ComplaintsforKia of St. Cloud

• Initial Complaint

  08/27/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I strongly discourage anyone from purchasing a vehicle from KIA of St. Cloud. In less than three months of owning a 2020 KIA ********* with ****** miles from this dealership, I have already had to replace the alternator, the transmission, and the batteryan alarming sign that the dealership fails to properly inspect their vehicles before sale. The vehicle has also required three tows since purchase.The service departments lack of accountability is equally troubling. Upon purchase, they were supposed to replace a faulty seatbelt. Instead, they ordered the wrong part and installed it in the wrong seat, highlighting a serious lack of attention to detail.The most alarming issue occurred when the vehicle lost power completely while I was driving 65 mph on the highway, leaving me without brakes or power steering, and resulting in a collision. Despite the gravity of this incident, the dealership showed no sympathy and even attempted to charge me for a new battery that should have been checked when they replaced the alternator. It was later determined that the wrong battery had been installed, causing the alternator to fail.*****, the sales manager, exhibited unprofessional behavior throughout this ordeal, insisting that "a battery test isn't done after an alternator is replaced" and attempting to manipulate my words to avoid responsibility. He also admitted that the dealership does not perform safety checks after every service, which raises significant concerns about their overall commitment to customer safety. After much resistance, they finally replaced the battery, but the experience has left me with serious doubts about their service quality.

  

  Business response

  08/27/2024

  Alternator was replaced under a service contract on 8/9/24 at ***** miles. Vehicle was towed back in on 8/27/24 at ***** with a dead battery. *** of St Cloud replaced the battery at no charge to the customer as a courtesy. 

  Customer response

  08/28/2024

   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.

• Initial Complaint

  07/29/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I brought my 2012 ****** outback to *** of Saint Cloud for an oil change they did not place my car parts right properly in my car due to my oil plug coming out after 2 days of getting a oil change *** of Saint Cloud replaced my engine with a faulty engine with a bed head gasket which caused my car to smoke and burned my radiator that I just got replaced due to *** telling me that was a problem needing to be fixed on my vehicle

  

  Business response

  07/29/2024

  Vehicle came in on 12/20/23 at ****** miles and an oil change was performed. Vehicle left. Vehicle was towed back on 12/29/23 at ****** miles. ****** died and would not restart. We found the oil drain plug was missing. ****** was replaced at the expense of *** of St Cloud. 12 month warranty was provided. Vehicle left. Vehicle came back on 4/1/24 at ****** miles leaking coolant. We found the radiator was cracked at lower radiator hose and radiator was in need of replacement. Customer declined the repair and vehicle left. Vehicle was driven back in on 7/1/24 at ****** miles overheating. Customer stated other mechanic just replaced the radiator. At this time we found the cylinder head gasket was failed. Vehicle drove approximately 7065 miles with a leaking radiator which eventually resulted in the head gasket failing. Since the engine did have a warranty on it we again replaced the engine. During the engine replacement we did find the new radiator that was installed by another mechanic was not holding pressure. We provided and estimate to replace the radiator and the customer. They declined the repair and said they would go back to the mechanic that installed the radiator. After the engine replacement we also found the heater core is plugged not allowing coolant to properly flow through the engine. We provided and estimate to replace the heater core to the customer. The customer has declined the repair at this time. This vehicle can not be driven with a leaking radiator or a plugged heater core. Both repairs are necessary to make the vehicle drivable. If the vehicle is driven with these cooling system failures it will result in another engine failure. If the vehicle is driven from the dealership with these failures the warranty on the engine will be void. We are recommending the customer either authorize *** of St ******************** to perform the repairs or the vehicle be towed to the repair facility that will perform the repairs.  

  Customer response

  07/31/2024

   I am rejecting this because My vehicle, has been repeatedly brought in for service, resulting in significant financial and personal inconvenience.
  I have paid $160 for multiple diagnostics, and my car was kept for more than two weeks as the dealership attempted to identify the issue. Despite being told that my car was in good condition, I continued to experience problems. Initially, I had my radiator replaced. due to a faulty engine with a bad head gasket provided by ***. This faulty engine caused my new radiator to burn out.
  *** then informed me that the new engine was overheating because it needed a heater core, which is connected to the radiator. Which also cost me $1,354.73 just for the heater core. As a result, my recently replaced radiator was damaged and is no longer functional. I was asked to pay $2,093 for the repair of the radiator and gaskets for the engine. After negotiations, *** offered to reduce the cost to $203.94 for coolant and gaskets, which I still find unfair given the circumstances.
  Furthermore, during a previous service, the dealership failed to replace the oil plug after an oil change, leading to further complications. These repeated issues have caused me significant financial damage, forced me to rely on alternative transportation, and left me paying for a car that I cannot drive.
  Before the engine replacement, my car was working perfectly fine without any issues. I believe that the damages to my car are a direct result of the faulty parts and service provided by **** I am requesting a resolution that does not require me to bear the financial burden of these damages and repairs.
  
  I hope to resolve this matter amicably and look forward to your prompt response.
  
  Sincerely,  
  ************************;
  
  
  

  

  Business response

  08/01/2024

  The failure of the heater core is not related to the head gasket failure. Its possible that the heat core was the cause of the failure of the 2nd engine. Understanding the circumstances we decided to cover this engine the 2nd time. There is no coverage for the heater core. 

  Customer response

  08/02/2024

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Before the engine replacement, my car was working perfectly fine without any issues. My heater core was in perfect working condition before this situation arose. I brought my car to *** of Saint Cloud multiple times for diagnostics to identify any potential issues, and each time I was told that my car was fine and that I should not have any more problems. This is **** second time replacing the engine in my car due to previous inconveniences caused by ************* I believe the damages to my car are a direct result of the faulty parts and improper diagnostics and service provided by *** of Saint Cloud. I am requesting a resolution that does not require me to bear the financial burden of these damages and repairs.
  

• Initial Complaint

  02/14/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On 11/10/23 I had an appointment with Kia of St. Cloud to have a repair done on my car. Upon arriving, I requested the replace the door motor actuator (part ***** 4D500). They refused to do the work as requested. They mandated I must pay the $159.95 diagnostic. I begrudgingly agreed assuming that would be credited back in a labor reduction when they confirmed the issue and replaced the part. Unfortunately, they came back with the requirement that I buy an entire new sliding door drive unit for $1,565 (R/O #*******) if I wanted them to fix the issue. Knowing that they have attempted to sell me on unnecessary expensive repairs in the past. I immediately recognized this as another scam. I refused to buy the expensive part so they refused to complete the repair. However, I did go to the service desk and purchased the needed motor actuator for $25.40 and installed it myself the following weekend to complete the repair. I find it highly unethical that *** refuses to conduct requested services. Instead they mandate one pays for a fake diagnostic. They have the consumer on the hook for either paying an expensive diagnostic fee or better yet, the purchase of expensive unneeded parts. I did reach out to both *** about my concern through their complaint resolution portal and they responded there is little they could do because the dealership is independently owned. I responded to Kia of St. Cloud through their satisfaction survey where I selected the option that I wish for a manager to contact me. It has now been over 90 days with no acknowledgement. For reference: As I mentioned earlier, this is not my first issue with Kia of St. Cloud. They installed a new serpentine belt and pulley incorrectly causing a squeal. When I returned, I was told the noise was a bad power steering pump and high-pressure line (R/O #*******/1). I went home, corrected the improper tension and have past five more years of driving on the "bad" power steering pump.

  

  Business response

  02/14/2024

  We will reimburse customer $159.95 as a goodwill gesture

  Customer response

  02/14/2024

   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.

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a truck from *** of Saint Cloud 98 days ago (9/21/2023) and picked up the vehicle the following day (9/22/2023). I was issued a *********************************************************************************** my county. They claimed it would only take a couple weeks but they still have not been able to send anything for me to legally drive my vehicle. They claim they do not have the lien released from the previous owner so therefore they can not do anything for me, how could they sell the truck in the first place if they have no way to send registration information? They will not issue me another temporary tag or have any sense of urgency for the situation. I have paid for the vehicle and have not been able to drive it for 53 days now with the temporary tag being expired. It is a 380 dollar ticket in my state if I drive it on the road while un-registered and a **** on my driving record. This issue needs to be resolved immediately and there needs to be repercussions to the dealership because this should not have ever been a problem in the first place.

  

  Business response

  01/02/2024

  Our office manager ************************* has since been in touch with the customer. And has all the proper title work in and clear now. 

• Initial Complaint

  06/28/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I made a verbal agreement to purchase a car. Love the car. Eventually we agreed I would get the $2000 warranty for free. Somewhere between the salesman's and managers agreement the the paper work reflected differently. I didn't catch it and signed. The next day I looked closer at the paper work and calculated out that I was charged 100% for the warranty. I called the salesman *** (***************************) and he took a closer look. He asked me to come in to talk to his manager ****. I did this that very evening 6-27-22. I waited a bit and **** came out to talk to me. At first he denied I was charged for it. When I pushed and showed him what I calculated out he finally said, I see it. Then he offered me a $2,000 dollar check. I said at this point, I really don't want to do business with *** in St. Cloud. He said he couldn't cancel the sales. I asked who could and he said we can't DMV already has you as the owner. I said I highly doubt that, they are not that fast. He said yes they are. The sale was Sat. and this was the following Monday. Anyway I asked what if I check at work in the morning since I am in the same building. He shrugged his shoulders and said the car is mine. He was offering to do me right by giving me a $2,000 check. I said I think you can cancel the sale you jus wont. I said I don't trust *** and I really don't want to do business with them. He said he I'm trying to do you right. I said, fine cut me the **** check and you will never see me here again. He then closed his folder and said, ****, I'm not doing anything. The car is yours, I was trying to be nice and now I'm not doing anything for you. Good bye. I said that isn't very good business now you won't even give me the check. He said I tried, you don't want it and we are done. I said I just said give me the check. He said no and then he got up and left. I don't think he had any intensions of ever giving me a check.

  

  Business response

  08/18/2022

  ******

   We understand that ****************** claims that **** represented to her that she would not have to pay for the warranty plan that she requested in connection with the purchase of a vehicle from KOSC. This is not correct.When ****************** was originally contemplating a purchase of a 2018 ***** Accord, the purchase price was stated as $31,999. ****************** then informed KOSC that she wanted to purchase a warranty plan for the vehicle. If KOSC had added the cost of the warranty plan to the cost of the purchase, which was $2,000, the terms of the transaction would not have been acceptable to *****************. As a result of this, and to accommodate ******************, KOSC amended the purchase price of the vehicle to $29,999, which was a decrease of $2,000, and then added cost of the warranty to the transaction. As a result, the net cost of the transaction for ****************** did not increase even with the addition of the warranty.

   

  Thanks

  *****************************

  ************ store

  *************************************

  Customer response

  08/23/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  

  It is untrue.  To think that I would actually pay more for this car used 4 years old with ****** miles on it than it was when it was brand new takes a special kind of person.  *** is not an upstanding dealership.
  

  

  Business response

  08/23/2022

  ******

   The facts that we provided were true. The customer negotiated her deal based off of a payment. There was nothing we did misleading. All our numbers including the discount and warranty from our e-pencil for were completely clear and presented upfront before any financing  or signing was done on the vehicle. The customer came in on this specific vehicle she found PRICED online. The vehicle was exactly what was advertised. And the customer negotiated a better price than she found it online for. Unfortunately there is nothing else to resolve this issue.

• Initial Complaint

  03/07/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I saw a 2022 Kia ***** that i wanted to purchase. due to the ******19 impact, car manufactures are not making as much and/or there is lack of inventories within car dealers. I was supprise to see Kia of St. Cloud had this car available. I entered the dealership and express my interest to purchase. the sales guy and myself took the car for a test drove while his use car manager complete my trade assessment. When we got back, I was told my trade value was $19K. I agree to then proceed with the transaction. upon reviewing the offer purchase, I notice a charge for $895. I asked what that was and was told its an accessory to purchase an undercoating for the new car. I said i don't want it since that would increase by monthly payment by $13. the sales rep told me his managers would not sell the car without the purchase of this accessory. The sales guy said that his manager said they WILL NOT sell me the car if i don't purchase this accessory. there are no other dealer with this car and they make it mandatory if i wanted to get the car. in disbelieve, i got the car since i say no and was walking out and they called me back and now give me $19250 for my trade. Next day i called the manager and said am going to the attorney general and they took the car back.My brother in law then went and same thing happened. This is not a price they advertise that is included. no law states the consumer HAS to purchase an accessory. Please Help stop this fraud! for that $895, A person payment is increasing based on the term and the cost for this unnecessary product can cost as much as $1500 when finance charged is applied. HELP HELP HELP

  

  Business response

  03/07/2022

  This customer bought a car from us and we let him return it the next day.  All charges were explained

  Customer response

  03/07/2022

   I am rejecting this response because: the dealership is not taking any responsibility and member of my family was also forced to purchase an unwanted accessory product which is not a mandated sale by law. This dealership is causing financial hardship to its customer and soon, customers will force to either face a repossession due to the increase in monthly payment by at least $13 monthly based on 84 months terms or a greater increase in monthly payment if the finance terms are lower. They need to refund the amount financed to my family member and apologize  to me for causing me to lose my dream car when they were the only dealership that had it and know that. because of this dealership and me, not being able to maintain a higher payment, i was forced to give up the car of my dream since they FORCED me to unlawfully purchase an item that is not required and/or mandatory. I can be reached at ************. 
  

  

  Business response

  03/14/2022

  We are sorry that the customer was not satisfied with the purchase of the ************************************ question made the purchase, a rust protection package was also purchased, which was disclosed in accordance with MN law as part of his purchase agreement. After entering into the agreement, the customer informed us that he was not happy with the purchase of the rust protection package. As a result, which we were not obligated to do,we unwound the transaction at the customer's request the day after the purchase was completed. The rust protection was an accessory that was applied to the vehicle in question prior to it being purchased by the customer. We are permitted to charge for the accessory so long as it is fully disclosed in the transaction paperwork. Again, we are sorry this customer is not satisfied with his experience.

  Customer response

  03/14/2022

   I am rejecting this response because:
  
  this dealer is not being truthful. I have proof and have witness that can validate what they are saying is not true in the slightest. once i purchased the car, i would have had to take the car back a week later to get the rust undercoating done. I stopped the transaction at the sale floor rejecting the "UNAPPLIED" accessory and once again stop the transaction in the financing office. We can request the dealer camera to verify what am saying. I was flat out told, "IF YOU DONT PURCHASE THIS ACCESSORY, WE WILL NOT SELL THIS CAR TO YOU" if this dealer is now saying that they undercoat all car before selling it, then the dealer is forcing a customer to purchase an item that is not required by A) the financing company, B) the *********** and C) by law. that would mean the dealership is extorting money from the customer since the customer does have an option to purchase a NON-REQUIRED accessory. 

  the reason for this complaint is because, I was told in order to purchase a new car, I need to buy this product and was told in front of a witness that, if I were to trade the car, i would at least get $2K more than what its worth.

  My brother-in-law just received his car, where he was FORCE to purchase this same product. this transaction was a pre-sale transaction. the dealer sold this car to him 16days before he actually receive this car. this car was in transit and got delivered to the dealer. is this dealership saying KIA *********** is the company that is applying the undercoating in which my brother-in-law HAD to purchase? Is KIA *********** forcing the customer to buy this accessory?

  ********************- Please advice if a complaint needs to be filed with the ************************* I will be seeking legal action/ramification since I feel like myself and others has been taken advantage of. 

• Initial Complaint

  11/16/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello, I am writing to inform you of an incident that happened with me and *** of Saint Cloud recently. In August of this year, *** sold me a used Red 2016 ***** Equinox. I had the car for a week and i could tell there was a noise coming from engine, so I had brought the car in for a different fix at the time but I brought up that the engine didn't sound right and it was louder than normal vehicles. The sales guy that sold me the car stated, that these cars run louder. I told the service technician regarding the noise and asked if they even inspect there cars before they sell them. The service guy told me they do inspect them and these cars normally run louder. About another weeks goes by I contacted the sales guys regarding the same issue that the car sounds really loud etc. The sales guy kept pushing back that he couldn't meet with me due to other clients etc. Probably another week goes by and then we finally were able to meet up face to face. I told *********************** that the car is super loud and something is wrong. ***** stated, "It is all in my HEAD" and "that I am trying to make up things up because I don't like the car". In October I was up north at my parents place and the car breaks down on me. I called the dealership and spoke to a manager and told him everything that happened and he told me that he would call me back within a hour. (Manger never called me back) A lady from the service department called me and asked me to bring the car to the shop so they could look at the car. I told her the car won't start and I am 5 hours away. She stated that they can't do anything unless they have the car at the shop. I had the car brought to the dealership in ***************** and they looked at the car and found extensive damage. I called *** again and asked to speak to a different manager, left this manager a voicemail. (He never returned my call). I finally was able to get my car back to saint cloud and brought to the dealership. Timing chain flipped hit pistons

• Initial Complaint

  10/11/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On June 4th 2021, I bought a car from ********** of ***************. I have tried working with them to send my vehicle title so I can register the car and obtain tabs. It's now October 8th 2021, and they still can't tell me what's wrong and why I can't get the title. I went to my local DMV, they told me nothing they can do. What course of action do I have?

  

  Business response

  10/25/2021

  ********************* did come into Kia of St. Cloud and purchase a 2017 Kia ******** on June 4th 2021.  We did have a delay in getting the vehicle titled into his name.  The lien release  from the person that traded in the vehicle was delayed.  I am happy to report that everything has been handled.  The ****************** issued title to ************** on October 13th.  The ** Drive system now show him as the registered owner of the vehicle.  If ***** has not received his title yet it will be to him any day.  If he checks with the *** he will see that everything is done.  I apologize for the delay, sometimes these things take a little longer than people think they should.  

*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. ↩