Hi guys,
I have a sedan (ex), 7800 miles on it, and for the last few months I've had serious problems:
The "ESC" (stability control) light is stuck on, after that usually the TPMS light comes on too, then I lose the dash indicator that shows what gear I'm in, the drivers side airbag light is stuck on, and my FUEL ECONOMY GOES WAAAAY DOWN (like 16mpg). the car also drives a little rougher, and my ABS acted weird a few times (engaging when I was just applying slight brake pressure).
The car occasionally won't shift out of first or sometimes second gear in automatic mode, just keeps revving higher and higher, so I have to drive in manual or "sport" mode when that happens.
I took it to the dealer after these things had been happening on and off for several weeks. they looked at it, insisted it just needed a reflash of the ECU (or ECM they called it, but I think it's the ECU), and something reset in the airbag control unit.
Problems came back 2 days later. I brought it in, same treatment, and problems came back later.
Had to wait a week driving it like that before they would give me a loaner (we only have this one car, so I can't have them keep it over night without a loaner). They got on the phone with headquarters supposedly, who walked them through the process of resetting the CAN --> BUS controller. from what I understand, electronic interface between drivetrain sensors and electronic system of the car.
4 days later - SAME PROBLEM.
This time I called Kia of America, and they assured me that they'll get "regional manager" involved (after I told them I was going to invoke the lemon law and require a new car or a refund).
I got contacted by the Hawaii "Service Manager" (i'm in Hawaii), not a regional manager.
He was very helpful on the phone, but when I took the car in, they still won't really hear me out. They keep trying to find a cheap fix for the car. I really think the entire computer control system needs to be replaced, but honestly, i don't give a damn. I want a new car. I have zero confidence in this car now, and the way they've treated this case makes me very afraid to even drive it after they "fix" it. How do I know if it's going to go crazy on the freeway, and my ABS will suddenly kick in again, or the airbags will deploy?
Do any of you have ANY advice on how I should proceed?
I know the Forte is an EXCELLENT car. I really want to keep one, but I feel that mine is definitely a "LEMON" and I should have a new one, or equivalent, since they can't fix mine.
any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
Thanks guys!
I have a sedan (ex), 7800 miles on it, and for the last few months I've had serious problems:
The "ESC" (stability control) light is stuck on, after that usually the TPMS light comes on too, then I lose the dash indicator that shows what gear I'm in, the drivers side airbag light is stuck on, and my FUEL ECONOMY GOES WAAAAY DOWN (like 16mpg). the car also drives a little rougher, and my ABS acted weird a few times (engaging when I was just applying slight brake pressure).
The car occasionally won't shift out of first or sometimes second gear in automatic mode, just keeps revving higher and higher, so I have to drive in manual or "sport" mode when that happens.
I took it to the dealer after these things had been happening on and off for several weeks. they looked at it, insisted it just needed a reflash of the ECU (or ECM they called it, but I think it's the ECU), and something reset in the airbag control unit.
Problems came back 2 days later. I brought it in, same treatment, and problems came back later.
Had to wait a week driving it like that before they would give me a loaner (we only have this one car, so I can't have them keep it over night without a loaner). They got on the phone with headquarters supposedly, who walked them through the process of resetting the CAN --> BUS controller. from what I understand, electronic interface between drivetrain sensors and electronic system of the car.
4 days later - SAME PROBLEM.
This time I called Kia of America, and they assured me that they'll get "regional manager" involved (after I told them I was going to invoke the lemon law and require a new car or a refund).
I got contacted by the Hawaii "Service Manager" (i'm in Hawaii), not a regional manager.
He was very helpful on the phone, but when I took the car in, they still won't really hear me out. They keep trying to find a cheap fix for the car. I really think the entire computer control system needs to be replaced, but honestly, i don't give a damn. I want a new car. I have zero confidence in this car now, and the way they've treated this case makes me very afraid to even drive it after they "fix" it. How do I know if it's going to go crazy on the freeway, and my ABS will suddenly kick in again, or the airbags will deploy?
Do any of you have ANY advice on how I should proceed?
I know the Forte is an EXCELLENT car. I really want to keep one, but I feel that mine is definitely a "LEMON" and I should have a new one, or equivalent, since they can't fix mine.
any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!!!
Thanks guys!