I have a 2015 KIA Sorento that just reached 100,000 miles. I was told I needed a new head gasket and that I couldn’t just get the head gasket replaced by itself it has to be the whole engine for thousands of dollars. I was told that coolant and oil is mixing and leaking and that has caused my engine to be damaged. The car is overheating and at times when I drive it lags and vibrates when driving and stopping at red lights. At this point I really need a professional help to make sure I am not getting scammed into buying a new car. Now the person that likes at my car didn’t take a part the head gasket cover to show me they just looked at the coolant leaking and said the coolant went straight in the air when the car was cranked up. At this point I have a migraine. I hope someone can help.
Clarification: Are you the original owner, and will it be covered under the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty?
Scream, yell and holler! Contact KIA directly, … demand investigation and action under 10 year warranty! Don’t relent, …
F.S.
You can't just take a peek at the head gasket. There is no head gasket cover. You have to rebuild the top end of the engine. It could be a multi-day job, and the cost is in the thousands.
I would make some noise at Kia, perhaps post on their Facebook and Twitter pages, call up your local TV investigators and consumer reporters, looking for a story, etc. BUT, all of the will evaluate your claim. Perhaps it's obvious, but if they take it up, they are going to want evidence that you've done timely oil changes, with the appropriate oils and filters. So, prep your documentation.
Generally, the more public and embarrassing a situation, the more likely any given corporate actor will act, to reduce negative brand recognition. (Scotty's called out Toyota dealerships, in Houston, for gross acts of avarice and greed toward less sophisticated customers. One of those customers reached out to Scotty, and the desired results achieved).
They say that "squeaky wheels get the grease." Just make sure that others can hear and see (and respond to) a very audible and visible "squeaky wheel.
Good Luck.
There is an old irish word what describes your engine, it's banjaxed.
As has been said, scream holler and bellow at whomever in the dealership, no way should any car require an engine swap after five years and 100k miles, not even a Hia or Kyundai.
That is appalling - that car is only six years old. (I've driven decades old cars for a long time and have never had a head gasket blow. Heck, I have a 50-year-old car here whose engine has never been apart at all.)
As others have said if you are the original owner and it's within or just a little past the 100K mile Kia warranty I'd scream bloody murder to get it covered. The dealer may tell you "no" but you may be able to get Kia corporate to do something.
