I paid sixteen grand for my Sportage on January 3, 2025. The mileage was 28,00.
In early November, I had a service cone, during which the oil, air, and filter were replaced. From time to time, I detected what I assumed to be an engine/exhaust odour.
Up until the conrod broke catastrophically on November 23, 2025, I was satisfied with it. After a tremendous crash, my speed dropped, and oil spurted out in all directions on a heavily used dual road.
I had to pay extra to have the vehicle hauled to a nearby kia dealership and then lease a new vehicle.
"Your service book will not be accepted by Kia unless you have your invoices and receipts," the garage promptly said. It is most likely that the con rod broke due to an absence of lubrication.
There is no documentation of service with the stamps, according to Kia. Receipts, etc., are required.
As a result, I learnt that the vehicle had its engine rebuilt at 12,000 miles. Engine was serviced at 22,000 miles and suspension at 27,500. Everything was done at the same garage, who flat-out denied any involvement. The documentation from a prior owner, nevertheless, was located by me.
The garage where I purchased it was located only around the corner from the one that sold it (the Kia dealership).
"It seems you do have a warranty," KIA is now stating. Okay. If a comprehensive diagnostic is performed by a kia shop, they will replace the engine at no cost to you. This will set you back £782. If it turns out to be a defect in production, the warranty will pay for it.
Of course, prejudice worries me.
I'm wondering whether the engine rebuild will be acknowledged as the possible cause.
In addition to the £782 I have spent on the first 4,000 kilometres, the cost of a new engine is £5-6,000.
Listen, I'm ill, you guys. It ruined our Christmas and now I'm terrified someone will have a grudge against me.
Even while the ombudsman and trade standards are on board, this won't solve the problem anytime soon.
Does anybody else have experience with this or have any suggestions to offer?