ComplaintsforALM Kia South

• Initial Complaint

  05/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle from the dealership and was told they owed me a bumper. When I brought in for the bumper the service manager scheduled my appt after my contract period of 5 days. He forced the bumper to fit and wasnt aligning properly. When I came to retrieve the vehicle I expressed my dissatisfaction and told them it wasnt done properly. I have called and came back several times because the clamps they put on didnt keep the bumper in place and they refuse to fix it.

  Business response

  06/01/2023

  We repaired the bumper in November of 2022. You did not complain at that time. You came back to the store in February 2023 to have your oil changed again no complaints. On 05/31/2023 you came to the store claiming the bumper was stressed and popped out during your oil change in February. Our team will not interact with you again due to your actions in our service department on 05/31/2023. We have fulfilled our promise to you in November of 2022. 

   

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

   

   

  Customer response

  06/01/2023

  I complained about the bumper in November and was not satisfied with the fix instead of a new bumper or industry standard, the bumper was bent and strapped down it was not properly aligned, and I told them this.  The service manager was very rude and dismissive.  I called every week until February.  In February they popped the bumper loose  and lied about the work performed. If it was like then then why was it not noted in the inspection from that day. They never properly fixed the bumper and now they want me to bare the cost of it being done properly. Where is the paperwork from the bumper being fixed. 

  Business response

  06/01/2023

  Nothing is written up on your vehicle when you returned for your oil change in Feb. We do not cover damage to vehicles 7 months after the repair. 

• Initial Complaint

  05/31/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I have reached out to ALM 7 times only for my emails not to be responded to or calls to be returned. I brought a car from them on May 12, 2023. In my buyer order that pay-off amount was *********. The check was only issued for $14,232.49. There is a $324.29 difference. Thats owed to either me or my bank. Also, a check was sent to the *** for $3,390.00 and to get everything transferred it was only $1,927.43. Therefore AML will be receiving a check back for $1,462.57. More money will be received back by ALM. This company said that the taxes and tag were $3347.00. However, the taxes and transfer were only $1927.43 Im requesting that a check be mailed to my bank for the difference of $324.29. If not I will be taking this matter to court.

  Business response

  06/01/2023

  Thank you for reaching out to us. We appreciate you suppling the information we requested. We have started the refund process your account will receive credit in 4-6 weeks. Thanks again for giving ** the opportunity to resolve this issue.

• Initial Complaint

  03/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  On Feb 14th 0f 2022 I purchased a 2022 Telluride From ALM KIA ***** of Atlana In Union CIty ** THE *** HAS BEEN IN THE **** multiple times over the year I have had it. The last time I took it was the 2nd attempt of trying to fix my heat , it doesn't blow hot ( only cold) when u are stopped or trying to warm the car up, yesterday March 22 2023 I received a call after 9 days that my car was ready and fixed( THE 2nd time they have SD this and it's not fixed) So when I pick my car up it was almost out of gas, I went to the gas station and noticed the heat was still having the same issue only now the heat won't work while driving. After many attempts of calling and no answer, I finally get a call back saying there is nothing more they can do. I am covered under warranty and opened up a case with Kia ********* , I was trying for the lemon law like ****s of others who have the same issue but they also can't get any help from ******** can not be a lemon if thwy refuse to work on it. No one answers the phone and they are very rude. I just need some help getting this settled I am fully covered under warranty. Thanks

  Business response

  03/23/2023

  While we understand your concerns, we have repaired the vehicle to the specifications as provided to ** by **** While we agree your vehicle is under full warranty you are encouraged to take the vehicle elsewhere to have a second opinion on the operation of the vehicle, if you believe the vehicle is not performing as designed. I have spoken with our team, they have all been helpful to resolve the issues you have experienced. Your vehicle was delivered back to you, after our team verified the issue was corrected. 

   

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

  General Manager

  Customer response

  03/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 19639114
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ************************** *********************************

  Customer response

  03/23/2023

   
  Complaint: 19639114
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ************************** *********************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/26/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  *** has had my car since 9-26-22. I had it towed in due to an engine recall, and now I've been told that another part is needed and is not in stock anywhere in the country. The estimated time on the part is not known. I have also been dealing with the corporate office with no resolution. My corporate number is ********. I am a stage four Cancer patient, and I have no vehicle. I have to go to chemo and have problems with transportation. I call almost every day with no resolution. I need my vehicle. Please Help!!! I can be reached at ************.

  Business response

  01/27/2023

  We apologize for the delays with ***********. The catalytic converter is on national back order for **** The engine has been replaced, once we know when the part will be available, we will advise you. We are pleased you have opened a case with *** as this is the first step to assist us with expediting the part. We will keep you updated as we learn when we should receive the part to complete ***********. 

   

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

  General Manager

  Customer response

  01/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 18903456
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *****************************

• Initial Complaint

  01/23/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  We purchased a truck at ALM Kia ***** and during the sales process I told the salesman no extended warranty or service contracts needed. I acquired my own financing and had cashiers check in hand. We were never shown anything about a Motor Trend CPOV, when the Salesman mentioned it I said no we do not want it. We then went to the finance manager who was so excited he forgot to charge me the balance of $320 more than the check amount. Note to everyone: Always put at least a couple of thousand on a CC just to cover antics like this.I did not catch the under charge until on the drive back to ** and promptly called *********************** and paid the balance within 1 hour after we left the dealership. I get home and see they slipped it back in the bill, texted the salesman and asked why is this on my bill, he replied that the Finance Manager is new and forgot to go over the ******************* contract with us for an item that I told him we decline on. So now this has been going on for 5 days. Salesman ***** stated it over his pay grade so he will report to his Manager. Finance Manager **** sent me a service contract two days later all filled out with our information and unsigned. He also stated he will have his manager call me. I have called and left messages, only response was when I did the Chat that constantly pops up when on their site requesting to speak to management I then received a call in less than 5 minutes, it is another salesman trying to sell me a car. Georgia ************************ 10-1-598. Contracts of membership; requirements; notice; effect of noncompliance (a) A copy of every contract shall be delivered to the member at the time the contract is signed.(b) Every contract must be in writing, must be signed by the member, must designate the date on which the member signed the contract, and must state, clearly and conspicuously in boldface type of a minimum size of 14 points, the following: Lein holder had to get BO SALE from me!

  Business response

  01/24/2023

  The Motor trend is disclosed on the salespersons bill of sale and signed by you. The second bill of sale is the one you signed in the business office with ****. The next item is the final acceptance, signed by you acknowledging the coverage. The last item is the policy itself signed by you and *********  Please note that all of the documents reflect your signature and you have acknowledged the product. With this in **************** has been disclosed properly. I have attached the supporting paperwork as our official response to this matter.

   

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

  General Manager

  Customer response

  01/24/2023

  **** sent me this on SATURDAY 1/21/2023  after I asked about it on Thursday 1/19/2023. Now why would he send this unsigned document to me if we 

  had already executed it in his office 3 days before?? I'm telling everyone I did not sign that document. I did sign others but were only given the Bill of sale 

  and a temporary tag. While we were in ****'s office he started with gambling stories, then went to golf and everything else but the business at hand.

  He even forgot to charge me the overage amount of ******, which I remembered while driving home and called and had my wife pay over the phone.

  That is when I noticed the $1000 charge was still on after I told ***** the salesman we did not need it. Read about this company and make your own conclusion.

  I have contacted Motor Trend and informed them of this, so hopefully they will join in as well.

  Sincerely, ********************;

  Business response

  01/26/2023

  The documents were signed in the store with all title work. The documents speak for themselves, your signature on each one, each one states the same items you purchased.

   

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

  General Manager

  Customer response

  01/27/2023

   
  Complaint: 18882830
  
  I am rejecting this response because:The salesman did not explain any of the MotorTrend CPOV Fees or any service contract nor did the fianance manager.The last two documents were not signed by me and it is the first time I have seen these. My wife was present as a witness and she has not seen or heard any explanation of MotorTrend fees or service contracts. These guys are really good at what they do and I do not expect them to refund anyone a dime, but on the other hand I have the right to protest and complain and will continue to do so. This type of behavior is why they are and will continue to be so unpopular with their customers. Most certainly will be my last trip to ALM South. By the way great neighborhood, perfect place to raise a family with a CC Permit. Please see the text messages with the Business Manager and the attachments from earlier and understand that I never saw or signed that document or the final acceptance form. Otherwise the Bus. Manager would have sent me the signed copy. Really does anyone believe that these fees that are "optional" were explained to us and I signed off on them knowing fully that I just wanted to pay more because It's such a good deal! 

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

• Initial Complaint

  01/06/2023

  Complaint Type:

  Product Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a vehicle from ALM *** south in October of 2022. The vehicle was equipped with temporary tags in order for the dealership to submit the necessary paperwork to the county office for me to receive my license plate. Fast forward to the end of November, my temporary tags have expired and I have still not received my license plate. I contact my county office and they tell me they have not received any of the required paperwork from the dealership. I attempt to contact the dealership multiple times just to be hung up on or no call returned. Finally I am able to get a hold of ************************* the salesperson who sold me the vehicle. He said he will attempt to figure out what is going on. Days later (after no update) I call again and he states his title department needs a copy of my drivers license, which they got in order for me to purchase the vehicle. He states he will investigate more and call me back. Again, days pass and no response. After many phone calls, being hung up on, or no call backs I still have no answer. At this point I ask to speak to ***** the general manager but am told he is unavailable. I leave my contact information but still receive no response or call back. Finally I am able to get ahold of ***** once again (mind you it is now January 2023) and am told at this point I need to follow up with their corporate office to find out what is going on. Not we will follow up and provide adequate resolution for our mistake but you must follow up to fix our mistake. I proceed to contact their corporate office. It has since been a week and I have AGAIN received no call back after over a week of leaving messages once a day to the corporate office titles department. All I am asking for is completion of paperwork so I can legally drive with a current license plate/tag on my vehicle.

  Business response

  01/06/2023

  We appreciate you sending us your military orders today. We needed this to complete your tag work since October. We will submit the paperwork on Monday you should be able to pick up your tag by Tuesday. 

   

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

  General Manager

   

   

  Customer response

  01/06/2023

   
  Complaint: 18694987
  
  I am rejecting this response because:
  Not only have you had my husbands military orders in document form since October (required to purchase the vehicle due to ad valorem tax exemption), but you failed to notify me the orders were missing when MULTIPLE, MULTIPLE, MULTIPLE attempts were made by me over the last month and a half to correct the issue of a missing title and tag. If I was informed of this the first time I attempted to address my expired tag in early December the issue would have been resolved months ago. 
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Business response

  01/07/2023

  We have contacted you numerous times requesting the military orders. Our job is to procure the tag and title work in a timely manner, without the correct documents this prolongs the process. We appreciate you sending the documents to us as we have requested. You will be able to pick up your tag next week.

   

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

  General Manager

  Customer response

  01/07/2023

   
  Complaint: 18694987
  
  I am rejecting this response because: As far as we a concerned this response from the business is either an outright lie or shows massive incompetence. We were contacted via phone, email, or text exactly zero times by the dealership in regards to this issue until we reached out to them in early December and at that point it was extremely difficult getting any help. Eventually the only way we were able to get any help at all was to call *** corporate. The issue is still unresolved although according to *** corporate the are in the process of cleaning up the mess. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  *******************************

  Customer response

  01/12/2023

  Better Business Bureau:

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

  Regards,

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

• Initial Complaint

  12/02/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Resolved

  More info

  I purchased a car from ALM *** in March and in July the engine completely died. I turned my car in to ALM *** for repairs on August 3rd, (the only date to get it in the shop) It us now December 2 and I still do not have my vehicle. I have made $2000 in payments on this vehicle that I do not have. I am currently $6000 deep in renting cars. My family is DROWNING! I can't get a decent response. If I have no car I can't get to work or get my children to school. Please help. I don't know what else to do. If I lose my job, I lose my house. I can no longer afford to rent or lyft. Please ???? They can't even tell me when.

  Business response

  12/02/2022

  Thank you for notifying us today. We are eagerly awaiting the motor for your vehicle. Once we order the parts it is taking time for them to arrive. We certainly understand your frustration at this point, and we are doing everything we can to expedite this situation. Once we receive the parts, we will see to it your vehicle comes into the shop. Currently the motor is on national back order we will update you as we learn more.

   

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

  General Manager 

  Customer response

  12/04/2022

   
  Complaint: 18512553
  
  I am rejecting this response because: They are doing nothing to help me as a consumer. There are several options that could be made. And instead of helping me you decide to put in a position to where I may no longer be able to afford the car. Which puts you in a great position because you already have my money and have already binded me to a contract. So no I do not accept this response. Suspend my car payment,  give me a loaner to drive. But no again you're ok with this mediocre apology and as I've said you have no issue with your customers going into financial ruin for selling me a car with a dead engine! Oh there's more you can do, you're just choosing not do it. This is ridiculous.  I will be contacting a lawyer/news/whistle blowers, STOP DOING THIS TO PEOPLE.! You should be ashamed of your reviews and shut down  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***************************

  Business response

  12/06/2022

  We received the replacement motor yesterday from **** we have expedited the vehicle to come into our service department ASAP. We should have the vehicle completed by Wednesday afternoon. Our service advisor will be in contact with you to arrange a time for you to pick up the vehicle upon completion. I am always available to assist you if you have any questions. We look forward to seeing you  Wednesday 12/07

  Customer response

  12/09/2022

   
  Better Business Bureau:

  I accepted the response because I did receive my car back. However it wasn't until Wednesday that I received a text that the engine was there. My vehicle was ready Thursday morning. I picked my car up, PAID ADDITIONAL FEES, and was told to have a blessed day. And throughout the whole experience the only person who kept their word was the customer service rep **** In 6 months she's the only person who made an an actual phone call AND followed up. Never heard from my case wokmrker or the service manager. Thank you BBB, I probably still wouldn't have my car right now. 
  
  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

  11/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I was told my new vehicle would be delivered to me on 11/13/22. As of today I have not received it. I just called the dealership and tried to speak to a mgr. A person answered all my calls and put me on hold 7 times and then I was disconnected all 7 times. A customer should not have to get this frustrated trying to get the service they were promised. I want my $10,000 deposit back

  Business response

  11/26/2022

  ****,

  Thank you for writing today. Unfortunately we do not control when we will receive the vehicles from *****. Your vehicle was pushed back until today, this is not within our control. We give our customers the most up to date information we have available, timelines change we appreciate your patience and look forward to delivering your vehicle swiftly-

   

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

  General Manager

   

• Initial Complaint

  11/14/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Customer Service Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I purchased a car on 11/7/22. I was told/promised I was going to get certain things fixed (which haven't happened yet). The paperwork stated the car had ****** miles. ******* 11/7 & 11/8 I had put less than 43 miles and that was including the test drive. When I checked the milage and it was ******. I had not driven the car until yesterday the 13th. There are more than **** miles missing on this car. I could have driven to ** and back with ***** still left over. My credit was pulled on the 8th without my authorization and I would like for those inquiries be removed. Their practices are extremely deceptive and they should NOT be in business.

  Business response

  11/14/2022

  Good afternoon.

  I am attaching a photo of the odometer of the vehicle on the day you purchased, after the vehicle had fuel put in it. The miles are ******. You signed a credit application with us to submit your loan for the new vehicle, therefore your credit was pulled, the inquiries cannot be removed. The inquiries are due to the lenders reviewing your credit prior to a loan being approved. 

   

  Respectfully,

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

  General Manager

  Customer response

  11/15/2022

   
  Complaint: 18399955
  
  I am rejecting this response because: yes I signed for credit to be pulled but not for the 8th.  I purchased the car on the 7th..  I have a stamp dated picture of the mileage and can give you another stamp dated picture since I only drove it once on the 13th to Fayetteville to by groceries.  You must have a picture of another car or use that picture to trick people.  I have NO reason to lie but you do and that's to sell a car.  I can wait until my monthly gps sends me my monthly report of where I have traveled if you like.  I sat home from the 8th until the 13th and will be working from home all week so I have no need to drive it.  Also the car had 3/4 of a tank which has nothing to do with my issue.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

  Business response

  11/15/2022

  Once the vehicle leaves our property, we no longer control when the vehicle is driven. We stand by our photo of the miles on the day of delivery.

  Customer response

  11/15/2022

   
  Complaint: 18399955
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have a date stamped picture (no a pic of when you purchased the car) and I was able to get all my GPS for the month of November.  I previously sent the wrong date stamped picture.  The previous was when I got in the car on Sunday which was my first time driving the car since I got home on the 8th from your place. So where did the $1750+ miles go?  I don't drive like that.  And how in the world did all those miles get on there? Was it the mileage fairy? Once this is resolved there still are things that were approved by the manager to fix.  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***********************

• Initial Complaint

  08/25/2022

  Complaint Type:

  Service or Repair Issues

  Status:

  Answered

  More info

  I had a service appointment on 8/22/22 to get an oil change and new tires,I paid $928.87. I was at the dealership from 3:30 until 6:45 pm. I get in my car on 8/23/22 at 6 am to go to work my tire pressure light is on indicating that not 1 but all 4 of my tires are low (24) needles to say now I have to miss work. I go to the dealership at 7 am ask to speak to service manager, I was told he was not in it would be in around 10 AM .I explain to the young lady **** happened she says your tires dont look flat But I will have them look at your car which they did and inflate the tires properly. It was at that point I looked at the paperwork and noticed that they had my mileage listed at ****** however my car only had ****** miles on it so now Im questioning if they even change the order being that none of the tires were inflated properly these are very basic things and I dont see how certified technician couldve worked on my car and this happened. I go back to the dealership from 9:45 to 10:15 and ask to speak to the manager they say they cant find him I leave and called their corporate office the corporate office informed me that I would need to speak to a manager to get any type of compensation or any of my money back I go back to the dealership around **** and asked to speak to the manager again this time he finally comes out only for me to discover he was actually there the second time I went and just refused to talk to me because I had a complaint. I saw him wearing the purple button down shirt and slacks I just didnt know he was the person that I needed to speak to the second time I was there so now Ive wasted gas going to the car lot three times after missing work. Upon speaking to the service manager K dub he introduced himself to me Per corporate his name is ***************************. He explained to me that in a perfect world I wouldnt of had to come back and it was just a one off and all he could offer me was a free oil change which was an insult.

  Business response

  08/26/2022

  We apologize for the issue with your tires. We certainly understand that new tires can expand and will require additional air pressure from time to time. We added air to your tires to correct this issue the next day. You requested us to refund the entire labor for the install of tires, we declined. We offered an oil change as a gesture of good will on our behalf. We stand by this decision. If we can be of further assistance let us know.

   

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

  General Manager

*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. ↩