Complaints

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/28/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I am writing to express my frustration regarding my recent experience with ALM concerning my vehicle, which I brought in for a recall service. I was initially informed that I would receive my car back within a week; however, it has now been nearly 9 days without resolution.I have been told that the check engine light is on due to a thermostat issue. The service advisor claims that this service is not covered under ***** 60,000-mile warranty and that I would now have to pay $200 diagnostic fee to retrieve my vehicle. However, after conducting my own research, I have found that the thermostat is actually covered under ***** 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain *********** address this matter, I have opened a case with *** corporate (Case #********) for further assistance. I believe this situation is quite unreasonable and would appreciate your prompt attention to resolve these issues.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/28/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today. Unfortunately the thermostat is not considered part of your *** power train warranty. Our diagnostic fee will be credited to the vehicle if you choose to have the repair completed in our shop, if not then the diagnostic fee will be charged. We look forward to assisting you with this situation. 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/19/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a car on February 21st of 2025 from this dealership everything was fine until the expiration of my temporary. It was then that I found out the dealership never conducted an emissions test before selling me the car which goes against a law specifically in Atlanta. After getting the emissions test my tag at this point is expired so I go to the Henry county tag office on April 15th only for them to tell me the dealership has not submitted any paperwork for me to receive my tag and title. I have contacted the dealership and they said they would check on it but has not gotten back to me about an update even after texting and calling again I was ignored by both the salesperson and the financial manager.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/21/2025

  Thank you for letting us know, your title work was sent to the **** it was not processed due to the vehicle lacking a current emissions. We appreciate you letting us know you have completed this part, we will see if the *** can complete the tag work now. Hopefully you picked up a tag extension while you were at the **** If you did not complete the emissions bring the vehicle to us, we will assist you.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 04/27/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is somewhat satisfactory but I still would like an update on when I will receive my tag and registration.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Jylen Southerland

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/17/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  ALM Kia south uses constant harassment, and cold calling tactics. I have asked to be taken off the call list on five occasions, they call about once per hour from different numbers.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/18/2025

  Thanks for letting us know. We advised our third party vendors to discontinue contacting you in the future

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/15/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  2023 ************ purchased 12/2023, car has always had a shake like drive, I went to the *** union city dealership multiple times related to this, even was told to change the rotators which i did, no difference. the master mechanics told me these vehicles are just like this when driving. i have replace tires twice an brake pads no change, then the fuel pump went out an injector i was told barley made it to *** **************, few months later the windshield wipers not working correctly, was told motor is bad, 2 months later now i have a oil leak around the pan an seal, was told bad parts put on, do not know what that mean from a brand-new vehicle. next, the air filter valve on dashboard flashing in red with check engine light. Based on all these events this suv is bad was not put together correctly at all. I am suffering using more lifts/ ***** rentals/loosing time at work due to being sold a defected vehicle. i have contacted *** corporate i listed my claim number i was given

  Business Response

  Date: 04/15/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today regarding your 2023 Sportage. Unfortunately we have not reviewed your claims as we have not been servicing your vehicle. We are delighted you have contacted *** for assistance. If we can assist you do not hesitate to contact us and we will need to see the vehicle.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/02/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The dealership had me sign for a car and was not able to pick it up for two weeks due to service. 2 weeks later my car broke down with the same issue they claimed to fix. I had to take my car to ******** in order to get it fixed correctly. ******** informed me that the dealer damaged the part and I had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed ($1,438). ALM then gives me a check for $500 yesterday (4/1). i tried to deposit the check today and the bank said that the check was not good. I drove to ALM to get the issue sorted. There was a salesperson there that threatened to fight me, the dealership kept hanging up on me when I tried to call, they printed a check that does not cash or deposit. The whole business is giving me the run around. All of the employees have such a rude demeanor and I do not feel this is how paying customers should be treated.

  Business Response

  Date: 04/03/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today. The check is a positive pay check meaning it can be deposited today or cashed tomorrow. The 1988 ******** was sold as is, with no warranty from the dealer. As a gesture of goodwill we offered to pay your tow bill. The radiator hoses are not covered under the warranty you purchased for the vehicle as they are considered wear items. Please deposit the check tomorrow.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/27/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I came to ALM Kia South in Feb 2025, and purchased a new 2025 *** *** I came in with my 2021 ***** Malibu as a trade in. I was assigned to a dealer and I explained to him that I was interested in getting the used 2021 *** that they had online, he never honored my request and immediately tried coercing me into getting a new **** He lied to me and told me that if I purchased a new 2025 *** that I would get a rebate and discount, I believed the lie and went through with the purchase. I also came in with a pre-approval from my bank and asked him numerous times not to run my credit with other lenders as I know a lot of hard pulls would decrease my credit score. He never honored that request and pulled my credit 8+ times from different lenders, this ruined my credit score, so if I did decide not to purchase a car there my score would be too low to purchase from a different dealership which basically forced me to get a car from this dealership, we never used any of those lenders and we ended up using my bank which I initially requested. I also let him know that I was only purchasing a car because I needed it for my Homestead exemption for my new home. Now fast forward I have the new *** *** I never received a rebate or discount, my credit score has decreased 30+ points, and my license plate has not arrived from ALM so I wont be able to get my homestead exemption, which will now increase my taxes on my home. This whole experience has really destroyed my life, and I am ready to sue this company for malpractice and unethical sales tactics. Everything I asked for I did not get, the K4 that I have drives terribly, it sounds like a motorcycle when I drive it and I am just extremely unhappy. I wish I never came in, everyday I regret this decision. I have taken my car back to the dealerships repair center only for them to tell me not to use manual drive. Its been 30+ days and still no license plate. My tags are now expired and the car is inoperable without plates.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/27/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today. Unfortunately on a new car sometimes it takes a little longer to secure the title work for a brand new vehicle. The state of GA allows the customer to go to the *** with their bill of sale and receive an extension at no charge. This extension will be good for 30 days. We will have resolution with in 12 days from today. We appreciate your time and apologize for this issue. Thank you again for your understanding 

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/24/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a vehicle from ALM Kia South on January 11, 2025. The dealership issued a temporary Georgia registration and agreed to handle all necessary paperwork, including transferring the title to my lienholder and submitting registration documents to the *******************************, as I am a ********* *********** has now been over 73 days since the purchase, and the dealership has failed to complete these legal requirements. My lienholder has not received the title, and I am unable to register the vehicle in ********* as a result. I have contacted the Tennessee DOR, Georgia DOR, and my lienholder, and all confirm that the dealership has not submitted the required documents.I spoke with someone at the dealership two weeks ago March 14, and he acknowledged the delay and said they would get to it, but no action has been taken since then. The holdup was that they were waiting on the title of my trade in; but I explained that I gave the title to the finance manager who I completed the sale with. I am unable to legally register or transfer ownership of the vehicle, which puts me at risk of legal penalties through no fault of my own, and I am stuck paying for a car I am unable to legally drive.Also the street number on my documents should have been 159, not 150.Resolution Sought:I am requesting that the dealership complete the title transfer and registration paperwork, and send the title to my lienholder or state DMV so I can register the vehicle in ********* and bring everything into compliance. Some sort of status update or tracking information will be greatly appreciated.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/25/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today, yes we received your title late February. The title work was processed and returned to us by TN. We are shipping back to ** today. Will send you tracking numbers once I have them.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/25/2025

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ********

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/22/2025

  Type:Sales and Advertising Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a vehicle from the dealership on February 8th, and was waiting on the dealership to register the vehicle and send me the permanent tag. I never received the registration or tag and now the temporary tag will expire on March 23rd more than a month from the purchase date. I have been calling the dealership and I have spoken to ****** and ***** in the finance department and *** the car salesman. On March 18th ****** assured me that he would be sending another temporary tag expedited. I have not received it as of March 22nd, 2023. I am calling the dealership and now they are not responsive to my calls and request. I love the car but need them to resolve the tag issues so I can drive my car and not fear being stopped by the police again.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/25/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today. We have submitted your title work and awaiting a response. We appreciate your patience and look forward to expediting your tag to you soon

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/21/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  On February 28, 2025, I purchased a used 2021 white Kia **** from ALM Kia South, making a $500 down payment. I was assured the vehicle had been detailed and had undergone a 20-point inspection. However, upon receiving the car, it was evident that it had not been cleaned since its trade-in in December 2024. Additionally, the right headlight needed replacement, the driver-side internal light was out, and the ventilation system malfunctioned, blowing hot air while the A/C was on. On March 7, I returned the car for the promised inspection and detailing, but the service team was unaware of these requests due to a lack of communication from my sales representative, ******* *****. As a result, I waited over four hours for these services to be completed. On March 13, I was informed by the finance department that my loan with ****************** was denied due to my new job's start date not being finalized. I immediately spoke with ******* from finance to confirm the return process and reimbursement of my down payment. She did not confirm how the refund would be issued. The following day, March 14, I received multiple calls from management stating that if I did not return the car by the end of the day, it would be marked as stolen, and the police would be sent to my home. I returned the car at 7:50 PM. At that time, I was assured by ******* and her manager that the vehicle had been inspected and that my $500 down payment would be refunded, with a receipt issued on March 17. However, as of today, March 21, I have not received my refund or the promised receipt. Despite multiple follow-ups via phone and text on March 19 and 20, ******* ******, *******, and Izzy from the finance team have failed to respond or provide an update on my reimbursement. I am requesting immediate action to ensure the prompt return of my $500 down payment. Additionally, I urge ALM Kia South to implement better communication and ethical business practices to prevent this from happening to other customers.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/21/2025

  Thank you for contacting us today. We have applied the bailment agreement that you signed during delivery. Unfortunately there will not be a refund issued.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 03/31/2025

   
  Complaint: 23097395
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I am rejecting the business's response because the bailment agreement was upheld, and the car was returned when contacted. When the car was returned and inspected, I received a confirmation message from ******* in finance confirming the down payment would be processed on 3/17/25. I have attached the bailment agreement and the confirmation from *******.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  Shekinah ******

  Business Response

  Date: 03/31/2025

  The bailment agreement you signed is quite clear. I have attached again for the reference. No monies will be refunded.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:03/17/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I purchased a car from ALM Kia South on January 25 the night I purchased the car I was not given any paperwork. I asked for the paperwork and was told it would be mailed to me. I now have an expired temporary tag and paying for a vehicle I cannot get tags on because I live in **. I have called ALM *** everyday for three weeks just up get the run around. I called my finance company and they still do not have the title work for the car. They have also contacted the dealership and no one has called them back. I am not sure how to pay for a vehicle that no one has any paperwork on.

  Business Response

  Date: 03/19/2025

  We apologize for this inconvenience.  We appreciate your patience while we work thru this issue with the auction. In the meantime I will have a temp tag issued and shipped to overnight. We should have this resolved by the end of next week