Brand new Kia Rio head gasket problems

paulswife

Hi, last year in June we bought a brand new Kia Rio,it was the old style. shortly after purchase, in October it had to go back to the dealership as it was losing coolant and not running properly,so the head gasket had to be replaced.Although not happy and garage said it was the 1st time they had ever know this to happen we did not complain but went along with having the work done.
Now unbelievably the same problem has happened,we took it back to the Kia dealership last week and it is booked in for 3 days starting tomorrow to have the work done, no apology,no courtesy car (garage is 20 miles away).Have rung Kia customer service help line who say they would like to think the dealer would have provided one but as the dealer says it is safe to drive as long as we keep an eye on the coolant level
am posting on here as would like to know if anyone has had similar

AlexisV

As the fault seems to be inside the 6 month window, appears to be an inherent manufacturing fault and you have given them the opportunity to fix the vehicle once without success, I would say you are within your rights to reject the vehicle under the Sales of Goods Act.

Even if it was fixed, you'd have a problem selling it on in future when the service history shows a failed head gasket at 3500 miles.

As you've done 3500 miles you'll probably lose 10% or so of the price you paid though.

Your contract is probably with the dealer, so you'll probably need to put your rejection in writing to them and physically leave the car with them tomorrow (remember to take your tax disc).

marlot

Can I check that you bought this in June 2011?

If so, it would be extremely difficult to reject the car.

flashg67

AlexisV wrote: »

Even if it was fixed, you'd have a problem selling it on in future when the service history shows a failed head gasket at 3500 miles.

This won't show on the service history? Just on the warranty history which, AFAIK, is only visible to dealers?

paulswife

The fault will not appear on service history or in service book,only known to dealers.Unfortunately I can not leave it on dealers forecourt minus tax disc as I am still paying finance for it.Also they owe me money for the deposit put down. But thanks for your comments.

molerat

I would write to both Kia and the garage stating that as the head gasket has gone twice within 3500 miles from new the only acceptable repair would be a replacement engine.