Seeking Advice on Kia Optima 2019 Heater Malfunction and Trustworthy Mechanic Recommendations

Hey there, had a similar issue with my 2016 Kia Forte last year. Turned out it was indeed the electric auxiliary heater acting up. The mechanic at my regular garage, real pro, spotted it right away. Not a massive issue, but was causing some inconvenience during those chilly nights. He had to dig into the system, rectify some wiring, and replace the faulty heater unit. Was fairly tedious work, won't lie, but the heating came back up perfectly after that. So, it is fixable for sure, just ensure you find someone who knows their stuff. Remember, don't let anyone rush the job, auxiliary heaters can be ticklish. Ideally, go for someone who’s dealt with Kias before. Good luck with it!

Hey, thanks for the info! Sounds like what my Kia Optima is going through right now. Do you recall the ballpark figure you paid for that fix? And has anything else related to this issue cropped up since the repair? I just want to be prepared for any surprises. Cheers!

Hi there, sure thing! If memory serves right, the whole gig of getting the electric auxiliary heater sorted out set me back around 350 €. It was a bit of a pill to swallow, but comparing to the discomfort of freezing in the car, it was a no-brainer. Since I've seen the mechanic, I can happily report that the heater issue's been as fixed as a decent mug of coffee on a cold morning. There hasn't been a single glitch or problem related to it. Touch wood - I hope it stays that way! Be ready to shell out some cash, but trust me, warm drives are totally worth it. Keep cool...or warm, I guess!

Hey, cheers for the detailed reply, much obliged! Glad to hear it's something that can be nixed with a little patience and a trustworthy mechanic. I'm on the lookout already for a professional who specializes in Kias. Looks like it's gonna pinch the wallet a bit, but hey, comfort counts, right? Fingers crossed it'll all work out just as well as your experience. Keep warm your advice has already started to heat things up for me! Cheers!