Poll: Who is having issues with Spark Plugs?

[Brian Keenan]

What I think is this whole infamous issue of STOCK 3.3 cars having spark plug/coil issues was fabricated by an unnamed vendor looking to save face because a product he sells is breaking people's cars.

@Kamauxx just because all issues arent reported on a forum doesnt mean they dont happen.

I'd like to point out that what you're stating is your opinion and it's not a fact as much as you'd like to push your opinion as it's fact.

Yes, Tink Tink. That's why I said "what I think".

I think an unnamed vendor is trying to push a narrative that 3.3t Stingers have faulty plugs/coils because an unnamed vendor doesn't want to own the fact that said unnamed vendor told customers not to upgrade their plugs and when said customers (50% of them based on the poll from the other site) ended up with broken cars that unnamed vendor changed his (or her) tune (no pun intended) and decided "oh wait, actually LAP3 just informed me that the plugs DO in fact need to be changed."

That vendor thinks we're all idiots who will just believe anything she (or he) says. GTFOH unnamed vendor.

Edit: Ya know what? Since that unmamed vendor (oh hell, let's just call him "Liar @ L7 Kia Shop" for shits and giggles) swears this is a known issue with Kias across the country I'm going to call a bunch of service departments along the east coast tomorrow and see if any have reported the issue. I'm even going to call the dealers local to Liar @ L7 Kia Shop. Let's see, that'll be Hendrick Kia of Cary, Fred Andersen Kia, Deacon Jones Kia, Chris Leith Kia, University Kia, and a few others.

I'm sure since Liar @ L7 Kia Shop says he's been in contact with dealerships around the country who are reporting plug/coil issues ONE of those would have heard of it.

I'll report back my findings and maybe Sal can put them in the original post to go along with what we already see in the poll.

Good night unnamed vendor, whoever you are.

Those are some bold statements there.

That's awesome, but I wasn't even talking about you.

I'm not upset at all. And I actually took special care not to mention any vendors by name, just so I wouldn't be accused of "getting out of line" with anyone.

All this back and forth is really not necessary. I think it's bad etiquette to say you're not calling out any particular vendor when it's clearly obvious you are. The discussion itself is very important and it would be great if we can get to the bottom of the problem. But please stop muddying the waters with the vitriol. I also suggest K5/K8 Optima Store refrain from replying any further as it's not doing any good. We already know what we know and we each have our opinion of what's going on. Arguing back and forth isn't going to change that.

And doesn't the manufacturer of the LAP3 Chip have any responsibility in all of this?

 

[Kamauxx]

All this back and forth is really not necessary...The discussion itself is very important and it would be great if we can get to the bottom of the problem. But please stop muddying the waters with the vitriol...Arguing back and forth isn't going to change that.

Dude, it's you and your buddies that keep bringing vendor 'X' back up. I haven't mentioned any vendor of LAP3 chips since yesterday...wayyy back yonder on page 2, lmao.

What I have mentioned, more than once, in a vain attempt to pivot this conversation back toward what it started as, is the below information I gathered this morning, which indicates the spark plug issue is related more to the LAP3 than to the car itself. One more time...




Since some people are saying this is a known Stinger issue that Kia is tracking I decided to do a little research of my own.

I wanted to cover multiple regions so I called 2 dealers in the Mid-Atlantic area, 1 in the Northeast, 1 in the Southeast, 1 in the South, and 1 in the Midwest. I started this at around 9:15 so it was too early to call anyone further west. My results are below.

Fred Anderson Kia Raleigh (North Carolina)
919-785-4500
Ben: Personally hasn’t heard anything but I should call Consumer Affairs to be certain.
Chris Leith Kia (North Carolina)
888-482-6559
Dina: That’s probably just internet rumors because we haven’t heard of any issues with that.
Central Kia Norwood (Massachusetts)
781-762-8100
Brian: We haven’t had or heard of any issues at all with the Stingers.
Hollywood Kia (Florida)
954-967-5665
Vera: I haven’t seen any cases of that. Let me double check…(on hold for a couple of minutes)…no one has heard anything about that but you’re more than welcome to bring your car by and we can check it out for you.
Premier Kia of Kenner (Louisiana)
504-273-6659
Didn’t catch his name: We haven’t got any service bulletins on them and haven’t seen any issues yet.
Kia of Des Moines (Iowa)
515-270-0706
Rhonda: We haven’t seen any issues related to the Stinger but if something does happen Kia usually sends out letters to the owners to let them know of issues.

***I’ve provided names and numbers for the dealerships and service advisors so that anyone can verify the information I’ve compiled here. Also, for the most part what you see written beside their names are direct quotes. ***


I then called Kia Corporate to see if they had heard anything about the issue.

Originally I spoke to a lady named Ericka. She logged my inquiry and assigned me a case number (12662741). She told me the Stingers are handled by their "premium team" and then transferred me to Amber.

I explained to Amber that there had been some talk online of Kia tracking spark plug/coil pack issues with Stingers. Amber told me she hasn't heard anything about spark/coil issues. She checked in their system and said there are no notifications of any issues with the car's plugs/coil packs. She said there are no current recalls and none in the pipeline. She then checked my VIN to see if there are any issues related specifically to my car that need to be addressed, and said there are none.

There's my research. Accept it or not. I'm not pretending it was a scientific study conducted by Harvard University and funded by Elon Musk. It's just plain ole information (that I've given you names, locations, phone numbers, and case numbers to verify) from their mouth to your ears.

And doesn't the manufacturer of the LAP3 Chip have any responsibility in all of this?

No, I think it's generally accepted that when someone mods their car they do so at their own risk. It's probably written somewhere on their website, packaging, or instructions.

 

[Brian Keenan]

Dude, it's you and your buddies that keep bringing vendor 'X' back up. I haven't mentioned any vendor of LAP3 chips since yesterday...wayyy back yonder on page 2, lmao.

What I have mentioned, more than once, in a vain attempt to pivot this conversation back toward what it started as, is the below information I gathered this morning, which indicates the spark plug issue is related more to the LAP3 than to the car itself. One more time...




Since some people are saying this is a known Stinger issue that Kia is tracking I decided to do a little research of my own.

I wanted to cover multiple regions so I called 2 dealers in the Mid-Atlantic area, 1 in the Northeast, 1 in the Southeast, 1 in the South, and 1 in the Midwest. I started this at around 9:15 so it was too early to call anyone further west. My results are below.

Fred Anderson Kia Raleigh (North Carolina)
919-785-4500
Ben: Personally hasn’t heard anything but I should call Consumer Affairs to be certain.
Chris Leith Kia (North Carolina)
888-482-6559
Dina: That’s probably just internet rumors because we haven’t heard of any issues with that.
Central Kia Norwood (Massachusetts)
781-762-8100
Brian: We haven’t had or heard of any issues at all with the Stingers.
Hollywood Kia (Florida)
954-967-5665
Vera: I haven’t seen any cases of that. Let me double check…(on hold for a couple of minutes)…no one has heard anything about that but you’re more than welcome to bring your car by and we can check it out for you.
Premier Kia of Kenner (Louisiana)
504-273-6659
Didn’t catch his name: We haven’t got any service bulletins on them and haven’t seen any issues yet.
Kia of Des Moines (Iowa)
515-270-0706
Rhonda: We haven’t seen any issues related to the Stinger but if something does happen Kia usually sends out letters to the owners to let them know of issues.

***I’ve provided names and numbers for the dealerships and service advisors so that anyone can verify the information I’ve compiled here. Also, for the most part what you see written beside their names are direct quotes. ***


I then called Kia Corporate to see if they had heard anything about the issue.

Originally I spoke to a lady named Ericka. She logged my inquiry and assigned me a case number (12662741). She told me the Stingers are handled by their "premium team" and then transferred me to Amber.

I explained to Amber that there had been some talk online of Kia tracking spark plug/coil pack issues with Stingers. Amber told me she hasn't heard anything about spark/coil issues. She checked in their system and said there are no notifications of any issues with the car's plugs/coil packs. She said there are no current recalls and none in the pipeline. She then checked my VIN to see if there are any issues related specifically to my car that need to be addressed, and said there are none.

There's my research. Accept it or not. I'm not pretending it was a scientific study conducted by Harvard University and funded by Elon Musk. It's just plain ole information (that I've given you names, locations, phone numbers, and case numbers to verify) from their mouth to your ears.

Okay. I can appreciate that. So it's safe to ASSUME there's a problem with the LAP3 chip. What else further do we need to discuss? What I'd like to know is how the chip works with the new spark plugs and if people are still having issues even after installing them.

 

[Kamauxx]

Okay. I can appreciate that. So it's safe to ASSUME there's a problem with the LAP3 chip.

Based on what I gathered this morning that's my assumption.

and if people are still having issues even after installing them.

From what I've seen the people that have repaired their cars have not re-installed the chip (or haven't provided updated information if they have).

 

[ballistic]

From what I've seen the people that have repaired their cars have no re-installed the chip (or haven't provided updated information if they have).

they're probably afraid to right now. i'm sure a lot of people would be. i think the naturally progression of this discussion should touch on what happens with those new plugs. please no more beating the dead horse.

 

[Killian]

I’m still waiting to find out if the new plugs actually solve the problem. Does the cel always come on. Mine hasn’t yet but I can feel an obvious bucking like an imtermitt misfire.

So does it usually damage the plug, or the coil, should I take my car to the dealer or just try to replace the plugs myself.

Any advice is appreciated

 

[Dark_Knight GT]

I first experienced a flashing CEL under boost, which was ultimately followed by a static CEL. Initially, I didn’t see the flashing CEL and thought it was tire spin or something. I’m not certain of the sequence, but my guess: too much heat cooks the coil which kills the plug(s). Cracked two plugs in the same cylinder until the coil was replaced. Has run perfect since and I’ve tested it

For the record I’ve not re-installed the chip. Waiting for the race chip early adopters to provide feedback.

 

[Killian]

I first experienced a flashing CEL under boost, which was ultimately followed by a static CEL. Initially, I didn’t see the flashing CEL and thought it was tire spin or something. I’m not certain of the sequence, but my guess: too much heat cooks the coil which kills the plug(s). Cracked two plugs in the same cylinder until the coil was replaced. Has run perfect since and I’ve tested it

For the record I’ve not re-installed the chip. Waiting for the race chip early adopters to provide feedback.

As of yet I don’t have a cel on at all. I think I’m gonna pull the chip and take it to the dealer. I wonder if the guys at k5optima have any kind of return policy.

 

[Rufus]

As of yet I don’t have a cel on at all. I think I’m gonna pull the chip and take it to the dealer. I wonder if the guys at k5optima have any kind of return policy.

Are you planning on letting the service dept know about the chip? There are numerous posts about pros and cons to this, as well as opinions on how to get the best results from either choice. Either way, keep us posted

 

[Killian]

I'd run the car at least 30 miles and 30 minutes first...

Before what?

 

[Kamauxx]

As of yet I don’t have a cel on at all. I think I’m gonna pull the chip and take it to the dealer. I wonder if the guys at k5optima have any kind of return policy.

Couldn't hurt to ask.

How long was it installed before you noticed issues?

 

[Dark_Knight GT]

As of yet I don’t have a cel on at all. I think I’m gonna pull the chip and take it to the dealer. I wonder if the guys at k5optima have any kind of return policy.

You might find all is well once the chip is off. I suspect I let the misfire go on too long before pulling the plug (pun intended).

I didn’t inquire about a refund, but was advised to upgrade my plugs for $180.

Oh, and my dealer knew what was up. It’s a mildly interesting story which I’d share via PM.

 

[Rufus]

Before what?

Updated post to be as neutral as Switzerland on the chip, but easy money says there are onboard datalogs with recordings of engine readout, as well as baselines for normal operation. While the chip itself leaves no evidence, odd readings from adjacent sensors may be present. Of course forthrightness is the best policy, and I am merely echoing previous posts from other members theorizing about the car's possible cataloging capabilities.

 

[Killian]

Couldn't hurt to ask.

How long was it installed before you noticed issues?

About a week

 

[Dark_Knight GT]

About a week

Same here.

 

[Killian]

You might find all is well once the chip is off. I suspect I let the misfire go on too long before pulling the plug (pun intended).

I didn’t inquire about a refund, but was advised to upgrade my plugs for $180.

Oh, and my dealer knew what was up. It’s a mildly interesting story which I’d share via PM.

I’d be very interested to hear about it. Pm me

 

[Kamauxx]

Oh, and my dealer knew what was up. It’s a mildly interesting story which I’d share via PM.

Without going into too much detail if you're uncomfortable, did he know what was up based on data logged by the car (or some other way that could void a warranty) or because he's aware of tuning?

 

[Dark_Knight GT]

Without going into too much detail if you're uncomfortable, did he know what was up based on data logged by the car (or some other way that could void a warranty) or because he's aware of tuning?

The last one

 

[jdouga]

Since some people are saying this is a known Stinger issue that Kia is tracking I decided to do a little research of my own.

I wanted to cover multiple regions so I called 2 dealers in the Mid-Atlantic area, 1 in the Northeast, 1 in the Southeast, 1 in the South, and 1 in the Midwest. I started this at around 9:15 so it was too early to call anyone further west. My results are below.

Fred Anderson Kia Raleigh (North Carolina)
919-785-4500
Ben: Personally hasn’t heard anything but I should call Consumer Affairs to be certain.
Chris Leith Kia (North Carolina)
888-482-6559
Dina: That’s probably just internet rumors because we haven’t heard of any issues with that.
Central Kia Norwood (Massachusetts)
781-762-8100
Brian: We haven’t had or heard of any issues at all with the Stingers.
Hollywood Kia (Florida)
954-967-5665
Vera: I haven’t seen any cases of that. Let me double check…(on hold for a couple of minutes)…no one has heard anything about that but you’re more than welcome to bring your car by and we can check it out for you.
Premier Kia of Kenner (Louisiana)
504-273-6659
Didn’t catch his name: We haven’t got any service bulletins on them and haven’t seen any issues yet.
Kia of Des Moines (Iowa)
515-270-0706
Rhonda: We haven’t seen any issues related to the Stinger but if something does happen Kia usually sends out letters to the owners to let them know of issues.

***I’ve provided names and numbers for the dealerships and service advisors so that anyone can verify the information I’ve compiled here. Also, for the most part what you see written beside their names are direct quotes. ***


I then called Kia Corporate to see if they had heard anything about the issue.

Originally I spoke to a lady named Ericka. She logged my inquiry and assigned me a case number (12662741). She told me the Stingers are handled by their "premium team" and then transferred me to Amber.

I explained to Amber that there had been some talk online of Kia tracking spark plug/coil pack issues with Stingers. Amber told me she hasn't heard anything about spark/coil issues. She checked in their system and said there are no notifications of any issues with the car's plugs/coil packs. She said there are no current recalls and none in the pipeline. She then checked my VIN to see if there are any issues related specifically to my car that need to be addressed, and said there are none.

There's my research. Accept it or not. I'm not pretending it was a scientific study conducted by Harvard University and funded by Elon Musk. It's just plain ole information (that I've given you names, locations, phone numbers, and case numbers to verify) from their mouth to your ears.

Savage lol

 

[jdouga]

You might find all is well once the chip is off. I suspect I let the misfire go on too long before pulling the plug (pun intended).

I didn’t inquire about a refund, but was advised to upgrade my plugs for $180.

Oh, and my dealer knew what was up. It’s a mildly interesting story which I’d share via PM.

Pm me the story, im curious