Kia
To whom it may concern:
I would like to request compensation for the costs incured for when I was stranded in the United States for almost a week as my 2006 KIA would not start and KIA US could not fix it and KIA Canada gave me false information. The story is very long so I will list the events in point form.
Monday Oct 8th - Misplaced car key in Plattsburg, NY. (Bank St. Kia Ottawa only ever gave me one key). Called roadside assist they advised that I call a locksmith, as KIA Canada was closed for Thanksgiving and could not assist with codes etc. Locksmith was able to access car and cut key (approx $60). Car would not start because of immobilizer. Roadside assist advised that I would need a Canadian key in order to start the car. I caught a bus to Montreal (approx $80), then rented a car to go to Ottawa. I arrived at my home at 1am. (approx $300)
Tuesday Oct 9th
Went to Bank St Kia, Ottawa. They cut 2 keys for me. They insisted that all I needed was for the locksmith to program the keys and I would be on my way. They were so confident that they said I would not need a back up plan, as it would definately work. I drove back to Monteal to return rental car, then cought bus to Plattsburgh, NY (Approx $20). I was met by locksmith at about 8pm. He could not program the key. His machine would not communicate with the key. It was now late so I checked into a hotel (approx $140)
Wednesday Oct 10th
Called Durocher KIA in Plattsburgh. They advised me to tow the car to them (covered by policy) and they would start the car no problem. They worked on the car all day and they also could not start it. Also, the locksmith came by and we were in contact with an elite locksmith from Ottawa who also could not help start it, even using the 'limp home' technique. Advised by KIA Canada to either change all locks on vehicle (very expensive) or wait for a programing machine to be sent from California. It would take a week! I called roadside assist about towing the vehicle to Canada. They quoted the cost at $500 ($200 to go to the border, the $300 for Canadian company to tow from the border to the dealer, as US tow trucks won't cross the borde) r. I called a company in Montreal and they were willing to cross the border and back for approx $330. I went back to hotel ($120), plus meals both nights ($80).
Thursday Oct 11th
Tow truck towed vehicle to Montreal. They worked on it all afternoon and finally started it at the end of the day. I stayed at my cousin's house that night and got home on Friday.
Friday Oct 12th.
Arrived home. My cell phone bill for roaming cell phone call to and from Kia was over 200$ on top of my bill.
Now Only one key can be programmed. KIA Bank St Ottawa refuse to look at it unless I agree to foot the bill for their locksmith should he run into problems and take all day to fix it. Given the history of the car I don't want to take that risk.
Although I take full responsibility for misplacing the key, I was advised by KIA that if I got another key cut in Canada that the problem would be solved, which I did. Even though you say the car was mechanically sound, it wasnt! I had a car and a key and it would not start. The transponder is an integral part of the car, just like the transmission. I was within the policy's service area (Canada and continental USA) and the mechanics could not start the car. I don't feel I was at fault at this point. I spoke to 4 KIA dealers and not one of them knew about the US / Canada KIA incompatabiltiy problem. I also incurred a lot of costs using my cell phone internationally and missed a week of work. It was an extremely stressful week and I believe I should be compensated. I certainly will not buy nor recommend Kia should I not find some restitution.
The car is still covered by five star coverage, but they take no responsibility either.
Thank you for your time reviewing this claim. Reciepts can be scanned and submitted.
Regards
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