I have a 2020 Telluride with 52500 miles and noticed it burning oil with white smoke from the tailpipe. I had it towed to the dealership, and they confirmed it’s under warranty and approved a new engine. The issue is, the engine is on a national backorder with no timeline for repairs. I’m currently paying out of pocket for a rental car and will need to extend it for another month. Kia says they’ll reimburse me, but it’s a significant upfront cost.
What do you all think? Should I keep the car after the repair? I’m hesitant to buy a new car with the current high APR rates for excellent credit. I feel like a new engine means a new car, but I worry about potential future problems. Any thoughts or suggestions?
It’s tough to say since these cars can vary a lot in reliability. But you’re getting a new engine and still have warranty coverage. If Kia reimburses you, keeping the car might be the easiest and most affordable option. I think it’s best not to overthink it.
My 2020 needed a new engine at 51500 miles. It was at the dealership for 2 months without a loaner. They spent a lot of time trying to blame me for the issue. I love the car and plan to drive it until it dies, but after that experience, I won’t buy another Kia.
Expect to wait 2-3 months. Call the dealer, open a case, and check in with the service advisor in person for an accurate estimate on the timeline. You may need to stay on top of this; my wife faced a similar engine replacement diagnosis.
Just get it fixed and keep it. Mechanical issues are always going to happen. You can’t worry every day about when something else will go wrong. I say go for it. I have a 2023 X-Line.
Do they not have a loaner vehicle available? Mine was in for service a few months back for a sunroof issue and backordered parts, and they provided me a loaner. They reimbursed me for the rental payments after I submitted the receipts. I still have my Telluride and love it, 2020 with 59k miles.
@EdwardGenesis
The dealership claims they don’t have any more loaners available. I’m currently paying $59 a day for a rental. They told me to keep the receipts and submit them for reimbursement after the car is fixed.
@EdwardGenesis
Not the person who posted this, but when I bought my Kia in 2022, the dealership made me sign to acknowledge that they don’t provide loaner vehicles.
MaryJane said: @EdwardGenesis
Not the person who posted this, but when I bought my Kia in 2022, the dealership made me sign to acknowledge that they don’t provide loaner vehicles.
Wow, this makes me rethink getting a Telluride. Hearing your experience really makes me wish my wife didn’t want one.
@Zacky
I got rid of my Telluride a month or two ago, and dealing with the dealership and service department was the worst. I’m considering replacing our second car soon, and I won’t look at another Kia.
@GriffinOtiz
Yeah, I had a bad vibe the last time I visited a Kia showroom. Everything felt unprofessional. I might check out GMC or Buick next time. The level of service was much better there. I know this doesn’t reflect the product quality, but it soured my overall experience with the brand.
MaryJane said: @EdwardGenesis
Not the person who posted this, but when I bought my Kia in 2022, the dealership made me sign to acknowledge that they don’t provide loaner vehicles.
Your dealer sounds pretty terrible. First, it’s not right. Second, it’s unnecessary. And third, it’s just bad service. My dealer waiting area is nice, not like a bus terminal. I’ll likely get a BMW or Audi next.
MaryJane said: @EdwardGenesis
Not the person who posted this, but when I bought my Kia in 2022, the dealership made me sign to acknowledge that they don’t provide loaner vehicles.
What dealership is this? How can they not assist you like that? Making you acknowledge it with a signature isn’t a good way to keep customers.
@Mary
You don’t have to tell me. I won’t buy another car from that dealership or any in that network. It’s been nothing but headaches. Classic Kia in Beaumont. I wouldn’t recommend them at all.
petrabrinkman said:
You should put that rental on a credit card that earns airline miles. Make the most out of it.
Costco car rental is great. We got it for less than $30 a day, even cheaper for long-term rentals. Pretend you’re an Uber driver to get the lowest rates. Or think about leasing a Tesla.
I’m having the same problem with my 2020 Telluride. Last oil change showed no oil left in the engine. How should I handle this? How did you prove your engine was burning oil?
Jony said:
I’m having the same problem with my 2020 Telluride. Last oil change showed no oil left in the engine. How should I handle this? How did you prove your engine was burning oil?
Go to your dealer and ask for an oil consumption test. They’ll change the oil, ensure it’s at the full mark on the dipstick, then ask you to return in 1000 miles to measure the remaining oil.