My 2016 Kia Sorento Was In The Shop for Weeks Getting a New Engine, But Now the A/C Failed and the Dealer Is Telling Me Nothing Is Wrong

There’s a certain type of anxiety that comes when you get a car back from repair and wonder if it’s actually been fixed, or if something new is about to go wrong. That worst case scenario became true for an owner that I came across in the “Hyundai Owners Problems and Service Issues” Facebook group by Anthony Sparno Jr. He had just picked up his 2016 Kia Sorento after waiting weeks for an engine replacement, only to discover the air conditioner was no longer working. While the dealership now insists the A/C is “freezing,” Anthony says it was still blowing warm air the night before, leaving him unsure who to trust or what to expect. Here’s how Anthony described the situation in his own words:

“Hello, so I just had my engine replaced at Kia. I have a 2016 Sorento. I went to pick it up after 4 weeks and the air conditioner wasn’t working. Has anyone experienced this? Should I be concerned? I'm going to pick it up tonight since now they are saying that they let it run a few minutes and it's "freezing". I got in it last night, let it run for five minutes, and only warm air was blowing out, so that's why I'm skeptical.”

If you’ve ever waited anxiously for your vehicle to be returned after a major repair, only to be greeted by a brand-new issue, you’re not alone. For many Kia Sorento owners, engine replacement isn’t an uncommon experience. This is true particularly for models like the 2016 that have seen their share of engine complaints. But when something like the A/C goes out right after a major job, it raises eyebrows. Was it just a coincidence, or did something go wrong during the process?

Other Owners Speak Up

Anthony isn’t the only one raising an eyebrow. Cj Hughes shared a nearly identical experience. He commented:

“I had the same issue. They tried to tell me 'I' needed to pay to recharge the system. It was fine before. I refused and called corporate, so they ended up doing it for free. They said they just let the system hang there while they replace the engine. Well from what I researched anything could have happened while hanging. It could have leaked or some O rings may not have been replaced. Anyway, they charged it.”

Cj’s story echoes a common theme of dealerships distancing themselves from issues that may have stemmed directly from their own service practices. If refrigerant lines or components were left hanging or not properly sealed during engine removal and reinstallation, it's entirely plausible that a leak or disconnection could’ve developed. And when refrigerant escapes the system, the A/C won’t cool properly or at all.

Simon Young added another critical perspective:

“Removing all engine components is part of an engine replacement and they screwed up. They have low quality technicians for a high price. Make sure a leak test is done.”

Simon’s comment highlights a broader concern about technician experience and thoroughness, which is something many owners fear when entrusting their vehicles to dealership service departments. His suggestion to demand a proper leak test isn’t just reasonable, it’s essential. Without it, owners risk getting stuck in a loop of vague explanations and insufficient fixes.

The Bigger Picture Behind A/C Failures After Repairs

This story isn’t isolated. Many owners have come forward with various issues post-engine replacement, not just related to A/C, but also sensors, electrical glitches, and even transmission behavior. It's worth noting that major engine jobs require significant disassembly, and if any component is even slightly out of alignment or not torqued to spec, problems can surface quickly.

This ties in with larger concerns about post-repair reliability and trust in service departments, especially after costly and warranty-covered repairs. And it’s something we’ve seen before, such as in cases where Kia Sorento owners reported excessive oil consumption, raising concerns that Kia could deny engine replacements if maintenance records weren't perfect.

For those driving newer models, these problems may seem distant, but they’re still very real. Even with the 2024 Kia Sorento SX Prestige getting high marks for tech and comfort, long-term reliability depends heavily on how repairs and maintenance are handled.

There’s also a lesson to be taken from Kia Sorento plug-in hybrid owners, like those who’ve shared how they can get over 1,000 miles on a tank, while still needing to ensure dealership service doesn't compromise their complex systems. Regardless of powertrain, attention to detail during service is everything.

Expectations vs Reality in Post-Repair Service

In Anthony’s case, there’s one simple expectation: get the vehicle back in the same, or better, condition that it was in, and not with new problems attached. His skepticism is very rational. Trust is fragile, and once it’s lost in a service experience, it’s difficult to regain.

I think this kind of situation speaks volumes about what it's like being a modern car owner. especially when dealing with major dealership repairs. Reporting stories like I do, it continuously surprises me by how often a car gets “fixed,” only for the owner to walk away with a new issue. Whether it's a Kia or any other brand, the common pattern is often the same nowadays. It includes long wait times, incomplete communication, and questionable quality checks. And let’s be honest, when the A/C doesn't work after an engine job, something was probably missed. It’s not paranoia because it’s pattern recognition. The frustration owners feel isn't just about the problem itself as it's about not feeling heard when they try to point it out.

Key Takeaways and Lessons

• Post-repair inspections matter. Always thoroughly test all systems, especially HVAC, when picking up your car from a major service. Don’t wait until you get home.
• Push for documentation. If you suspect something went wrong during the repair, ask the dealer for a written explanation and what diagnostics were done.
• Don’t be afraid to escalate. If the dealership refuses to fix something you believe they caused, reach out to the manufacturer’s corporate support or file a case.
• Talk to the community. Other owners, like those in Facebook groups, often have invaluable advice and experiences that can help you navigate uncertain repair outcomes.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, even if the dealership says it’s “fine,” don’t ignore it. Your real-world observations could matter more than their five-minute tests.

Your Time To Share

Have you ever had a major repair done only to notice something else stop working? Did the dealership take it seriously or brush it off?

Let me know in the comments below. I’d love to hear your story.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Grok