Kia Seltos ownership: My 9-month-old SUV develops a gearbox problem

My trust with the Kia brand has reduced considering the way they handled the whole situation.

BHPian Dejay recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I absolutely loved the smooth gear shifts of my Kia Seltos diesel manual (HTK Plus) until an incessant humming sound started appearing. The KIA service associate tried to brush it off as a minor issue saying that it may be coming from the tyres. But having realised the gravity of the situation, I told them to do a thorough check-up.

To my horror, the sound was indeed coming from the gearbox. They tested the gear oil and found traces of metal in it. Apparently, there is a faulty bearing and the humming sound was coming from it. I requested the KIA team to replace the entire gearbox and its components considering that it is a new car (just 9 months old). My concern was that if it is due to a faulty bearing then other parts may also be damaged due to friction. But the company flatly refused to do it and the only resolution offered was the replacement of the faulty bearing.

This event left me with complete dissatisfaction with the KIA brand and service. This may have been a manufacturing defect and other cars in the same series also may be affected. But the company is not interested in even investigating this angle.

Manufacturing is a complex process and it is understood that sometimes faults may occur. But it is how brands deal with such incidents based on which the trust & confidence may get built or eroded. In my case, the trust with the KIA brand has reduced considering the way they handled the whole situation.

It is ironic to see that on one side there is a great marketing push in the mainstream media celebrating the KIA brand but on the other hand, they even manage to disappoint customers like me who once used to be a fan.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

It is disappointing, but with the increase in their sales volumes to such enormous levels, new Hyundai-Kia cars are facing an unusually high amount of niggles & problems. Have been noticing this trend for about 3 - 4 years and as mentioned earlier = our brand new media test-drive cars have had minor niggles. They had better sort things out to protect their reputation. Especially important with the level of technology they are offering in the mass market (bucket-load of electronic gizmos, dual-clutch ATs, turbo-petrol etc.).

All I can say is, if you are a Hyundai-Kia owner, make sure you get the max possible extended warranty.

Here's what BHPian ajayc123 had to say on the matter:

You may have been better off, by getting the faulty bearing replaced. Who knows, even the replacement gearbox may come with faulty bearings too.

Not at all a good start. Hoping you have a smooth journey ahead.

Here's what BHPian shancz had to say on the matter:

Unfortunate and shocking especially in something as basic as an MT!

GTO's comments nail the gravity of the situation.

Of late I have noticed a lot of issues in Hyundai/Kia cars related to powertrains. Scared about how the situation would be like 5 years down the line for the owners. I hope it's a faulty bearing only but I don't think their analysis and fixes can be challenged or entertained. You'll have to drive it to post the fix and take it back to them if happens again.

As mentioned get the max warranty possible and push for an extended warranty from them, free of charge since your car could still have potential issues which show up at a later date.

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