Complaint Review: Peoria Kia - Michael Crawford - Peoria Arizona

when i sold cars--the only people that paid thousands more over msrp were people with bad credi who will sign anything just to get a car--and not caring if they pay 800 a month for a 25k car------now imagine this in the housing market--banks used these people to pay more that the house is worth making the value of other homes in the area rise--people with bad credit were used to inflate home values

To the person who says they were charged for 2 cars.  Did you have a trade in?  If you did, then maybe you were upside down on the payoff and that difference could be part of the $7000 "extra" you were charged.  I had made 3 purchases thourgh Michael Crawford when he managed/owned Peoria KIA and had no problems.  My daughter has a 2005 Spectra and has put about 75K miles on it in 5 years and loves it.  We were upside down on her trade in when we bought it for her, BUT were told that upfront.

The price of your vehicle, by law, is stated along with all other charges, in the contract you signed. It is your responsibility to read the contract. My other comment... why would you even sign a contract if you suspected you were being cheated? Why did you not walk out? Sorry, but as a consumer myself, I find little sense or basis for anger in your report. You and only you are responsible for your actions. Don't be stupid and then blame others down the road.

The price of your vehicle, by law, is stated along with all other charges, in the contract you signed. It is your responsibility to read the contract. My other comment... why would you even sign a contract if you suspected you were being cheated? Why did you not walk out? Sorry, but as a consumer myself, I find little sense or basis for anger in your report. You and only you are responsible for your actions. Don't be stupid and then blame others down the road.

The price of your vehicle, by law, is stated along with all other charges, in the contract you signed. It is your responsibility to read the contract. My other comment... why would you even sign a contract if you suspected you were being cheated? Why did you not walk out? Sorry, but as a consumer myself, I find little sense or basis for anger in your report. You and only you are responsible for your actions. Don't be stupid and then blame others down the road.

The price of your vehicle, by law, is stated along with all other charges, in the contract you signed. It is your responsibility to read the contract. My other comment... why would you even sign a contract if you suspected you were being cheated? Why did you not walk out? Sorry, but as a consumer myself, I find little sense or basis for anger in your report. You and only you are responsible for your actions. Don't be stupid and then blame others down the road.

if you hate Kia cars and SUV's you need to make it VERY WELL KNOWN to all. if you feel Kia cars SUCK, you need to post a Rip Off Report right a way. you can not protect your fellow American if you do NOT VOICE your hardships with your Kai car or SUV. Read below what others are saying about their Kia cars and SUVs

A closed mouth says NOTHING!

I have been a professional mechanic for 14 years and I must tell you that people who buy cars like the Kia have no one to blame but themselves. It was the same old story with the Yugo. The Kia is just a continuation of that pile of sh--. People seem to be sold on the advertising "We think everyone should have a well made car" that was Kia's claim to fame, and obviously there were suckers that believed that they could get a great car for around $8000.00. Take it from someone who knows cars, next time buy something worth while, like a Toyota or a Honda. Your Fiances' life is more important than you saving a few bucks.

my 98 sephia has been to the shop more than 20 times since purchased in nov.98.4 times for rotors and pads,2 times for headlights filling up with water,2 times for fuel pump wiring problems,mirrors and hub caps replaced for peeling paint,1 time(so far)for an annoying rattle sound they replaced the exhaust but that wasnt the problem,1 time for water leaking on the floor from under the dash,and another time for the starter relay and fuse going bad,wiper recall,and for the egr solenoid. As for the sportage its been in for an antifreeze leek,hubs recall ,brake line recall,alignment at less than 1000 miles,check engine light at least 6 times,one time rusulting in a 9 day stay at the dealership to replace 2 defective coil packs,the heater is making a strange buzzing sound and smells like antifreeze when using the heater.And im sure theres more i have forgotten about.Bottom line dont buy a kia unless your prepared to spend all your spare time in your local dealership waiting room.

I purchased a 1999 Kia Sportage 10 months ago. It has been back in for warranty service at least 10 times. It has been out of service at least 21 days. I want Kia to buy it back!!!! I have purchased several new cars in my life time, and never have gone thru any thing like this before.
hub seals have been replaced (recall)
wiring harness has been redone (recall)
muffler has been replaced
brakes and rotors have been replaced
rear reflectors have been replaced
fender moldings have been replaced
transfer case continues to leak
just to mention a few!!!!
Let all us unhappy customers ban together and get Kia!!!!

I think you're doing a great service, by letting people know about these cars. And I agree they are the worst cars on the road and shouldn't be even sold here in the U.S. I bought a kia sephia in sept of 98. And had nothing but problems with it. I had the car for 9 mos and for at least once a month it was in the shop for something ranging from the scratches in the dashboard to a replacement of a throw out bearing in the transmission. I was lucky that i was able to trade the car in but I took a huge loss and now my payments are higher but its worth it knowing that i got a better car and that it wont leave me stranded. Whenever my friends or coworkers ask me if they should by a kia I tell them no and give them your website they cant believe what kind of troubles these cars are and thanks to your website i saved about 6 people the trouble and heartache of my experience. Once again keep up the good work and keep this website going and you can bet i will send people here to read the horror stories of these cars........


I lease a 1998 Sportage and have had numerous problems, with the most serious being the right front hub blowing out on the interstate. Prior to this incident, I've had to pay for new brakes, starter and front struts had to be replaced by the dealership. All this occurring before 23,000 miles were on the car. One of the 3 recalls was to fix the hub, which they obviously did not repair. I also believe the hubs prematurely wore down the brakes and the fronts tires are worn from inside out. The steering column and fuel injector were also recalled on this vehicle. The recent incident I had experienced on the highway has caused me to feel very unsafe driving this vehicle and I feel that Kia and the dealership has turned a deaf ear to my concerns about continuing to lease this car. I am in the beginning stages of mediating with the BBB to remove me from the lease obligation, I would appreciate any advice or info you can give to help me in this matter.

My husband and I are shopping for a new car since the birth of our daughter in February. We are looking for a safe affordable car. Thanks to your site you helped us eliminate the KIA Sportage. Best of luck with retaliation.
K Hall

too had the misfortune of buying a New 1998 Kia Sportage. (I should have guessed it to be a lemon when in the first 2 hours of driving it the inside door handle broke ) I have a rap sheet a mile long of repairs, minor to major. My car was in the shop so much ( from the very begining) the company actually GAVE me the 8 year 80,000 mile extended warranty (with a little bitching you can at least get something). Which really doesnt make you feel any better about being in the shop for repairs once a month. I tried getting lawyers to help me, The State Attourney Generals Office, and The Better Business Bureau. Everyone said the same thing "well as long as they keep fixing the problems...." And the Lemon Law, what a joke, Because I never had the SAME three problems it didn't apply, It doesnt matter that it had alot of Major problems as long as they were just different. I have since bitten the bullet, lost $5000, and just traded it in. I Couldn't take it anymore, I have 2 small children to worry about. But I would love to join the quest and help bring the company down any way I can. I have a long list of repairs on that vehicle to support the fact they are nothing more than expensive pieces of junk.

bought a 1998 KIA sportage. It has been in the shop 14 times and will not be years old until JUNE! The 4X4 has/will have been replaced 4x's! The catalytic converter has been replaced, the window seal was not there when purchased, the window motor was replaced, the rotors were warped beyond repair, the pull hatch for the outside tire rusted off, the fins over the tires have lost their silver paint, the cruise control has been worked on 3x's. The alarm goes off without warning. The funny thing is that the dealership and the manufacturer state that there is no alarm on this car. The doors lock without warning, stranding me 3X's. I am months pregnant and I was stranded this Sunday because the 4 wheel drive went again. Add the recalls it's unbelievable! Mary Gereau

Hey, just found your web site based on KIA! Pretty interesting, and scary! I bought a 1999 KIA Sephia, which I have had for a little over one year. I too had to go throughout the numerous recalls based on the bad brakes, bad batteries and a faulty fuel pump connection. The recall on the fuel pump connection stated that the car could shut off at anytime and must be immediately returned to the dealership for repair. I feared this one since I had to drive forty miles to my KIA dealership. I called the dealership and asked if they would tow the car in, they just told me it was safe to drive and bring it on in! HA, safe to drive, yet a recall notice states otherwise. Thank GOD I made it safely to the dealership. My other gripes about KIA is the fuel gage. I have taken my car in twice in regards to this and they keep telling me that there is no problem. Well, at times my gage will show an accurate reading meaning that I am getting about 29 mpg. Then sometimes it will act up, and IF it is correct at that time, I am getting about 10 mpg.
My KIA has a rough idle at times to. Sometimes when you are idling and tap the accelerator the engine stutters like it is trying to stall. It will stutter like that too while I am driving, but not too often.
I could go on an d on about my dislikes about my KIA. I am sorry that I bought one, I wish I had stayed loyal to Chevrolet!!!
David S.
Starke, FL

I have a 1998 Kia Sephia. I tell everyone I know-DO NOT BUY A KIA !! I presently have 15, 000 miles, this July I will have had it 2yrs-I HATE IT! What a major inconvenience!!!!!! At about 4,000 miles is when the brakes first went, I thought it was me!!! Since then they have been repaired about 5 more times, pads, rotors, master cylinder, proportionate valve & the "new" pads & rotors. Also many other problems, ac, wipers, heat, stalling, & radioI am concerned because I am ready to go to court because IT IS A LEMON, on 6/15/00, and my case sounds similar to Ricard & Mary Souza's. I have been very patient & done everything properly. I do not want another Kia. Everyone I know who owns a KIA has some kind of problem. I wish I never bought this car. I am looking for any advice from anyone who has filed under the Lemon Law, What should I expect on 6/15. Please contact me. Thank you. We all do have to stick together!!!!!

I want to thank you for this web site. I have been thinking of buying my sister a Kia Sephia. She has never owned a new car and I thought that this would be a good, cheap alternative. Boy, was I wrong! I want no part of this thing. Thanks again and the very best of luck to you in your fight. One other thing, just for your info, stay away from Saturns also. My nephew is embroiled in a fight over a piece of junk they sold to him brand new. They brag they are a "different kind of car company". They are correct...they are WORSE than all the others.
David

i bought my 98 kia in august of 98...it is now april of 2000 and i havent driven the car in over a year. it sits in my yard. kia had signed a contract agreeing to a full repurchase within 45 days and never stuck to it. that was in feb of 99. the car only has 6000 miles on it and im afraid to drive it. 3 days after i bought it....would have been the same day!!!!!.....but i got it on a friday...it went in for 2 weeks worth of work....and i had a rental from the dealer. it had to go in again a month later for another 3 weeks. and numerous other times for a day here and there. i only drove it for about 6 months....too long if ya ask me. the fuel guage was replaced 3 times and still doesnt work...the clutch was adjusted 3 times and then a new one was ordered and never put in...the brakes are a mess dont even work sometimes...it pulls left pretty hard...dash lights go on and off sometimes...it jerks and sometimes shuts off and then back on while on the highway...as of right now kia refuses to take the car or pay me but they did pay off the loan...im also suing under the vehicle abandonment law for the rights to sell the car....god knows i dont want it..

HAVE A 99 KIA SPORTAGE TWO DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT IT BROKE DOWN. THEY ENDED UP HAVING TO DO $3,000 OF WORK ON THE ALTERNATOR AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. SINCE THEN ITS BEEN IN THE SHOP ATLEAST 3 TIMES A MONTH EVERY MONTH. WITH PROBLEMS RANGING FROM THE BATTERY DIEING TO THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BREAKING.

Hello my name is Robert and I live in ocala ,Florida, I own a 1997 Kia sephia Rs , I bought it in dec 18.1998 with 10,000 miles , about 3 weeks after i bought it ( i bought it with bumper to bumpber warranty, ) I had major trouble with the transmisson and the brakes, everything has went wrong, today my kia has 62,000 miles on it I am plaining on trading it in , the brakes are bad to on these cars, I think kia should replace our cars with the new ones, well pleae e-mail me back
thanks robert

Yes I too owned a 1997 Kia Sephia. Bought it in September 1997 brand new. I had the same problems with it that you described. Many times in the shop, warning light comes on a lot, didn't want to start sometimes. Finally I had enough so when 36,000 miles came up and the warranty expired I bought a new battery so it would start alright took it to the Ford dealership and traded it on another car which I am much happier with. I'm just glad to be rid of it. I think all the 97's might have problems. Best of luck getting your problems fixed with your car

Hi, My name is Stephanie. I also own a junk Kia, 1998. I have heard from a few people here in Vermont that they were offering upgrades for people who were having lots of problems. I can't get the service person to ever call me back. I have been in about 10 times with different problems. I am interested in the class action Lawsuit. I am so glad someone is trying to do something about this. We can make this work!!!

Hello we are the McIntyres, and I Have to say THANK GOD for computers! Today I saw a Kia Sportage, And I though to my self , "What a cute car!". So I started to serch the web, when I came across your site. Well I have to say thank you I am not going to buy one now . THANKS AGAIN! Mia & Jon

My husband and I purchased a 1997 Kia Sportage and at first we loved our car to. But now, forget it, I have taken good care of my car, all the proper oil changes etc.and now with just 42,000 miles later my lifters are gone!!!! That means you might as well say my MOTOR!!!! I am very upset and understand your pain. I have had battery problems as well as tire replacement in the first year of ownership. And you might as well forget TRADE IN value there is NONE!!! I feel we were ripped off with the price as well, but that is a whole other issue in itself. Hey, if you file a suit I will be willing to join in. It is about time we stand up for getting ripped off!! We have to pay a $456.00 per month payment on a piece of junk that I do not feel secure in anymore and it looks like there is no means of escaping the KIA nightmares!!!!
If you have any suggestions, feel free to e-mail me back!!
Thanks and I feel your pain
eb

I just had to write to tell you my horror story of Kia:
I bought a 1999 sephia Kia in June brand New, since I had this car the brakes had went out on me 5 time, the service manger at the kia dealer keep telling me nothing is wrong . I would not tell anyone to buy a Kia --Its the worst car I had every had to be a new car. I had finally put in a report Lemon Law..I am gone though the finally stage for them to purchase this car back I refuse to continue on paying on a car that is not safe for mine family.
UNHAPPY KIA OWNER

Surfing in from Sterling, Alaska. The Kia dealer in Anchorage shipped 25-30 Kia Lemons 180 miles to Kenai on the Kenai Peninsula and held a blowout sale at a shopping mall parking lot, the fall of 1999. My wife and I went to see the offering knowing the horror stories about Kia. We watched the public snap the Kia's and Sephia's up quickly. Months later the same vehicles are on local car lots for sale. When you see '99 Kia Sporatge and Sephia vehicles in numbers at used car lots it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out something is radically wrong. Maybe the Federal Government should ban the import of foreign vehicles like these like they interdict the drug trade. After all both are killers. Bill and Samon

Hello there, my name is Carrie. I have purchased one of the Kia Lemons. Car has been in shop and said to have been repaired at least 6 times. I have filed the Lemon Law paperwork and now have an arbitration hearing set for 5/12/2000 in Pembroke Pines, FL. The reason for these actions are for several occasions the engine suddenly stalls in traffic, narrowly avoiding accidents. Do innocent people have to risk their lives due to the very poor craftsmanship of all KIAs. Would you possibly have any information that could further help me in my case with a 1998 KIA Sportage?

My name is Christy I had a 1998 Kia Sephia . When I oick my car up for the first time the brakes where gone and had to be replaced the next week. After that the brakes have been done 6 times. I had a oil change at a Kia dealership and about 6000 miles later the engine blow. They had put two seals on the oil filter which caused the engine to blow. Now the car has been sitting at a dealership for 4 months. They want me to buy the engine I wont! I have already bought a new car and I am not going to pay on this car anymore they can have it.

Thank you so much for your site. My husband and I wanted to buy a reliable car for me to use along with my 2 year old daughter. I was really interested in the Kia Sportage and after seeing your website, my mind is definitely changed. Thank you so much for steering me clear.

Dear Friend
I thank oyu greatly for you site. I am the owner of a pet store in London called Smokey hamsters. I was searching for KIA dealers in the UK as I was going to purchase a fleet of small cheap cars (KIA PRIDE) and two Sedonas for the management. After reading your articles I have saved myself 60,000 pounds and possibly my business. I will stick with Ford. If you are ever in the UK please contact me, I owe you a beer or maybe a 100. Once Again THANKS regards John

Bought a 98 Sephia. So far had to buy new battery, had the brakes worked on 6 times, had to change the belts. The engine seems pretty stable, but the rest of the car is falling apart. Already had the air conditioner repaired, luckily under warranty.
Wish kia could buy back and help move on to another vehicle. but the buy back would be too low. good luck Frank

Let me know where you are in your class action suit. My 1997 Kia Sportage is literally falling apart. The transmission has been pulled three times in the past five days. They cannot figure out what is wrong with it. The starter has been replaced twice, the fly wheel once, the clutch fork broke off in the transmission, the AC thermostat has been replaced twice, the front lock actuators have been replaced twice, the rear lock actuator has been replaced, the hydraulic lash adjuster has been replace, the pressure plate for the clutch has been replaced, the front cover of the transmission has been replaced....I only have 24,000 miles on the car. My list goes on and on. I'm currently driving a loaner car. I haven't had my car in 7 days.
Let me know where you are with the law suit.
Thanks,
Jill

Hi I just wanted to let you know that my husband bought me a sephia (1998) in October in 1998. I went to the dealer with my mother in law and was told by the salesman that the only one they could give me was the "demo" car and that noone had owned the car before. well we found out that there has been 2 previous owners. I have had to replace the battery, headlight, radio (3times) brake rodders(3times)the belts i forgot how many times, defooger vents, gear shift. This car had to be towed in to the dealer 3 times,the last being two weeks ago (my car is still at the dealer) because the trans fell out. I then had to argue with Roadside assistance to come get my car I was stranded in the middle of a busy intersection the trans fell as i was making a left turn. I was without a car for a week before they decided to get me a loaner car, I guess they gave me one to stop me from calling every hour to see if my car was done. I am getting rid of this car as soon as I get it back. Thanks for this site, ijust wish I saw it before I got the car,but their commercial of saying they ran one for 200,000 miles made me want the car

I appreciate the warnings that you and your emails have presented me with. I am currently a college student with piles of loans to pay back and the last thing I need is a 'new' broke-down lemon. Thanks again. My school is out of state and I need a really dependable yet inexspensive car. Do you have any suggestions on what that I should look into.

too purchased a new Kia in 1996. From week one I have had problems with this car and have had it in the shop no less than 15 times. It has been in the shop because the check engine light comes on no less than 6 times and the problem is still there. Please include me in this lawsuit!!!!!!!!!1

to have had a lot of problems with my 99 kia when i bougth it it was great but i have had the fuel line break twice in one week i have had the brakes replaced twice i have had the windshield wiper switch replace and know i to need new tires with a car with less the 25000 miles

Hi I have also purchased a kia last August. 2 weeks after I bought it the transmission has to be replaced. I have 4 brake jobs, a new dash, new seat cover and a new console put in. This is the worst car I have purchased. Like you I feel ripped off. I have 5 others who would be willing to get in on you law suit. please give all the information you can and I will get you what you need. IM glad to see someone other than myself willing to stand up to these people. Thanks again.


have a Kia Sportage and have had the tires replaced, the battery, 10 service visits for the check engine light coming on for no apparent reason, a recall order and a trip that lasted for a week to replace the exterior gas door that still is jammed and has to be pried open every time I need to put gas in the car. I have complained to the company, the dealership and the salesperson. I am in the process of trying to get rid of the car but the car has a terrible resale value and has left me in the hole about $5000. I hate this car.
Chris

I have a 96 Kia Sephia purchased brand new in 97.I have been having brake problems since I've had about 3500 miles on the car.The brakes squeak terribly loud.I took the car in a couple of times and they replaced the rotors and brake pads and they still squeaked.I went through the lemon law and after the fourth fix they fixed it.Just when I thought I was going to get rid of that piece of crap.Go figure! And it's been a year and their starting again and now it's too late.I have had brake pads replaced 3 or 4 times rotors turned several times and replaced once.The car also shakes bad..and worst of all I only have 24,000 miles on it! I don't think this is normal.My story is obviously not as bad as yours but it's not right..I wish I never purchased a Kia.Let me know if I can help.
Kim

too have almost the same sad story. I have a 1998 kia sportage. I have been in the service department over 26 times in the past year and a half. I do not have enough for the lemon law - but would love to join the class action lawsuit.

Hi, I was reading your webpage and it seems that you have had a lot of the same problems that I had with my own car.
I too have had the alternator replaced and several batteries die on me. I have also had the airbag light come on and my seatbelts need replacing. at this very moment my car is sitting in my parking lot after it died on me for the fifth time. Also, I found out that I needed a new radiator and pipes along with a new transmission.
I have a '96 Kia with 48k and it should not have so many problems already.
Contact me if you are still filing a suit.
Joyell


Hi. thanks for your website. Just got off the phone making an appointment for service at the dealership. I've had this car just over 1 year, and it's been to the shop every month since. So far, just minor annoyances, but I fear what's to come. I'm 34, finally able to purchase my first new car, and what a piece of s**t. The payments are high, and the insurance is astronomical. The most recent problems: the shift accuator for the second time. Can't get vehicle out of park, unless I use a screwdriver. Wiring problems, dashboard lights out - rear brake lights out. My CD player was stolen 1 month after I bought this car, and now they are blaming every problem I am having on that, in order to avoid warranty service. I can't afford the lost time every month, and the repairs!!! this is so depressing!!! What can I do?
Julie-

my kia sportage is a 95. right after we bought it we had problems with the battery.' now in the past six months we have had nothing but problems with the heater core. matter of fact it has busted six times. the last time the kia dealership had it for over a month and a half supposely checking everything to see what was causeing the heater core to break. finally they determined that it was the box that covered the heater core was deformed and replaced it. now after only having it back 2 weeks it has overheated twice. if you find a lawyer that will take your case e-mail me and tell me the details. thanks catrina and family

too have recently purchased a '99 Kia Sephia in October and it has already seen the mechanic numerous times for many many different problems. I am currently trying to get my money back or get something in return for this "brand new" lemon that I have been sold. Please send me any information or updates that you have. I have already contacted several other Kia owners in this area and they have the same complaints. I am from Petersburg, Virginia so the problem isn't just in your area.
Thanks

Have you had any luck finding a lawyer to handle a class action suit? I'm sure you can get many people to join in on the suit--this car should be banned from the United States if not the world. I have a 1998 Kia Sportage and it's been nothing but a headache. It died again yesterday and left me stranded. Add my name to your list of EXTREMELY unsatisfied customers.
JoAnn

I HAVE A KIA SPORTAGE ,
THIS WAS THE WORST CAR I COULD HAVE PURCHASED. ONE MONTH AFTER I PURCHASED THE THING THE DEALER SOLD THE DEALERSHIP TO ANOTHER COMPANY 60 MILES FROM MY HOME WHEN I DID HAVE PROBLEMS I DIDN'T TAKE IT IN AN WHEN I DID THE WOULD SAY YOU'LL HAVE TO COME BACK .THE PAINT ON THE BUMPERS WAS PEELING OFF . THEY WOULDN'T EVEN FIX IT.
THE MUFFLER SYSTEM HAD TO BE REPLACE . A WEEK LATER IT WAS FALLING OFF ,HAD TO TAKE IT BACK IT STILL WON'T RUN RIGHT .THE WIND NOISE IS SO BAD YOU CAN'T HEAR THE PERSON BESIDE YOU TALK. YOU NAME IT IS BAD WITH THIS CAR.
PENNY

I bought a brand new Kia Sportage in February 1999, it has had over 28 repairs since I bought it. I have had the breaks done 3 times, the Trottle position switch replaced twice. The service rep screwed up and gave me the wrong repair order there was 15 repairs done before I purchased the vehicle last year. The paint is peeling off the fenders. I have started the "lemon Law" process but do not now if I will ger very far.
Let me know what I can do to help I want out of this mess and I will also be involved in the law suit.
Thanks
Jackie

I am looking for a class-action suite, that's how I found your web page. I bought a barely-used, '98 Kia Sephia last September and for the first 5 months it was in the repair shop once a month for major repairs. I wrote Kia a letter but they won't respond. I am a paralegal in a law office and my boss said I should try to find a class-action suite before I file on my own. Some of the repair I have had are listed below:
-New tires
-New horn (it was faulty when it was put on the car)
-New windshield wiper parts (re-call)
-New wiring (the wires were rusted and corroded, some were broken)
-New brakes (two weeks! after I bought the darn thing)
-New fuse box
-New fuel pump relay (I was stranded on the freeway too because of this)
-New Batery
-New Starter
The list goes on and on, doesn't it. I would love to sue these guys for all they've got. The worst part is I have tried to trade the car in and be done with it but the dealerships said the loan was too new and I owed more than they will buy it for. I'm stuck!

just wanted to thank all of you for your warnings. We were thinking of trading our Ford in for a cheaper payment but luckily I stumbled across your website and I think I'll stay with my F150. Sounds like it would be cheaper in the long run anyway!! I wish you luck in your fight. Thanks for the informative webpage that kept us and other families like us from making a huge mistake.--K.C.

My name is Patty. I am a mother of 2. We are a one income family and live in the Adirondacks. Wanting a 4-wheel drive vehicle the price tag on the KIA Sportage looked really good. After reading your web site I am glad I looked around. I think I would be better off buying a used Chevy.
Thanks for the warnings!!

I have a 1997 sportage kia. Its been the the shop about 15 to 20 times over a 2 yr. period. Problems with sensors and the fuel system. It has cost me about $2500 in repairs. In the beginning it was a sensor problem that repeatedly accrued and then cat. convertor which was covered under warranty they recently they found a problem with the fuel tank was rusting out which cost about $2500 to repair which included the car rental for 12 days do the problem of getting parts. I would like to get my cost of purchase and out of pocket expense back, so then I can buy a good car or truck
Thank you
Marc V.

hi my name is cathareene and i just bought a kia 2 days ago and already my air condition has went out....now that's real bad..considering my credit that was my only choice, but that car still does not suppose to be in bad condition when it is brand new....give me your comments..

I have been reading the Kia reviews on different sites, and I have to admit it, mostly for laughs... I do not own a Kia, and sincerely I thought that most of the messages posted were not true (just a few unhappy owners spamming all web sites). However, recently I had the opportunity to drive a Kia Sportage for a couple of weeks (babysitting for my niece while she was on vacation). First time I looked at it I thought that it looked like a fine automobile (liked the style, it even looks like a high quality car!). I didnt suspect anything wrong, however my niece when she leaved said: please dont drive it too hard, try to keep it on pavement and below 55! I though she was kidding me but decided to follow her advice. I drove it for a couple of days and yes, it is very noisy and has no pick up at all but I thoght that it was safe to drive (by that I mean getting me from point A to point B with no breakdowns). Boy what I was wrong!!!!! On the third day I hit a speed bump at 10 mph and the thing went dead on me! I couldnt believe it! What a piece of crap! When my niece called she told me to call Robert at the Kia dealership (she has actually developed a friendship with this mechanic over this car). Frankly I will never buy a Kia unless there are Sport Illustrated Swimsuit models at the Kia dealership!!!!

Hi, my name is tomorrow and I bought my Kia in 1994 brand new. After months of having it everything started to fall apart on it. I hated the care so much I tried to get out of it but the dealers charged me so much for the car no one wanted to take it so I ended up parking the kia and bought me another car. The kia has 76,000 miles and runs as if its a 20 year old car and I can't really say that because old cars run better than this Kia that I have. I have spent over 4,000 dollars for repairs since I've had the car and still can't get 2,000 for resale. So please get it out to concerned consumers not to by a KIA NEVER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

came across your web site, i am a VERY VERY unhappy kia owner.... i had a 1998 sephia which was a lemon and was replaced with a 2000 sephia which ya'd think the headache would be over right?? well, NOT... i have problems with this car too. i also am interested in a class action law suit.... if you have any info please email me back!! ill be in touch again if you'd like to know the WHOLE story
thank you
maria

I have a 98 kia sephia and I have had the same kind of problems, but I have also run into the problem of not being able to trade it in. Even the Kia lot would not take it back. This was my first new car purchase and I was not told they hold no value so no I feel stuck with the car. I will stick to buying used cars, I never had problems with them. Keep up the good work!

Hi. My daughter and I just got home from our Lemon Law Arbitration. We will have a decision in 5 days. Her speedometer, odometer, and check engine light are non functioning. This started 2 months after we purchased the car. Brakes have been replaced. ETC. We are more then willing to participate in a Class Action. Susan and Melissa

I owned a KIA Sephia(1999), I had it for 8 moths and traded it in. The steering column made terrible noises within 3 months. The defrost light went out before the 3000 mile oil change. It brought in all kinds of odors when the air or heat was on.
One day I was shopping, I was loading packages in the back seat. I reached in without looking and cut one of my fingers very badly on the back seat belt hole. If you still own the KIA check it out. This thing can cut a childs finger off, It is as sharp as a razor. Needless to say, I no longer own the Sephia. Good luck with your case. Sincerely, Christine


THIS INFO WAS VERY HELPFUL AND INSIGHTFUL WE WERE THINKING OF BUYING A KIA SPORTAGE BUT I THINK WE KNOW BETTER NOW.
THANKS AGAIN,
CONCERNED CONSUMER

I sure wish all this information was online before I bought my KIA. I have a 1999 KIA which I bought new, And just like everyone else we are a low income family and it was cute and affordable, so much for affordable when I am constantly running it back into the shop to be fixed. The brakes go out about every 3,000 miles which I have had replaced 5 times, brakes, roters and pads, the hole 9 yards. The float in the gas tank has been replaced and is messing up again. Now my AC is gone and as with my luck I have NO more warranty. I sure wish we could get something done.

I bought a kia sephia in april 1998 and since then it has been in the shop 18 times from a new door handle to a new stereo to not even starting at all once thank god it was parked in my garage. I bought the car for the affordability and i am a single mom going to college. I too had the faulty gas tank float. i am so mad and angry I was beginning to think iwas the only one out there or it was just me good to see this website.

I have a 1998 kia bought new. I am so glad you have this sight. I have been looking for people who have experienced what I have. I am suprised at how many of the problems I have are the same as everyone else. we all need to band together to do something about all this. My Kia what a nightmare! unfortunatly If I took my kia in every time I had a new problem start. I would never have it to drive. Its been in the shop for the dome light flickering and staying on causing my battery to ware down.5 diff. times.

Hi, Im writing you about my Kia Story. I have had a Horrible time!!! My kia is not even two months old and has already been in the shop three times!!! The power is so bad it wont even go up a hill without struggling. I've tried to get the dealer take it back,,but no luck..instead I got nasty treatment and the story goes much deeper. Are you organizing a file against them? I am in the process of seeing what legal rights I have..My kia is a 2000 model and I just made my frist payment last month..and Im very sick and disgusted by this..
Thank you Sherri


Now remember my motto, "Trash and Bash Kia"

if you are having troubles with your Kia, File your VERY own Rip Off Report. Doing so will help het the word out as to how all of you kia owners feel!

A closed mouth says NOTHING!

You signed the Bill of Sale. That would have the price of the car printed on it.
Also Interest, Insurance, Extended Warranty, Taxes, Fee -- which probably account for most of the 7K.

To better warn others, you need to post better details so people know what to watch out for.

I see a $7,000 difference, so if you say you were charged $29,000 for a $22,000 car, how do you figure that you were charged for 2 cars?

And, the question that's on everybody's mind, why did you go through with the deal? Was this a new or used car?

Either way, you should've been prepared. If it's a new car, Edmunds is a great place to see exactly what your SHOULD be paying for the car, if it's a used car, NADA can tell you what you should be paying. It's very simple, and both sites are easy to navagate on the web.