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).