Siena: Kia and Hyundai have improved over the years, but they're still pretty sub-standard by modern standards. I worked for two Kia dealerships in the UK, so got to know a fair bit about them. Reliability is average, especially on post 2009 models. Still quite crude though, with CANBUS only starting to appear in the 2011 Kia Sportage, 2012 Kia Optima and 2011 Kia Sorento.

They look good, the 2011 Sportage was designed by Peter Schreyer, who was the designer of the first generation Audi TT (cue the LED day-running lamps).

Items of major concern (based upon what we've replaced under warranty between 2005 - 2012):

001) Kia Ceed ('07 - '10) Manual transmission. Internal selector fault, causing difficulty in shifts.
002) Kia Rio ('07 - '10) As above.
003) Kia Sedona / carnival ('06 - '11) Oil pump and balancer shaft drive gear failure (2,9 CRDi only). Failure destroys the engine and turbo.
004) Kia Rio ('11> Airbag fault, incorrectly wired control unit.
005) Kia Sorrento ('10> premature camshaft lobe wear, causing top-end knock. (2,2 CRDi only).
006) Kia Picanto ('05 - '11) Crankshaft pulley failure, modified version available from Kia. failure can damage the crank nose, requiring engine rebuild.
007) Kia Venga ('09 - '12) Window channel guide failure, causing window to jam in use, and get stuck open. (front windows only).
008) Kia Picanto ('07 - '11) Fuel gauge sender unit failure, causing erratic / false readings.
009) Kia Cee'd ('07 - '11) Aircon condenser failure, lower fins detach, causing R134-A gas to be lost.
010) Kia (all models from '08> Front seat reclining / sliding mechanism failure.
011) Kia Soul ('09 - '12) Rear seat base locking catch failure, seat base will not lock down.
012) Kia Cee'd ('07 - '11) Earth strap failure, causing flickering aircon panel, dash and radio displays. (Earth strap behind driver's headlamp).
013) Kia (various models '07 - '11) Faulty audio unit - may reject CD's, and fail to switch off (logic fault).
014) Kia Carens ('02 - '06) Exterior door handle failure. They break inside, and will no longer operate the latches.
015) Kia Sorento ('02 - '09) Injector seal failure (2,5L diesel only).
016) Kia Sedona / Carnival ('98 - '05) Injector seal failure (2,9L diesel only).
017) Kia Sedona / Carnival ('06 - '11) Injector seal failure (2,9 CRDi only).
018) Kia Sedona / Carnival ('98 - '05) Cylinder gasket failure (2,5 ROVER KV6 only).
019) Kia Carens / Rondo ('06 - '11) Rear chassis and subframe corrosion. Rust prevention is carried out prior to corrosion setting in.
020) Kia Sportage ('04 - '10) Front lower suspension control arm failure. Bonded rubber bush breaks, and seperates from steel arm.
021) Kia (various models '98> Front anti-roll bar link failure, worn joints cause knocking when driving slowly over uneven surfaces.

These are just a few of the trouble areas. Most of these are warranty issues, not sure how that works in Nigeria though. Current models have a 7-year warranty, which is a great incentive to buy, especially if you don't keep your car for more than 4 years. Again, not sure if this applies to Nigeria.

igiepj:
Hi i own a kia enterprise ceo 98 model a mazda sentia derivative, built for s.korean market. Luxurious reliable n fun plus its a rear wheel drive with a v6. All great until i traveled n was away for about 2yrs serviced b4 i did. Upon returning i found out d key was missing called d key guy n he dis me a new one but the car refused to start and i noticed the key had no transponder i confronted him he told me the car has no transponder receiver and as a result no immobiliser, he advice i get a rewire n mechanic which i did and i have the fuel pump, ignition coil, nozzles and all but the engine wont crank. It only rolls and wont start, the rewire had me agree to work a different ecu which he and still no go please i need your help because my mechanic said the nozzles dont supply fuel. I need your help because am frustrated.

MIB1:


If u r in Lagos.contact gazzuzz or mayor2013

igiepj:
Hi i own a kia enterprise ceo 98 model a mazda sentia derivative, built for s.korean market. Luxurious reliable n fun plus its a rear wheel drive with a v6. All great until i traveled n was away for about 2yrs serviced b4 i did. Upon returning i found out d key was missing called d key guy n he dis me a new one but the car refused to start and i noticed the key had no transponder i confronted him he told me the car has no transponder receiver and as a result no immobiliser, he advice i get a rewire n mechanic which i did and i have the fuel pump, ignition coil, nozzles and all but the engine wont crank. It only rolls and wont start, the rewire had me agree to work a different ecu which he and still no go please i need your help because my mechanic said the nozzles dont supply fuel. I need your help because am frustrated.

igiepj:

Can i get an address or phone number.
Thank u