wvtelluride
Member
- Joined
- Nov 2, 2019
- Messages
- 28
- Reaction score
- 30
- Points
- 13
A long post, but for those who have time…. I'm a first and last time Kia owner. I decided to make the move with the 2020 Telluride (SX Prestige). I'll admit I was a bit hesitant, but loved the look and features of the Telluride.. After a test drive, I was completely sold and didn’t even mind paying MSRP for the vehicle when I found the one I wanted.
I can't tell you how many people have asked me my thoughts - friends, family and many random people in parking lots. Truthfully, there were quite a few surprised I was driving a Kia.. I told them and all others that I love it.. Even better than the car I switched from (BMW X5). Lots of room, quiet, comfortable, tons of features, nice look, etc…
As much as I hate to say it, that has all changed now after ~6 weeks of dealing with Kia service. The warranty looks great on paper, but doesn't mean much if they can't back it up.
Issue with mine is that the instrument cluster and most electronics have stopped working - all stay black inside except the infotainment screen (can't tell how fast I'm going, how much gas I have, set temperature, see mileage, etc.) Long story short, they say the instrument cluster needs replaced and "think" this will fix the problem. This is not the issue the 2022s were having where a software update would fix the problem.
I realize any car could have problems and most will at some point. I also realize there is a global chip shortage so parts are getting delayed frequently. I can deal with all of that… but here are the things I cannot deal with and why I will likely 1) trade my Telluride as soon as fixed, 2) never buy another Kia.
I can't tell you how many people have asked me my thoughts - friends, family and many random people in parking lots. Truthfully, there were quite a few surprised I was driving a Kia.. I told them and all others that I love it.. Even better than the car I switched from (BMW X5). Lots of room, quiet, comfortable, tons of features, nice look, etc…
As much as I hate to say it, that has all changed now after ~6 weeks of dealing with Kia service. The warranty looks great on paper, but doesn't mean much if they can't back it up.
Issue with mine is that the instrument cluster and most electronics have stopped working - all stay black inside except the infotainment screen (can't tell how fast I'm going, how much gas I have, set temperature, see mileage, etc.) Long story short, they say the instrument cluster needs replaced and "think" this will fix the problem. This is not the issue the 2022s were having where a software update would fix the problem.
I realize any car could have problems and most will at some point. I also realize there is a global chip shortage so parts are getting delayed frequently. I can deal with all of that… but here are the things I cannot deal with and why I will likely 1) trade my Telluride as soon as fixed, 2) never buy another Kia.
- Summary - very rude and unhelpful service department.
- When the issue first occurred, I was able to reset everything by disconnecting the battery. I took it to a service center to be told that they need to see it while the issue is happening. Even though they acknowledged it would be a bit unsafe to drive - not knowing even if airbags are working - they said that was the only way to find the problem.
- Issue came back, drove it to the dealership, they scanned and got 'a lot of codes' but said they would not have an opening for 2 weeks to look into it. Again, acknowledged it was not wise to drive it, but said they have no loaners and could not offer a rental until they diagnose the problem. When I asked what I am supposed to do if I should not drive it, but they cannot offer me a car I was told 'I don't know what to tell you' as they handed me my keys.
- With no other option, I drove it until my service appt 2 weeks later.
- For the last 3 weeks after that, I have been told each week the parts were scheduled to arrive and the car would be completed by the end of the week, only to end up getting a call at the end of the week saying it would be another week.
- Dealing with this issue for >6 weeks now, I still have no idea if/when the part will arrive and if the part will actually even fix the problem.
- Again, I can deal with part availability, but cannot deal with a service group that does not even attempt to care or help. When I asked about a loaner vehicle, I was told they have a "waitlist of 20 people who want a loaner so there is zero chance you will get one". When I called to try to get my appointment moved up and told them I cannot safely drive my vehicle, I was told "we have 30 people with cars here right now that they cannot drive". When I finally got approval to get a rental, I was told that I will have to pay out of pocket until after the car is fixed… I'm now at over $1,200 of rental car fees and just hoping they come through with reimbursement at the end of all of this.
- I also could be the unfortunate victim of a really bad service rep, maybe just a poorly run dealership… but Kia corporate customer service has also offered little to no additional help (and did not seem too concerned about the dealership experience).