Comments on: 2003 Kia Carnival Warranty Complaint

By: Henryhing78

Henryhing78 — Sat, 04 Feb 2012 01:32:00 +0000

In Malaysia, many kia carnival has undergone engine transplantation very successfully with minimal modification on the mounting. The popular engine of choices is the Nissan cefiro 2.5l V6 engine and the Toyota Harrier engine. No more hassle after that. I guess the Koreans still need the Japanese in some way or the other..Good luck

By: Fred

Fred — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 04:32:18 +0000

Dale,

Please post or email me the details on refund. Same issue here, 2002 carnival, blown engine.

Regards,

By: Victoria

Victoria — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 07:01:09 +0000

I have read every comment on here and well aware of the problems with the 2.5ltr, what never seems to be answered is if the 2.7ltr 2006 onwards or the 3.8ltr had the same issues? I cant believe i am considering one after all i have read but stuck with very little choice here in WA for a people mover that can tow 2000tonne and have opening rear windows? thanks for any help

By: Kagail

Kagail — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 01:58:31 +0000

Hi Dale,

I am also having great difficulties with my KIA. Can you please email me the details to recoup some of the extensive costs to keep this money pit on the road.

Thank you so much.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:00:16 +0000

As someone who works for a large european manufacturer and handles warranty and requests for “goodwill” on a daily basis, i’d like to offer some suggestions regarding what your options are if something like this issue occurs with your vehicle. Firstly, if you have a relationship with a Kia dealership, then you already have some glimmer of hope that you might get some help. The dealers, despite standard aussie assumptions and steretyping, are there to help you. If you have a good relationship with them, then can go into bat for you. It’s in their interests, as good relationships mean repeat business. I know when I worked in dealerships, relationships built over time reaped lots of business. If you visit a dealer having never taken you vehicle to them before, it’s hardly realistic to expect them to feel obliged to jump up and down to Kia on your behalf. This said, the dealer can be a powerful ally, so getting them off side serves no purpose. If you bought a vehicle outside of warranty, i.e. as a used vehicle, then remember Caveat Emptor or Buyer Beware. Anyone that doesn’t use the web to research a potential purchase of a vehicle, especially a used one, is an idiot. It’s not hard, and really can save you time and money down the track. Once a vehicle leaves warranty, no manufacturer or dealer is obliged to assist you with costs, regardless of how unfair you think that may be. Some, but not all, manufacturers may offer goodwill assistance. This is entirely discretionary and is not something that can be expected just because you ask for it. If you bought a car outside of warranty that has now travelled more than 100,000km and is over 5 years old, you’re either going to need a lot of luck or really, really good solicitors. Your dealer may be able to request goodwill, and this won’t cost them to do so. If they think there is a case for Kia to cover or contribute to a repair, they should make the request pro-actively.
If you can show full kia dealer service history (on time/km intervals) and you are the original owner, you are most likely to receive assistance of some sort. However, if you’ve had Bob’s Garage service the vehicle (or you’ve done it yourself) I can almost guarantee Kia won’t even think twice about knocking your request back. Why? Simple. They have no way of knowing whether your vehicle has been serviced properly, and whether the engine has been kept in good order. The number of times i’ve seen customers ignore the service intervals and have later issues with engines doesn’t bear repeating. Sludge build up, poor quality oils, poor filters, bad fuel, you name it. So given that, why would Kia feel obligated when faced with that kind of unknown side of things? If you are unable to get assistance, please bear in mind each state and territory government has agencies such as NSW Fair Trading etc to investigate claims. You can also pursue Kia via a tribunal such as CTTT or VCAT etc. Also consider that at tribunals, information off web forums and other case examples are generally inadmissable and are disregarded when the matter is reviewed. They will simply deal with each case individually and on its own merits. I hope this gives you out there some sort of idea of what processes to try following and what options you have. Whilst I work for a european car company, it’s safe to assume under the law all manufacturers have essentially the same review processes in place for situations like this.

By: Ronald Story

Ronald Story — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 18:44:52 +0000

Greetings,

Please, suggestions and steps on how to get a refund would be so much appreciated. Thank you very much in advance.

The past 6 months our Kia Carnival 2003, has been in the shop for repairs more often than we can remember. Repairs from replaced complete cylinder head and still a heavily smoking engine, starter problems, injector malfunctioning, constant air conditioning leaks, to the car now not being able to drive in hilly or mountain areas as the engine quickly overheats. Bills and towing expenses have been piling up since.

It has been quite a nightmare for us. Thank you so much for guiding us in a direction that hopefully may bring some financial (and emotional) gratification.

Dale, thank you for keeping up the good work!

By: Slimer

Slimer — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 16:04:20 +0000

Our Kia Carnival Classic is 10 years old and served us well. Today had to get it towed, started overheating called NRMA and there was oil and water mixing in the head gasket.

So it must be the dreaded engine failure. NRMA have it at their service center now and will give the bad news on Monday.

Does anyone know if KIA Australia will help to repair the engine if it has to be replaced given the age of the car?

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 00:34:10 +0000

Has anyone had any joy with a different type of engine conversion, or a cheaper supplier for a repalcement than those being peddalled in Australia at around $5800?

By: krisma

krisma — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 07:33:03 +0000

Hi Dale i would also love to have to get
the details that i need to try and get a a refund.
cheers
krisma

By: Libyan Embassy

Libyan Embassy — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:55:34 +0000

We have a Kia Carnival here at an embassy in Canberra that is approximately 8 years old with 111000 kms on the speedo. It has the same overheating problem everyone else appears to have. The embassy is thinking of replacing the engine but that seems to be a waste of time and money. Any suggestions? Any chance Kia will pay for some if not all of a replacement engine, if that is the only way forward?