Kia Sportage Diesel Problems

Both the CX-5 and the Tribeca are good choices; they're capable, well built and reliable. Others to consider are the Kia Sportage and Sorento. While they are Korean like the Captiva, unlike the Captiva they're very good cars, well built and reliable.

Generally petrol is better if your driving is short trips, diesels are much better when you drive longer distances and steady speeds are better than stop-start running.

As a result of our request Kia had the vehicle inspected and also checked the conditions that it was occurring in and they told us that the vehicle is ok and that the problem Tim sees is related to the way he was trying to drive it. We understand that Tim is now content with Kia's response.

I have forwarded your complaint on to Kia and asked that they have their people look at your car. This is not normal, I reckon it's the dealer that is doing the "Stall Test" and stalling you.

If the problem has been caused by bad fuel the repairs won’t be covered by the new-car warranty. While the fuel companies do have a warranty that would cover a problem caused by their dirty fuel it would be very difficult to prove it was the fuel in the first place, and it was a particular fuel company’s diesel that was the cause of the problem. I dare say you don’t have a sample of fuel you could have tested, or I’m guessing a receipt for the fuel you bought. It’s all too difficult. I would get another opinion before you spend the money on cleaning the fuel system.

The manufacturers of duel-fuel systems for diesels claim around 20 per cent better performance and economy, but there are also horror stories about blown engines. My understanding is that the systems are designed to deliver fuel consumption savings, but a side benefit is an increase in power. If you drive your vehicle the same way you did before the conversion you will make the fuel consumption savings and the engine would probably be ok, but if you make use of the extra go in the engine, as many people apparently do, you won’t get the fuel savings and the engine will be at increased risk of damage. I wouldn’t recommend it, and I certainly wouldn’t recommend it on the new vehicle when the warranty is still in play.