NHTSA Complaint #11421069 — 2014 KIA SOUL

I was traveling back home from Dandridge, TN in July 2019. As I was going down the interstate at 70MPH, the engine made a very loud noise and the vehicle began to shake. I promptly pulled over to the shoulder and shut off the vehicle. The vehicle was then towed to Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville. They had the car for three months before I received a phone call in September 2019. I was on my way to Florida with a friend, and Rusty Wallace Kia informed me that the engine had “threw a rod” and cut the oil lines. The recall is related to this exact issue. Rusty Wallace Kia then replaced the engine without my written permission. They called to inform me of this about a month later. I did receive mail from Kia Consumer Affairs alerting me of the recall a few months later. I have since contacted Consumer Affairs and they let me know they would be contacting Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville to discuss getting the repair payed for so I can get my car back. I received an email just today (several months later) from the service manager, Allison Richard’s, saying that I am responsible for the cost of the repairs. The recall paperwork in the mail states the engine will be replaced and the KDS software updated. As of today, Rusty Wallace Kia of Knoxville is refusing to release my car back to me (which is paid in full and I have the title in hand), and Allison also stated that consumer affairs said they wouldn’t help. I am needing my car back as soon as possible, and any help is appreciated. Thank you.