Took my 2018 EX in to have the Homelink rearview mirror installed. As a courtesy, dealer installed two software patches (recalls) while they had the car. One patch SA350 is for battery management. I immediately noticed a significant drop in MPG. A few weeks later I took the car back to have this checked out. Service personnel said that SA350 changes how much the vehicle runs on the gas engine versus battery. That exact language is on the service invoice. Dealer claims they can do nothing to resolve this problem since the software patch came from Kia Corporate. Told me to contact their Consumer Affairs 800-333-4542. Consumer Affairs told me the software patch cannot be backed out and no update is planned. They apologized for the MPG drop and opened a case file. On my last tank of gas, I averaged 39 MPG. I calculate by dividing mileage by number of gallons used since each of the 4 methods of displaying MPG through the vehicle's systems yield different results, some dramatic. 39 MPG is way out of spec for this car. My next step is to file a complaint with Federal and State Consumer Protection offices. I purchased a vehicle rated at 49 combined MPG. Kia was sued because of overstated MPG ratings several years ago for the Soul and other models. Looks like they may be traveling down the same path. Make sure you consult with your dealer's service about recall software patches before they are installed.
Beware of Software Recall Update SA350
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I wonder if when I get my software updates this spring I can ask them on to install SA350?
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A few years ago some people reported the same type of problem with their Prius when they had a software update done. I said no don't touch the computer and I'm glad I did. In cases like this when your happy with your car and mpg's I would always tell the dealer even if it's a recall....Don't do it leave it alone. If you have a problem that's a different story.
I too noticed what appeared to be a relatively significant drop in fuel economy after the update BUT it was also done at the same time temperatures began plummeting. We ALL know that using the Internal Combustion Engine for cabin heating takes a significant toll on fuel economy and the Niro WILL start that engine in colder temperatures, even if you don't turn on the heating control.
A week ago, we were on a 225 kilometer round trip at -5 degrees Celsius. Our mileage for the trip was 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers. Roads were dry but I have Winter Tires on the Niro now and the heater was on virtually the whole trip. Once the engine has reached full operating temperature, the heater doesn't make a huge difference but it sure does on short winter jaunts. In the summertime, that same 225 km trip would have yielded about 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
Since I log ALL fuel receipts into a spreadsheet, I'll truly know come next summer just how much of a hit this software update caused. As I recall the update was done to improve battery management. I'm prepared to take a slight hit in fuel economy to reduce the chances of premature battery failure.
A week ago, we were on a 225 kilometer round trip at -5 degrees Celsius. Our mileage for the trip was 4.9 liters per 100 kilometers. Roads were dry but I have Winter Tires on the Niro now and the heater was on virtually the whole trip. Once the engine has reached full operating temperature, the heater doesn't make a huge difference but it sure does on short winter jaunts. In the summertime, that same 225 km trip would have yielded about 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers.
Since I log ALL fuel receipts into a spreadsheet, I'll truly know come next summer just how much of a hit this software update caused. As I recall the update was done to improve battery management. I'm prepared to take a slight hit in fuel economy to reduce the chances of premature battery failure.
39 beats what I'm getting in winter.
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml?fbclid=IwAR1yisZbBiSn78BZi_ZaNvvZ1tGQQXL6UXvqtniBgSFgbwSRpvEstJH5auY
https://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/coldweather.shtml?fbclid=IwAR1yisZbBiSn78BZi_ZaNvvZ1tGQQXL6UXvqtniBgSFgbwSRpvEstJH5auY
The dealer mentioned needing to apply an update to my 2017 Kia Niro when I brought it in last month. This thread was the first thing I found, and the potential hit to fuel economy worried and surprised me.
One tank of fuel later, it does not seem to have made much difference. Let's try to eliminate weather as a factor, at least as much as possible. Today, my average MPG for the tank of fuel was 56.39 MPG. Last year at this time I got 56.4 MPG and 60.92 MPG. Two years ago at this time I got 59.97 .
I haven't applied any kind of formal statistical analysis, but we're talking less than 10% difference between highest and lowest here.
One tank of fuel later, it does not seem to have made much difference. Let's try to eliminate weather as a factor, at least as much as possible. Today, my average MPG for the tank of fuel was 56.39 MPG. Last year at this time I got 56.4 MPG and 60.92 MPG. Two years ago at this time I got 59.97 .
I haven't applied any kind of formal statistical analysis, but we're talking less than 10% difference between highest and lowest here.
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I didn't have them install that update when I took in my 2017 EX. They had no problem with that.
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Aaaarrrgghh! Silly me ... I trusted that, if there was a recall, then they had to do it! Result: A significant drop in the mileage. The service people at the Kia dealership didnt explain the recall reason very well ... and Double silly me ..
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... I didnt press for a better explanation.
So ... what is the best way that we can raise our concerns to KIA so that we will be heard?
Sure you need to hassle Kia? You have actual calculated mpg for the same temperature that shows a drop? Typically if you read through complaints here and on the Ioniq forum, they only occur in the fall and early winter. No one ever comes back when it warms up and says they still suffered from bad mpg after a BMS update. And no one who got the update in the summer has posted a complaint. Connect the dots. My Niro drops over 20% from summer to winter, just as my last ICE car did.
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Point well taken, yticolev.
My drop in MPG was from cold weather (Nov/Dec) to this week.
However my record keeping is not the best (who wouldve expected it without reading the forum). So I will wait until the summer and do an apples to apples comparison.
However my question still stands for future reference "what is the best way that we can raise our concerns to KIA so that we will be heard?"
My drop in MPG was from cold weather (Nov/Dec) to this week.
However my record keeping is not the best (who wouldve expected it without reading the forum). So I will wait until the summer and do an apples to apples comparison.
However my question still stands for future reference "what is the best way that we can raise our concerns to KIA so that we will be heard?"
Someone here will know, but generally you get bounced from corporate back to the dealer with any manufacturer. Best to hope it doesn't happen that you need to know!
Easy enough on an app to record purchases - will automatically calculate mpg. I have a paid app I use, but Fuelly is popular, and free. Some people post their Fuelly link in their signature which updates to current every time someone sees a link.
For the record, my peak summer mileage (temp 80-85) tanks are a bit over 59 mpg. Wintertime minimum is low 40s. I do drive like a little old lady, 90% standard cruise control, 98% of time max speed is 65 mpg. I record every drop to as many decimal places as the pump shows. Best tank range is low 700s. If you top off your tank, it actually holds 12.8 gallons, not the rated 11.9. Usually fill up long after range remaining display hits zero (never shows zero, just three hyphens ---).
Easy enough on an app to record purchases - will automatically calculate mpg. I have a paid app I use, but Fuelly is popular, and free. Some people post their Fuelly link in their signature which updates to current every time someone sees a link.
For the record, my peak summer mileage (temp 80-85) tanks are a bit over 59 mpg. Wintertime minimum is low 40s. I do drive like a little old lady, 90% standard cruise control, 98% of time max speed is 65 mpg. I record every drop to as many decimal places as the pump shows. Best tank range is low 700s. If you top off your tank, it actually holds 12.8 gallons, not the rated 11.9. Usually fill up long after range remaining display hits zero (never shows zero, just three hyphens ---).
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When I told my Dealer I didn't want the update they said they could reverse it if I seen a drop in mileage. I didn't know that could be done but I still didn't have the update.
Love this Florida weather! Might have to shut off the AC in the winter.
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