Just after some opinions on Kia's 7 year warranty.
What are your personal experiences with it? Was there anything you got covered? Anything not covered? Is it as cut and dry as it sounds or are there sneaky exclusions?
How Good Is Kia's Warranty?
idonteven on 06/05/2019 - 08:19
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Those exclusions seem pretty standard
Those exclusions seem pretty standard
You think so, but this one here…..
Normal deterioration
Normal wear, tear etcI've seen lots of claims being 'bounced' after the 3 year mark as normal wear/tear.
We had a thread here recently that a water hose blew after 3 years and it was classed as wear/tear, I've heard of door hinges failing and being claimed as wear/tear.
See the comment below re indicators werent flashing when locking and was within warranty but wouldn't fix it
So basically if kia are going to claim all failures are wear/tear then a 7 year warranty is worthless.
How is that not standard? Many Honda and Toyota also have those exclusions albeit slightly more specific, it's still up to interpretation of the dealer. I also looked up Mercedes and BMW and they have the same terms.
How is that not standard?
Well Toyota 3 year warranty will cover a water hose thats split or a door hinge that broken.
I've had a CV joint replaced just at the end of a warranty period, no questions asked.
The problem with longer warranteries with wear/tear clauses that are enforced is the older the car gets, the more things that wear out under this, and the more useless the warranty becomes.
Whats the point of a 7 year warranty if everything that breaks isn't covered after the 3 year mark? Those last 4 years of that 7 year warranty are useless then. Might as well make it a 20 year warranty then!
As per the comment below re indicators werent flashing when locking and was within warranty but wouldn't fix it.
So what has worn out? Nothing, but still won't fix it.
A warranty is only good if they fix things under it. If they don't, who cares if its 3 or 7 years then.
I would rather a 3-4 year warraty that they fix things, vs a 7 year one that they don't.
A lot of these 7 year warranteries are fix everything for 3 years, and then start boncing all claims as wear/tear after the 3 year mark.
Toyota has a similar condition..
https://www.toyota.com.au/-/media/main-site/warranty/files/t…
Maintenance Items (Normal wear & tear) -
including but not limited to Spark Plugs,
all Filters, Wiper Inserts, Globes, Brake
and Clutch LiningsToyota has a similar condition..
Yes and they list normal items that are not covered by any car maker, not wild open statements like Kia….. Toyota has replaced globes for me under warranty without asking during services (or charging me).
I'm not saying Kia should cover brake pads, There are door hinges that have failed and Kia claims normal 'wear/tear'. hahahaha a door no Kia a door hinge should last 10 years +
Yes and they list normal items that are not covered by any car maker, not wild open statements like Kia
Did you see the phrase "but not limited to"? Because of that there is no difference between the exclusion phrase in Kia and this.
How it works in practice was not what I was referring to.
There are door hinges that have failed and Kia claims normal 'wear/tear
On the other hand someone below has claimed that his peeling steering wheel was replaced under warranty.
Lots of variation in how dealers interpret things.
I don't have any experience personally with Kia, but all car companies will have excuses not to cover things under warranty. I have a friend who's Mitsubishi Triton was overheating whilst towing so they couldn't have the air con running, they took it back & said it's because they have a bull bar on the car which wasn't a genuine Mitsubishi bull bar & driving lights which was limiting airflow to the front of the car. Load of crap but they have the "terms & conditions" which mean they can get away with it
On the flip side, I recently took my Mazda into the dealer for its 60K service. I had not noticed issues. Upon picking it up they had repaired/replaced 3 or 4 things under warranty of their own volition.
These were more than likely “service action” or “service bulletins” or whatever Mazda call them. They are about one step short of being a recall and are usually related to an issue that model has that is not safety related.
The other thing we would do when I was working at a stealership, is when work was slow, we would go looking for things on customers cars that could be warranty and get it changed before it became an issue.
Holdens used to overheat if they had the bicentennial number plate on the front. The cooling system was that marginal.
We have had 2 kias and they were both good overall. We did have one issue where the indicators werent flashing when locking. It was within the warranty period but they said it wasn’t covered by warranty as it was a wiring issue. I was going to complain to HO but the fix they performed didn’t work for more than a day. They then refunded my money for the wiring problem and replaced the central locking unit. Soon after the central locking broke but it was just outside warranty (2 or 3 weeks). They refused to fix under warranty and said it had nothing to do with their previous work.
Be diligent with your records. If you get it serviced through a kia dealer you'll be OK, but if not - make sure you've got the type of oil used listed on your invoice from your non kia mechanic. Ideal if you can get copies of their invoices proving they used the correct grade oil, and ensure its in the required timing/kms.
I had my 2013 kia sportage engine seize at approx 150,000kms, 4.8years into a 5year warranty (wasnt a 7 year warranty at that stage). Cant remember what actually happened (technical detail), but yeah, seized. They tried to push it back on my mechanic not doing something right, but he went hammer and tong with kia and in the end they accepted the warranty and replaced the engine - provided invoices, oil invoices, etc. Car was off the road for 5 months - 2 months of it in dispute (right around Christmas - can understand the delay), and then 3 months to get the engine shipped from Korea & installed. Had a loan car from the dealership for the better part of 3.5months. Car runs like new now.
Following this warranty claim, I'd buy another one no question.
@tizey - If it was the Theta 2 engines there's mass recalls globally. Kia Australia are a bit hit and miss.
In the US those engines got 15 year warranties, over here they did the recall (many engines still failed) and that was it.
Nope it wasn't.
It was excellent in my experience when I owned my KIA. The leather on the steering wheel was peeling, had it replaced for a brand new one. Similarly there was also a minor fault with the radio not always reading my iPhone through the USB so the whole system was replaced; this was even considering that I had modified my stereo system to add a sub which usually would void the warranty of the stereo on other brands - KIA did not really seem to care. In terms of mechanical faults fixed under warranty, that will likely be hard to gauge for since KIA (and hyundais) built in the last decade and a half or so are pretty bulletproof.
Like with most companies, a lot of this will also depend on the dealership individually
The GPS software on my 3yr old KIA can no longer be updated, even though it's included as part of the service. The story the manager told me is KIA and the company supplying the software had a falling out and no longer working together. At my last service (Dec), I was told there is no solution yet.
Hopefully, if you're buying a new KIA they won't have this problem
Carplay and Android auto. I wouldn't touch the inbuilt nav haha.
Might be worth asking Spackbace
Honestly haven't had run-ins with kia servicing etc so don't know
If buying used always see if it's been a hire car, as your warranty goes from being unlimited kms to 160,000km or so
"If buying used always see if it's been a hire car, as your warranty goes from being unlimited kms to 160,000km or so"
can you please explain. I have an ex-Hertz Kia. Also is this comment for all car brands?
This 7 Year Unlimited Kilometre Warranty does NOT apply to vehicles used at any time during the warranty period for commercial use, including but not limited to those used as a Rental vehicle, Hire Car, Taxi, Courier vehicle, Driving School vehicle, Security vehicle or Bus and Tour vehicle. Commercial use vehicles are limited to a 7 year / 150,000 Kilometre Warranty (whichever occurs first).
For vehicles used for commercial applications, such as taxis, hire vehicles and vehicles transporting people or goods for payment (including on a part-time or casual basis, and rideshare), the Toyota Warranty Advantage is subject to a maximum of 5 years or 160,000km (whichever occurs first). This warranty excludes coverage for perforation (rust through panels) and extended coverage set out on page 3. See your vehicle’s Warranty and Service book for full details. Your rights under the Australian Consumer Law statutory consumer guarantees may still apply, and may exceed your rights under the Toyota Warranty Advantage.
Excludes vehicles used at any time for “commercial application” as defined in the vehicle warranty policy, for which a 5 year/130,000km (whichever occurs first) warranty applies. An iMax that is used for a commercial application is provided with a 5 year/160,000km warranty (whichever occurs first). An iLoad is provided with a 5 year/160,000km warranty (whichever occurs first) regardless of its usage.
I could go on, but no need…
@spackbace: Reminds me when I keep needing to tell the salespeople what I want the car for. Turns out I know their warranty policy better than they do!
Best advice I can give is to find a decent used car. I recently stole one from the local auctions for $1500. Mechanically damn near perfect! The ONLY issue was a simple air intake hose alignment issue (I fixed in 20 seconds) and it needs a new intake pipe at $70 posted. Aircon needs a regas but it is 11 years old.
Owes me $2000 dead on including towing and RWC + rego is obviously extra. Uses 4-5L/100km's diesel. High ANCAP rating etc etc etc
Drives like a go cart and is a shitload of fun. Insurance is $600 a year comprehensive. Insured for $5000 as well.
I did seriously consider paying $15-20k for a new car with a warranty but most of my parts are double digits… a turbo is $300 if it decides to go bang so I figure I'm well ahead. Plus the motor is transferable from about 10-15 different makes and models of cars so parts are stupidly easy to get.
I'd call that a win!
Why am I posting this? Most used cars if you KNOW what you are doing and looking at can be had for pennies in the dollar vs a new car! Warranty? I just tow it to the mechanics on the VERY odd occasion and already have the parts express ordered with-in a week from Europe after checking my parts catalog. Even renting a car through 'Carnextdoor' worst case scenario I am still very much ahead on finance + insurance costs.
Yeah but 11yo safety tech isn't the same as today.
There will always be buyers of both new and used and obviously without new car buyers you wouldn't be able to buy an 11yo car.
Sorry, I put the TIGHT in tight.
Diesel small car?
Please don't tell me you bought a $2k Golf…!
@kronicmacstigator: OH MY GOD! A Citroen? Good Lord, you are a masochist. You didn't get a steal, what happened is, they found a sucker… :D
Used cars can be purchased with balance of manufacturers warranty.
I’ve owned 2 Kia like people above have said it all depends on the dealer. Both cars bought second hand.
Car 1: leather peeling from previous owner after 2 years, suspect that they used a lot of hand cream. Dealer was on the fence, they asked head office and it was replaced under warranty.
Bit of foam on the bonnet became loose after 3 - 4 years (granted car spent life outdoors and it was 40+ weather) only a cosmetic fix, kia replaced no drama.
Head unit would skip and freeze, dealer would do software update and replaced it a few times. Annoying yes but they didn’t fight me on anything. The head unit was just an outdated poorly spec unit.
Sunroof: had issues with a squeaking sunroof which took them numerous goes to fix, head office got the dealer to try everything. Dealer was useless as anything. Many back and forth so much hassle.
Kia said try a new dealer and they fixed it in 30 seconds. Honestly can’t believe it was a simple dry rubber seal.
Car 2: covered under 7 year warranty. Bought second hand and was 3 years old when I got it.
- Head unit was faulty, they replaced it and gave me one with Android Auto. Honestly this was such a solid win as my car wasn’t meant to have it.Currently has a faulty keyless entry sensor I’m too lazy to get fixed.
Both of my cars though had faulty air con compressors replaced under warranty by previous owners.
Most of my warranty jobs have been cosmetic and my new dealer is a lot better. My experience hasn’t been perfect, but I wouldn’t knock the brand.
I think cars these days are too complicated and there’s so much room for error. What I don’t like is shifty dealers and companies palming you off and not fixing defects.
Not me personally, but a friend had a kia that was great while under warranty. Had a small problem the moment the warranty was over, but the cost to fix it was so astronomical (like over $4500) that they went for buying another car instead (and they did get another kia, just one with warranty). So I would be worried about the post warranty time and would replace it in he last 6 months of warranty.
We recently (car coming next week) had to choose between a kia and a hyundai and chose a hyundai as they are great post warranty.
Whose repair quote though? Most stealerships will quote stupid figures to try and get you into another new car
I have a Kia Carnival and Kia Sportage. Kia have been fantastic even to the extent that when my Kia Sportage was approaching the 5 year mark the dealership rang me to point out some things to potentially check before the warranty period expired. This was not to generate money but because I have been communicating regularly with the service guys about my weekly drive to country Victoria (200km away from Melbourne) and worry about being stranded. My car is exposed to coal dust and chemicals from a power station's cooling towers on a daily basis so if something external was going to impact my car, they were able to research and advise based on experience with other customers. Also, the Kia warranty includes road service like RACV. I cancelled RACV because Kia offers it. They have had good coverage coming to "save" me when I was stranded and I did not have to wait long.
Our previous car was a Kia Sorento. Personal experience with Kia warranty was excellent. Has trouble with vehicle occasionally going into limp mode for no apparent reason. After much research discovered it was a faulty radiator. Car was just inside warranty period. Got nowhere originally with local dealer, so I emailed Kia Australia direct with lengthy information, including independent confirmation of radiator issue. They replied next day, with instructions to return to local dealer for free replacement radiator. Replaced within a few days. Excellent service. Would have no hesitation buying another Kia.
My daughter just bought a kia and it has a tiny buzzing geiga counter type sound that becomes audible under acceleration . Mechanic has been very understanding . They have replaced the stereo head unit , speakers and spent the past 2 weeks trying to find it , all while been given a loan car .
Considering it was a 15K drive away Kia Rio I'm surprised they have gone to that much trouble .That wouldn't of cost them much in parts.
Buzz…
I'd be chasing alternator and grounding. Possibly antenna cable has interference and needs to be 're-arranged' behind the head unit. I dare say it's not a mechanical problem per-se but an auto electric issue. Completely disconnect the speaker cable from behind the head unit and drive it. Will tell you instantly whether the problem is originating from the headunit or if there is a seperate source to the noise.
May be wise to just retro-fit another headunit (upgrade to a Pioneer or similar, even Chinese Android) or install a noise suppressor. :)
I'd be with Kia's permission removing grounding cables, sandpaper'ing the connection points and then re-install them, potentially with new cables. That being said, that exact action may or may not solve it. Could be an internal break in one of them… or not.
Damn I'd love to see the car :)
I haven't spoken with the people from Kia but it seemed strange they replaced the headunit and that didn't fix it . Why would you replace it without first disconnecting it to rule it out ? Seems as if their taking direction from a play book or HQ .
Just as an FYI .
It turned out to be a rattling bonnet release cable of all things . 3 weeks and as many loan cars later . I take my hat off to them for persevering with a rather obscure minor noise . I had a 2.5 year old Toyota Aurion that took me 6 years to get the dash replaced due to it being poorly made .
We own a 2105 Sorento and our air con wasn't working properly. Kia just replaced the compressor under warranty.
2015*
Marty, we gotta go back!
:D
About half way down this page is a question asking what they cover… Good place to start…