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.

  • 2017 KIA CADENZA
    - Middletown, NY

    The vehicle harness is burned and under recall sc206 for HECU fuses that was allegedly repaired which should have required a check of the harness connections . part number 91223f6632 is for the wire harness during engine replacement for campaign wty039 I was told the harness was melted and needed replacing , dealer put the car back together and told me we had to wrap up the work and return rental and get my car knowing it is a fire hazard I was in contact with warranty company for escalation who would not cover the recall part according to the dealer , I am still in escalations with Kia I have been left with no vehicle .engine repair was completed via dealer ,but they have reinstalled the broken harness and told me the car is ready for pick up. I am a disabled woman with small children and do not want to burn up in a fire was advised to report to dmv and nhtsa

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Gillett, PA

    I was driving down the highway at 73 MPH and the sunroof shattered sending glass into the interior of the car, onto me, and into my clothes. It sounded like a gunshot and was terrifying.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SOUL
    - Cortland, OH

    NHTSA SAFETY COMPLAINT: RECALL SC336 (CAMPAIGN 21V-301) NON-COMPLIANCE VIN: [XXX] I. PATTERN OF RECALL EVASION Vehicle (2021 Kia Soul) was towed to Classic Kia [XXX] ) on 3/13 with documented engine stalling, knocking, and codes P0014/P0017 (VVT/Timing failure). The dealership withheld this data from Kia Techline for 13 days (3/13–3/26), delaying the safety remedy until state authorities intervened. II. MECHANICAL IMPOSSIBILITY & REMEDY VIOLATION On Saturday 3/28, the dealer claimed a full engine swap was "installed and tested" in only 6.5 hours (7:30 AM–2:15 PM). Per the SC336 mandate, a compliant Long Block assembly (Part # ending in QQK) requires extensive fluid flushes, software reflashing, and safety recalibrations that cannot be performed correctly in this window. I suspect a "Short Block" shortcut was taken, reusing contaminated components in violation of the federal safety remedy. III. FRAUD BY OMISSION & UNIFIED SAFETY HAZARD The dealership is demanding a $99 "diagnostic fee" for an exhaust back-pressure test. Under SC336, testing for "consequential damage" (clogged catalytic converter) caused by the recall defect must be covered by the manufacturer. By omitting the stalling/timing symptoms from the initial Techline report, the dealer bypassed the mandatory exhaust safety testing. Reusing oil-contaminated VVT solenoids, camshafts, and valves from the failed engine poses an immediate fire and safety hazard. IV. DEMAND FOR INVESTIGATION I request NHTSA oversight to ensure Classic Kia provides: 1. Proof of Long Block (21101-QQK) installation vs. unauthorized Short Block (21102). 2. Time-stamped DEVT and GDS Full System Scan logs from 3/28. 3. Verification that all contaminated components were replaced, as a partial remedy leaves the vehicle in a hazardous state. Reusing oil-soaked VVT/cams & skipping exhaust tests creates a fire risk. An incomplete remedy violates SC336, leaving the car a high-risk liability for fire & stalling. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA SORENTO
    - Salisbury, NC

    The Panoramic sunroof randomly exploded while driving down the highway. Nothing around us or above us to cause it. Myself, my [XXX] pregnant wife, and [XXX] daughter were in the car and had glass rain down on us after the very loud boom. We almost wrecked. The issue has not yet been inspected by the dealership but I understand this to not be uncommon. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2023 KIA SELTOS
    - Green Cove Springs, FL

    The gages fall all the way down, I’m not able to accelerate, engine light, traction light, tire pressure light, crash detection light, and other lights come on and prevents me from being able to drive. This happened on the interstate and almost caused an accident.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Ridgefield , WA

    Driving with no other cars around us and no debris anywhere and the moonroof suddenly shattered with a loud noise.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SORENTO
    - Jay, ME

    On 3/26/2026, I was driving at 45mph when the vehicle started slowing down and the auto stop light on the dash was blinking yellow. Every time it blinked, the car slowed even more. I tried to speed up, but it slowed down more. This could have caused an accident. I pulled off on the side of the road and shut the car off. I waited a few minutes and started the car. It ran alright and the light did not blink. It has been alright so far. If it occurs again, I will call the dealer to have it checked out.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA CARNIVAL
    - Honolulu, HI

    "Continuous engine oil leak for 12 months. After 4 failed repair attempts, the dealer used liquid sealer instead of a gasket. This is a deceptive repair that creates a severe fire hazard. The leak is still active today, March 2026."

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SORENTO
    - Hope Mills, NC

    My check engine light came on and went to dealer ship jn Oct of 2025 they stated the Egr needed to be replaced and would cost 1300 to repair but inform me they didn't have the piece to replace at that time to reschedule app. Also reservoir coolant light keeps coming on . I called several times to Lumberton Kia at one time they stated that they didn't have but 1 mechanic that worked on hybrids and he was behind. I finally have a appointmentthis weekto see what is exactlygoing on with my suv cause now i have a hesitation when pressing the gas and my transmission jerks.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA SELTOS
    - Papillion , NE

    Took my car in for oil piston recall. H&H KIA advised my oil level was low. I advised oil change just done 1/16/2026 and under the 6 month/7500 mile oil change recommendation. I provided screenshot that show it could indicate problem related to recall. Dealership did inspection and did advise no oil leak. When I asked about this they advised I had to pay for an engine clean and also an oil test. I questioned why should I have to pay if related to recall. They quickly said the recall was fixed by software update. When I asked again about low level of oil readings the answer was recommending the engine clean. Oil change totaling more than 300.00 . I fear my safety now driving my car due to this which in turn is causing a high amount of uneasiness and anxiety.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE