SAN ANTONIO — David Lee was visiting family in Georgia when his KIA Sorento started to lose power on the highway and then broke down 20 minutes later.
The San Antonio man didn't know exactly where to take the car but he eventually had it towed to Kia AutoSport of Columbus. That was in February.
That dealership eventually determined the engine was still under warranty but the approval process and repair took a combined three months. Lee flew back to San Antonio and then returned to Georgia in May to pick the car up.
He stayed in Georgia for a few weeks to assist his family. Unfortunately, the car didn't stay fixed.
"We had it for two weeks and it broke down again. They said it was a coil. I said that should have been part of the original repair," Lee said.
The dealership now wanted around $484 to fix a single ignition coil. The dealership's representatives said the coil wasn't under warranty. Lee didn't understand why that would cause the engine to shut down and he also didn't understand why it wasn't addressed in the original engine repair. As a retired postal worker, Lee didn't have much money to fix it.
Lee then had to return to San Antonio on a pre-planned flight and leave the car at the dealership again. Eventually he called KENS 5.
"I want the engine made whole," Lee said. "I need peace of mind that when I get in the vehicle it will be good and safe."
KENS 5 then reached out to KIA's corporate office and asked if they could assist Lee. A spokesman first told KENS 5 Lee's warranty had actually expired and his engine repair was "approved outside of normal process."
KENS 5 sent KIA more questions asking if the ignition coil was the only thing needed to fix the engine or if there was some other issue that made it break down. KIA then took another look at the situation at the dealership. A week later, KIA Customer Care told Lee they would made the repair for free.
"They said they were going to do it under good will and the repairs would be made by KIA." Lee said. "That's a relief! Yes, for $500 that is a great relief."
KIA later sent KENS 5 a statement that said, in part, "We also spoke to Mr. Lee and advised that the repair is imminent and he is grateful.”
Lee is thankful the dealership made those repairs after all. He's also glad he called KENS 5.
"I really appreciate KENS reaching out and helping get this matter resolved," Lee said. "If you have a problem and can't get it resolved, reach out to KENS 5."
If you have a problem like this, we want to help you fix it! In our series, Call KENS, we do our best to solve problems for our viewers. The number to call is 210-470-KENS, or fill out the form on this page.
