Overview:
A Presence News reader has come forward with a frustrating and potentially dangerous issue: their nearly brand-new Kia Sportage is losing power on hills and slipping into limp mode, while the dealership insists there’s nothing wrong. As warranty protections are put to the test, this story highlights a growing concern with how some automakers and dealerships handle complaints. Here's what’s happening — and what it means for other car owners.
For most car buyers, a warranty is supposed to mean peace of mind. But for one Kia Sportage owner, it has turned into six months of frustration, confusion, and potentially unsafe driving. They are facing no clear answers in sight.
A Presence News reader, who has asked to remain anonymous, purchased a 2024 Kia Sportage brand new with less than 100 miles on it. For the first few months, everything seemed fine. However, not long into ownership, an alarming issue began to surface. When driving up steep hills — even with no passengers and a light load — the car would struggle to maintain speed, sometimes failing to go above 40 miles per hour. Furthermore, it frequently falls into “limp mode”, a safety feature designed to protect the engine but which severely limits performance.
“It felt like the engine was giving up,” the driver told Presence News. “I’d be pressing the gas and nothing would happen. You feel helpless.”
When they brought the vehicle to their local Kia dealership, they expected answers. Instead, they say they were repeatedly told that the issue is “normal” and that the car is supposed to do that.
“They acted like I was making it up,” the reader said. “Every time I go in, it’s the same thing: they can’t find a problem, and they say the car is just ‘acting within limits.’ Meanwhile, I can’t get over hills without holding up traffic.”
This situation brings up a much broader concern. How far does a warranty go when dealerships claim that serious performance issues are “not a problem”? And more importantly, what recourse does the average car owner have when they feel ignored or gaslit?
Kia’s Warranty: Gold on Paper, But What About in Practice?
Kia is known for offering one of the best warranties in the automotive industry, with a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty and a 5-year/60,000-mile basic warranty. On paper, it’s among the most generous protections for new car buyers. But as this case shows, the real-world execution of those promises can sometimes fall short. This often occurs when diagnostic equipment fails to catch intermittent issues.
Automotive forums and consumer complaint boards are increasingly filled with similar stories. Customers report odd engine behavior, limp mode activations, or climbing problems. Yet they are often told by dealerships that “nothing is wrong.” Often, the burden of proof lies with the customer — not the manufacturer.
“Warranties are only as good as the people enforcing them,” said James Rowley, an independent auto technician based in New York. “If the dealership refuses to acknowledge a problem, the warranty is worthless.”
Possible Causes, Ignored Clues
While the specific cause of the Sportage issue remains unknown in this case, experts suggest that turbo lag, faulty sensors, or fuel delivery issues could be contributing factors. However, these require deep diagnostics. The dealership may not be incentivized to explore such diagnostics unless absolutely necessary.
“Limp mode doesn’t trigger without a reason,” Rowley added. “If it’s activating regularly, that’s a red flag. It means something’s wrong, and it shouldn’t be dismissed.”
What Should Drivers Do?
If you’re experiencing similar issues, here are some steps to take:
- Document everything: Keep records of dealership visits, service reports, and when the issues occur.
- Request a formal diagnostic report: If the dealership refuses, that in itself may be worth reporting.
- Contact Kia corporate: Escalate beyond the dealership if you feel your issue is being ignored.
- File a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or your state’s consumer protection office.
- Consider a lemon law claim: If the issue is ongoing and unresolved, you may qualify under your state’s lemon law protections.
Final Thoughts
For this reader, the fight for a fair fix continues. “I just want my car to work like it’s supposed to,” they said. “I didn’t spend $30,000 to be told I’m crazy.”
Presence News will continue following this story as it develops. If you or someone you know is having similar issues with a Kia — or any other manufacturer — reach out. Sometimes, the loudest voices are the ones that drive real change.
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