KIA Complaints

Vehicle's forward collision warnings did not sound. Airbags did not deploy. Vehicle in front end collision at 40mph

A recall from Kia a damage check valve and a fuel tank issue. I have called the manufacture Kia company and they have no result, I have called for over a month now and haven’t had my car for a month and an half now, still waiting for a results or a solution for the Kia K5 GT Line. I have called my case manager as well, every time I call it goes straight to voicemail. I am looking to contact anyone from higher up to help me find a solution for my car.

Engine is burning oil at a significant rate, when I get my oil changed at the dealers recommendation it is extremely low. I have to replace the oil regularly between oil changes, and there is an exhaust smell. Also lagging when I hit the gas.

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving, a sound of an explosion was heard and the sunroof shattered, the slider of the sunroof was closed so the glass did not enter the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Shortly after refueling, I experienced a serious and sudden vehicle safety-related malfunction involving suspected fuel tank expansion. The event coincided with abnormal fuel behavior and an unexpected structural issue in the rear cabin area, where the rear seat assembly displaced upward without any passenger interaction or impact. The vehicle was inspected at Kia Archer, where I was informed it was unsafe to operate and required escalation to Kia corporate for review. I was advised the issue may involve a fuel system defect consistent with tank expansion potentially affecting surrounding structural or mounting components. Since that inspection, I have made repeated attempts to obtain clarification, safety guidance, and a technical explanation of the failure. These requests have not been meaningfully addressed. Communication from Kia corporate has been limited, delayed, or non-responsive. Instead of receiving a clear diagnostic explanation, repair plan, or safety directive, I was provided a buyback offer without supporting technical documentation, including no defect analysis, no engineering explanation, and no clear justification of valuation. I have also been presented with time-sensitive pressure to sign the buyback agreement despite the absence of disclosed safety findings or complete information regarding the defect. At this time: * The vehicle has been deemed unsafe by a dealership technician * A suspected fuel system defect involving tank expansion has been identified but not explained or resolved * There is concern of associated structural or mounting stress affecting interior components * Manufacturer communication has been insufficient and non-responsive following escalation * A buyback has been offered without transparent technical findings or defect disclosure * There is perceived pressure to accept terms without adequate time or information This was a huge safety risk to myself and any passengers I’ve had in my vehicle.

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and slowing down to enter a parking garage, she observed black smoke emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle stalled. The contact then observed flames near the windshield wipers coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. She observed flames coming from under the hood and under the vehicle, and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the garage manager attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. The police and fire department arrived shortly after the attempt, and the fire department extinguished the fire. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not taken, and she was not aware of any fire department report being filed. The vehicle was bulldozed out of the parking garage and towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 75,309.

The vehicle's electronic variable valve timing actuator (E-CVVT motor) failed, triggering a severe "Limp Home" engine mode. This defect causes dangerous vehicle surging/jumping during acceleration, limits engine output to 1500 RPM while idling, generates abnormal engine noise, and prevents the vehicle from exceeding 60 mph. This makes merging onto fast-moving highways or maintaining the flow of traffic highly hazardous. The component defect was formally diagnosed at an authorized dealership (Herson’s Kia) on March 30, 2026. The manufacturer, Kia America, was formally notified of this powertrain hazard but has delayed providing a remedy under the PI1802/KSDS warranty extension for over 49 days by demanding unrelated fluid maintenance histories for this non-lubricated electronic component. Because of the manufacturer's procedural obstacles, I am forced to operate an inherently unsafe powertrain configuration for essential transportation.

The glass piece that sits between the front windshield and the sunroof cracked from side to side of the car. When I called the dealership to get it repaired they said this has happened to a few models with this same type of glass between the windshield and the sunroof.

2017 Kia Soul, 1.6L Gamma GDI engine, ~82,000 miles. Vehicle exhibits excessive oil consumption consistent with the known piston ring defect addressed in Kia TSB ENG222 (covering 2012–2019 Souls with Gamma/Nu engines) and consistent with the E2 Class Action Settlement that covered the same engine in 2012–2016 model years. The oil consumption has destroyed the catalytic converter, causing the engine to stall. The vehicle is not currently drivable. Kia dealer has refused to perform the oil consumption test or evaluate engine warranty coverage until the owner pays out of pocket to replace the catalytic converters (quoted at $6,000). Requesting NHTSA expand the existing Gamma engine recall coverage to include 2017 model year, which currently falls in a coverage gap despite using the identical defective engine.

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, the signal turned green and they proceeded through the intersection when another driver ran the red light and collided with the vehicle. The impact occurred on the right rear passenger side, extending from the back door to the rear wheel well. no additional property damage was reported. At the time of collision, the contact was traveling in the far right lane and the impact caused the vehicle to cross three lanes of traffic. The contact stated that the airbags did not fully deploy and no airbag warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a tow yard and the insurance company later declared it a total loss. The contact sustained neck and back injuries and sought medical treatment. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 180,000