Kia’s Misleading Warranty – Or Non-warranty

On 18 May 2017 we bought a second-hand Kia Sportage, 2014 with about 42,000 Km on the clock. This model (so called “New Look”) had been extensively advertised on TV as having a 150,000 Km 5-year warranty and a 90,000 Km service plan. Before we bought it, we confirmed with Kia that the warranty as well as the service plan was still in place and transferable. Nothing was ever stated to us about differing guarantee items. At the 45,000 Km service we reported that the clip on the lift front-fender side indicator was broken. It’s just lousy quality plastic. Not Covered by the warranty, said Kia. Replacement cost quoted about R 390.00. We’ve stuck it on with Prestik and its been working ever since, broken clip and all. Then it was the Bluetooth car kit. Not connected to the sound. Reported it at the 45,000 Km service at the Kia agent in Brits. He fixed it – lasted for 2 calls only. It’s clear it’s a badly connecting wire as it sometimes distorts through the front speakers. Reported it again at the 60,000 Km service. No says; Kia, the Bluetooth is fine, it’s the connection to the front speakers that’s the problem. The front speakers are not connected to the sound system, and the sound-system is only warranted for 12 months. So, although the Bluetooth is still under warranty, the sound system is not. Quoted us a fortune, exact amount I cannot remember. In disgust we’ve done nothing further about it. On 3 May, it had its 75,000 km service. This weekend, 9 days later, the clutch stared slipping and the gearbox will not engage. Broke down near Lanseria. Contacted Kia roadside- assistance. Told us it was no longer active and we would have to pay for the towing. Paid an independent towing contractor R1,500 to tow it to Kia/Renault in Fountains, Pretoria. We have now been told the clutch plate is only under warranty for 12 months or 20,000 km. Therefore, the clutch plate is no longer under warranty. However, it may be due to a faulty pressure plate, in which case it may still be under warranty. The catch is they will need to dismantle the gearbox (Quote R6,348.00!) then send photos to Kia to establish whether the warranty will cover the problem. If it is not the pressure plate, but the clutch, the total repair cost will be in excess of R12,000.00! An alternative quote independently obtained is R7 459 to dismantle and fit a new clutch which includes a 12-month guarantee. Kia is obviously a rip-off as well! What must we do? After the misleading info regarding the so-called warranty, we don’t trust Kia enough to risk paying R12,000; which we do not have! I am sure that if it is the pressure plate they will lie to us and say it’s the clutch, and we will have to pay the full R12,000! Moral of the story, the so-called 5-year, 150,000 Km warranty is utter ******* and misleading. Full story with the opportunity to tell your own on the website www.kia-misleading-warranty.co.za. This website will be accessible from tomorrow. Kia has already at least one Advertising Standards Authority verdict against it for misleading advertising false information regarding its guarantees. The link to the detail regarding this info will be available on the website referred to.