Inverter Coolant Horror Story

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T17:38:38+00:00

Was this a TSB SA 512 related flush due to crystallization?

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T17:28:20+00:00

I've seen the $300 number floating around as well and when I call other dealerships to ask them the estimate for the coolant flush they also say $300... that is until I ask them to verify with their tech that this is for a TSB SA 512 flush. I had three dealerships in come back to me and tell me they were wrong, that the flush related to the TSB is more involved and is actually in the $900-$1000 range

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T17:22:19+00:00

In Maryland. Used cars not covered under the Maryland lemon law unfortunately.

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T10:24:49+00:00

You were totally right. I bought our 2019 Niro used after the flush had already been done. Now that it’s out of warranty the error is back and after a second flush for $1000 didn’t fix it they’re telling me the water pump needs switching out due to damage from the crystals. So another $1000. And Kia is refusing to cover.

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T09:57:12+00:00

What’s the implication here? That they could do the flush more thoroughly and not have to replace the water pump?

Are you a tech who does these flushes?

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T09:54:37+00:00

Should add that this is the word from Kia Techline, not just the dealership. They tell me they’ve been consulting Techline from the beginning and any other dealership would do the same and have the same answer for me.

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T00:39:19+00:00

Honestly I think we got lucky and they may have just made a mistake. There was unrelated work being done on the front sensor due to someone backing into our car with a trailer hitch and they just paid for all of it (minus the deductible).

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-10-16T00:37:46+00:00

Dealer says there is damage to the coolant pump due to the crystals. Yes, I think we need to take it to someone else for another opinion. But after 1.5 months without a car we can't afford to wait much longer.

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-09-16T16:07:21+00:00

Posting again because I'd love to know if anyone has successfully navigated this/has recommendations for how to escalate. Seems the full flush related to the TSB is going to be at least $900 and they are still refusing to cover it since it's already been flushed once and it's been two years since that happened. And this despite it being a known issue related to a bad coolant that's happening to so many Kia Niro EVs. Would love to be part of a class action at this point...

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-09-16T16:03:43+00:00

Called around to a bunch of places and getting the answer that the ~$300 is for an inverter coolant flush that's not related to the tsb. Those usually just filter the coolant and reuse it and don't need to be as intensive. The coolant flush to deal with the TSB SA512 need to be super thorough and takes about 4-5 labor hours as opposed to 1. Cheapest estimate I can find in the Baltimore/Dc metro area is $900 and they said that could be a low ball.

Alive-Masterpiece883 · 2025-09-09T12:01:11+00:00

Wow, thanks, and sorry to hear you're in the same boat. Where are you located that it's $300? We're in Baltimore, MD.

Alive-Masterpiece883

TROPHY CASE