NHTSA Complaint #11545451 — 2014 KIA SORENTO

Catalytic Converter is out and is needing replacement. Dealership offered me $600 off which I accepted, so total repair cost will be $2650 out the door. Problem is the part is on back order until "TBD". Dealership and Kia Consumer Complaints can not give an ETA on when part is supposed to come in. Apparently there is a long list of backorders in Florida and Georgia. Kia is unwilling to work with consumers to cover either a loaner car or the part. If the part was in stock, I would have no issue. Issue is Kia requires this part to be repaired, but not only do they not have in stock, they can't even give me an estimate of when I could possibly get my car back. Their resolution is to have the consumer pay for their own rental car at $45/day until further notice, or I should explore my options for a trade in. If they're doing business this way and not valuing their customer, why would I want to start over? Kia has conducted a recall on Kia Souls for the same issue on 4/15/2022, looks like they need to go ahead and recall the Sorento's as well as there are many consumers in my same situation. So sad that Kia will not work with their customers, they should have parts in stock or readily available to be shipped. And especially if there are many people on backorder, it seems like a growing problem and Kia should be prepared for the influx. As of today, 9/19/2023, Kia Consumer Complaints has stated they have escalated my part, but still can't give me an ETA or will not offer assistance for their short comings.