My 2016 Kia Sorento Was In The Store for Weeks Getting a New Engine, However Now the A/C Failed and the Supplier Is Telling Me Nothing Is Incorrect

There’s a sure sort of tension that comes if you get a automotive again from restore and marvel if it’s really been mounted, or if one thing new is about to go improper. That worst case situation turned true for an proprietor that I got here throughout within the “Hyundai House owners Issues and Service Points” Fb group by Anthony Sparno Jr. He had simply picked up his 2016 Kia Sorento after ready weeks for an engine alternative, solely to find the air conditioner was not working. Whereas the dealership now insists the A/C is “freezing,” Anthony says it was nonetheless blowing heat air the night time earlier than, leaving him uncertain who to belief or what to anticipate. Right here’s how Anthony described the state of affairs in his personal phrases:

“Whats up, so I simply had my engine changed at Kia. I’ve a 2016 Sorento. I went to select it up after 4 weeks and the air conditioner wasn’t working. Has anybody skilled this? Ought to I be involved? I’ll decide it up tonight since now they’re saying that they let it run a couple of minutes and it is “freezing”. I acquired in it final night time, let it run for 5 minutes, and solely heat air was blowing out, in order that’s why I am skeptical.”

Should you’ve ever waited anxiously to your car to be returned after a significant restore, solely to be greeted by a brand-new situation, you’re not alone. For a lot of Kia Sorento homeowners, engine alternative isn’t an unusual expertise. That is true notably for fashions just like the 2016 which have seen their share of engine complaints. However when one thing just like the A/C goes out proper after a significant job, it raises eyebrows. Was it only a coincidence, or did one thing go improper through the course of?

Different House owners Converse Up

Anthony isn’t the one one elevating an eyebrow. Cj Hughes shared an almost equivalent expertise. He commented:

“I had the identical situation. They tried to inform me ‘I’ wanted to pay to recharge the system. It was high quality earlier than. I refused and referred to as company, in order that they ended up doing it without spending a dime. They mentioned they simply let the system hold there whereas they substitute the engine. Nicely from what I researched something may have occurred whereas hanging. It may have leaked or some O rings could not have been changed. Anyway, they charged it.”

Cj’s story echoes a standard theme of dealerships distancing themselves from points that will have stemmed immediately from their very own service practices. If refrigerant strains or parts have been left hanging or not correctly sealed throughout engine elimination and reinstallation, it is solely believable {that a} leak or disconnection may’ve developed. And when refrigerant escapes the system, the A/C received’t cool correctly or in any respect.

Simon Younger added one other essential perspective:

“Eradicating all engine parts is a part of an engine alternative they usually screwed up. They’ve low high quality technicians for a excessive worth. Be sure a leak check is completed.”

Simon’s remark highlights a broader concern about technician expertise and thoroughness, which is one thing many house owners worry when entrusting their autos to dealership service departments. His suggestion to demand a correct leak check isn’t simply cheap, it’s important. With out it, homeowners danger getting caught in a loop of imprecise explanations and inadequate fixes.

The Greater Image Behind A/C Failures After Repairs

This story isn’t remoted. Many homeowners have come ahead with varied points post-engine alternative, not simply associated to A/C, but additionally sensors, electrical glitches, and even transmission habits. It is value noting that main engine jobs require vital disassembly, and if any element is even barely out of alignment or not torqued to spec, issues can floor shortly.

This ties in with bigger considerations about post-repair reliability and belief in service departments, particularly after expensive and warranty-covered repairs. And it’s one thing we’ve seen earlier than, equivalent to in circumstances the place Kia Sorento homeowners reported extreme oil consumption, elevating considerations that Kia may deny engine replacements if upkeep information weren’t excellent.

For these driving newer fashions, these issues could seem distant, however they’re nonetheless very actual. Even with the 2024 Kia Sorento SX Status getting excessive marks for tech and luxury, long-term reliability relies upon closely on how repairs and upkeep are dealt with.

There’s additionally a lesson to be taken from Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid homeowners, like those that’ve shared how they’ll recover from 1,000 miles on a tank, whereas nonetheless needing to make sure dealership service would not compromise their complicated methods. No matter powertrain, consideration to element throughout service is every part.

Expectations vs Actuality in Put up-Restore Service

In Anthony’s case, there’s one easy expectation: get the car again in the identical, or higher, situation that it was in, and never with new issues connected. His skepticism may be very rational. Belief is fragile, and as soon as it’s misplaced in a service expertise, it’s tough to regain.

I believe this sort of state of affairs speaks volumes about what it is like being a contemporary automotive proprietor. particularly when coping with main dealership repairs. Reporting tales like I do, it repeatedly surprises me by how usually a automotive will get “mounted,” just for the proprietor to stroll away with a brand new situation. Whether or not it is a Kia or another model, the widespread sample is commonly the identical these days. It contains lengthy wait instances, incomplete communication, and questionable high quality checks. And let’s be trustworthy, when the A/C would not work after an engine job, one thing was in all probability missed. It’s not paranoia as a result of it’s sample recognition. The frustration homeowners really feel is not nearly the issue itself because it’s about not feeling heard once they attempt to level it out.

Key Takeaways and Classes

• Put up-repair inspections matter. At all times completely check all methods, particularly HVAC, when choosing up your automotive from a significant service. Don’t wait till you get house.
• Push for documentation. Should you suspect one thing went improper through the restore, ask the supplier for a written rationalization and what diagnostics have been accomplished.
• Don’t be afraid to escalate. If the dealership refuses to repair one thing you consider they brought on, attain out to the producer’s company help or file a case.
• Discuss to the group. Different homeowners, like these in Fb teams, usually have invaluable recommendation and experiences that may show you how to navigate unsure restore outcomes.
• Belief your instincts. If one thing feels off, even when the dealership says it’s “high quality,” don’t ignore it. Your real-world observations may matter greater than their five-minute checks.

Your Time To Share

Have you ever ever had a significant restore accomplished solely to note one thing else cease working? Did the dealership take it critically or brush it off?

Let me know within the feedback beneath. I’d love to listen to your story.

Aram Krajekian is a younger automotive journalist bringing a contemporary perspective to his protection of the evolving automotive panorama. Observe Aram on X and LinkedIn for every day information protection about automobiles.

Picture Sources: Grok