The Reality Behind Long-Term Car Ownership
Car ownership isn’t always as straightforward as it seems, and a recent CBS News story highlighted the role maintenance plays in warranty claims. In this case, Kia initially denied an engine warranty claim from a Pennsylvania couple who own a 2019 Optima, despite having receipts showing proper maintenance.
The Kia Optima is essentially the K5, though only in its previous-generation form. The couple, Jamie and Debbie Rekasie, initially leased the Optima and later purchased it after growing fond of the midsize sedan. They retained maintenance receipts—including records for 14 oil changes, two sets of brakes, and two sets of tires—but the Korean marque declined to approve an engine replacement under its 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, citing that the receipts did not include the vehicle’s VIN or odometer reading.
Not Backing Down
The couple pushed forward with the case, particularly as they are backed by the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, which protects consumers by allowing vehicle owners to perform maintenance themselves or use independent mechanics without forfeiting warranty coverage. The Optima in question suffered an engine failure at just 80,000 miles and had been serviced and maintained by the Rekasies’ son, who is also a mechanic.
Michael Brooks, executive director of the Center for Auto Safety, also encouraged car owners to pursue warranty claims, noting that such requests are often denied at the dealer level in hopes that consumers will simply go away.
After KDKA contacted Kia regarding the matter, the couple was then granted an engine replacement. “In the spirit of customer satisfaction and service, our customer care department has approved an engine replacement and will be in contact with the customer to share next steps,” the company said.
A Reversal Follows
This incident is similar to a case involving a Hyundai Ioniq 5 owner whose dealer and insurer denied a $12,000 repair bill over an alleged water bottle spill that shut the EV down. After the case received media attention, the insurer ultimately covered the repair costs.
The takeaway is to ensure that any receipts for vehicle repairs and maintenance are kept, as owning a vehicle without warranty coverage can be costly. These records can serve as crucial proof when disputing a denied claim, especially as some manufacturers apply stricter documentation requirements.
