Complaint Review: Kia Motors - High Desert Kia - Victorville California

I was gunna buy a kia rio..but after hearing this i'm turiing away from this dealer and takeing my a*s some where else 2 buy me a new ride or keep the one that i have.. kia is offering good credit or bad credit no problem and if u have a trade under $8,000 they will take it as down payment and pay it off 2 who u owe money 2..but they told me i would have 2 give my car up plus 2 or 3,000 4 a down payment or have 2 get a co-signer.. i told the guy that was bs and they dont honor what they say and walk out the door..then he called me bck 2day and told me that he was srry and wanted me 2 buy a new car.. but after reading this and other report's i will not buy a kia now..so if he call's me 2morrow i will tell him hell no..srry man if u had this much problem's.. i have seen this many time's on the car's that i have worked on and in the long run the car owner get's screwed and they end up haveing 2 fix it..srry 2 rain on ur day.. lots of luck..

Kia is on this site quite a few times, more than any other carmaker, I think. I don't like to dis any auto brand, but Kia is taking a few hits on their warranty language, with major mechanical problems being trivialized as owner negligence. I don't understand the logic of neglecting customer service at the expense of losing potential repeat buyers and everyone they talk to. You could offer a million-mile warranty but it won't bring in customers that have heard it's not worth the paper it's printed on, or that Kia is not addressing the problems people are encountering.

Howdy, I do work for a Kia dealership and I'm sorry for the trouble you've had so far with your car. My question to you is when reading and following your owners manual suggested and recommended schedule; are you reading normal or severe conditions? Almost every city in America falls under severe conditions. The timing belt recomendations are the same but the oil changes are quite different and sludge buildup in your head can cause the cams to become sluggish and not turn with the same speed your crank shaft wants them to spin at. I have seen teeth sheered off of belts as you have described from sludged up engines in the past. Now I'm not saying you arent entitled to a warranty, I dont deal with that end of the line. But before going on with any other action, you need to gather up all the proof you have, that the correct maintenance shedule was followed, wether you or another mechanic did the work. I do wish you luck with your case, but would also like to point out, that your case is far from the norm. Its always sad to hear about someone getting a raw deal on anything, but blaming an entire line is childish. From my experience working on them, rio's are very reliable and Kia's in general have no more problems than any other car line on the market today.

Shawn- I'm sorry for your troubles and I wish I could tell you to just bite the bullet, get this fixed, and move on. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "moving on" with a Kia. Personally, if I had it to do over again, I'd have found a used Yugo to buy. Or just burned my money on the front lawn - at least it would have been quicker. As for hoping for help from Kia corporate - forget it. I dealt with them after my brake line was filled with transmission fluid during my 2nd transmission replacement in 10,000 miles. The response? "Prove we did it". Unfortunately, my spy camera in the Kia dealer's garage was broken that week, so that proved impossible. In the end, your best bet is to get as far away from your Kia as possible. You'll take a beating - resale is abysmal - but it will be cheaper than constantly repairing a lemon. Never, ever, under any circumstances, buy a Kia.

Shawn- I'm sorry for your troubles and I wish I could tell you to just bite the bullet, get this fixed, and move on. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "moving on" with a Kia. Personally, if I had it to do over again, I'd have found a used Yugo to buy. Or just burned my money on the front lawn - at least it would have been quicker. As for hoping for help from Kia corporate - forget it. I dealt with them after my brake line was filled with transmission fluid during my 2nd transmission replacement in 10,000 miles. The response? "Prove we did it". Unfortunately, my spy camera in the Kia dealer's garage was broken that week, so that proved impossible. In the end, your best bet is to get as far away from your Kia as possible. You'll take a beating - resale is abysmal - but it will be cheaper than constantly repairing a lemon. Never, ever, under any circumstances, buy a Kia.

Shawn- I'm sorry for your troubles and I wish I could tell you to just bite the bullet, get this fixed, and move on. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "moving on" with a Kia. Personally, if I had it to do over again, I'd have found a used Yugo to buy. Or just burned my money on the front lawn - at least it would have been quicker. As for hoping for help from Kia corporate - forget it. I dealt with them after my brake line was filled with transmission fluid during my 2nd transmission replacement in 10,000 miles. The response? "Prove we did it". Unfortunately, my spy camera in the Kia dealer's garage was broken that week, so that proved impossible. In the end, your best bet is to get as far away from your Kia as possible. You'll take a beating - resale is abysmal - but it will be cheaper than constantly repairing a lemon. Never, ever, under any circumstances, buy a Kia.

Shawn- I'm sorry for your troubles and I wish I could tell you to just bite the bullet, get this fixed, and move on. Unfortunately, there is no such thing as "moving on" with a Kia. Personally, if I had it to do over again, I'd have found a used Yugo to buy. Or just burned my money on the front lawn - at least it would have been quicker. As for hoping for help from Kia corporate - forget it. I dealt with them after my brake line was filled with transmission fluid during my 2nd transmission replacement in 10,000 miles. The response? "Prove we did it". Unfortunately, my spy camera in the Kia dealer's garage was broken that week, so that proved impossible. In the end, your best bet is to get as far away from your Kia as possible. You'll take a beating - resale is abysmal - but it will be cheaper than constantly repairing a lemon. Never, ever, under any circumstances, buy a Kia.

. . . but we weren't home :( I can't believe it! 5 days before we are supposed to be going to "arbitration" through the triple 'B'(ullsh!+ burrow) and they left a callback # to . . . problem is, nobody will answer the dang phone! Now what the H - E - double toothpicks do you think this p[loy is about? Any bets we get to arbitration and they pull some "we tried to contact the customer" B.S.? Only time will tell. I will let everyone know as soon as we return on the 11th (I think!) God Bless America - Kia Lies

I just had a KIA car for a rental for 21 days. The car handled and rode great as it should for having about 8900 miles on it. At one point I shut off the radio and listened to the engine and it certainly did not sound right to me, I think it is just a failure waiting to happen. No way would this car go 100K as covered in the warranty. So I would just keep on driving past any KIA dealership and don't go in. SAVE YOURSELF!

Well, wouldn't you know it . . . the report I filed with the 'better business bureau' had both my mailing address and my physical address; apparentley they found this too confusing. I haven't yet received the 'package' they said would be sent out immediately and it's been three weeks, but, the message that was left on my phone Friday didn't make mention of their tardy response. I guess, according to some schmoe at the 'BBB', if I don't return the information requested in the packet "I received" by the end of this week, my file will be closed. Now, I'm not sure, but I do believe that if a file is closed by the 'buyers bendover bureau', that counts as a 'good' point for the business that the complaint was filed against. If I have the correct understanding of it, "closed" equals "resolved". Can anybody possibly explain how I can return information that I didn't receive?(Rhetorical - I just wanted to "rant a bit'cause I do belive that Kiarap Motors is going to get a 'good' mark on their report card. Somebody send them a gold star!) Good luck to all - Kia Lies!

How about I slap together a cardboard car and give it a million mile warranty? Then when it rains, gets wet and falls apart- I make up some mumbo jumbo about you not doing "your part"??? In the meantime, Ive sold you junk, made a huge profit, and now its up to you to fight to get your money back, and if you start to win, maybe I'll file for bankruptcy- like Daiwho??

Kia Motors 2002 Warranty and consumer information manual (california)states on page 4 section 2: "... Power Train Coverage...continue to cover the following components up to 120 Months or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, from the earlier..." blah, blah, blah, hmm, here it is - "...-Engine: Cylinder block, cylinder head, all internal parts, timing gear, seals and gaskets, timing belt and cover, intake and exhaust manifolds, valve cover, flywheel, oil pan, oil pump, water pump, and engine mounts. Transaxle: Transmission case...". So, as you can see, they actually warranty the timing belt to 100,000 miles too! I hadn't noticed this before, but I have read this "warranty" manual over and over and they do not ever mention the timing belt in any "Exceptions" or "What is not Warrantied" sections. I guess the rest of it is moot, they just flat-out want to "screw" the consumer and refuse to honor thier "warranty". Take care and good luck - Kia Lies

Hi Micheal, I did speak to Kia Keadquarters as this was step #2 in the warranty process. At first, the representative I spoke with told me that "there is no reason that I can see why your warranty wouldn't be honored," but then he said he would have to check with the district rep for my area. He called back the following day to tell me that the district rep told him that it wasn't covered. That was when I discovered that it was the same person making the decision in "step 2" of the warranty process as in "step 1." What a waste of time!! Also Micheal, you are correct about the belt only being covered to 12,000 miles, but I am not claiming for warranty work based on the failure of the belt, the belt's "failure" was due to a larger problem - one which I am trying to determine whether or not was a manufacturer's defect, or just a typical piece of "Kiarap" workmanship. Good luck to all - Kia Lies!

While the belt should be maintained at 60,000 miles, does the warranty book itself state it's covered to 100,000 miles? These two books are different things, after all. As near as I can determine by a brief skimming of the warranty manual (this can be downloaded on Kia's website, by the way), belts (which would include the timing belt) are only under warranty for the first 12 months, 12,000 miles, or if it is determined a manuacturer defect caused the failure of the belt. I would venture to guess it will be determined your belt is not under warranty as it is recommended it be inspected or replaced at approx 60,000 miles. The fact the tech looked at the belt and then 5000 miles later it failed isn't really the point. It failed after the suggested replacement and therefore it will not be warrantied. I'm sorry I don't agree with you, but this is the way I read it. I'd suggest talking to Kia headquarters about it and see what their take on this would be. Good luck!

Hey guys, thanks alot for everything. Finally getting a positive "feedback" sorta lifts the spirits abit if ya know what I mean. Just keep telling people what you've heard Marc, I don't mean to "trash" any person or company and I sure don't like having to do this...but all I'm doing is telling the truth and hopefully diverting a few people away from having such a horrid experience for themselves. I know it's not anyone elses responsability, but we lost our 2 largest accounts "due" to this automotive fiasco! I guess the compensation for this loss is that I now have alot more time to "climb all over" Kia and get them to just do what is right.(Gotta think positive if I'm gonna recuperate from this. lol) Jim, don't worry about me giving up, I'm not that type of person. I may get frustrated from time to time (I think one of Marc's first responses from me was one of those days! lol,) but I don't give up too easily. I have spoken with my attorney and he has so far recommended that we "stay the course" that Kia has suggested in their manual. We are currently at the "Better Business Bureau" level which is the last step before court action. I really don't think the BBB is gonna accomplish much as they have so far already "lost" me twice - I don't think it will be possible to complete this step in 40 days as they claim it will be, but what the "H-E- double toothpicks" the longer it takes, the more emotional scarring I'll have for the lawsuit! (just kidding lol) One more quick Q Jim, Although you said that you believe that this SHOULD be covered under warranty, would you consider it to be a "manufacturers defect" or even worthy of a "recall"(should there be enough others who appear to have had this problem?) Good luck to all - Kia Lies!

I remember towing three Hyundais within one week, all with bottom-end damage, at around 70,000 miles. This was approximatley in 1997, but it turned me off from Hyundai forever.The new Kias look good, my neighbor just bought the suv last week. It's obvious that the carmakers have the warranty worded to get them out of almost every situation, with stuff like , "Check belt at 60,000 miles." They can weasel out of almost any statement either the dealer or the manual states. Shawn, let us know what you decide to do with your Kia, I'd be interested to hear wehat happens. Until then, Kia has made my official, "Cars not to bother with" list and will be passing the word out to customers. Pity, they have a chance to really make it in the US. It appears the only thing we can do to fight the carmakers is talk trash about them. More and more it appears that Toyota and Honda are the only companies that even try for customer satisfaction, Sad indeed.

Jeeeez David, can't a guy even have the fantasy of finding a way to convince Kia to "live up to" their warranty? You just dumped all over my Sunday morning!!! lol Actually, I may have an answer for you if I can just find my #$@##%$ &^%^$### warranty manual!!! Where did I put....hmmmm...I guess I'll get back to you on this...I gotta go look under my paperweight out front!!!lol Good luck to all - Kia Lies!

I'm a Master Mechanic, I had the same thing happen on a truck I bought, the crank pulley was lose and the timing gear (Sprocket) worked against the key until there was a long slot allowing the belt to get so far out of time the engine quit. Shortly after I bought the truck I noticed a gradual loss of economy (Power was fine) and checking found the distributor far out of time, so I reset it. A week later it quit entirely, and thinking it was a timing belt, disassembled it. I found the belt was good, but the entire assembly would rotate about 40 degrees as you turned the cam sprocket before the crank moved any. So what really happened was that the computer was compensating for the out-of-time engine until it could no longer allow for the variation, and quit entirely. Since I have a non-interference engine, it didn't cause any further damage, I just replaced the sprocket and key, put a new belt on for good measure, and retimed the distributor. No further problems. What's the point? Simply that the failure of the key due to a loose pulley bolt is a valid complaint, and should be warrantied. The fact that the belt failed (Missing Teeth is a failure of the belt) is a second partly related problem, both key, sprocket, and belt should be under warranty. You need to get a lawyer, it looks like they intend to stonewall you until you give up. But you must be able to prove that the front of the engine was NEVER TAKEN APART, If it was you will have to deal directly with the shop that did take the front of the engine down.

I guess I don't understand what the California emissions warranty has to do with the mechanical defect warranty. At this point in time with the engine blown the car is producing 0 emissions so the California emissions warranty is still good. As far as I know there have been no manufactuer or federally mandated recalls on Kia timing belts either, so I don't think the I live in California rule applies in this instance.

I guess that I owe you an apology Marc, No excuses - just a bad day and, well, I saw you as the "enemy"! lol - anyways, I do apologize. Mike was right, there is no need to get confrontional. Now to get back "on topic." There are a few points that both of you seem to be missing; 1) it doesn't really matter whether most timing belts, some timing belts, or all timing belts "go" at around 60,000 miles - Kia's own "written Owner's Manual" states thst it's timing belt need only be "inspected" by a qualified service technition. Also, within that same Ownwer's manual, it states (in very plain english)that "this maintenance is required in all states except California, However, we recommend that it also be performed on California vehicles. It also states that "this maintenance is recommended by Kia. However , it is not necessary for emmission warranty coverage or manufacturer's recall liability." Now, with that said, I believe that it doesn't really matter whether it was the timing belt, a loose pin in the keyway, or testing for "top end" speed on a daily basis. The reason behind the siezed motor is really not the "be all, end all" of Kia's "breech of contract". As a matter of fact, thank you to both of you (Marc and Mike,) as niether or you seemed to "go for" my mechanic's loose keyway theory, I went back to my warranty manual and owner's manual to research the options which I have and realized that keyway or not, I was getting "too technical." the basic facts at hand are this: 1) I am from California which is also where I bought my Kia (2002) 2) Even when following the maintenance "to a "T," the engine siezed at approximately 65,000 miles 3) In California, the maintenance on my vehicle(Kia) is not required, only recommended 4) In California, lack of maintenance does not void warranty, actually, although Kia "recommends" a certain maintenance program, lack of it niether voids warranty nor the manufacturer's recall liability 5) Between my owner's manual and my warranty manual Kia lists 5 (five) different options for who can perform maintenance work. Although I use a mechanic, the options are as follows: a) myself b)a Kia technician (preferred) c) a competent automotive repair establishment d)a Kia authorized repair establishment or e) qualified service technician (I assume my mechanic would fit into this department) So, as you can see, according to Kia's own writing, when I bought a car with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty, that's what I got. No "loop holes," no "tricky" language, no deception or lies... just a car with a 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. Their own manuals state that I do not need to do any particular maintenance (or really any at all,) and, should I choose to do some maintenance, I can do it myself, or choose any competent person I feel comfortable with; and none of that, absolutely none of that, is a "reason" for denying my warranty coverage. So why do I have a $13,000 paperweight in my front yard? Good luck to all in their uphill battles. - Kia Lies

Shawn, I do observe automobiles as they are my business, am in contact with mechanics and towers on a daily basis and think it's unfair of people to condemn any vehicle just because of one vehicle or one dealer. I know a Ford Focus that has the same problem with stripped teeth but I'm not ridiculing Ford for it. I would be very interested in what your "bad keyway" results in. Personally, I don't see much coming out of that one, but good luck.

It's not helping you to get confrontational with us. We really are trying to help. Your beef is with Kia. Whoever checked that belt and said it was good to go for another 30,000 miles is now holding the bag. If it was a Kia dealer, you have a legitimate case. The "loose keyway" theory is in my opinion not going to get you anywhere. I don't know exactly how the Kia is built (other than poorly) but with other cars when the front pulley is bolted on tightly, this also clamps the timing belt pulley in place even if the keyway is loose. Stick to the basic facts that you did ALL required maintenance and still experienced engine failure, which must be covered by the warranty. You really don't have to explain things any further than that. Yes Kia lies and doesn't honor the warranty. It's a rip-off that must be fought. The Kia policy of "checking" the belt is very unusual. They probably wrote it that way in order to lower the perceived maintenance costs. Companies like J.D. Power compute the costs for recommended maintenance bsaed just on the car manuals and then falsely imply that cars with lower costs are better. This is the same logic that got Toyota in trouble with oil sludge because they recommended a too-long oil change interval. As Marc pointed out, the belt should be removed from the engine to properly check it. At that point you may as well put a new one on since they typically cost less than fourty dollars or so. If I were checking these belts at 60,000 miles, I'd condemn every single one (without even looking) and recommend it be replaced simply because I don't want to be buying the guy a new engine 10,000 miles later.

Hey Marc, did you forget to mention which Kia dealership you work for? I've noticed that no matter what a person reports, you have found the time to spread your infinite wisdom pertaining to these "fine" automobiles. It just so happens that everybody that has been stuck with these pieces of "Kiarap" is in the wrong and Kia is a fine, upstanding company!?! If you bothered to read my last post (which is apparrent you didn't - that was the giveaway that you work for those thieves... they can't even read what is in thier own warranty manual,) according to "them", the timing belt doesn't have to be changed (are you with me Marc?) until 105,000 miles. Pages 7-5 AND 7-8 of the 2002 Owner's Manual for the Kia Rio both state in very clear, well printed, properly spelled english (my first language,) with no "smudges" or appearance of tampering (just want to make sure you get the whole picture) - Engine Timing Belt-California(1)-"Inspect at 60,000 miles(96 000 km) and 90,000 miles (144 000 km)(1) Replace every 105,000 miles (168 000 km". Now, I can't be certain as to exactly what they meant here, but I am pretty sure they mean to "inspect" the timing belt at 60,000 and 90,000 miles and replace it at 105,000 miles! Problem is Marc, I don't know that anyone will ever make it to the 105,000 mile mark (no pun intended) in these death traps! While I've taken the time to respond to your bloviating, I should make quick mention to you , the timing belt was not the cause of my engine siezing. Once again you have showed your unwillingness to READ whats been laid out in (at least what I think to be) very clear, concise , english, that is, that a manufacturer's defect - a loose keyway - was the underlying cause of my siezed motor! Now, if you find yourself reading this far down in my post, I ask you this: If a blue duck is traveling East at 60 miles per hour, and a yellow kangaroo is traveling south at 25 miles per hour, and they both left Korea at the same time... how many Kia owner's will have to get ripped off before you admit that they(Kia Motors) are shameless thieves guilty of fraudulently misrepresenting a "warranty" as a solid 10 year, 100,000 mile "gaurantee" of quality and pride in workmanship? What in blazes do a blue duck and yellow kangaroo have to do with anything? About as much as what the timing belt, maintenance, or your opinion have to due with Kia's deception and fraud... nothing! Listen up bub... for this is the last time that I am going to tell you this... LOOSE KEYWAY!!! Now shove that piece of information up your Kia loving tailpipe and take it to your next meeting with the management of whatever dealership you work for (and the location doesn't really matter to me because I have pretty much come to the opinion that you/they are all a bunch of crooks out to screw the "little guy".) If you find my post insulting or rude, I assure you that is not the intent...I guess I am just taking que from the Kia representatives I have had the unpleasant task of trying to deal with. Good luck to all - Kia Lies

Hey Marc, did you forget to mention which Kia dealership you work for? I've noticed that no matter what a person reports, you have found the time to spread your infinite wisdom pertaining to these "fine" automobiles. It just so happens that everybody that has been stuck with these pieces of "Kiarap" is in the wrong and Kia is a fine, upstanding company!?! If you bothered to read my last post (which is apparrent you didn't - that was the giveaway that you work for those thieves... they can't even read what is in thier own warranty manual,) according to "them", the timing belt doesn't have to be changed (are you with me Marc?) until 105,000 miles. Pages 7-5 AND 7-8 of the 2002 Owner's Manual for the Kia Rio both state in very clear, well printed, properly spelled english (my first language,) with no "smudges" or appearance of tampering (just want to make sure you get the whole picture) - Engine Timing Belt-California(1)-"Inspect at 60,000 miles(96 000 km) and 90,000 miles (144 000 km)(1) Replace every 105,000 miles (168 000 km". Now, I can't be certain as to exactly what they meant here, but I am pretty sure they mean to "inspect" the timing belt at 60,000 and 90,000 miles and replace it at 105,000 miles! Problem is Marc, I don't know that anyone will ever make it to the 105,000 mile mark (no pun intended) in these death traps! While I've taken the time to respond to your bloviating, I should make quick mention to you , the timing belt was not the cause of my engine siezing. Once again you have showed your unwillingness to READ whats been laid out in (at least what I think to be) very clear, concise , english, that is, that a manufacturer's defect - a loose keyway - was the underlying cause of my siezed motor! Now, if you find yourself reading this far down in my post, I ask you this: If a blue duck is traveling East at 60 miles per hour, and a yellow kangaroo is traveling south at 25 miles per hour, and they both left Korea at the same time... how many Kia owner's will have to get ripped off before you admit that they(Kia Motors) are shameless thieves guilty of fraudulently misrepresenting a "warranty" as a solid 10 year, 100,000 mile "gaurantee" of quality and pride in workmanship? What in blazes do a blue duck and yellow kangaroo have to do with anything? About as much as what the timing belt, maintenance, or your opinion have to due with Kia's deception and fraud... nothing! Listen up bub... for this is the last time that I am going to tell you this... LOOSE KEYWAY!!! Now shove that piece of information up your Kia loving tailpipe and take it to your next meeting with the management of whatever dealership you work for (and the location doesn't really matter to me because I have pretty much come to the opinion that you/they are all a bunch of crooks out to screw the "little guy".) If you find my post insulting or rude, I assure you that is not the intent...I guess I am just taking que from the Kia representatives I have had the unpleasant task of trying to deal with. Good luck to all - Kia Lies

Hey Marc, did you forget to mention which Kia dealership you work for? I've noticed that no matter what a person reports, you have found the time to spread your infinite wisdom pertaining to these "fine" automobiles. It just so happens that everybody that has been stuck with these pieces of "Kiarap" is in the wrong and Kia is a fine, upstanding company!?! If you bothered to read my last post (which is apparrent you didn't - that was the giveaway that you work for those thieves... they can't even read what is in thier own warranty manual,) according to "them", the timing belt doesn't have to be changed (are you with me Marc?) until 105,000 miles. Pages 7-5 AND 7-8 of the 2002 Owner's Manual for the Kia Rio both state in very clear, well printed, properly spelled english (my first language,) with no "smudges" or appearance of tampering (just want to make sure you get the whole picture) - Engine Timing Belt-California(1)-"Inspect at 60,000 miles(96 000 km) and 90,000 miles (144 000 km)(1) Replace every 105,000 miles (168 000 km". Now, I can't be certain as to exactly what they meant here, but I am pretty sure they mean to "inspect" the timing belt at 60,000 and 90,000 miles and replace it at 105,000 miles! Problem is Marc, I don't know that anyone will ever make it to the 105,000 mile mark (no pun intended) in these death traps! While I've taken the time to respond to your bloviating, I should make quick mention to you , the timing belt was not the cause of my engine siezing. Once again you have showed your unwillingness to READ whats been laid out in (at least what I think to be) very clear, concise , english, that is, that a manufacturer's defect - a loose keyway - was the underlying cause of my siezed motor! Now, if you find yourself reading this far down in my post, I ask you this: If a blue duck is traveling East at 60 miles per hour, and a yellow kangaroo is traveling south at 25 miles per hour, and they both left Korea at the same time... how many Kia owner's will have to get ripped off before you admit that they(Kia Motors) are shameless thieves guilty of fraudulently misrepresenting a "warranty" as a solid 10 year, 100,000 mile "gaurantee" of quality and pride in workmanship? What in blazes do a blue duck and yellow kangaroo have to do with anything? About as much as what the timing belt, maintenance, or your opinion have to due with Kia's deception and fraud... nothing! Listen up bub... for this is the last time that I am going to tell you this... LOOSE KEYWAY!!! Now shove that piece of information up your Kia loving tailpipe and take it to your next meeting with the management of whatever dealership you work for (and the location doesn't really matter to me because I have pretty much come to the opinion that you/they are all a bunch of crooks out to screw the "little guy".) If you find my post insulting or rude, I assure you that is not the intent...I guess I am just taking que from the Kia representatives I have had the unpleasant task of trying to deal with. Good luck to all - Kia Lies

The only way to check the belt is to remove it and bend it backwards to check for cracks. At that point, why not just change it as the labor is already done? Whoever "checked your belt" was blowing smoke and you should hit him in the head with a hammer. Belt condition has nothing to do with outward appearance, as you now now. Timing belts and their tensioners have a very calibrated life span, along with the water pump. When they say 60,000 they mean it, and on most cars you change them all at once to save labor costs in tearing down the front of your engine two or even three times.

The only way to check the belt is to remove it and bend it backwards to check for cracks. At that point, why not just change it as the labor is already done? Whoever "checked your belt" was blowing smoke and you should hit him in the head with a hammer. Belt condition has nothing to do with outward appearance, as you now now. Timing belts and their tensioners have a very calibrated life span, along with the water pump. When they say 60,000 they mean it, and on most cars you change them all at once to save labor costs in tearing down the front of your engine two or even three times.

The only way to check the belt is to remove it and bend it backwards to check for cracks. At that point, why not just change it as the labor is already done? Whoever "checked your belt" was blowing smoke and you should hit him in the head with a hammer. Belt condition has nothing to do with outward appearance, as you now now. Timing belts and their tensioners have a very calibrated life span, along with the water pump. When they say 60,000 they mean it, and on most cars you change them all at once to save labor costs in tearing down the front of your engine two or even three times.

The only way to check the belt is to remove it and bend it backwards to check for cracks. At that point, why not just change it as the labor is already done? Whoever "checked your belt" was blowing smoke and you should hit him in the head with a hammer. Belt condition has nothing to do with outward appearance, as you now now. Timing belts and their tensioners have a very calibrated life span, along with the water pump. When they say 60,000 they mean it, and on most cars you change them all at once to save labor costs in tearing down the front of your engine two or even three times.

Sorry, there was approximately 65,000 miles on the timing belt. I had it checked (as per the manuals suggestion) at 60,000 miles. It appeared to be in good condition and should have easily lasted until the next scheduled check at 90,000 miles. My warranty handbook doesn't recommend replacement of the timing belt until 105,000 miles. Furthermore, my owner's manual states that the suggested maintenance (which I followed,) is not required for warranty service in California (which just happens to be where I am from.) As I have pointed out time and again... Kia refuses to honor their own WRITTEN warranty. I am not trying to "pull a fast one", or get something I don't have any rights to, I just want them to fulfill their end of our contract. Let's face it, I didn't pay $13,000 for the car, a large portion of that amount was for the "warranty" that supposedly came with it! Good luck to all - Kia Lies!

Your report doesn't mention that critical issue. You have to replace the timing belt on schedule to keep the warranty on the belt, or any damage done by belt failure, in force. If you had kept up with this, even if it was a bad belt, the warranty should cover you. Except of course, that it's a Kia warranty. I have had a Ford belt fail in the same way, because it was old. It was the one that came with the car, and had about 90,000 miles on it. It was supposed to be replaced at 60,000 miles. The belt looked great on first inspection, except that the teeth meshing with the crank pulley had stripped off. Looking very close, there were little cracks at the base of each tooth. However the outside of the belt looked perfect. It wasn't cracked or frayed or anything. Deterioration of a timing belt isn't always obvious. You really have to replace it regardless based on the number of miles.

Your report doesn't mention that critical issue. You have to replace the timing belt on schedule to keep the warranty on the belt, or any damage done by belt failure, in force. If you had kept up with this, even if it was a bad belt, the warranty should cover you. Except of course, that it's a Kia warranty. I have had a Ford belt fail in the same way, because it was old. It was the one that came with the car, and had about 90,000 miles on it. It was supposed to be replaced at 60,000 miles. The belt looked great on first inspection, except that the teeth meshing with the crank pulley had stripped off. Looking very close, there were little cracks at the base of each tooth. However the outside of the belt looked perfect. It wasn't cracked or frayed or anything. Deterioration of a timing belt isn't always obvious. You really have to replace it regardless based on the number of miles.

Your report doesn't mention that critical issue. You have to replace the timing belt on schedule to keep the warranty on the belt, or any damage done by belt failure, in force. If you had kept up with this, even if it was a bad belt, the warranty should cover you. Except of course, that it's a Kia warranty. I have had a Ford belt fail in the same way, because it was old. It was the one that came with the car, and had about 90,000 miles on it. It was supposed to be replaced at 60,000 miles. The belt looked great on first inspection, except that the teeth meshing with the crank pulley had stripped off. Looking very close, there were little cracks at the base of each tooth. However the outside of the belt looked perfect. It wasn't cracked or frayed or anything. Deterioration of a timing belt isn't always obvious. You really have to replace it regardless based on the number of miles.