Faults:

When I drove it off the lot, it broke down and the alternator needed replaced.

Headlights burn out more than most cars I've owned (almost got a ticket twice).

Computer went out and needed replaced.

The clock blinks on and off like there is a short (I'm thinking that is what shorted out the computer..). The dealership said they found the short, but the clock is still blinking.

4x4 sticks on, causing the wheels to feel like they are dragging, then pop, drag, then pop...

Timing belt broke at 93,000 miles, did a lot of damage, now I'm told I need a new engine.

I think this is a great looking, nice riding, comfortable car, but too expensive for all the problems that it has had.

Theresa tessmp@yahoo.com

Faults:

95,000km, the crank bolt went sheared off the pulley into the radiator.

100,000km, the lifters in the engine went.

104,230km, the engine had to be replaced due to camshaft seizing.

104,245km, coolant leaked out all over driveway.

General Comments:

Car is total disaster.

Bought used and have had nothing but trouble with it. Now once again it's unuseable.

Owned it 5 months, driven it 2.5 to 3 months in total, engine keeps breaking.

Faults:

Driver shaft (U-Joint) - broke and were replaced under warranty at 60,000 miles.

Pulley bolt - was replaced twice around 62,000 miles.

Throttle point sensor - replaced at 78,000 miles.

Other than that - just basic maintenance including tires, brakes and oil changes.

Was just informed the 2 (upper and lower) radiator hoses have cracks and need replacing @ 81,000 miles.

General Comments:

I have really enjoyed this SUV. For the price and the features, I felt it was really a great buy. The warranty has come in handy as was required for the driveshaft. Kia covered the towing, rental car and replacement at no cost to me.

The pulley bolt, which hadn't gone bad, but was replaced under a recall, actually went bad after they fixed it under the recall. It actually broke, the belts came off and the SUV died. Kia once again covered the towing, a rental car and replacement. At that time, I was informed by the dealer that even the replacement part for the recall had a problem.

The check engine light came on around 78,000 miles and thru a service center, they determined the code indicated a bad throttle point sensor. This cost just under $200 and not a warranty part.

I had the SUV in for a routine oil change and tire rotation today and they indicated it requires replacement of both radiator hoses plus a radiator flush. This would cost approximately $250.

I am also now getting a burning smell in the engine compartment, which I have the service center trying to find the cause.

The 2 above items are normal wear and tear maintenance items I would say.

Other than that, I have been extremely happy. I have the oil changed and the tires rotated at the same time every 3000 miles. It goes into the dealer for factory service every 15,000.