Kia Cee'd Sw 1.6Crdi Automatic

[SpikeyBush]

This has been the most reliable car I've ever had, until now. Problem first arose when it would not start when the gear lever was in Park. If I moved it to Neutral it would start, so just a faulty sensor I thought and booked it in with the local Kia dealer as it is still under warranty. Since then, however, the feeling from the gear lever has become increasingly vague and is having the tendancy to slip out of drive unless I have it held in 3rd. This has stopped being annoying now and has become dangerous to the point I have hired a car until the dealer has a slot (they are very busy). I would be interested to hear if anyone else has had this problem and what the cause was.

[bhg481]

I think a letter to Kia GB is required, with a copy to the garage, expressing your dissatisfaction with the after-sales service of the garage and how it will greatly affect your decision when you come to replace the car.

[derekpara]

I had a similat fault with a Mondeo automatic and it was a sensor failure.

You have every right to expect the main dealer to correct the fault . I would give them one more opportunity and then make a strong written complaint to KIA GB as bhg suggests. If the dealer fails in the second attempt I believe you have the legal right to return the car under the Sale of Goods Act. Perhaps some legal ABer can confirm.

[SpikeyBush]

I think there is a misunderstanding here. The car is back with the dealer for the first time, it is just that the trouble has escalated since it was initially booked in. I have no reason at this stage to question the integrity or performance of the dealer. I am just curious as to what the cause could be. Internet searches have returned no results but as all but the earliest Cee'ds are still under warranty I would expect that to be the case

[derekpara]

Your message gives the impression that the gear lever 'vagueness' and tendency to slip out of drive happened after it had been to the local Kia dealer.

I still think its a faulty sensor.

Sorry for misunderstanding.

[SpikeyBush]

Chased the dealer. It needs a new cable. No spares available in the UK. Part is ordered but no ETA given. Kia are at risk of going into my bad books. What is the point of such a warranty if the parts are not available? Cables stretch and snap so they should be in stock.

[bhg481]

Please re-read my first post and act on it.
You have never said how old the car is and how long you've had it. If you bought it new not too long ago I'd be badgering the garage for a FREE loan car.

[SpikeyBush]

Bhg I bought it in Jan last year. It has just turned 5 years old and has 64000 miles on the clock. If no update is available tomorrow it will be escalated. I used to give out about my Vectra breaking all the time but at least parts were available next day if not already in stock.

[bhg481]

I don't think you have much leverage then, Spikey, with the car being that old.
I'd still write to KIA UK telling them how dissatisfied you are with their spares supply and that you've had to hire a car etc. For the cost of a stamp you can vent your anger and, if you're lucky, you might get some minor compensation from KIA.

[SpikeyBush]

Chased the dealer again this morning. Part not likely to arrive until 11th May. All courtesy cars are booked up until 15th May. Sent Kia a stinker of an email once I had calmed down (don't get mad, get even) setting out my disappointment and how it would affect my choice of marque in the future, and that I expect at least a contribution to my car rental expenses. I don't really care if they take any action or not as it is here on the internet for all & sundry to see what owning a Kia is really like. As soon as I have finished paying for it, it is being traded in for a European marque.

[bhg481]

Perfect Spikey - let's hope you get a good result.

[SpikeyBush]

Got a good result. They have now found me a free courtesy car. A good and swift response to my complaint but it is a pity I had cause to complain in the first place