I used to love my Stinger GT, then the tranny broke.

[Mr Grumpy]

I bought a Kia Stinger GT here in Australia about two and a half years ago and I loved it, despite a few small issues. That was until December 4, 2020 when I experienced catastrophic transmission failure. It got towed to the dealer and three weeks later they confirmed that it had transmission failure. Which had also taken out the tailshaft. The mechanically astute among you would think that this might have hurt the differential too.


After about a month they fitted the transmission and tailshaft and test drove it and discovered that the differential had been damaged also. So I get to wait another week while they find and install a new diff. They test drive the vehicle and see the air conditioner is not working. Probably because they broke something pulling the engine out. Sadly they did not notice the power steering was not working properly, brakes were spongy, the transmission was leaking and I am not sure if the diff is 100% right either. When I collected the vehicle on January 12, 2021, I did noticed these problems.

So it gets to go back to the dealer to see if they can fix my car. I have no confidence in them.

 

[MerlintheMad]

Words will not suffice. Prayers might help. Hoping that soon you might wish that your account name is Guy Smiley instead. Hah.

 

[Nasscar]

First post on the forum is about your transmission failure. Bugger. Did they give any reason as to why it would fail after only two and a half years. How many kms have you done?

 

[nhcowboy28]

First post on the forum is about your transmission failure. Bugger. Did they give any reason as to why it would fail after only two and a half years. How many kms have you done?

I smell brake snip......

 

[Mr Grumpy]

I bought a Kia Stinger GT here in Australia about two and a half years ago and I loved it, despite a few small issues. That was until December 4, 2020 when I experienced catastrophic transmission failure. It got towed to the dealer and three weeks later they confirmed that it had transmission failure. Which had also taken out the tailshaft. The mechanically astute among you would think that this might have hurt the differential too.


After about a month they fitted the transmission and tailshaft and test drove it and discovered that the differential had been damaged also. So I get to wait another week while they find and install a new diff. They test drive the vehicle and see the air conditioner is not working. Probably because they broke something pulling the engine out. Sadly they did not notice the power steering was not working properly, brakes were spongy, the transmission was leaking and I am not sure if the diff is 100% right either. When I collected the vehicle on January 12, 2021, I did noticed these problems.

So it gets to go back to the dealer to see if they can fix my car. I have no confidence in them.

Thanks.

 

[ShannonC]

I can understand why you're Mr Grumpy and I hope it works out well for you. Care to name the Dealer?

 

[SoCalSHO]

I would take it to an independent mechanic and have the car inspected, then have them write an estimate to repair everything. It may cost you some $. Then take it to the dealer and have them fix it. I would just worry that they will say that they cannot duplicate the problem and kiss it off. But at least if you have a third party involved, it will be harder for them to tell you no.

 

[Mr Grumpy]

I would take it to an independent mechanic and have the car inspected, then have them write an estimate to repair everything. It may cost you some $. Then take it to the dealer and have them fix it. I would just worry that they will say that they cannot duplicate the problem and kiss it off. But at least if you have a third party involved, it will be harder for them to tell you no.

Thanks for the suggestion. I know the mechanic who looks after my track car can sort it out. That's the plan B.

 

[GT2Goods]

Sorry to hear. Any mods on the car or any idea on why the issues occurred?

 

[ShannonC]

@Mr Grumpy
Any updates?

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

It took Kia five attempts over the course of six months and 3000 miles to finally (at least for now) fix my brake problems. I am unfortunately going to assume that fixing the transmission is going to be much tougher for them. Very poorly run company and very low quality repair departments at their dealerships.

 

[GT2Goods]

I've always had dealerships fix problems for previous Optima's, they would say 1-2hrs but it would take 3-4-5hrs. Haven't brought the Stinger in and I never plan on it, not much trust in any car dealership. Surprised you would go back after the second, especially third unsuccessful attempt to fix the issue.
They also have no idea (3 salesmen) on how to sell the Stinger. Dealership I bought the first two Optima's from lowballed Optima sxl trade in, offered 4000k less than the dealership I bought the Stinger at, not the best experience either.
All great cars in my case, just not buying or having to bring in for certain issues.

 

[GT2Goods]

Almost bought the Stinger from Yonkers. Drove in after work (1.5hr drive), to find out the person over the phone couldn't tell the difference between 18" - 19" rim size on paper and looking at the car itself. So you have at least one liar or laziest sales rep at your dealership.

 

[WRXtoStingerGT]

I've always had dealerships fix problems for previous Optima's, they would say 1-2hrs but it would take 3-4-5hrs. Haven't brought the Stinger in and I never plan on it, not much trust in any car dealership. Surprised you would go back after the second, especially third unsuccessful attempt to fix the issue.
They also have no idea (3 salesmen) on how to sell the Stinger. Dealership I bought the first two Optima's from lowballed Optima sxl trade in, offered 4000k less than the dealership I bought the Stinger at, not the best experience either.
All great cars in my case, just not buying or having to bring in for certain issues.

I think you hit the nail on the head. The vehicle itself is pretty good but unfortunately the dealership sales and service experience is subpar to say the least. They're selling cars that are between $35k-$65k and yet communicate in a manner that matches someone looking at vehicles for $15k or less. Someone deciding, as an example, on whether they want to drop $50k on a Kia or an Audi is going to know a bit more and expect a certain level of respect/treatment than someone ready to spend $10k on a Kia or a Mitsubishi. I remember how at both Kia dealerships (in Florida) they were so focused on monthly payments or "all these inside deals and rebates" that I couldn't even keep a straight face with them. "Just give me an OTD final price please" is what I had to say over the phone to these clowns. Are people really this short-sighted and low IQ when shopping for a Kia? My goodness... lmfao

Almost bought the Stinger from Yonkers. Drove in after work (1.5hr drive), to find out the person over the phone couldn't tell the difference between 18" - 19" rim size on paper and looking at the car itself. So you have at least one liar or laziest sales rep at your dealership.

Lmfao that is where I had to take my Kia for the warranty work for the brakes. They took anywhere from two to four hours each visit to fix the problem which wasn't fun since I had to get to either Brooklyn or Long Island for work. At least they were very polite though.

 

[briguy]

I bought a Kia Stinger GT here in Australia about two and a half years ago and I loved it, despite a few small issues. That was until December 4, 2020 when I experienced catastrophic transmission failure. It got towed to the dealer and three weeks later they confirmed that it had transmission failure. Which had also taken out the tailshaft. The mechanically astute among you would think that this might have hurt the differential too.


After about a month they fitted the transmission and tailshaft and test drove it and discovered that the differential had been damaged also. So I get to wait another week while they find and install a new diff. They test drive the vehicle and see the air conditioner is not working. Probably because they broke something pulling the engine out. Sadly they did not notice the power steering was not working properly, brakes were spongy, the transmission was leaking and I am not sure if the diff is 100% right either. When I collected the vehicle on January 12, 2021, I did noticed these problems.

So it gets to go back to the dealer to see if they can fix my car. I have no confidence in them.

Just wanted to see if you ultimately ended up having your Stinger fixed properly, and what ended up happening.

 

[monusa]

Unfortunately, if you want them to honor the warranty, you pretty much have to take it to them. Even if the techs are crappy, the warranty is your friend in this case.

 

[DoctorStiches]

Sounds like the shop f*cking alot of stuff up. That is worst case in my book any help from kia? Try emailing your kia regional place and let them know the series of events.

 

[Hawk853]

I wonder in situations like this if a Genesis dealer would be an approvable alternative since most of their platforms resemble the Stinger.
The Stinger’s complexities seem to be above the heads of the average Kia service department.

Mechanics under pressure to maintain shop efficiency are probably rushed resulting in techs not strictly following service procedures (mixed with a fair dose of laziness and inexperience).

 

[G-523784]

I've always had dealerships fix problems for previous Optima's, they would say 1-2hrs but it would take 3-4-5hrs. Haven't brought the Stinger in and I never plan on it, not much trust in any car dealership. Surprised you would go back after the second, especially third unsuccessful attempt to fix the issue.
They also have no idea (3 salesmen) on how to sell the Stinger. Dealership I bought the first two Optima's from lowballed Optima sxl trade in, offered 4000k less than the dealership I bought the Stinger at, not the best experience either.
All great cars in my case, just not buying or having to bring in for certain issues.

If he wants the work done under warranty he has to bring it to the dealership, that's why he's been back 3 or 4 times. Kia isn't going to pay to have anyone else fix it

 

[Buzzman12]

Last update was 2021.
As a curious forum user, this is frustrating when new members come on here, throw their problems and frustrations out in a post, and then disappear.