2022 Kia Stinger

My 2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]) has experienced three HVAC blower motor failures in Phoenix, AZ — August 2025, June 2026, and July 2026. Loss of AC in Phoenix summer temperatures exceeding 110°F is a direct safety concern. The first failure occurred in August 2025 while the vehicle was under full factory warranty. Ken Garff Kia Phoenix replaced only the blower motor multifuse (Part No. 18980 09400) and charged $624.57 out of pocket, incorrectly advising the repair was not covered under warranty. The root cause was never properly addressed. The second failure occurred in June 2026. Ken Garff replaced the blower motor and charged an additional $545.12 without performing the correct permanent repair. The Service Manager subsequently admitted in writing via email to charging a double diagnostic fee on the first visit and charging for the same multifuse on the second visit. I discovered that Kia issued Warranty Extension Campaign WTY037 on August 14, 2024, covering this exact failure pattern in high-heat states, with Arizona explicitly named. The correct permanent repair under WTY037 is a fuse relocation procedure that was never performed at either visit. Kia America has denied my claim under WTY037 (Case#XXXX) without providing any written explanation or stated basis for the denial. Total paid out of pocket: $1,169.69 for repairs that did not resolve the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2022 Kia Stinger first went into the dealership because it would not accelerate properly even at full throttle, creating an immediate safety risk in traffic. Over multiple visits, the dealership replaced the ECM, ABS module, brake booster, vacuum pump, and a fuel injector, and confirmed repeated electrical shorts across major systems including throttle control, braking, and fuel delivery. Despite months of repairs, the loss of power, brake assist issues, ABS faults, and electrical failures continued, and the dealership never identified the root cause. The problems were reproduced and documented by the dealer, the vehicle was inspected multiple times on behalf of the manufacturer, and warning lights and drivability symptoms appeared before each failure. The vehicle is currently not in my possession, and all replaced components are available for inspection. The combination of engine hesitation, brake system failures, and repeated electrical shorts makes the vehicle unsafe and unreliable to operate.

In March of 2021 We purchased a 2022 Stringer after driving vehicle me and family members noticed car had STRONG GAS SMELL that DID NOT go away as a matter fact SMELL got STRONGER to the point we started getting HEADACHES every time we rode in this vehicle. I contacted Sale Person who sold us the vehicle advised him car smells of STRONG GASES who informed me to contact Service Department and let Service Department know the problem I’m having with my new purchase 2022 Stringer which I did. After reaching out to service department! phone was given to Service Manger who informed me all new vehicle have a coding which makes cars smell of gas however, smell should go away after 2,000 continue driving miles. Per Service Management continue driving vehicle if smell doesn’t go away He will check vehicle out. SMELL DID NOT GO AWAY we felt like we we’re going to DIE smell was so strong that is when I contacted Dealership spoke with several people letting them know this car is going to blow up at least it smells like it. Once I spoke with financial Department Management informed him of problem we were having with vehicle and TOLD HIM I’M NOT DRIVING VEHICLE ANYMORE IT IS GOING TO BLOW UP GAS IS SO STRONG per the financing Manager he DID NOT BLAME ME HE ALSO suggested We not DRIVE Vehicle. I had it towed in to dealership for several days hear from no one about car was told per service manger car was being checked out by KIA’s top mechanic it’s ok to drive now it is dry there is no moisture we can drive it. Unknown to me what is wrong with this car but something is TERRIBLY WRONG with this car No I don’t feel safe to drive this car with me nor my family we felt like we were going to DIE in the car SMELL was that STRONG.