ComplaintsforHappy Kia

• Initial Complaint

  03/04/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Billing Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On January 6, 2024, my husband and I went to look at a used vehicle. We were asked to complete a form including general information and allowed them to see my driver's license before test-driving the vehicle. I was asked how I intended to pay for the vehicle and told them I was not ready to discuss that at this time. Before the salesman left I asked if the dealership was going to do a "hard credit inquiry" with the information I gave them and they said "no, it would be just a soft inquiry". Shortly after the visit, my credit report shows a "hard inquiry" was done. I have contacted the dealership repeatedly via email and phone. I have spoken to the salesperson who told me it would be a "soft inquiry" and to the manager, *****. During our last conversation, the manager requested that I file a dispute with the credit bureau. I told him "no", that it requires a tremendous amount of work on my part and that Happy Kia messed up not me. They need to fix it. The manager, *****, told me he would fix it. It has been two weeks, and it has not been rectified. Honestly, I had a great experience there. I had every intention of returning and doing business with them. However, after this, I regret that I do not feel comfortable doing business with them and would not recommend their services. This could have been quickly resolved, and I would have accepted an apology if they had admitted to the mistake. Now, I feel differently and lack complete confidence in their business. Resolution Requested: Remove hard inquiry from my credit report dated 01/06/2024

  Business response

  03/06/2024

  BBB,

  Thank you for bringing this misunderstanding to our attention and we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused ******************.

  To be clear, a hard credit inquiry occurs when a company, such as Happy Kia, checks your credit by making application for an auto loan after completing and signing a credit application authorizing the credit inquiry. ****************** completed and signed a credit application for an auto loan.

  Soft inquiries typically occur when a person or company checks your credit as part of a background check for a credit card application or for employment. This type of inquiry does not require a credit application and signature.

  Once the credit application is made with a lending institution, there is no way to rescind the application, it is a credit check which is considered a hard credit check. 

  There is no method to change a hard credit check to a soft credit inquiry. They are two different instruments.

   

  Respectfully,

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

  Happy Kia

  Customer response

  03/08/2024

   
  Complaint: 21378410
  
  I am rejecting this response because I was specifically told by the salesman that is was a "soft inquiry" not a "hard inquiry".  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  03/13/2024

  BBB,

  When submitting a credit application to a financial institution for an automobile loan, there is not a choice the type of credit check is performed. It is always a hard credit check. A soft credit is for background checks, not for submitting an application of credit for an automobile loan.

  From FORBES ADVISOR

  Hard Vs. Soft Credit Check
  Some credit checks are known as hard, while others are soft. The difference between the two terms has to do with how each type of inquiry may impact your credit scores.
  Hard Credit Check
  A hard credit check or inquiry usually takes place when you apply for something. When a hard inquiry shows up on your credit report, theres a chance it could lower your credit score.
  The following types of credit checks are examples of hard inquiries.
  Loan applications (mortgage, auto, student, personal, etc.)
  Credit card applications
  Requests for credit limit increases
  Applications for lines of credit
  New utility applications
  Apartment rental applications
  Collection agency skip tracing
  Soft Credit Check
  Soft credit inquiries have no impact on your credit score. If a lender checks your credit report, soft credit inquiries wont show up at all. Soft inquiries are only visible on consumer disclosurescredit reports that you request personally.
  The following types of credit checks are examples of soft inquiries.
  Personal credit checks
  Pre-approved credit offers
  Insurance applications
  Account reviews by current creditors
  Employment applications

  Respectfully,

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

  Happy Kia

  Customer response

  03/14/2024

   
  Complaint: 21378410
  
  I am rejecting this response.  I completely understand the difference between a hard and soft inquiry.  That is why I asked the salesperson and he responded with "it will be a soft inquiry".   Please send me a copy of the financing application that was used to obtain my credit report.  Both ***** and ***** have my email address. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  03/14/2024

  BBB,

  I will ask Happy Kia for permission to have the credit application sent to the customer

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

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

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

  Customer response

  03/26/2024

   
  Complaint: 21378410
  
  Consumer has not received paperwork requested.
  
  

  Business response

  03/27/2024

  BBB,

  Happy Kia has sent *********************** a copy of her credit application via Express Mail.

  Thank you,

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

  Happy Kia

  Customer response

  03/30/2024

   
  Complaint: 21378410

   

  Requested paperwork was received via express mail on 03/29/2024. 
  
  I am rejecting this response based on review of the paperwork received:

  1.  The paperwork was not filled out by myself, the customer. It was filled out by the salesman. 

  **************** of the paperwork was not completed that indicates:

        a.  Type of credit purchase: retail, balloon, or lease

        b.  Type of credit being pulled: individual, joint, or individual relying on other income

  3.  Form is not dated

  Again, my complaint is that my permission was given for a "soft" credit inquiry and a "hard" credit inquiry was completed.  I am contending that the dealership misrepresented and failed to disclose the intended purpose of the form. 

  Again, I request that the dealership contact the credit company and remove the hard credit inquiry from by credit report.  

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  BBB,

  The salesperson completed the credit application using the customer's information and the customer signed the form giving ********************** the authorization to submit to a lending institution for an automotive loan.

  To reiterate, when applying an automotive loan it is always a hard credit pull. There is not another option 

  Happy Kia

  Customer response

  04/09/2024

   
  Complaint: 21378410
  
  I understand the principle of a credit inquiry for financing and know the difference between a hard inquiry and a soft inquiry. When I asked the salesman if it was a hard or soft inquiry, he assured me it was a "soft inquiry," which mislead/misinformed me. Regardless of intent, this was wrong and unethical.

  My complaint is that I was misinformed by the salesman. If he had told me that "all credit inquiries by Happy Kia are hard inquiries," I would have not given written consent for the inquiry. This is the crux of the problem. My consent for the credit inquiry was obtained fraudulently.

  Fraudulent misrepresentation occurs when someone enters into a contract based on a statement that later turns out to be false. This can be done via verbal and written communication.

  The problem is not that a hard inquiry was done, but that it was done via fraudulent verbal misrepresentation. Let's not spend any more time discussing what a credit inquiry is or what it entails. My complaint is that my consent for a credit check was obtained via fraudulent verbal misrepresentation by the salesman.

  I am requesting that Happy Kia contact the credit company used for the hard inquiry and remove the hard inquiry from my credit report. 

  Sincerely,

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

• Initial Complaint

  07/10/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Order Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  They added extra warranty to my vehicle and didnt explain any of it to me during the signing of the contract. When I went back to have them take it off, they told me my interest rate would go up 3 % if I took them off. After going back and forth for 2 days, I got 2 of the 4 warranties taken off. The other 2 warranties, they are refusing to take off even though on the paperwork it says I can decline the warranty. One of the warranties is the paint protection/package the put on the vehicle when they got it in stock but they didnt put on the sticker price. They added it to the accessories cost and are refusing to take it off. I told them I wanted a written note saying they are refusing to take it off and the General Manager said he couldnt provide me one.

  Business response

  07/18/2023

  BBB,

  RE: *******************************

  My apologies for my delay in responding. I was waiting for the general manager to return to get information pertaining to this transaction.

  There was not any extra warranty added to the vehicle. All items added to the vehicle were added prior to ****************** purchasing the vehicle and they are all disclosed on the addendum sticker added to the window next to the Monroney sticker as required by law. All addendum items were disclosed at delivery and ****************** signed and initialed her acceptance.

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

  Happy Kia

  
  
   

  Customer response

  07/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 20290622
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the Resistall 360 protection package is not listed on the window sticker. That is a cost of $1895.00 added to the vehicle cost. Never told me this was added to it until I happen to look at the paperwork later that night and have refused to take it off even though you tell me that you cant provide me with a written note saying that you cant. You also added 2 other warranties and at first you didnt want to take them off and even threatened me with higher interest rate if I did take them off. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

   

  Business response

  07/26/2023

  ************,

  ****************** is not our customer. ********************* is the ********************** customer and the registered buyer of the vehicle.
  

  Attached is the disclosure form signed at the delivery of the accepted products by **********************
  

  
  

  Respectfully,

  *********************** Consulting, LLC

  Customer response

  07/26/2023

   
  Complaint: 20290622
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the ** did not tell us was what were signing for so there for he slip the extra warranties in without telling us. Never showed us paperwork, just put it into the envelope and taped it shut. And yes I am the co-buyer so I have the right the file a complaint since I am the one making the payments not ******************. Which yall knew that!! 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  04/17/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Sales and Advertising Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  On April 14 2023, my daughter and myself bought a used *************. The website states $500 gift card with each new or used purchase. After we signed papers we asked again about gift card. **** stated he would not give it to us because they sacrificed making us a good deal.

  Business response

  05/03/2023

  BBB,

  After reading ******************************* comments and contacting the dealership for further information, I agree that *************************** was entitled to the $500 gift card.

  I personally contacted Mr. *********************** and apologized for the incident and the frustration he must have felt and I submitted a check request for the $500 to be paid to Mr. *********************** ASAP.

  ***********************, Happy Kia

  Customer response

  05/03/2023

   
  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

  04/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  My vehicle check engine light came on during the week of March 27th, I went to *********** for a diagnostic check and was told it was a purge valve which needed to be ordered from ******, next day delivery $275 part/2 hour labor. This ended up being 2 days waiting, then it only took 45 minutes labor and was covered by warranty?Then April 6th, my red warning light came on (steering wheel w/exclamation point) and my vehicle locked up. I had to have the car towed to ***********, they said service was open on Good Friday. I received a call on Friday telling me they were too busy with appointments and couldn't look at my vehicle until Monday. Monday I got a call stating it was my battery and it would be $340 with labor. I picked up my car Monday PM, and Tuesday AM at 6:30 my Check Engine came on, then the Steering wheel with exclaimation point, then my ABS, then all lights began flashing and I lost power. Had to tow again to *********** where they claim it is not my Alternator. I asked why they didnt see this when they did my battery? They did not run a diagnostic and a "tech" did my battery. This will be $800 to fix. The part was $385 at Auto Zone but I was quoted $550 plus $240 labor. I have met with 3 master mechanics yesterday and each told me the same thing, I never should have had a battery with no diagnostic, and possibly didn't even need a battery. The dealership refuses to waive any labor fees and has cost me time off work, and two towing costs in 4 days.I asked to speak with the general manager and was denied, I emailed, left voice message and personally asked to speak with service manager and only was able to speak with a clerk.This shows me they are in it for the money, and are charging people without having a ************* check the vehicle.

  Customer response

  04/12/2023

  This photo is what happened on April 11th with every warning light on my dash as I was driving.

  Business response

  04/26/2023

  BBB,

  With this situation the alternator was tested and was charging when the battery was replaced. It failed the next day. The customer had the car towed in and as it was getting towed in she called and let the advisor know it would be showing up. She had not set up any appointment and the advisor let her know we would get it in as soon as we could but with other appointments that ended up being Monday morning. Customer did not have an appointment for that Friday or ever promised we could look at it on that date. We gave the customer two options on the alternators one being autozone for $385.00 and one coming from *** for $550.00. She chose to go with the one from *** because we could get it sooner.  We offered to put the customer in a loaner at no cost to her for her troubles and she declined because she did not want to give a copy of her debit card which is in our policy to cover any damages. I also offered to personally bring her car to her in buna or at her job so she did not have to miss any more work. 

   

  ***********************, Happy Kia

  Customer response

  04/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 19926303
  
  I am rejecting this response because: statements are incorrect. I reached out to the General Manager and was denied any reply, courtesy call or ability to meet in person. I did NOT accept but was forced to take the *** ********** because the Auto Zone less expensive apparently did not fit. I brought my *** to a dealership so they could get parts that fit my car. They called me at work stating they tried 2 different alternators and neither fit so now they had ordered from *** and it would be a few more days to arrive. This was not a choice, I was told that was what was being done. Wrapping this entire event up, I was told the car was ready, when I arrived the noise coming off my vehicle (which I have video) sounded like it was ready to fall apart. The advisor drove it under the canopy and told me to wait right where I was and she was going to grab a mechanic/TECH. They told me that always happens when you get a new alternator, and start the A/C? At this point, I had figured out and already discussed matters with others who knew better. The following morning, the entire front wheel fender liner/wheel well fell off dragging on my front right tire. Seems quite coincidental that each time I have brought my vehicle to *** in *******, the next day something happens to it. I called to speak with *** who told me I could call anytime, she denied my (3) calls and instead had the lady in service call to tell me, they never touched my front end and had nothing to do with anything near my front wheel. So, once again left without a vehicle I have purchased the parts and had them installed elsewhere and was also told, these fasteners do not just FALL OUT.

  Asking someone to copy front and back of a debit card is ridiculous and after consulting with my financial institution, decided to use a company vehicle although it is not my employers responsibility to get me to and from work. I have test driven cars for an entire weekend without having to give my debit or credit card, they already had my car, did they truly feel I was going to steal a loaner. I am finished with the dealership and will take this where it needs to be on my own.

  I started this journey as a customer of ***********, just for minor things such as oil changes, recalls etc. However, not stepping up, showing a bit of concern and hiding behind the scenes knowing there were things happening and very upset customer was just not something I have ever experienced with a dealership. I do not want anything else, you can close this case.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  Reasons to believe vehicle didnt go through an inspection before being displayed for purchase

  Customer response

  02/08/2023

  I have reason to believe the vehicle wasnt put through the proper protocol inspection before being displayed for sale 

  Business response

  02/08/2023

  BBB,

  I have forwarded this information to the service and general manager for more information.

  As soon as I hear back from them I will respond to this complaint.

   

  Thanks,

   

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

  Happy Kia

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

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

  Customer response

  02/13/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  The only way this issue will be resolved is when Im told to come retrieve a loaner vehicle and that my vehicle will be serviced and actually pass the inspection it was suppose to pass before I purchased it!
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

• Initial Complaint

  02/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Definitely the WORST EXPERIENCE Ive encountered in a long time. Would give a 0 but 1 is the lowest. Salesman was *******. ******* was full of lies and broken promises. I was told I could pay a deposit for a new car and it would be considered only for me and no one would be able to look at it. We came up with a set monthly payment and everything was ok that day. THAT WAS THE FIRST LIE. I received multiple harassing texts by ******* threatening me that If I didnt pick the car up he would sell it. I eventually came and picked up the car and proceeded to sign paper work. I asked ******* could I test drive the vehicle before signing any paperwork and ******* snatched the paperwork like some enraged animal. The SECOND LIE was during the signing of the paperwork. Upon signing the paper work with the finance manager (who was very pleasant to work with) I discovered a monthly note that was different from what both ******* and I agreed upon. Finance manager called ******* in and of course ******* didnt have anything together regarding paperwork. I sat laughing while he nervously shuffled through the papers. Ended up signing the papers and was told yet ANOTHER LIE by ******* stating that the car came with a spare tire. *******, once again had to clear that lie and told me I know i told you the car came with a spare tire but it doesnt. When you come back ill pay for the spare tire myself. After constantly being lied to I asked for that in writing. Still waiting on that confirmation in writing. I havent pressed the issue because im sure he wont be in the business long. Definitely my last rodeo with **** Receptionist was very nice and polite as well. 11 months later received email from same sales person. After I told him about the ****** review he responded in a nasty tone. Spoke with GM, he couldn't offer any solution but a simp apology. Told me my comment towards his worker is what "triggered" him to respond in the nasty manner he responded in.

  Business response

  02/14/2023

  BBB,
  
  
  
  So in the future, any emails will come from our general manager and not from the salesperson she prefers not to hear from or deal with. In the future, any business *************** wishes to do with Happy Kia will be direct with the general manager.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  11/17/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I was sold a car. I told them upfront I had $350 to work with and they continued to tell me I had to pay $1500 down for the vehicle but I explained I would give it to them when I could or that a deferred down payment was an option I could do. A week came and went and after two, they began to call and text me to return the vehicle or make the payment. I spoke with the finance company the dealership went through and they told me it was fine to just call when the payment was made so I could get the login info to begin my monthly payments. When I explained I spoke with the finance company, I was told they were in no control over the account that everything was to the dealership. Due to family issues, my phoneline was cancelled and I had to get a new number. They began to call my references telling them lies and harassing both them and me blowing up my phone and continuously calling them after I had given my new number. They continue to tell my references I’m behind on payments and watching my social media trying to determine where I’m at and stating my location back to me via stalking my social media. I feel threatened and like they are going against protocol even attempting to tell my references any personal info, true or not. And to continue to call them and tell me they will keep calling until I return the car is absurd and borderline harassment, and this is all AFTER they have received my new number.

  Business response

  11/26/2022

  
  
  In response to the case of ***** ****** ******, the general manager at Happy Kia has contacted Ms. ****** and the two of them have come to an agreement where Ms. ****** will return the vehicle to Happy Kia and Happy Kia will refund all monies Ms. ****** paid as a down payment.
  
  
  In addition, the Happy Kia general manager will help Ms. ****** find an agreeable lending source for the replacement vehicle she selects.
  
  
  Respectfully,

  **** *******

  Happy Kia

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

  **********j*******.com

• Initial Complaint

  09/09/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I took my 2015 Kia Optima to them and had it towed in beacuse it broke down on the side of the road with a blown motor due to a Kia recall .That happen on May 27,2022 and it was suppose to be diagnosed that day but they took 1 month to tell me I had to purchase a starter and it took a month to come in .And than they realized it was the motor and that took 2 months to recived and be put in .It's bad enough I had to be charged for there mistake as paying for a high dollar starter when that was not the problem .And getting my vechile on 8/17/22 I left and realized my a/c was no longer working like before. So I took it to a shop after a week and They said That who had worked on my vechile before had over charged my A/c to 1.6 when all it is suppose to have is 1.2 .I have car fax on my car so when ever anything that is ever been done it is showed. and Had done all oil changes. reported. I have only had this car a year. I called the dealership and explained what they had done and they are denying it saying that even tho 3. Different mechanics are saying you have to pull off the A/C values when replacing the motor .And now I'm expected to pay 1200 dollars for what they done.Its bad enough I had to pay for the starter which should of been covered in my extended warranty because it went out cause of the motor been blowed.

  Business response

  09/19/2022

  BBB,

  The vehicle mentioned in the complaint was towed into Happy Kia without any start concerns. Unfortunately, the service department had several engine jobs in progress.

  Regarding the starter, it was made clear to the customer that in order to diagnose the vehicle and to try and get coverage from Kia, we would have to be able to turn over the engine (the starter was bad).

  The customer was quoted the starter repair and it was approved by the customer.

  We were able to get the engine replacement approved by Kia, and replaced the engine. Regarding the Air Conditioner concern, the customer called three (3) weeks after the engine repair had been completed and stated that their Air Conditioner had stopped blowing cold. It was explained to the customer that, unfortunately, due to the age and mileage of the vehicle (2015 Optima w/ 135,561 miles) there would not be any Kia warranty coverage for the Air Conditioners.s

  **** *******

  Happy Kia Customer Relations

   

  Customer response

  09/20/2022

  
  Complaint: ********
  
  I am rejecting this response because:I reject it Because ,  We did not drive the vechile right away .It had been in the shop so long the registration had expired .And that had to be done before it could be driven .So the a/c  was not discovered until 22days later , not even 30 days and We called them and the Kia manager ******* said they did not touch the a/c and We explained to them that we took it to a shop and the mechanic said that who ever had the vechile  and to put a new motor in you would have to vacuum the a/c and re-hook it up  and the a/c red on the meters up to 1.6 and it would only hold 1.2  and that it had blew the compressor .There was nothing wrong with the a/c before dropping the vechile off .And They spoke with my husband and me and my son as well .They did nothing but deny they ever had to touch it.Also when it came to the starter ,  I had called my protection company **** and have recorded conversations when they wanted to put a starter in and He explained to me if it was the motor than my starter would be fine.That the kia mechanic could not just send in parts  to be covered without finding the problem.And if it was the starter due to the motor it would be covered. I have the papers when i picked up my vechile ,  If they had to put coolaint in it than they had to of touched my a/c.There was no reason to lie about it over and over. They never said because of the age of the vechile they would not cover the A/C. We have only have this vechile a few days of a year on June 1st . And It broke down the last week of May .I also contacted ****** in plano The sales person that sold us the car when we were going through this process. I have his number if anyone needs to speak with him.I have the shop i took it to after ************  ,  And i also have recorded conversations from my vechile  protection plan ****. So i really hope they have some kind of proof they had nothing to do with my a/c. Thank you .
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  10/13/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  A few years ago I bought a vehicle from ******* Kia. I was cheated out of $4000. Happy Kia believes that I am their customer because of the above statement. I have never purchased anything from them, I do not plan to purchase anything from them, and I will never purchase anything from them. They have refused to do anything about what ******* Kia previously did. Given these facts, it would be impossible for me to be considered their customer. However, they have continued to harass me with emails, texts, and phone calls for several years now. I have asked them repeatedly to stop, but they have continued. Recently they called stating that my "license plates were ready". I informed them I had made no purchase there, and they need to check their records for ID theft under my name. The finance department later called and stated my information had been mixed with another customer in their system, but it was OK according to them. I want them to cease and desist all communications.

  Business response

  10/13/2021

  BBB,

   

  I have contacted the Happy Kia business office to remove and delete any and all contract information for ******* *********, with the following contact information, from all sales and service databases.

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

• Initial Complaint

  09/17/2021

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Recently purchased a vehicle, which unfortunately had hidden problems that were not disclosed or addressed by this business. I’ve had this vehicle less than 30 days and have already had to address a $800 fix to replace a cracked radiator, and now will have to have a mechanic make sure the compression in the engine is working properly. If not this vehicle will need an engine replacement. I feel this business should be held responsible for selling a vehicle that was not road safe.

  Business response

  09/21/2021

  BBB,

  RE: ***** *******, 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD

   

  Attached please find the AS IS Buyer's Guide and Buyer's Order, both signed by Mr. *******, with the full disclosure the vehicle being purchased was sold AS IS with no warranty.

   

  Respectfully,

  **** *******

  Happy Kia

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

*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. ↩