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 Flawed

There’s a sure kind of tension that comes once you get a automotive again from restore and marvel if it’s truly been mounted, or if one thing new is about to go flawed. That worst case state of affairs 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 substitute, solely to find the air conditioner was now 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 not sure who to belief or what to anticipate. Right here’s how Anthony described the state of affairs in his personal phrases:

“Hi there, 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 choose it up tonight since now they’re saying that they let it run a couple of minutes and it is “freezing”. I bought 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.”

In the event you’ve ever waited anxiously to your automobile 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 house owners, engine substitute isn’t an unusual expertise. That is true significantly 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 flawed through the course of?

Different House owners Communicate Up

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

“I had the identical situation. They tried to inform me ‘I’ wanted to pay to recharge the system. It was superb earlier than. I refused and referred to as company, so that they ended up doing it totally free. They mentioned they simply let the system cling there whereas they exchange the engine. Nicely from what I researched something might have occurred whereas hanging. It might 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 which will have stemmed immediately from their very own service practices. If refrigerant traces or parts have been left hanging or not correctly sealed throughout engine elimination and reinstallation, it is fully 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 vital perspective:

“Eradicating all engine parts is a part of an engine substitute they usually screwed up. They’ve low high quality technicians for a excessive value. Be certain a leak take a look at is finished.”

Simon’s remark highlights a broader concern about technician expertise and thoroughness, which is one thing many house owners worry when entrusting their automobiles to dealership service departments. His suggestion to demand a correct leak take a look at isn’t simply cheap, it’s important. With out it, house owners threat 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 homeowners have come ahead with varied points post-engine substitute, not simply associated to A/C, but in addition sensors, electrical glitches, and even transmission conduct. It is value noting that main engine jobs require important 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 pricey and warranty-covered repairs. And it’s one thing we’ve seen earlier than, equivalent to in instances the place Kia Sorento house owners reported extreme oil consumption, elevating considerations that Kia might deny engine replacements if upkeep information weren’t good.

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 will recover from 1,000 miles on a tank, whereas nonetheless needing to make sure dealership service does not compromise their advanced techniques. No matter powertrain, consideration to element throughout service is the whole lot.

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 could be very rational. Belief is fragile, and as soon as it’s misplaced in a service expertise, it’s tough to regain.

I feel this type 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 constantly 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 some other model, the widespread sample is usually 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 does 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 after they attempt to level it out.

Key Takeaways and Classes

• Put up-repair inspections matter. At all times totally take a look at all techniques, particularly HVAC, when choosing up your automotive from a significant service. Don’t wait till you get dwelling.
• Push for documentation. In the event you suspect one thing went flawed through the restore, ask the vendor for a written rationalization and what diagnostics have been completed.
• Don’t be afraid to escalate. If the dealership refuses to repair one thing you consider they prompted, attain out to the producer’s company assist or file a case.
• Discuss to the neighborhood. Different house owners, 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 “superb,” don’t ignore it. Your real-world observations might matter greater than their five-minute checks.

Your Time To Share

Have you ever ever had a significant restore completed 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. Comply with Aram on X and LinkedIn for each day information protection about vehicles.

Picture Sources: Grok