In February 2025, when my 2023 Kia had around 47,000 miles, I took it to a Kia dealership to…read morereplace the front brake pads. Since I purchased the vehicle, I had always taken it to Kia dealerships because I trusted certified Kia technicians to service my car properly.
They replaced the front brake pads and I picked up my car. At first, I did not notice anything unusual, but after a few months I realized that I had to press the brake pedal almost all the way to the floor to stop the vehicle.
I wanted to go to the service center right away. But I couldn't, because of school, I could not return immediately, but once summer arrived, I took the vehicle back.
At that point my vehicle had around 53,000 miles and the braking issue had become serious. The car would not stop properly unless I pressed the brake pedal almost completely down.
I explained my concerns to the service department and they inspected the vehicle.
The employee assisting me first told me that I needed to replace the rear brakes. I responded that during my most recent oil change, which had only been a few months earlier, the dealership's own inspection report stated that my rear brakes were in very good condition.
After I pointed that out, another recommendation was given. The employee named Tim then told me that I should replace the brake fluid.
That was the moment I became suspicious. First I was told one thing, then something different.
Later, the same employee told me that when I get into the car, I should pump the brake pedal and that the braking would improve, and that this was considered normal.
While my vehicle was still under warranty, I visited another Kia dealership. However, they told me that because the brake pad replacement had not been done at their location, they would inspect the issue but would charge a diagnostic fee. I decided not to pay and left.
I asked multiple people afterward and was told that if the brake fluid still looked clean and remained full, it might not actually be the issue.
I continued driving the vehicle.
At around 58,000 miles, my rear camera failed. I had a long discussion with the dealership about that issue as well. At first they said it was software-related, but eventually they replaced the camera.
Now my vehicle has reached around 70,000 miles and the brakes have become much worse.
About a week ago, during an oil change, another employee again told me that changing the brake fluid would solve the issue.
But when I returned later (after three days) , I was finally told that the brake master cylinder had failed.
I asked them why they did not tell me this when I originally came in at around 53,000 miles and explained that this issue was not new.
The employee checked the records in the computer system and confirmed that yes, I had previously visited and that recommendations had been made. Those recommendations were exactly the ones I described above.
That was the moment I felt something was wrong.
My impression was that they may have already had enough information to investigate this issue more seriously earlier, but instead I was repeatedly given different recommendations while the vehicle was still under warranty.
Now I am being asked to pay around $900 for the repair.
At this point, I feel like I have been left carrying the cost of a problem that I reported much earlier. I feel disappointed and misled by how this situation was handled. I feel like a victim!
In addition, I am preparing to take them to court.
My advice to future buyers: if you are purchasing a new vehicle and want to avoid experiences like this, DON'T BUY A KIA. Its parts break down very quickly and Kia's service department doesn't seem particularly eager to fix this.
I am sharing service records and photos as well. I covered the VIN number and personal information.
I hope sharing my experience helps future car buyers make informed decisions
