[NoUpdatesKia]

Thanks a lot for your reply. I'm an embedded software engineer. I don't typically get software wrong. The update was done properly with all files and was not interrupted mid way. No popups missed or improperly handled.
Though I appreciate your comment on what Kia can and cannot verify took place, I don't accept your position that Kia should only take responsibility if the update is done at a dealership. If that's the policy, they should warrant it on the update website, which they do not.
Regardless of legal responsibility, the way they've handled my issue so far is simply bad business. They have been "looking into it" for weeks while my car is practically disabled. I can't change the side mirror angles, as one example. Major safety risk.

I wanted to add a little more color. Embedded software (such as in a car) often gets updated in the field. The proper way to design such a system is to have large enough flash storage to hold both the currently running software image and the new one that is being installed. That way, if the update fails for whatever reason, such systems are designed to fall back to the current software instead of the faulty new one.
Kia does not seem to have implemented that correctly. There could be several reasons for that. The most likely one is cost. These cars were designed around 2016 to 2019, when flash memory of the size required for the large software & maps images (upwards of 60 GB) was decently expensive. Let's say such a flash memory component cost Kia $20. A flash component double the size might cost them $40, cutting $20 into Kia's tiny margins on each car. So Kia likely chose the cheaper option, which doesn't allow for the fallback.
The other possible explanation is even worse and less likely in my opinion, namely that there is sufficient storage to hold both software images, but the update mechanism is improperly designed.
Either way, once again: On its official update website, Kia recommends customers to update the software. It does not recommend to only do that at a dealership. It claims that updates include new maps and safety features. I have not found any warranty that suggests that customers are responsible for their own updates and Kia will take no responsibility (and even if I had, that would not matter too much giving the encouragement by Kia to update the software). In my opinion, they simply must stand behind these updates and fix any issue resulting from them, forever, for all customers, or remove the option to update. Of course they will try to avoid that since it costs them a lot.
I'll revise my original statement: Don't ever update your Kia (I assume this applies to Hyundai as well) software by yourself without the support and guarantee of a dealership.

 

[K5iFound]

Thank you. Already on it, filing a small claims lawsuit. Not sure I understand how lemon law might apply here - this is not a lemon... The head unit worked fine until the update.

Regardless of legal responsibility, the way they've handled my issue so far is simply bad business. They have been "looking into it" for weeks while my car is practically disabled. I can't change the side mirror angles, as one example. Major safety risk.

This sentence right here is a start of filing for a Lemon Law. It doesnt have to be a Manufacture defect to be considered a Lemon. A lack of repair or ongoing issue with the same problem that cant be fixed is enough to file for a claim

Depending on where you live, could impact if the Lemon Law works in your favor. A link for your knowledge how Lemon Law works. Could be different if your state doesnt qualify for this

Washington State Lemon Law Attorneys - New & Used Cars

Our experienced Washington Lemon lawyers get you the compensation you're owed, with no fees. Call 1-800-875-3666 for a free case review!

www.yourlemonlawrights.com

 

[NoUpdatesKia]

This sentence right here is a start of filing for a Lemon Law. It doesnt have to be a Manufacture defect to be considered a Lemon. A lack of repair or ongoing issue with the same problem that cant be fixed is enough to file for a claim

Depending on where you live, could impact if the Lemon Law works in your favor. A link for your knowledge how Lemon Law works. Could be different if your state doesnt qualify for this

Washington State Lemon Law Attorneys - New & Used Cars

Our experienced Washington Lemon lawyers get you the compensation you're owed, with no fees. Call 1-800-875-3666 for a free case review!

www.yourlemonlawrights.com

Thanks, I'll look into it. I'm in California.