Complaint Review: Nationwide Kia

On 4/26 I entered into a contract to purchase a new 2011 Kia Optima from Nationwide Kia in Timmonium MD. I specifically asked my salesperson about a know defect in the power steering that causes the car to pull sharply to the left. He assured me that this was only an issue on early production runs of the car and that mine was fine. After leaving the lot I immediately noticed that the car in fact did have a strong pull to the left. I called my salesman Chad Mooney immediately who assured me that they would fix this known issue.

I put the car into their service department who waited for three days to look at my car. They called me back on the third day to let me know that they also noticed the left hand pull but could do nothing for me. My assumption is that they wanted to wait for my check to clear. I am now stuck with a dangerous car that requires constant pressure on the steering wheel just to keep my car on the road. If constant pressure is not applied to the steering wheel the car will change lanes automatically within asecond or two depending on the road conditions.

I have placed three calls and four emails to the Manager of Nationwide Kia Sales Manager Mike Williams who has not even dignified me with a single response. I suggested that since I have only had the car for three days and 100 miles that I would even consider paying a little more to be put into another safer car on his lot. Once again no response.

I would steer clear from doing business with the entire Nationwide Auto Group.