BAWC Forums

Ryan wrote: Zero help here, but a sorta friend is a tech at a Hyundai dealership, and last time I talked to him he said all he does is replace engines these days

Frode wrote:I think part of the problem right now is that new car prices are dropping hard while used car prices still are high, so finding something good used is still hard.

The Recall in 2020
Unfortuately, this was not the end of Kia’s engine problems. Claims regarding non-crash fires in various models equipped with 2.4-liter Theta II Multi Point Injection (MPI) and 2.0-liter Nu GDI engines kept rolling in, leading to a recall of 295,000 vehicles. The following models were included in the recall:

2012-2013 Sorento
2012-2015 Forte
2012-2015 Forte Koup
2011-2013 Optima Hybrid
2014-2015 Soul
2012 Sportage
This time, Kia offered an extended warranty of 15 years/150,000 miles. Once again, the warranty covered engine long block assembly repairs or replacements that had been caused by rod bearing damage.

Knock Sensor Detection System
During this time, the manufacturer started a product improvement campaign, which involves an update to the engine control unit software. The function of the new software, which is called the knock sensor detection system (KSDS), is to detect early signs of excessive main engine bearing and/or connecting rod bearing wear.

In the event that the system detects a knocking noise that is normally associated with engine bearing or connecting rod bearing wear, the dashboard warning lights go on and the vehicle goes into engine protection mode. If you own a Kia vehicle that has been recalled by Kia in the past, it’s important that you take your vehicle to your nearest Kia dealer to have this software installed. Besides keeping you safe, this software is also a compulsory first step before any extended warranty will kick in.

Class-Action Lawsuit: 2021
In 2021, the federal court finally approved a class action lawsuit that alleged that certain Kia models that are equipped with 2.0-liter turbocharged and 2.4-liter GDI engines had defects, which caused engine seizure, engine fire, engine failure, or stalling. The models in question are:

2011–2018, and certain 2019 Optima models
2012–2018, and certain 2019 Sorento models
2011–2019 Sportage models
Kia has offered a lifetime warranty for the engine short-block assembly. This includes the engine block, crankshaft, and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, and pistons. The lifetime warranty applies regardless of the vehicle’s mileage or prior warranty engine repairs/replacement. Also, owners of the listed vehicles who have not experienced any problems, are still eligible for a lifetime warranty.

The warranty covers all inspection and repair costs of the engine short block assembly, including parts, labor, and diagnosis. Engine replacement, when needed, is also covered. In addition, Kia states that dealerships will supply loan vehicles to affected owners while their vehicles are in for repairs. If no loan vehicle is available, Kia provides a reimbursement of $40 per day towards a rental.

Please tell us about what Kia corp say about recall. They sent me the recall letter, but it was during covid-19 pandemic (worst part...) and they lied in the letter by saying there was no coverage after 200,000 km. So basically they offered to upgrade the software so my car would stop working if it wears out.

I figured out afterward in the settlement that if the car is beyond the km limits, they'd buy back the car instead of reparing the engine (which also makes sense), but only if you did the ECU update within 60 days (which was impossible).

Jeff V. wrote: ↑Wed Jun 07, 2023 3:52 pm It might still be under warranty....