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

There’s a sure sort of hysteria that comes once you get a automobile again from restore and surprise if it’s really been fastened, or if one thing new is about to go improper. That worst case situation grew to become 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 evening earlier than, leaving him uncertain who to belief or what to anticipate. Right here’s how Anthony described the scenario in his personal phrases:

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

For those who’ve ever waited anxiously on your automobile to be returned after a significant restore, solely to be greeted by a brand-new concern, you’re not alone. For a lot of Kia Sorento house owners, 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 throughout the course of?

Different House owners Communicate Up

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

“I had the identical concern. They tried to inform me ‘I’ wanted to pay to recharge the system. It was superb earlier than. I refused and known as company, in order that they ended up doing it at no cost. They stated they simply let the system grasp there whereas they exchange the engine. Effectively from what I researched something might have occurred whereas hanging. It might have leaked or some O rings might not have been changed. Anyway, they charged it.”

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

Simon Younger added one other important 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 value. Be sure that a leak check is finished.”

Simon’s remark highlights a broader concern about technician expertise and thoroughness, which is one thing many house owners concern 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, house owners danger getting caught in a loop of obscure explanations and inadequate fixes.

The Larger Image Behind A/C Failures After Repairs

This story isn’t remoted. Many house owners 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 important disassembly, and if any part is even barely out of alignment or not torqued to spec, issues can floor rapidly.

This ties in with bigger issues about post-repair reliability and belief in service departments, particularly after pricey and warranty-covered repairs. And it’s one thing we’ve seen earlier than, similar to in instances the place Kia Sorento house owners reported extreme oil consumption, elevating issues that Kia might deny engine replacements if upkeep data 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 house owners, 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 all the things.

Expectations vs Actuality in Put up-Restore Service

In Anthony’s case, there’s one easy expectation: get the automobile 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 troublesome to regain.

I believe this sort of scenario speaks volumes about what it is like being a contemporary automobile proprietor. particularly when coping with main dealership repairs. Reporting tales like I do, it repeatedly surprises me by how typically a automobile will get “fastened,” just for the proprietor to stroll away with a brand new concern. Whether or not it is a Kia or another model, the frequent sample is commonly the identical these days. It consists of 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 most likely missed. It’s not paranoia as a result of it’s sample recognition. The frustration house owners 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 automobile from a significant service. Don’t wait till you get residence.
• Push for documentation. For those who suspect one thing went improper throughout the restore, ask the seller for a written clarification and what diagnostics had been accomplished.
• Don’t be afraid to escalate. If the dealership refuses to repair one thing you consider they precipitated, attain out to the producer’s company assist or file a case.
• Discuss to the group. Different house owners, like these in Fb teams, typically have invaluable recommendation and experiences that may enable you navigate unsure restore outcomes.
• Belief your instincts. If one thing feels off, even when the dealership says it’s “superb,” don’t ignore it. Your real-world observations might matter greater than their five-minute assessments.

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 significantly or brush it off?

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

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

Picture Sources: Grok