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Originally Posted by GTlists_3131 Here is my conversation with the Service Manager at KIA ASC, Bangalore regarding the same. He mentions Semi-Synthetic for the 1.5TGDi engines too which contradicts the Owner's manual.
Can I get them to change the engine oil into fully synthetic for free as semi-synthetic was filled in 2 months/2000km ago? |
Yes, Ask the service manager to do what the parent company KIA recommends for 1.5 T-GDI engines. If KIA ASC doesn't do it on priority basis ,ask them to send an email or written communication to you explaining why are they denying or why aren't they sticking to the manufacturers recommendations in the very first place. If they don't send it in time, start with a written complaint to kia India customer support regarding the same.
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I also noticed a 3 units (3L) being billed during one of the service and 4l for during the other. 4.2L is the recommended engine oil quantity for the 1.5TGDi.
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That’s exactly the kind of nonsense I’ve been talking about! How does the same engine get billed for 3L in one service and 4L in another when the manual clearly states 4.2L? They’re shorting you on right amount and quality of manufacturer recommended fresh oil (which is terrible for the engine) just to make an extra money for them. This just proves that these ASCs are making things up as they go, with zero standardization. And the worst part? KIA isn’t doing a thing about it! If they can’t even get something as basic as the right oil quantity right, what does that say about the rest of their service quality? If you’ve got service invoices showing this, you should definitely call them out and demand answers. This kind of shady practice is exactly why KIA’s after-sales service is a joke in India.
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Originally Posted by blogslogger It is a bit strange. The ASC I visit has always filled Castrol fully synthetic oil. Attachment 2739368
The part number NPNENG3DIBIOC corresponds to Castrol fully synthetic oil as per the document.
[ATTACH=wepp-buy6t8.pdf]2739378[/ATTACH]
Could it be a ASC level decision instead of a KIA mandate? Maybe next time we can source the oil outside and ask them to fill it in our presence. |
I’m honestly shocked that KIA has taken the time to list all the correct lubrication and specifications in the owner’s manual, yet their ASCs across India are just dumping in whatever oil they have lying around, completely ignoring the manufacturer’s recommendations. This isn’t just negligence—it’s outright recklessness. It’s painfully clear now that KIA in India has zero quality control in manufacturing and absolutely no quality assurance in after-sales service. From poorly built cars to shady service center practices, it’s a disaster at every level. They have no grip on their own products or the people handling them, making this an endless money pit for customers.
At this rate, this ripoff sister company is only heading one way—down. When a manufacturer has no control over the quality of its products and services, it’s only a matter of time before things fall apart completely
I own Kia Seltos with 1.5L T-GDI engine, I am attaching screenshots of the owners manual recommendations for this engine along with the service records of previous two oil changes. I had enquired before buying the vehicle at Jaika kia, Kamptee road Nagpur. I was told about an yearly oil change in 12 months or 10000 Kms, whichever occurs first by ASC Jaika kia, kamptee road, Nagpur . Since my vehicle has run 20000 KMs, I have got two oil changes done at 10000 kms interval in 12 months.
KIA recommended oil specifications as per owners manual -
The manufacturer - Kia has clearly mentioned to use fully synthetic oil in 1.5L T-GDI engines. If semi-synthetic or mineral oil is used it must be changed at 5000 KM interval. This information was never communicated by the service manager or general manager of service at Jaika kia ,kamtee road Nagpur. I believe I now know what was causing those random check engine-lights and other vehicle issues with a brand new engine. I had visited Jaika kia kamptee road, Nagpur to make them document the check engine light that kept reoccurring and going away when the vehicle was parked an allowed to cool down completely. If it was driven for around 250 Kms on a single trip the check engine light would light up again, the ASC Jaika kia, couldn't diagnose what was causing it to reoccur. The check engine light has not reoccurred since last oil change as I have only driven 2000 Kms since the last oil change. I am sure that I will see it again when my car will cross 6000 Km mark with the same oil in similar driving conditions. I am sure KIA ASC- Jaika kia kamptee road Nagpur has messed up oil changes in my vehicles as well as hundreds of other vehicles by not sticking to manufactures recommendations being an ASC.
See how the ASC- Jaika kia kamtee road , Nagpur did not stick to the manufacturers specifications and filled my vehicle with 0W-20 (ACEA C5) at 2nd free service at 9799 Km on June 22,2024.
The check engine light was occurring and re-occurring with the same error code which was found to be the same when the vehicle was driven around 7000 Kms with this semi synthetic oil , It's a clear sign of problems created due to sheer incompetence and negligence of the KIA ASC not following manufactures recommendations for oil quality , quantity and oil change intervals. They are using semi-synthetic 0W-20 (ACEA C5) in 1.5L T-GDI engines at 10000 KM or 12 months interval which is not what the manufacturer has recommended for this engine. Absolutely garbage after sales services being offered Pan India by Kia along with it's ASC's.
I am attaching a screenshot of the second oil change interval was done at 19465 KM on Jan 29,2025. (10000 KM interval, 8 months apart)
It's clear to me that the fresh oil my vehicle is being filled up in routine services at the ASC- Jaika kia ,kamptee road ,Nagpur is not what Kia as a manufacturer recommends. This will only lead to problems and more problems in the long run.
I’ve gone through service records shared by fellow BHPians for the exact same car I own, and I just can’t wrap my head around it—how is the engine oil different at different ASCs across different cities? This isn’t some small mix-up; it’s clear as day that KIA has zero control over its own service network. What kind of shady, inconsistent business are they running in India? How can they allow their ASCs to just pour in whatever oil they feel like, completely ignoring the manufacturer’s own recommendations? At this point, it’s obvious—KIA’s only goal is profiteering. They sell cars with manufacturing defects, then let their ASCs rip off customers under the guise of service, with no regard for long-term reliability or customer satisfaction. Trusting KIA’s after-sales service is nothing short mistake, and customers are the ones paying the price. Absolute disgrace!
It’s honestly ridiculous how KIA has clearly stated in the owner’s manual that only API-certified oil should be used—meant to standardize service, maintain quality and reliability, and ensure a longer engine life for customers. I have shared a screenshot from the owners manual of the same. But what’s the point of these so-called guidelines when KIA’s own ASCs couldn’t care less and do whatever they want? I’ve seen invoices from fellow BHPians who got their cars serviced in Bangalore, and guess what? They got the correct API-certified oil—just as KIA recommends. But in Nagpur? Not even close! Despite owning the same car, from the same manufacturer, in the same country, I wasn’t even provided the right oil. This is like walking into a chain restaurant expecting high-quality ingredients because that’s what’s on the menu, but depending on which outlet you visit, you might get served low-grade, cheap substitutes instead—all while being charged the same!
If KIA can’t even enforce basic service consistency, what does that say about their manufacturing quality? This isn’t just incompetence—it’s a deliberate rip-off at the customer’s expense. How is this acceptable?
I honestly regret every bit of my decision to move from a strong, reliable Hyundai to this piece of junk—KIA Seltos. I drove my Hyundai workhorse for 10 solid years without a single major issue, and now, just one year into owning this garbage from a rip-off sister company, it’s been an absolute nightmare.
For anyone still wondering why the Hyundai Creta sells more than the Seltos—this is your answer. Hyundai, at the very least, knows how to build a reliable car. KIA, on the other hand, is busy cutting corners, compromising on quality, and running a pathetic excuse of an after-sales network. Owning a KIA means dealing with scammers in their so-called “Authorized Dealerships” who are only interested in ripping off customers at every chance they get.
It’s all just flashy marketing and empty promises with KIA. The reality? They don’t give a damn about their customers. If you’re thinking of buying one, don’t make the same mistake I did—run in the opposite direction!
I have no idea what kind of success has gone to the heads of KIA India’s higher management, but whatever it is, it has completely destroyed the brand. They’ve turned KIA into an absolute garbage-value product with one of the worst after-sales experiences in the industry.
It’s like a fancy new restaurant that opened with a lot of hype—flashy ads, long lines, everyone eager to try it. But once people actually sat down, they realized the food was overpriced trash, the service was a joke, and the management was only interested in making a quick buck. That’s exactly what’s happening with KIA.
And now the falling sales numbers aren’t just some random dip—they’re proof that people are done with this scam. KIA is a sinking ship, and no one wants to be on board when it goes under. Gross mismanagement, endless frauds at ASCs, and a complete disregard for customers—that’s the KIA India story. They could have built something great, but instead, they chose to rip off customers, sell subpar vehicles, and run a scam disguised as after-sales service. Now, they’re paying the price