ComplaintsforALM Kia South

• Initial Complaint

  04/03/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I took my vehicle in after battery died. Replaced battery. Car would not start. Son mechanic stated to take car to *** for parts. Took 4 days to diagnose. Stated fuel pump and relay was bad. Paid it. Got car home tried to start to do same thing. They don't tow. So paid a second time to tow. Second diagnosis was a bad starter. Seems they just want to replace things and charge till it works. The likelihood that the starter, the fuel pump and relay all go bad at same time is around 1%, service lane manager rude and condescending. Will fight to get this right and fair.

  Business response

  04/04/2024

  Thank you for your email. although we are quite perplexed, you have authorized both repairs in writing. The first repair was the fuel pump. This repair was at a cost of $1301.94, why would you request a refund of $2100.00. It is not uncommon to have a 2009 *** to have items break such as a starter these components wear out over time. These components are not connected to each other or in the same system. Replacing one will not affect the others performance. We trust this has resolved your issues. Your vehicle will be ready when promised

  Customer response

  04/08/2024

   
  Complaint: 21527884
  
  I am rejecting this response because:  I am not asking for a refund.  I am asking for to be fair.  The likelihood that 3  things that went out at once.  Fuel pump and relay which was fixed and vehicle did exactly the same thing is more than unlikely.  Not only that.  We saw that this was not serviced correctly since the battery was barely connected.  You can see in my history I'm not a complainer.  But this was not done right from the start. Diagnosis for what I brought in is what I brought it back for.  Not right.

  I am also perplexed at the level of disrespect I have encountered. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *********************

  Business response

  04/08/2024

  You approved the work and then contacted the BBB. We can only assume you are looking to try to get a discount or the work for free, our invoice stands at the price you have approved. We consider this matter resolved 

• Initial Complaint

  03/28/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have a 2019 *** ****** Ive purchased from this location in 2020. The vehicle was brand new and only had a couple of miles on it upon purchase. Shortly After getting the vehicle( before 5k miles) I had to return to a dealership due to acceleration on the vehicle was declining . The dealership fixed the problem and I got my vehicle back. Fast forward to 2023 I noticed my vehicles oil level always being low. I ended up having to change my oil ever 2-3k miles due to always having low oil . On March 4 2024 I finally was able to get an appointment to get my vehicle checked on why the oil level kept being low. I took my car to ALM South *** and they told me my oil level is low and needs an oil change . I explained to the several Times thats the reason Im brining it in due to it keep dropping oil level . After them keeping my vehicle for almost a month the contacted me and stated I needed a new engine. *** stated the engine needed to be replaced due to lack of maintenance (oil changes ) I explained I change my own oil on time every time need be. *** stated since I dont have proof they will not be fixing my car honoring it under warranty . My vehicle has 73k miles still covered under the 100k warranty. I stated to the several times I dont have receipts due to me not needing to keep them because its just a simple oil change I do on my own . I tried contacting the auto stores for receipts but non kept receipts for more than a day let alone 4 years . *** stated I will have to pay $9,300 to get my car repaired even tho Im not at fault and this is a known Problem with their cars . *** is faulting me for doing my own oil changes and never stated the simple preventative maintenance would have to be done at a dealership.

  Business response

  03/29/2024

  We do not offer any warranties on the vehicles. Your situation is with Kia ************** We suggest you contact Kia ******** affairs to see if they can assist you

• Initial Complaint

  02/15/2024

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  ALM ******************* fraudulently increased the price of the vehicle nearly $10k and redid my paperwork after I left the dealership. They told me my financing was through Kia ******* at 7.9% interest but actually resubmitted my deal 10 days later without informing me they added on a warranty I didnt request and they also change my paperwork after the fact and submitted my deal to a different ******* company. When I called to complain, the white general manager told me that you people always buy more than you can afford followed by a few other insults regarding my education level. The general manager denied any wrongdoing but *** fired that ******* manager for falsifying the documents . These guys are very shady and Buyer beware.

  Business response

  02/15/2024

  Yes we did speak yesterday on the phone however your statement of the phone call is inaccurate.  We did not fire anyone for any wrongdoing on your deal as stated yesterday to you yesterday. We never discussed your or my education level as this has nothing to do with the deal. I stated to you the warranty can be canceled, your response was you have canceled the warranty. I then stated your payoff will go down and the number of months will become less. You said I was wrong we can agree to disagree. The price was not increased over the amount you agreed to purchase the vehicle for other than your taxes, tags and fees. You did purchase a warranty which you will receive a refund for this purchase. Let us know if you require anything else from your purchase last August 2023.

   

   

  Customer response

  02/15/2024

   
  Complaint: 21296537
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The business manager stated he has a wet signature from me on a contract and deal submitted on Aug 24th which is impossible because I never made a wet signature on a contract.
  

  My ex wifes signature was required to make the deal official, but  How can the deal be submitted on Aug 24th when my ex-wifes signature was required and we have the document from ALM dated over a week later to release the trade in vehicle. 
  

  in addition I requested the cancellation of the warranty I never purchased back in September.   I have followed up every month since then and have been given the run around.  Check out all of the similar complaints on the BBB and with the Fulton ************************ where I just left to file a fraud criminal action.  
  
  This practice seems to be consistent at this dealership.  Please take a look at the other reviews about this dealership. The business manager is a flat out liar.  He is rude and made derogatory remarks towards me.  
  

  I thank the BBB for this opportunity and we will make sure this doesnt happen to anyone else moving forward starting tomorrow. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

  Business response

  02/16/2024

  your contract was e-signed the trade has no relation to your finance contract. Your wife signed off on the title work after you signed the documents to purchase. We have no record of you canceling your warranty, to cancel you must fill out a form with the actual miles. *** web site to cancel is ************************************************************** the process typically takes 4-6 weeks. We will try to expedite for you if you cancel today.

• Initial Complaint

  12/28/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Purchase date 11/25/2022.Attempts to reach ALM service center via phone was unsuccessful. Unable to leave messages as mailboxes were full.Spoke to salesman ******************* about the issue. He advised me to bring the car in to have it looked at.Left work early on Wednesday, 12/7/2022. After arriving I was told that I needed to make an appointment.See text to service stating my name vehicle information in the issue.Appointments with ALM *** were months out.I made an appointment with ************************ for 12/9/2022. Had to take off work. ************************ replace the part, 12/29/2022.Had to take off work. Issue was not resolved. Returned to ************************ 01/31/2023. Problem persists.Multiple failed attempts to reach ALM **** Left messages without return. Unable to reach GM or service manager. A ****** review was posted, 01/26/2023. See photo.Spoke with *** ******** care. Emails with *** following the conversation are dated, 06/26/2023. *** care case # *** 08 065.I was told by ******** care to reach out to ***** at ********* of ********* to set up repair with a loaner vehicle.*********** denied to have a loanar car program and I was told I could get a rental and *** with reimburse a portion of that.

  Business response

  12/28/2023

  This seems to be a complaint that should be directed to KIA *** not ALM 

  Customer response

  12/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 21065427
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  

  I purchased the vehicle from ALM who has not upheld the warranty agreement.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  12/28/2023

  ALM Kia South has not worked on or seen the vehicle in over a year. You will need to return to the company that repaired your vehicle

  Customer response

  12/28/2023

   
  Complaint: 21065427
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  I have attempted multiple times to have the car seen at the location I purchased it from. I spoke to *********** ******************* days after purchasing the vehicle to inform him of the issue. When I returned to have it checked per his advice, I was turned away to make an appointment, however, no appointments were available for months out. I was able to be seen immediately at the *** of *****, thankfully, who attempted to replace the trunk latch but was unsuccessful. Again, I tried to reach ALM for service. Which is when I was passed around to multiple full or blank voice-mail boxes, not allowed to speak to any manager, and was even put on the phone with another customer who was also having issues. Which is when I posted my review. I was told to contact someone again, but was unsuccessful.

  What a terrible way to treat customers after they purchase from you! My car is under warranty, I have taken it in for service on this issue more than three times in the last year, and it is still malfunctioning. Therefore, I have launch a complaint with the ******* Attorney General **************************** as well. The right thing to do would be to fix my car, or it can be repurchased/ replaced. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  11/02/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I bought a car from Kia ********************** south in 2022. My family and I drove to Georgia from ** to visit and ended up needing to purchase a whole new car because of an engine issue. We purchased a car from ********************** South in hopes to have a car to make it back to **. As ** residents we told ********************** south we will not be registering our car here as we live in **. They assured me I would not have to pay GA Taxes. My license was Issued from the *********** and all of my purchase paper work had my ** address on it. Upon checking my pay off balance I noticed I was charged taxes on a vehicle that was never registered in the ***********. To make matters worse my title was issued to the wrong state and I have yet to even register my car even after a year. *** tried to contact the dealership for financial guidance but no one has returned my call. I live in ** and cannot figure this out without help. I should have not paid any taxes for the ***********.

  Business response

  11/03/2023

  You did not pay ** taxes; your vehicle is registered in the *********** per your bill of sale. Kia ******* is your lien holder. ********* ******* holds your title until your lien is satisfied or paid in full. KMF holds your title as we have verified this information. I am attaching a copy of your ** title as proof that ALM Kia South titled the vehicle correctly. Your claims are unfounded.

   

  Customer response

  11/03/2023

   
  Complaint: 20816994
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Kia finance informed me that I had paid a 6.6% tax on the fair market value of the vehicle. This paper work was prepared by ALM South. I was not a Georgia resident nor was I registering my car in Georgia so why was there a tax of $2,505 in my loan? 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  11/04/2023

  We collected sales tax for your state and paid said sales tax. Otherwise you would not have a ** title

  Customer response

  11/04/2023

   
  Complaint: 20816994
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The *********** has no sale tax. I should have not been charged taxes. There are five ****** in the **** that dont have any sales tax when buying cars. These states are ******, ********, *******, *************, and ******. What is the explanation for the 6.6% charged? Based on the *** site for the ***********, the **** is 6.6% and is normally charged at the dealership for those registering their vehicles in **. I wish youd take the time to provide a more informative response. Id like to receive specifics and facts as to why I was charged a 6.6% tax fee.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

  Business response

  11/13/2023

  I followed up on the taxes you were charged. The taxes will be refunded to ********* Finance.

  Customer response

  11/14/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Could you please forward documentation of this refund as well as confirmation that the taxes were never paid to the state tax offices in both Georgia and *************. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *************************

• Initial Complaint

  10/14/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On July 29, I made a purchase at ALM Kia South, and I signed paperwork for a vehicle at the drive out price of $42,000. I was told paperwork would be emailed. I was still asking for the paperwork on August 15. I finally received it on August 16 and it showed the amount financed was $46,583. I have attached a copy of the invoice for your reference along with an image of my email correspondence with ***********************. I immediately contacted the dealership and when I could not reach my salesperson or finance manager after repeated phone calls, I drove to the dealership and spoke with *********************** in person on August 20 to explain the situation and request a refund. He assured me that he would refund the additional warranties that were added after the fact ($5300) that I did not agree to pay . He emailed me while I was in the dealership for an official request to refund the items to which I replied while I was in the dealership. I believed at that point it was all just a misunderstanding and would be resolved. Now it is October, I have tried calling ****** multiple times but unfortunately I have not received any communication or resolution to date.I then contacted ***********************, the General manager at ALM Kia South. He told me I would not be refunded all of these warranties because I "signed" the document, even though I explained how I had to call the dealership repeatedly for 10 days to get them to produce my paperwork and then immediately questioned the amount it said I financed- and again could not get anyone to return my phone calls. I had to wait until I could drove back to Union City and make someone speak with me face to face to get any answers. I was then sent paperwork to sign to get tow of the three warranties refunded but was expected to date t as of October and use my current mileage as basis for the refund. I have insisted I will only date the document August 20 because that is the date *********************** agreed to refund the warranties.

  Business response

  10/16/2023

  We have canceled the warranty you agreed to purchase on the day you purchased the vehicle. You signed each copy of your bill of sale, the warranty forms and the individual contracts we are confident these items were disclosed. Our products can be canceled hours 7 days a week 24 hours per day on our web site. Once you sent the miles to us we canceled the products on the day that you sent the requested information. The process takes 4-6 weeks for us to receive the funds then we send to your lender. Several of the items you purchased cannot be canceled, this was explained to you and is on the contract you signed.

  Customer response

  10/19/2023

   
  Complaint: 20735719
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I was not even given my paperwork within 7 days so there was no opportunity to cancel or even see the discrepancies. I called for over 10 days before getting a response. I do not live locally so I could not physically return to the dealership until August 20. Everything was misrepresented and as soon an I saw the paperwork- I called immediately to question what had happened. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *************************

  Business response

  10/19/2023

  Our stance has not changed, all paperwork was signed by during delivery. Our web site is open 24/7 you could have canceled at any time. We are processing your cancelation on the date we received the final information from you as we stated.

  Customer response

  10/21/2023

   
  Complaint: 20735719
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  you can see in the supporting documents my request for the paperwork within days of purchase- this was followed by numerous phone calls- and I did not receive the supporting paperwork until August 16 (as noted in supporting attachments). How would I have known I needed to cancel my purchase before August 16?? I had no idea anything was wrong with the numbers and again you can see my immediate response on the 16th via email- with no answer so I drove to the dealership on August 20. I was told on August 20 it would all be refunded within 4-6 weeks. Now it is October, you are still asking me for more documentation- asking me to send you contract number that I do not have because I never received any of them- before you will cancel now and telling me once that is done- it will be another 4-6 weeks. UNACCEPTABLE. 

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *************************

  Customer response

  10/26/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID .********, , and find that Mediation is necessary.

  Regards,

  ****** *************************

  Business response

  10/27/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

  I would like to reject the offer of Mediation for complaint ID ********.

  Regards,

  ****** *************************

• Initial Complaint

  09/12/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I went thru the process to buy a car and went through finance where they ran my card for a partial payment of a vehicle. I I was pre approved to finance a portion thru my own financial institution, a credit union, and I paid them the difference of $1,379.25 and the finance person ****************** ran my bank card. I was told if i provided a copy of the check from the financing company and a tracking number I could take delivery of the car the same day. When I provided everything they asked for they still would not allow me to take the car. We canceled the transaction but I was told accounting would have to run a credit for the amount I personally paid. No one would reverse the charge even though the finance person ran the card initially. The salesman, ***** called me the next day saying they had cancelled and sent me a copy of the original receipt. When I disagreed that it was a cancellation he yelled at me and hung up on me. I waited from 9/8/23 until 9/12/23 for the charge to post and disputed with my bank. I have tried to call the dealer and the salesman and get no response. They have $1,379.25 of my money and I cannot reach them. They claim they dont allow anyone to drive away with the car without having all funds in hand. This is not how business is traditionally done in my area. My credit union agreed and they voided the check and never sent it to ALM Kia South. No funds have been sent to ALM Kia South and they still have the car they wanted to sell me AND they still have my *******. I want customers to be wary of this dealership and Id like my money back. I dont have a guarantee that I will get it back thru my bank yet. This dealer leaves me feeling they are not legitimate and are out to cheat customers. They have my money and I do not have a car from them.

  Business response

  09/14/2023

  We do not deliver a vehicle until all funds are in house either a check from the consumer or we are financing the vehicle. Yes you paid a deposit which was refunded on 09/11. This concludes the transaction.

• Initial Complaint

  09/08/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  Hello my name is ******************. My 2011 Kia ****** has been at the service center since March. I previously towed the vehicle in for a diagnostic and was told the transmission pump was bad and could be replaced without replacing the transmission. Once I decided to repair the vehicle I drove it to your service center in March and spoke to an advisor and told them the situation. I was told that the service center was behind and it could take a while for them to get to my vehicle. I called over 5 times and spoke to several different advisors, I was told my advisor was not available and that I would receive a call back. I never received any calls, emails or anything. The last time I called I spoke to a female advisor and expressed the issues I was having, she told me my advisor would call me back. Today I came to check on my vehicle and was told it was towed away. I found my vehicle on your parking lot and would like to remove it. I was then told the keys werent available and I needed to pay for a diagnostic. I asked to speak yo my advisor and was told he was not available. Then I asked to speak to the service manager and was told he was not available. They told me the service managers supervisor was ***** but he also was not available. My vehicle also has scratches on the bumper on the driver side and the bumper is popped off it wasnt like this when I dropped it off. Please give me a call to address my concerns. I can be reached at ************* ******************.

  Business response

  09/09/2023

  We sent estimate to you several times without response. We are not responsible for damage that *** or *** not have occurred on our lot. We gave you your key and made a video of the key opening the vehicle during the pickup process yesterday on Sept 8th.

  Customer response

  09/09/2023

   
  Complaint: 20574927
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I never received anything from the service department. I also have phone records that show I called over ten times and was told someone would call me back. My vehicle was also damaged. Once I paid for the diagnostic I still had to wait over a hour because my keys were lost by your service center. Horrible customer service and not one manager available to help I waited hours.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************

  Business response

  09/18/2023

  We checked our records you picked up your car on June 16th. We have no way to verify the damage you are claiming after you picked up your vehicle, your claim is 3 months later. Our policy is we are not liable for any damages to the vehicle while it is parked on the lot waiting for repairs. 

   

   

  Customer response

  09/18/2023

   
  Complaint: 20574927
  
  I am rejecting this response because: i made the Supervisor aware of the damage before I picked up the vehicle. The customer service is horrible and a diagnostic was never completed.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************

  Business response

  09/25/2023

   We are not responsible for damage that *** or *** not have occurred on our lot. We gave you your key and made a video of the key opening the vehicle during the pickup process yesterday on Sept 8th. Weather you chose to accept our response is up to you it is our answer to this issue

  Customer response

  09/25/2023

   
  Complaint: 20574927
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  The customer service was awful, vehicle was damaged and my key was lost and I waited hours to receive my vehicle.
  Sincerely,
  
  ******************

• Initial Complaint

  07/03/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  ALM KIA SOUTH will not respond to my emails. I'm trying to check up on the *** contract cancelation. Wanted to know if they have processed it yet. I've been calling *********** once a week. And they are saying they haven't received nothing on their ends. If ALM sent it thru mail. Letting me know they did would be greatly appreciated. Capitol One asked me to ask for tracking if they have mailed it.

  Business response

  07/04/2023

  Thank you for contacting us the process takes 4-6 weeks once completed. We will need the cancelation form you filled out with the current miles on the vehicle. You have been texting the sales department, our cancelation department is not part of sales. Email your cancelation request to ********************************** we will see to it that the request is followed up on Wednesday 7/05/2023.

  Customer response

  07/06/2023

   
  Better Business Bureau:
  
  I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution is satisfactory to me.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

• Initial Complaint

  06/07/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  In February 2022 we purchased a *** from Alm ***. Within weeks the engine died. They took my car for a 6 WEEK LONG DIAGNOSTIC TEST!! Then took the car in for repairs that lasted 6 MONTHS! WHICH ESSENTIALLY ATE MY WARRANTY!! I received my car back in December, I was on the side of the road again in JANUARY, I was told they put in a new engine, when in fact THEY DID NOT. I am on the side of the road yet again! And Alm is not responding to phone calls or messages to fix my vehicle. They only changed the timing. BBB I do not know what else to do. I am losing and constantly inconvenienced by this and yet I'm the only paying the price! I did not get to utilize my full warranty time. Alm *** had my vehicle for 6 months!! And now I may have to do that again? Are there any consequences for them? Do they get to get away with scamming, over charging and selling lemons?? They DID NOT PUT IN A NEW ENGINE AND THAT WAS CONFIRMED BY A MECHANIC. What do I do? No one is returning any phones or emails regarding this issue. I need help, I cannot be without my vehicle for another 6 months!! I can't just give the back and they know that. TOLD ME me TO trade in, I WOULD HAVE DOUBLE THE PAYMENTS, IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

  Business response

  06/08/2023

  ******************,
  Good afternoon the last time we saw your vehicle was in January, 6 months ago. If you would like for ** to look at your vehicle, have the vehicle towed to the service department. Currently no one knows what issue you are experiencing or what part has malfunctioned. We cannot diagnose   your vehicle over the phone. You purchased a used vehicle with over ****** miles in February 2022, there is no lemon law that would cover the vehicle. We did in fact install a new engine in your vehicle. Neither our  team or I appreciate your sarcasm or insinuations. We are here to assist and to help our customers, nothing more or less.
  
  
  If you would like to take your vehicle to another Kia ********** please do so, most are 5-6 weeks out, or you can bring it to ** and we will look at the vehicle the choice is yours.

   

  ***********************

  General Manager

  ALM Kia South

  
  

*Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business. ↩