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torn on if I should go forward replacing my lemon SX with a new SX-P

7113 Views 25 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  2010GTR
Hi Everyone,
I have had some issues with my SX, I leased the vehicle on April 1, and on April 3rd returned it to the service department due to extreme gasoline smells emitting from the engine. Turns out the car had a fuel leak straight from the factory. After 12 days in service and a visit from the field service technician that problem was corrected. I get the car back and immediately I'm getting error cods for the AEB malfunctioning.

BUT now I just dont know what to do! I have seen reports of others having sensor issues landing them in the service department for weeks on end. I'm so torn, are an overwhelming amount of people experiencing these issues? Was this car a lemon or is this an issue on more than just one car?

I have to say I do really like the car and I enjoy driving it. I'm just so stressed out wondering if getting another one will just lead to more trouble.
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I'm wondering if your problem with the gas leak is related to the national stop sale order for Carnivals that the dealers just got. If you decide to go ahead with another Carnival the problem should be fixed, but it may take some time.
I have 1000 miles on my SXP. I have driven from Georgia to Florida. No issues other than the 115V outlets do not work. The biggest upgrade for the SXP are the VIP seats. If you don't need those (which I do), an SX would be fine. Just my opinion, worth every penny you paid for it.
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We got the SX-P and love it, even though we are part of the recalls for the inverter and fuel rails. We haven't smelled any gas as of yet with 300 miles on the odometer. What I like about the SX-P is the all digital dash, VIP seats, and the sunroofs. The VIP seats aren't as bad as people make them out to be to get in and out the rear seat. You have a couple options: go between the two captain seats or slide the one captain seat forward and inward and push the button for a few seconds to move the seatback forward. Is it as quick as the SX entry/exit. No. Is it annoyingly slow - I guess that depends on how much a rush you are in but the kids don't seem to mind so much.
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Hi Everyone,
I have had some issues with my SX, I leased the vehicle on April 1, and on April 3rd returned it to the service department due to extreme gasoline smells emitting from the engine. Turns out the car had a fuel leak straight from the factory. After 12 days in service and a visit from the field service technician that problem was corrected. I get the car back and immediately I'm getting error cods for the AEB malfunctioning.

Lucky for me KMA offered to buy out the lease and give me back my down payment. I was set up to buy a new SX-P to replace this one I'm waiting for Kia to take back.

BUT now I just dont know what to do! I have seen reports of others having sensor issues landing them in the service department for weeks on end. I'm so torn, are an overwhelming amount of people experiencing these issues? Was this car a lemon or is this an issue on more than just one car?

I have to say I do really like the car and I enjoy driving it. I'm just so stressed out wondering if getting another one will just lead to more trouble.
Hi! And welcome to the forum!
Interesting story. Just curious, you had to reach out to KMA or they reached out to you?

I’d say it depends how adventurous you are and how much you’re willing to be patient till Kia figures out how to get things right. Every new model will have some issues at first (Toyota/Honda some tech/infotainment issues and Kia more serious ones). Do you rather the most updated tech advanced cool minivan MPV or you’d rather go trouble free and get a model that’s been out for a while
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We got the SX-P and love it, even though we are part of the recalls for the inverter and fuel rails. We haven't smelled any gas as of yet with 300 miles on the odometer. What I like about the SX-P is the all digital dash, VIP seats, and the sunroofs. The VIP seats aren't as bad as people make them out to be to get in and out the rear seat. You have a couple options: go between the two captain seats or slide the one captain seat forward and inward and push the button for a few seconds to move the seatback forward. Is it as quick as the SX entry/exit. No. Is it annoyingly slow - I guess that depends on how much a rush you are in but the kids don't seem to mind so much.
What vehicle did you have before the Carnival?
Hi Everyone,
I have had some issues with my SX, I leased the vehicle on April 1, and on April 3rd returned it to the service department due to extreme gasoline smells emitting from the engine. Turns out the car had a fuel leak straight from the factory. After 12 days in service and a visit from the field service technician that problem was corrected. I get the car back and immediately I'm getting error cods for the AEB malfunctioning.

Lucky for me KMA offered to buy out the lease and give me back my down payment. I was set up to buy a new SX-P to replace this one I'm waiting for Kia to take back.

BUT now I just dont know what to do! I have seen reports of others having sensor issues landing them in the service department for weeks on end. I'm so torn, are an overwhelming amount of people experiencing these issues? Was this car a lemon or is this an issue on more than just one car?

I have to say I do really like the car and I enjoy driving it. I'm just so stressed out wondering if getting another one will just lead to more trouble.
I have a EX with 1200 miles on it and it is fine. Runs perfect. Gets great milage and is very comfortable. I have owned 3 Odesseys and 4 Siennas and this is the best Van/ MPV vehicle out of all of them. My only regret is “maybe” I should have waited for a SX/ SXP. I have had 3 vehicles bought back over my 126 new cars and they were all a struggle but I finally won. Sounds like KMA is stepping up to the plate with the buyout offer. Don’t give up. KMA with either fix yours or you can buy/ lease a new one. Go on the Odyssey and Sienna forums and read the issues with these vans.
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I'm wondering if your problem with the gas leak is related to the national stop sale order for Carnivals that the dealers just got. If you decide to go ahead with another Carnival the problem should be fixed, but it may take some time.
As far as I know my vehicle was the first to have the problem identified and if thats the case considering my family luckily didnt get hurt due to gas dripping in the engine compartment, I'm happy Kia is taking it seriously. The smell of fumes was so strong it made my son sick almost instantly
Hi! And welcome to the forum!
Interesting story. Just curious, you had to reach out to KMA or they reached out to you?

I’d say it depends how adventurous you are and how much you’re willing to be patient till Kia figures out how to get things right. Every new model will have some issues at first (Toyota/Honda some tech/infotainment issues and Kia more serious ones). Do you rather the most updated tech advanced cool minivan MPV or you’d rather go trouble free and get a model that’s been out for a while
I reached out on twitter, then i got connected to customer affairs. Your thoughts are where I'm at. I'm going to get something else and in 3 years when my lease is up i'm sure all the kinks will be ironed out and I can go back to the carnival.
What vehicle did you have before the Carnival?
We had a Subaru Outback that we loved but adding another child to the mix required getting a larger vehicle.
As far as I know my vehicle was the first to have the problem identified and if thats the case considering my family luckily didnt get hurt due to gas dripping in the engine compartment, I'm happy Kia is taking it seriously. The smell of fumes was so strong it made my son sick almost instantly

I reached out on twitter, then i got connected to customer affairs. Your thoughts are where I'm at. I'm going to get something else and in 3 years when my lease is up i'm sure all the kinks will be ironed out and I can go back to the carnival.
I would like to see the dealer paper work on the repair to the fuel system and the AEB system if you don’t mind posting pictures of it. It would give me a place to look on my car at what they fixed and confront my dealer service department with. Thanks
As far as I know my vehicle was the first to have the problem identified and if thats the case considering my family luckily didnt get hurt due to gas dripping in the engine compartment, I'm happy Kia is taking it seriously. The smell of fumes was so strong it made my son sick almost instantly

I reached out on twitter, then i got connected to customer affairs. Your thoughts are where I'm at. I'm going to get something else and in 3 years when my lease is up i'm sure all the kinks will be ironed out and I can go back to the carnival.
You have no idea how lucky you are in that all you had to do was complain about a fuel leak and the AEB not working and KMA bought the car back. No more dealer visits, no lawyers, no meetings and endless phone calls. No arguing who was going to pay the sales tax, registration fees, doc fees because the MSRP is not the only cost here. Even leasing you paid something down that covered costs the KMA did not receive money for, doc fee, business tax, etc. Sales tax would be paid monthly in your lease fee so you only had 1 month of that. Car manufacturers usually don’t cave this easy or fast.
Hi Everyone,
I have had some issues with my SX, I leased the vehicle on April 1, and on April 3rd returned it to the service department due to extreme gasoline smells emitting from the engine. Turns out the car had a fuel leak straight from the factory. After 12 days in service and a visit from the field service technician that problem was corrected. I get the car back and immediately I'm getting error cods for the AEB malfunctioning.

BUT now I just dont know what to do! I have seen reports of others having sensor issues landing them in the service department for weeks on end. I'm so torn, are an overwhelming amount of people experiencing these issues? Was this car a lemon or is this an issue on more than just one car?

I have to say I do really like the car and I enjoy driving it. I'm just so stressed out wondering if getting another one will just lead to more trouble.
You say you have seen reports of “others having sensor issues” would you mind sending me the links to those. Thanks again.
You have no idea how lucky you are in that all you had to do was complain about a fuel leak and the AEB not working and KMA bought the car back. No more dealer visits, no lawyers, no meetings and endless phone calls. No arguing who was going to pay the sales tax, registration fees, doc fees because the MSRP is not the only cost here. Even leasing you paid something down that covered costs the KMA did not receive money for, doc fee, business tax, etc. Sales tax would be paid monthly in your lease fee so you only had 1 month of that. Car manufacturers usually don’t cave this easy or fast.
I am aware and I completely agree with you, I dont know how I was so lucky in this circumstance. All I can think is maybe because it was the first one identified, I really dont know but Im extremely grateful.
You say you have seen reports of “others having sensor issues” would you mind sending me the links to those. Thanks again.
Just a few various posts I've run across on twitter/facebook and my own experience with the car, I did not save links as I am not/was not doing any more than looking for information for myself. If I run across them again I can post them.
Just a few various posts I've run across on twitter/facebook and my own experience with the car, I did not save links as I am not/was not doing any more than looking for information for myself. If I run across them again I can post them.


Just got back from the dealer. Looks like it is bad fuel rails on certain vehicles. You have to look at the sticker on the fuel rail. Has nothing to do with VIN. I looked at mine, need flashlight and good glasses (I am old), the sticker is viewed from the passenger side under the intake and it is facing backwards so you want to look at the row of numbers closest to the firewall not the front of the car. My number was 1b14111Y, out of the range of 120-215 that are bad.
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Yep. This is exactly what they replaced in my car per the R/O "Inspection shows fuel leak from the hard plastic line on the front injector rail to the fuel split connector. Performed install new fuel delivery both sides, r&r all 6 injectors" parts list includes "Fuel - Rail MPI"
Yep. This is exactly what they replaced in my car per the R/O "Inspection shows fuel leak from the hard plastic line on the front injector rail to the fuel split connector. Performed install new fuel delivery both sides, r&r all 6 injectors" parts list includes "Fuel - Rail MPI"
I have to say - its good to know they are taking care of the issue. Thank you for posting the TSB, they did tell me they were working on sending one out so its good to see they followed through.
You say you have seen reports of “others having sensor issues” would you mind sending me the links to those. Thanks again.

Might be these - 2022 KIA CARNIVAL
I have a EX with 1200 miles on it and it is fine. Runs perfect. Gets great milage and is very comfortable. I have owned 3 Odesseys and 4 Siennas and this is the best Van/ MPV vehicle out of all of them. My only regret is “maybe” I should have waited for a SX/ SXP. I have had 3 vehicles bought back over my 126 new cars and they were all a struggle but I finally won. Sounds like KMA is stepping up to the plate with the buyout offer. Don’t give up. KMA with either fix yours or you can buy/ lease a new one. Go on the Odyssey and Sienna forums and read the issues with these vans.
Could you share your experience with the EX and why you wish you had gone for the SX? I am considering to get EX and can't seem to persuade myself to go up to the SX model. I'm looking for 8 passenger model so SXP is not an option for me. Thanks.
Could you share your experience with the EX and why you wish you had gone for the SX? I am considering to get EX and can't seem to persuade myself to go up to the SX model. I'm looking for 8 passenger model so SXP is not an option for me. Thanks.
Main reason I bought an EX is I do not care at all about sun roofs or rear entertainment systems. I felt like for $5,000 more for the SX that I was not getting anything worth that much and $9,000 more for SXP I was paying for things I did not want. But with EX you will miss the homelink system, roof rack and the passenger front seat only reclines along with fore and aft movement. My wife has already said something about no adjustment. The stereo sound is just ok so the Bose in the SX is worth something. All said I don’t think there is a better value vehicle for $39,000 anywhere. Show me a vehicle that has all the EX features, that will do what it will do, drive as good as it drives, carry everything you own and get 24-29 mpg. I only wish I had the SXP for the digital dash, the blindside cameras, the homelink and adjustable passenger seat. I am very happy with my EX and the $5,000-$9,000 in my pocket!!
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