Have 2005 Rio 'program' car purchased last summer. Daughter drives to
college and work. No problems. Regular oil changes and items checked at same
place we've used for several years. Currently at 53,000 miles. Car
overheated this week. She quickly pulled to the side of the road and cut
engine until cooled. Radiator cap was missing. We do not remove the cap when
checking fluid level. The only conclusion I can come to is that it is
probably my dad (lives with us) who did it. He has dementia and does not
understand that you do not remove the cap, but thinks he's helping. I know
for a fact that I had steam escaping from my own car a couple of months ago
even though the gauge didn't move. Overflow level was ok, so I took it to
the shop and was told the cap was not on completely. He admitted to checking
it. So it makes sense. Kia tells me that 'no radiator cap' is negligent and
that the warranty will not cover our problem. $700 just to pull the engine.
"Radiator caps do not just pop off".

Is this worth arguing over? My dad says that he has checked the car in the
past but not lately. With his dementia, it is obviously not true. Normally
the car is locked when she comes in, and he doesn't have a key, but I guess
he just happened to catch her between school and her job. I am sick over
this. The guy at Kia was very rude, especially when he found out I had oil
changes somewhere else (with receipts).

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Sadly but I think the ball is in your court on this thing. The Kia guy
should get canned for being rude but thats not going to help. Sorry think
about keeping Dad away from your Autos.

Could the insurance company cover something like this ? Car or homeowners
, worth a try .

I thought about the insurance. We do have break-ins around us, but our autos
are always locked up at night. Even during the day most of the time. That is
why I figure my dad must've gotten her key off the table.

I can tell him not to do this, but he will not remember. It is up to her to
not leave her keys laying around.

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No the fact that it wasn't intentional , almost like an accident , your dad
was not being malicious , insurance may cover it , may is the keyword
though.

A missing radiator cap should NOT cause a car to overheat. It will have
elevated temp, or slowly go up when coolant is lost.

When the sensor isnt in coolant, it wont read correctly, so if it was
gone the gauge wouldnt read hot.

If your dealer is just plain rude. Talk to corporate headquarters. They
dont like it when dealers are mean to the customers they want to retain.

-SP

an update on my problem. My auto insurance will not cover it. It is an extra
coverage. Home insurance will only cover contents stolen.

Good news is that the service guy has really turned into a pretty nice guy.
There was a quote of almost $6000 to install a new engine, but after talking
with me, they found a salvaged one with about 35,000 miles for $3900
installed. Well, as of Friday that fell through because there was something
wrong with it, so they located one with only 13,000 miles and will not
charge more for it. Should be ready this Wednesday which usually means, in
repair terms, maybe by the end of this week. It's been a learning
experience.

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Glad you got a break , still a chunk of change too part with though.