KIA Complaints
View complaints related to KIA. The complaints found here are submitted by actual consumers with first hand experience. You can submit your own complaint to the NHTSA or call the Hotline, Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153.
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2021 KIA SELTOS- Jeffersonville, IN
This vehicle burns oil excessively. From everything I've seen says this should be under recall but the Kia dealership tells me it's not because it's over 60,000 miles and I'm the second owner. They offered to do a oil consumption test for $900. I've already read complaints about this engine locking up and people being seriously injured. I have to put oil in it every thousand miles or so. For a newer vehicle this is unacceptable and Kia should be taking care of this. This is absolutely going to get someone killed when their engine seizes. The transmission on this vehicle also has issues that have complaints littered through the message boards. KIA knows it's going to fail and get someone killed as well. They dont care as long as they get your money. Unacceptable.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2013 KIA OPTIMA- Goodyear, AZ
My 2013 Kia Optima was running fine at 65 mph when suddenly the engine stalled. I then coasted to the shoulder and smelled burning plastic. As soon as I opened the hood the engine started being consumed in fire, it quickly went to a very large engine fire that consumed the front half of the car. There were no other vehicles involved with this incident. Vehicle is a total loss.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA SOUL- Oxnard, CA
I reported to Kia regarding 2016 KIA Soul EV electronic gear shift and power system as follows. "I am writing to formally report a serious safety concern regarding the electronic gear shift and power system on my Kia Soul EV. I have experienced several dangerous incidents involving the vehicle's behavior when parking on an incline. Specifically, if the vehicle is parked on a slope and the power switch is turned off while the gear selector is still in 'Drive' (D), the control power shuts down immediately, and the vehicle begins to roll down the hill because it does not automatically engage 'Park' (P) or the electronic parking brake. While I understand the importance of manually selecting 'Park,' it is common for electronic shifters in modern EVs to automatically shift to 'Park' or engage a safety brake when the power is turned off to prevent such hazardous rolling. The current logic poses a significant safety risk to the driver, passengers, and bystanders. I would like to know if there is a software update available to address this logic or if Kia has a recommended safety protocol to mitigate this risk. I look forward to your prompt response regarding this matter." and received email from KIA "After reviewing your concern, we can confirm that at this time there are no updates, recalls, or service campaigns related to the parking logic or automatic engagement of Park or the parking brake for the condition you described. We recommend reviewing the Parking Brake section of your Owner’s Manual (Section 5, Page 25), which outlines the designed operation and proper procedures when parking the vehicle, particularly on an incline." Please review this case and find resolutions for this safety issues. Thank you
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2026 KIA SORENTO- Nashville , TN
I HAD GOT OFF WORK AND GOT INSIDE MY VEHICLE,A 2026 KIA SORENTO AND WHEN I STARTED MY VEHICLE THE BACK WINDOW SPORADICALLY SHATTERED AND I DO HAVE CCTV OF IT AS WELL
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA SORENTO- Lancaster, CA
The paint on my 2014 Kia Sorento (Snow White Pearl) is peeling and delaminating across multiple areas of the vehicle, including the roof and side panels. In several areas the paint has detached completely, exposing bare metal, and rust has begun forming on the roof. The condition appears to be progressively worsening and does not appear consistent with normal wear or isolated paint damage. The affected areas are available for inspection. The peeling paint may create a road or visibility hazard if pieces detach while the vehicle is in motion. In addition, the exposed metal and developing rust on the roof and upper body areas may affect long-term structural integrity over time. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting similar Kia Sorento vehicles with Snow White Pearl paint.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2019 KIA SORENTO- Bridgeport, WV
Had to replace transmission at 133k miles. It was jolting sometimes providing a hard jolt at times will driving. There are also times of what feels like a cylinder misfire. Oil is constantly leaking and have to replace oil every 1k Miles. Have had multiple shops look at it and not able to find anything. Now during acceleration there is a huge grey smoke cloud coming from the exhaust. Looking at this site and through online it seems to be a common issue with this car and engine. So there has been multiple issues with this car - oil consumption of the engine leading to smoke in the exhaust and the transmission which was replaced a week ago
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA CARNIVAL- Orange Park, FL
The contact owns a 2025 Kia Carnival. The contact’s daughter stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly lost motive power with no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer. The dealer informed the contact that the battery solenoid needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure recurred on multiple occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,200.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2016 KIA SORENTO- Houston, PA
This car has been at the dealership twice in not even 2 years. I've only had it not even 3 years. The check engine light comes on and starts shaking. In June of 2025, a tune up was performed due to a cylinder 4 misfire code. P030400 In April of 2026, the same exact thing happened. Dealership said misfire on cylinder 4. Loss of oil would cause the engine to lock up causing harm to me and other people on the road. I am constantly putting oil in this car!!
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA K5- Memphis, TN
On April 8th my car was taken to the dealership for repair on a hose. When the dealership did a diagnostic on the vehicle it had 4 safety recalls. And my car had a major recall the fuel pump on my car expanded and it was very dangerous for me and my kids to drive the vehicle per Kia they say it could have blown up. My car can not be released to me and I’m without a vehicle. On the night of April 7th my Kia k5 ran hot without any warning lamps and the thermostat radar in the car did not indicate hot at all!
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA OPTIMA- Lees Summit , MO
Car is consuming oil every three weeks. Engine is going to burn if it does not stop. It’s not in a class action but probably should be. It’s been 4 months and over 1,000 spent.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE