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Knock sensor, 2014 2.0 GDI- Looking for recall success stories?

2289 Views 5 Replies 4 Participants Last post by  KWS
I'm seeing some similar stories here but I'm hoping to collect some successful outcomes as a guide for how to proceed with my own ride.

My Forte is at 156k, it's been burning oil since at least 85k. I took it in for a repair check at 95k, but it passed their tests. I should have persisted while it was still in the original warranty, that would have saved me a massive headache. Anyway, it burns through 1-2 quarts every week, depending on distance covered. The factory cat was fouled and failed about a year ago. I've got a cheap cat on there now (alt Kia part) until the oil problem can get fixed, but that savings has been interrupted by this knock sensor.

I had the recall work done last May, and the sensor tripped a few weeks ago. I've got it at a dealership now, and there are differences between what the dealership is describing and what this recall notice says. The notice that says upon completion of the work, that knock repairs will be repaired out to 15/150. The dealership is looking at the service history and saying that because the car received passing results 8 months ago, the warranty coverage no longer applies??? They make these helpful little videos to walk service customers through their inspection results, but the video shows the only thing they're looking at "inside the engine" is the test results dated last May.

Now, I have no idea what the hell is wrong with this engine. My supposition is that the knock report touches upon a root mechanical issue and is likely related in SOME way to the burning oil. Without knowing what the actual problem is, I don't know whether or not there is any actual legit warranty coverage.

But the diagnosis performed by the dealership has been limited to the presence of the code. They're saying "you've got this code, you've got no warranty, you need a new engine." There has seemingly been no actual validation of whatever it was that tripped the sensor, or whether or not that trigger was physical damage that falls into the warranty terms.

My local Kia dealerships have been horribly inconsistent. One is running a shady parts pricing scheme, another refused to take my limping/knocking engine without an appt, and the shop that did the recall work last year tried denying there was any warranty coverage by the work at all. The dealership it's at now has a much better attitude, but I have concerns about their process. Kia's customer assistance reps have been more helpful generally, but all their help so far hasn't actually solved anything just yet.

IF YOU'VE HAD RECALL SUCCESS with this or any similar issue, what did the trick? Was there someone in particular you needed to talk to, was there something specific you said that got attention or results? The folks at Kia corporate do seem to be taking what I'm saying seriously, but sympathy is still a little less useful than a solution..!
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Sounds like you (Dave) are driving approx 17k per year. You need to either get a loan for another ride, or move your residence to within walking / bike-riding distance of your employer.

I remember those early years of 45 years ago and not having a dependable ride or dependable, short-distanced job. You will figure this out eventually (hopefully very quickly) and someday draw a laugh (or 3) from these financial-struggling years currently.

Good luck to you and the first step I would take is finding a buyer for that very sick ride that sits inside your dealership. It may be there - that you find your best deal for the sick Forte. Use whatever that sum is, to put a down payment on another ride at a different brand dealership or accredited used vehicle sales lot..
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