Kia stinger warranty denied for thermostat

[drpepperguy]

Hi all,

I recently had my thermostat go bad. Engine kept "overheating" so I towed it to dealer. They dx a thermostat issue and said it will be ~600 for repair. Since I have aftermarket parts (exhaust catback and midpipe, CAI, intercooler) they said the warranty would not cover it. It's a 2019 gt1 awd kia stinger. Any thoughts on this? If this isn't covered, I can't imagine anything else would be!

 

[soflo_nick]

Hi all,

I recently had my thermostat go bad. Engine kept "overheating" so I towed it to dealer. They dx a thermostat issue and said it will be ~600 for repair. Since I have aftermarket parts (exhaust catback and midpipe, CAI, intercooler) they said the warranty would not cover it. It's a 2019 gt1 awd kia stinger. Any thoughts on this? If this isn't covered, I can't imagine anything else would be!

1. You can fight them about covering it, go up all the way up to corporate/ have them prove that your mods caused the thermo to fail. Get a lawyer and fight under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Like forums people like to say) This first option is extremely time consuming and no guarantee a resolve will happen.

Option 2. Buy a replacement oem thermostat call a couple speed shops around you and see who will do it cheaper. (Since its not a major warranty issues there's no point in fighting KIA which will take forever and you'll just end up paying your loan while you sit in limbo waiting.

 

[RavenSon26]

You could also try another dealership if you have that option.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Unfortunately that is the risk of modifying cars. You can replace it yourself. Doesn't look to be too difficult.

 

[stoopid]

...Buy a replacement oem thermostat call a couple speed shops around you and see who will do it cheaper. (Since its not a major warranty issues there's no point in fighting KIA which will take forever and you'll just end up paying your loan while you sit in limbo waiting.

I like this suggestion on something not super expensive/drivetrain related. Dealer touches my car as a last resort only, all the easier stuff and maintenance done anywhere else.

Note that they will want a diagnostic fee reimbursement, that you can fight them on but you are not obligated to get the fix through them. Just take the car elsewhere for the fix and they'll have to give the car back to you pending the lengthy warranty status squabble. You will want to address the warranty thing, as it might follow the car's VIN through Kia's system and notes on what you have will be in there. Once a warranty claim is denied it sets a bad precedence for future claims.

So my strategy would be...

1) Say "I want to challenge the warranty denial", but...
2) While we battle over that I'm forced to take the car elsewhere to have it fixed and back on the road.

They can't deny you either of these things. If they refuse to return the vehicle, call the cops.

 

[Cosmo]

Can someone explain to me why a thermostat swap would cost $600? Does it require significant disassembly then reassembly? Is the part expensive?

 

[bfglitch]

Part is probably pretty cheap. Guessing it's a mandatory hour charge of labor, even if the work is only 30 minutes.

 

[Ohiocruiser]

Part is probably pretty cheap. Guessing it's a mandatory hour charge of labor, even if the work is only 30 minutes.

List price of the part is $180. It is definitely more than 30 min, and they always charge by the book.( i am guessing 2-3 hours)Plus you have to bleed the system after replacement.

 

[drpepperguy]

Thanks for the replies all. I just bit the bullet on this one and paid the dealer. It's unfortunate!

 

[G-499047]

Dealership just quoted me 1095.00 to replace the thermostat lol wtf

 

[AusStinger]

Hi all,

I recently had my thermostat go bad. Engine kept "overheating" so I towed it to dealer. They dx a thermostat issue and said it will be ~600 for repair. Since I have aftermarket parts (exhaust catback and midpipe, CAI, intercooler) they said the warranty would not cover it. It's a 2019 gt1 awd kia stinger. Any thoughts on this? If this isn't covered, I can't imagine anything else would be!

I know this is a bit of an old thread but I just thought I'd help clarify some possibly unanswered question/s.

Technically, they could point at your intercooler as "a restriction of airflow to the cooling system" and you could then have them replace the thermostat at your cost, but then after the issue is resolved, and the car functions as per normal, you could challenge them that the thermostat was the faulty part creating the problem all along and the intercooler played no part in the issue AND insist on a refund.

Your cat-back exhaust system and CAI have ZERO contribution to your engine's cooling system if they're in good operating condition.

Also, the $600 is a bit expensive, but probably about right from KIA, since the part is $150-$200, plus coolant, plus labor.
The technician uses an electronic tool to open all the valves to allow the cooling system to bleed properly ( avoiding air pockets which can cause over heating ).

Although I do understand your 'acceptance' of the outcome, keep in mind, now that your car is on their records with ( or having had ) the above mentioned mods, they will likely refuse just about any warranty claim going forward. That's why you need to know your rights and fight for them.

 

[AusStinger]

Dealership just quoted me 1095.00 to replace the thermostat lol wtf

That's their way of telling you they don't want the job.

 

[ChaneRZ]

Just go to an independent shop.

 

[JP28]

2021 gt2 with 70k miles. Basic warranty ended at 60k miles so its not covered. They just told me its 10 hours and itll be around $3500

Lol