I need some help really bad. I bought a 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid, used, with around 40K miles on it. Now, three years later and at 83,336 miles, the car loses power and leaves me stranded on the interstate. It happened on July 4th. My mechanic says the hybrid battery is done and it will cost $6200 to fix.
I started watching YouTube videos to learn how to do the repair myself when I found out that the warranty lasts to 150K miles no matter who owned it before. I was so happy and called national Kia to check. They told me to take it to the dealer and the warranty would cover it. Good news!
So the dealer spends a whole week checking it out and then tells me the engine has seized. It will cost $7K for a new short block.
I asked for a trade-in quote to get some money back, maybe to pay down the $5K I still owe and perhaps get another car. They said they would get back to me. While waiting, I learned about the class action lawsuits. Maybe this could help me! But it seems my VIN is not covered, probably because it’s a hybrid. I called National Kia, and they said they would contact the dealership. It’s been a week, and I have called three times without any update. They keep saying they can’t reach the dealership. Last time I called, they kept reminding me that I am outside the warranty. Yes, I know that, but how can a well-maintained car fail before reaching 100K miles?
I am really losing hope. Has anyone had any success getting help from Kia? If yes, how did you manage it?
Keep pushing them! I had an issue with a dealership regarding maintenance. I got everything covered, and they even sent me a box of Godiva chocolates as a bonus.
@Brigham
The issue is that calling national Kia means a hold time of around 30 minutes.
I don’t think the dealer is trying to make extra money. My car failed and lost all power. When the dealer told me it wasn’t the hybrid battery but the engine, I got upset and asked for proof.
I called my mechanic to ask if what they said was true. He confirmed that my engine could indeed be broken. I got a video from the dealer showing them trying to turn the engine with a manual crank tool. It was a really long bar that went to the engine. It wouldn’t turn.
The last person I spoke to at Kia National spent more time telling me I’m outside of the warranty than trying to help me. I feel like I am being set up for a big no.
@Blane
Send me your VIN in a private message and I can check for you. The hybrids do have a warranty extension. It should cover you for 15 years or 150K miles.
Dezi said: @Blane
Send me your VIN in a private message and I can check for you. The hybrids do have a warranty extension. It should cover you for 15 years or 150K miles.
Yes, but now they say it’s the engine that is the problem, not the hybrid.
I have a 2014 Optima Hybrid Ex and mine is still covered for engine failure. I have 200,000 miles and it’s still going strong. You should get someone other than Kia to check it out as it should still be covered. They wanted me to join the class action lawsuit, but I refused. They wanted me to sign so they wouldn’t have to replace my engine. Definitely get a second opinion.
If you don’t mind, please post or send me your VIN, and I will check if SC200 applies. Kia revised this recall to include testing and replacing engines on Hybrid 2.4-liter engines. - Dealership Service Manager