Kia drivers say missed software program replace notices lead to engine failure, which they need to then pay for out of pocket

BURBANK, Ailing. (WLS) — Chances are you’ll not notice that your automotive, identical to your telephone, wants updating or it might break down. However some shoppers say they don’t seem to be receiving crucial software program improve notices.

One native lady mentioned she now has to pay hundreds of {dollars} to repair her engine as a result of she did not get an improve discover.

Cindy Wetzel of southwest suburban Burbank cannot drive her 2015 Kia Optima.

“We won’t drive it anyplace. I am unable to promote it, I would not, you realize; no supplier’s going to take it. I might need to junk it if it is not mounted. The engine is able to go,” she mentioned.

She mentioned when the automotive began having engine troubles in January, she introduced it in to her dealership.

“They mentioned there was an replace that I did not do and that I obtained a discover in 2018,” she mentioned. “I by no means obtained the discover, so I contacted Kia, they mentioned sorry we won’t show you how to, you did not do the replace.”

She mentioned after calling the producer, Kia emailed her a software program replace letter dated July 26, 2018.

“They mentioned they mailed it to me,” mentioned Wetzel, insisting she by no means received it.

That letter additionally incorrectly mentioned she had a Kia Sorento, not a Kia Optima.

The alert to shoppers was part of a class action settlement, giving prospects 90 days to get the software program replace on a number of Kia fashions to then qualify for an prolonged guarantee on engines.

As a result of Wetzel did not get that replace, she mentioned she would now need to pay $7,300 to repair her engine.

In an announcement Kia instructed the I-Group that it despatched Wetzel two notices in August 2018 and June 2019, through firstclass mail.

“I’ve lived right here the identical place for 25 years, I’ve lived right here since I had the automotive, they may’ve positively notified me. They’d my e-mail tackle, they’d my telephone quantity, they’d every thing,” Wetzel mentioned.

She’s not the one Kia proprietor complaining. The ABC7 knowledge workforce researched the Nationwide Freeway Site visitors Security Administration’s database. Since 2020, there have been 39 complaints that KIA homeowners who say they have been denied repairs or protection as a result of not finishing the software program improve. Twenty-one of these complainants claimed they by no means obtained the discover concerning the improve.

Michael Brooks of the Heart for Auto Security mentioned his shopper watchdog group has additionally obtained a couple of dozen related complaints.

“The issue right here merely, you realize, is considered one of a scarcity of communication,” he mentioned. “After they attain out to us, usually it is proper once they’ve heard from the supplier that they are not going to have the ability to cowl an engine restore.”

Brooks mentioned shoppers lacking software program replace notices is a standard criticism in opposition to many producers, as a result of not like official recollects, replace notices are usually not required to be despatched firstclass mail.

Nonetheless, Kia mentioned it does ship replace notices firstclass mail and added that it’s “very proactive in proprietor outreach on all points.”

“As our automobiles flip into computer systems on wheels, you realize, there are numerous software program updates,” Brooks mentioned.

He added he’d wish to see producers make the most of texts and emails extra to inform shoppers however for now drivers ought to proactively take automobiles to the dealership for upkeep and ask if there are updates accessible.

Kia mentioned Wetzel’s “engine restore isn’t coated beneath guarantee or another provision” as a result of that software program replace was not completed in time.

“My daughter was driving it on the expressway,” mentioned Wetzel. “You understand 65 mph and it began stalling. You understand, she might’ve been killed.”

Kia mentioned if Wetzel does get a brand new engine put in, the software program replace might be accomplished so she will be able to get that lifetime engine guarantee. Nonetheless Wetzel mentioned she is unlikely to pay out of pocket for a brand new engine.

Should you purchased a used automobile, be sure to register your info with the producer so you do not miss updates and recollects.