the noise. It was in the shop for 17 days just for that. Now that I’ve started the buyback, Kia corporate told the dealership to hold off on more work until they can set up a date to review everything.
@NiroNavigator
I had the same experience. They made Kia agree to each step. You’ll want to keep all the records, showing each problem and what they did to fix it. Even the routine stuff should be documented. Hope it’s smoother for you, but prepare for them to keep trying fixes during the buyback.
Get ready for a long process. You should get an arbitration date where you can explain all the services done, the impact on your car’s value and safety, and what you’re asking for (buyback, replacement). I haven’t dealt with Kia but went through something similar with Honda, and they agreed to settle before the arbitration with NCDS (kind of like BBB). I had a solid case, though (6 months in service, 4 separate issues). Best of luck.
@Sadie
BBB is no different from Yelp
Kimberly said:
@Sadie
BBB is no different from Yelp
I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.
Kimberly said:
@Sadie
BBB is no different from Yelp
I’m not sure what you’re trying to say.
BBB isn’t an official agency. They’re a private business that just takes reviews. I once had a customer try to file a complaint against me there, and I just told them no, and that was that. Totally pointless.
@Kimberly
Actually, BBB Autoline and NCDS are mediators that car manufacturers work with directly for consumer claims under lemon law. They handle documents and can help with communication between the consumer and manufacturer, and they set up arbitration. States like Arkansas have them in their consumer guides as options, depending on the manufacturer.
@Sadie
Thanks for the info. I know it’s going to be a long haul. Just want something done.
I got BMW to agree to a buyback with a lot less hassle.
I’d suggest going straight to a lawyer for this. Kia’s being a pain.
I’m in the same situation.
All the trim on my car has fallen off, even the seals around the windows. It looks terrible. The 4th cylinder keeps failing but somehow never acts up at the shop. The car randomly revs like crazy, then feels like it’s about to stall.
I wouldn’t wish this headache on anyone.
@LebronJames
What stage of the process are you in?
This probably won’t be seen as a lemon. If Kia’s working on repairs, that’s usually all the court cares about. If it’s the same problem multiple times, you might have a shot, but a lot of recalls are typical.
@LillyGrace
In Louisiana, it’s 30 days in the shop within the first year. Doesn’t have to be all at once or the same problem. I’m at 28 days now, and it’s going back in for the shifting issue. BBB accepted my claim, so I just need to upload all my paperwork.
@NiroNavigator
Whoever told you that might be mistaken.
LillyGrace said:
@NiroNavigator
Whoever told you that might be mistaken.
It can qualify in a few ways, like if the value drops because of repair issues or if the car is unsafe.
LillyGrace said:
@NiroNavigator
Whoever told you that might be mistaken.
@NiroNavigator
I’d talk to a lawyer. Lemon law isn’t as simple as it seems. I had my car in the shop for 90 days, and even with the day limit, Florida still didn’t see it as meeting the requirements.
When I spoke to Kia corporate, they compensated me for the time I didn’t have my car and would have covered any rental costs if the dealer hadn’t loaned me a car.
@Timber
I asked Kia if they could at least do that, but no luck. It’s been rough having to use a motorcycle daily while taking care of newborn twins and both of us working. I’ve got a consultation with a lawyer on Thursday.
