Kia Cerato Problems

Tyres are the usual cause of high road noise, it’s usually worse in a hatch than a sedan. If changing tyres didn’t help, you could try using noise insulation material on the inside, on the floor and on the inner guard.

I doubt that it is intentional, particularly as they’ve offered to try and buff it out for you.

The tappets are not adjustable, and it’s not normal that they are noisy. It’s hard to know what has happened as a result of it standing for so long. Have a mechanic check the tappets.

It’s an unusual situation, so I would try to negotiate with Kia and appeal to their good will to adjust the warranty for you.

We contacted Kia seeking advice and were told: “This was not a known issue. Intermittent issues are the hardest to find but the fact that there is a video will certainly help. Our tech guys think that it sounds like it could be the driver’s door actuator or the lock assembly if it is only occurring on the driver’s door. If all of the doors are unlocking when the door lock switch is activated then it could be a switch assembly.” The people at Kia would like to see your video, and get your contact details along with the car’s VIN. If you could do that they have said they would work with the dealer to resolve the problem.

The Kia Cerato is not affected by the Takata airbag recall. I can’t say why your VIN number was rejected. Contact Kia to check.

It’s not available on the current car. You have to wait for the new model, which launches in a couple of months.

You’re right to be wary of the Golf, but apart from the well publicised stories of trouble with the DSG gearbox a few years ago it has been in more recent times a sound vehicle. We get very few complaints from owners of these later cars, so I wouldn’t be concerned about buying one. The Cerato is also a fine car and would be a good choice. If I were forced to choose I would probably gamble on the Golf for its driving dynamics.

You need to persist in trying to get a resolution form Kia. You have already been told that it is a warranty problem, and Kia has a responsibility to resolve it. That the software manufacturer is no longer in business is Kia’s problem, not yours, and they must find a solution to the problem. As you have already been in contact with Kia head office continue to press them for an answer.

If you bought it from a dealer and it's still within the time limit of the statutory warranty then take it back to the dealer and request that it be fixed. If you didn't buy it from a dealer, or the warranty has expired take it to an auto electrician and have it repaired.