NHTSA Complaint #11645403 — 2017 KIA SORENTO

Urgent Assistance Needed: Engine Issue and Warranty Dispute Since September last year, the engine warning light has been consistently on. Whenever I took the car to the Kia dealership, they merely mentioned that the system was “too rich” and assured me it was not a concern. Instead of addressing the engine issue, they recommended replacing unrelated parts such as the air filter. When I took the vehicle to a local mechanic, I was informed that the engine was not in good condition, causing the oil to burn quickly, which indicated an engine problem. However, the Kia dealership did not acknowledge this issue. On February 7th, while driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and making unusual noises. I immediately brought it to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the #4 cylinder valve was burnt. The following day, on February 8th, I brought the car to the dealership. They mentioned that the engine might need to be replaced and promised to contact the warranty company for approval. They initially seemed optimistic, suggesting that the replacement could be covered under the warranty. However, two weeks later, I received a response stating that the warranty would not cover the repair. Despite multiple attempts to contact Kia headquarters via email, I have not received any response. Upon further investigation, I discovered that my vehicle is part of the Theta II engine recall. Kia had publicly announced a lifetime engine warranty for vehicles with this issue. However, now that my engine has failed and requires replacement, they are refusing to honor this promise. The estimated cost for the engine replacement is $8,000, and I have been told that I am responsible for the full amount. I kindly request your immediate assistance in resolving this issue. I believe Kia should honor its commitment to the lifetime engine warranty for the Theta II engine vehicles. Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.