Kia Soul engine ruined-next steps?
![[Post New]](/jforum/templates/default/images/icon_minipost_new.gif){kind=icon}
Anonymous
|
My mom's 2017 Kia Soul's engine suddenly had a catastrophic event, it started 'rapping' really loudly, so loud we had it towed to the garage and it's bad. Mom's mechanic said there had been a recall of these engines and to call the Kia dealer for that (he's a nice and honest guy trying to help my elderly mom).
Mom is recovering from a broken hip (brother was driving) so brother called Kia and they said because there had been a previous recall on a different part ( an ecu?) that she didn't get done, they won't honor the recall on the engine! Mom says she knew about the recall but had been busy and forgot about it (she's elderly and so is my dad). Had I known, I would have got it done for her but I didn't know-but how can they deny the recall of the engine when that other recall had nothing to do with it? What should we do next? Should we try to get the ecu recall done and then get the engine one done? I'm so angry at Kia, this car only has 75000 miles and is literally driven by an old lady, who keeps up with all maintenance (just had stuff done in June). |
Anonymous
|
Recalls aren't always "bad" -- it's just a problem in the manufacturing process has been identified in a number of similar models and therefore has the potential to surface in yours.
The statute of limitations for all no-charge recalls is 8 years from the original sale date of the vehicle. After that time, you may be required to pay if you wish to have the part or parts replaced or corrected. Who did your brother talk to at Kia? It's a rather large corporation. Find a local dealer and talk to them. Good luck. |
Anonymous
| My brother talked to the local dealer. We are trying to figure out what to do next. |
Anonymous
| Call Kia main number (vs. local dealer), write, use social media. They absolutely don’t want customers making noise which is what you have to do. |
Anonymous
This. There are car forums, similar to DCUM. Post your issue there and see if anyone has advice. They will also be able to give you customer service information from kia main corporation. You say your parents are elderly. How much longer should they be driving? Maybe this is a blessing. Help them figure out how to use uber. |
Anonymous
| Try to go up the chain to the regional Kia people or consumer affairs. Google to see if others have had similar issues. Look up all the recalls to see what they are and to confirm what they are. |
Anonymous
Right now neither of them drive-Dad no longer drives (has a state id) but Mom was driving until the broken hip. I do not know if she will ever drive again, but my concern is that this vehicle is essentially useless at this time for anyone. No uber-they especially Dad are not physically able. I'm the Uber 
Brother is going to check out the forums, thanks for that idea. |
Anonymous
| I went through something similar to Jeep and cleared a day to make the most racket I could about it. I talked to multiple people at Jeep customer care, the 3 nearest dealers, Twitter, Reddit, car forums, etc. I saved myself about $4k with that one day. |
Anonymous
Reading the ECU recall, linked below for those who are interested: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10173535-0001.pdf This is funny. The ECU update doesn't mitigate potential issues with the engine, just tunes the detection software to be more sensitive and put the car into limp mode if issues are detected so that the customer can go to a dealer to get it fixed. The ECU update does not in any way fix the engine, or prevent the engine from experiencing excessive connecting rod bearing wear. It does, however, prevent catastrophic failure of the engine, which is the scenario your mom is likely experiencing. I don't know enough about laws regarding recalls and its effect on the warranty if not carried out. I don't see how the consumer is on the hook for a condition that they were not aware of at purchase - it is not part of normal maintenance. There may be language in the warranty contract that the owner is responsible for taking the car to dealers for recall services in a "timely" manner, I don't know... Even just reading the ECU recall, it clearly gives the language that there is no need for immediate action, and the owner can wait until after COVID lockdowns eased. This gives people the sense that it's not urgent. Secondly, while the recall explicitly says warranty will be void if owners ignore the check engine light after software update, it doesn't say anything about warranty being void if the user delays performing the ECU recall. This is some good argument for taking your car to a dealer for its normal maintenance. The costs are not that different and they will do software updates and recalls automatically. Modern cars experience many more of these types of updates and recalls. In any case, for the present situation, I would recommend that the OP do not say anything more about ignoring the original ECU recall. Just play dumb. If you have not already told Kia that you "forgot" to do the ECU update, *DON'T* tell them. If you have already told them and they are firm in refusing warranty, it would be a good idea to talk to a Virginia lemon law lawyer who would be far more familiar with these types of matters. Just describe your situation and it would be very easy for them to determine if they can help. Best of luck. Shame on Hyundai/Kia. |
Anonymous
|
Op here-thanks all, especially ^^^ this is what happened! The recall came during covid, my elderly mom was being cautious and by the time they were vaxxed, had put it out of her mind.
I think the idea of getting the recall done and THEN applying for the recall is a good one! The car does run-loudly- and maybe we could get it towed 'near' the dealership and then drive it the last few blocks. I hadn't thought of a lemon law lawyer-I'm not in VA but I can google that for where I am. I agree SHAME on Kia!!! shame! I drive a 11 year old Chevy with 240K miles on it and have NEVER had a problem like this!!! |
Anonymous
|
Next step retain a lawyer to write a letter. Do not acknowledge any causation between a ECU programming update and engine failure. I assume the original drivetrain warranty is 100,000? It appear Kia is now offering lifetime replacement if the original service campaign was completed. Dig in.
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176912-0001.pdf |
Anonymous
|
We had a few Kia Souls in our fleet that our employees drive. We’ve replaced 5 engines between 3 vehicles.
The dealer doesn’t even argue. That’s how often they see blown engines on Kias. |
Anonymous
| Whoa! This is so good to know. |
Anonymous
| I'd never buy kia even though i am a korean |