PREMIER Kia of Carlsbad

We've been waiting since 2023 for the replacement of a defective Kia Telluride stereo that failed during the warranty period. The Premier Kia of Carlsbad dealership was notified during the warranty period and we were assured that our warranty claim would be processed accordingly. Months passed without contact from Premier. We went to the dealership and sought the service manager, who kindly discussed the matter with us, explaining that several other claims had been filed and the dealership was waiting for inventory. We were encouraged by the service manager to contact Kia customer service to get a claim number, which might help the service manager negotiate a more timely delivery of the replacement unit. We contacted Kia Customer Service which suggested that our warranty claim was not timely filed, and they referred us back to Premier, while providing us a claim number. Some months later during a routine service, we again sought the service manager. He assured us that he would expedite the replacement, advising the service underwriter to make a notation on our account that he (the service manager) would handle it, presumably meaning that charges might be attributed to his cost center. We have tried to get an update from the dealership, on calls and through email, so we can schedule our next regular maintenance appointment at the same time as the stereo replacement, but have received no responses. We hold the people at this dealership in high regard, and we and our family and friends have generational connections to the place. There may be a problem with Kia HQ not being able to support its dealers with adequate parts supplies or an operational dysfunction in this particular dealership under new management, but something isn't right. They are great at the regular maintenance stuff, their prices have been very good, but warranty work - this example and a recent recall for a seat switch that can cause the vehicle to catch on fire - are not great.

If I could give zero stars, I would. We made a deal with their salesperson, Alex, who promised in writing that the dealership would cover the last two payments on our 2022 KIA Niro EV as part of our trade-in agreement. They never did. Despite multiple attempts to resolve this, we found out from KIA Financial that those payments were never made, leaving us stuck with an unexpected financial burden. This is dishonest, misleading, and completely unprofessional. I’ve ask many times from our sale guy to send us a proof that shows they have paid the bank but can’t send us nothing. They make big promises to close a sale, but once you drive off the lot, they disappear and refuse to honor their word. If you’re thinking of buying a car here, GET EVERYTHING IN WRITING AND DOUBLE-CHECK WITH YOUR LENDER. Better yet, take your business elsewhere to a dealership that actually values integrity and customer trust.

I had my KIA Sportage serviced at KIA of Carlsbad last week. It was the second time I have been there. The experience was exceptional in every way. Robert did a great job with managing this appointment!

I had an appointment to change my car tires at 8 am and I think changing car tires does not exceed one hour. I received my car around 4:30 pm and after calling more than once

The service department was great. My car was fixed right the first time. I was able to lunch right down the street at the Carlsbad outlet mall.

I have been with this dealership since 2013 and I have had the best experience. Whether it be sales or service they are all so helpful and there’s never any pressure. They are very helpful and go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable. I leave here a happy consumer every time. I highly recommend this dealership if you’re in the market for a new car!! And Ryan the salesman is a gem to work with. Highly recommend him. 5 stars for sure!!

It went down exactly as planned… I went in , drove the car, and prestos made an offer!!! after some financial hassel’s, I got the car it was beautiful !!! Now I know it was suppose to go a little smoother. But it turned out very good.

recently (may 26) purchased a sportage prestige plug-in hybrid from masha (she was great!! no complaints about her whatsoever!!), but after getting it home we discovered that something is wrong with the audio system (sound comes and goes every few seconds). contacted the dealership and brought it in. so far, so good, right? they determined that there is something wrong with the amp and would be ordering a new one. it's now been nearly three weeks, and their communication has been absolutely horrific. all we get is a runaround and unreturned calls/messages. do NOT buy a car here. go to escondido or kearny mesa.

HORRIBLE!!!!!!! It's been 2 weeks that I have been dealing with this nightmare! I took my car in for repairs totaling $1500 which were estimated to take 3-4 days. After a week I called them to get a status in my car and I was told I would be called back with a follow up. When they called me back they told me they found new problems that would total $1000 more and that they needed to be done or my car would not be drivable and would stall. I was confused and requested a call back from the manager Ryan to explain what exactly I was paying extra for. I was called back by a service rep who stated Ryan was busy walking around and could not return or accept my call but she needed my go ahead for the extra repairs. I requested a call from the manager Thomas since Ryan was busy and am still waiting. I received a call today at 6pm to let me know my car was ready to pick up. I paid over the phone and got a ride to pick up my vehicle. I waited 20 minutes for them to pull up my car only to hear that "it might stall on you" so we want you to bring it back tomorrow. I was mind blown! They took my money and kept my car. They also tried to tell me I needed a new battery when I just purchased one from them which they installed on 2/19/24. I had to cancel all my Easter day travel plans to deal with this. I am being scammed and I have filed a complaint with the BBB. DO NOT GO TO PREMIER KIA they are dishonest!

I worked with sales person Ryan Munesato. This experience was top-notch the best I’ve ever had in my 30 years of buying cars. Ryan was a good listener, he never pressured me to do something I was uncomfortable with, and I left the dealership with a car. I was excited about and could afford.