Just wanted to share my experience with Kia Canada and hopefully get some advice.
I recently returned my 2024 Kia Telluride. I genuinely loved the vehicle and was planning on getting another one. Unfortunately, the lease return process has completely changed my opinion of Kia Canada.
For some background, I’ve worked in the automotive industry for over 10 years. I’ve personally leased BMWs, Mercedes-Benz and Audis, all with lease end protection, and never experienced anything like this.
I returned my Telluride early and fully accepted the approximately $830 early termination charge. No issues there.
What I wasn’t expecting was a bill for roughly $2,300, especially considering I purchased Kia’s Lease End Protection.
Some of the additional charges included:
Over $500 for two window mouldings, despite Kia having recalls involving Telluride mouldings.
$599 for an alleged 11-inch scratch.
$248 for a previously plugged tire.
I understand lease end protection has exclusions, but I was surprised by how little seemed to be covered.
The worst part has been dealing with Kia Canada.
The first level of customer service didn’t seem to fully understand how leasing or lease end protection works. Eventually, I spoke with a manager in the lease end department who was extremely rude and condescending.
Rather than addressing my concerns, he repeatedly brought up the fact that I hadn’t purchased another Kia and essentially told me I wasn’t a loyal customer.
Here’s the funny part. I actually want another Telluride.
My wife is on maternity leave, so we don’t need another vehicle until she returns to work. I was planning on waiting for the new Telluride to arrive in Canada.
I was told I could receive a $500 loyalty credit if I ordered another Kia. No problem, I contacted my dealership and placed a preorder for the new Telluride.
Now I’m being told the vehicle must be in stock and delivered within 30 days to qualify.
How am I supposed to take delivery of a vehicle that isn’t even available in Canada yet?
After several conversations, the lease end manager finally agreed to cover $200 towards one of the moulding charges, which was approximately $299 plus tax.
He promised to send an updated invoice. I still haven’t received anything.
Just automated responses. When I follow up, I’m now being told they don’t email anything.
My invoice is due, and I’m apparently expected to pay the original amount and just hope they eventually refund the difference?
I’ve even reached out to higher-level Kia Canada executives through referrals and connections I’ve made during my 10 years in the automotive industry. Not a single response.
That’s what blows my mind. We’re in an industry built around customer service, relationships and repeat business. I couldn’t imagine treating one of my customers this way.
I’m not asking for special treatment or trying to avoid legitimate charges. I just want an accurate invoice, clear explanations and someone to follow through on what they’ve promised.
The most disappointing part is that I actually enjoyed my Telluride enough to preorder another one. Yet Kia Canada seems more interested in telling me I’m not loyal than helping resolve a relatively straightforward issue.
Has anyone successfully escalated a complaint with Kia Canada beyond the lease end department?
At this point, I’m genuinely looking for advice. I’ve never experienced this level of customer service from any other manufacturer I’ve dealt with.
What a shame, because the vehicle itself was great.