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.

  • 2022 KIA EV6
    - pittsburg, CA

    The car has 41,000 miles and has experienced the second failure of the ICCU, so it will have a third unit in 3 years. The noteworthy issue is the risk associated with these failures. The unit failed on the freeway, and power was reduced to 20% (estimate), which put me and others in danger. This is apparently a known and significant issue with KIA. As a consumer, I am extremely concerned it will experience a 3rd failure, which could include immediate risk to self and passengers. How is this acceptable? Thanks for providing the forum to discuss.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA SOUL
    - Chester, VA

    When I drive in alloys mode the system jerky and engine makes noise or hangs and I have to turn it off and on to start it back up to drive. When I drive without alloys on it thugs sporadically as if it is going to drive backward. Per the dealer the engine oil is slugs even thought it had oil change. But this vehicle is scary, I need it but scare of driving it.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Topeka, KS

    I've had an oil leak for a couple of years, typically having to put in 5 - 7 quarts of oil in between oil changes. In 2025 I had my spark plugs and some oil seal replaced it was quite expensive to have done. 6ish months later my 4th cylinder started misfiring. I took it to the repair shop. They performed an oil wash and it seemed to fix the misfire issue at the time. 3 months later it started to misfire again. I took it back to the repair shop and had them replace all 4 of the ignition coils, which did not help. They recommended I take it the Kia dealer. They believe the engine is burning oil which why it has such high oil consumption and that they believe the engine should be under a warranty. I need a safe vehicle for work and travel and frustrated that I am having to pay so much money just trying to get my vehicle repaired so it is.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA EV6
    - Raleigh, NC

    The contact owns a 2022 Kia EV6. The contact stated that while driving approximately 64 MPH, the left side of the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle aggressively jerked to the left into oncoming traffic. The message “Smart Cruise Disabled” was displayed. The contact was able to quickly regain control of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 65,300.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 KIA SEDONA
    - St. Thomas, PA

    The vehicle is a 2018 Kia Sedona with approximately 122,000 miles that experienced a catastrophic engine failure resulting in complete engine seizure. The failure has been identified by an independent mechanic as a rod bearing issue. The engine remains intact and is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle is currently not operational and the battery has been disconnected. This vehicle is a family vehicle that regularly transports our four children. At the time of the incident, our [XXX] child was in the vehicle with us. The failure created a serious safety risk. While traveling on the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power without warning, creating a hazardous situation in active traffic and increasing the risk of a collision. The presence of a young child in the vehicle further heightened the severity of the safety risk. The issue was preceded by a light tapping noise that began approximately 10 miles prior to the failure. Within about one minute before total failure, a loud squealing noise occurred, followed immediately by complete engine shutdown and loss of power. There were no meaningful warnings that would indicate imminent catastrophic failure in time to safely prevent the incident. The problem has been confirmed by an independent repair facility, which diagnosed the engine as seized due to internal failure consistent with rod bearing damage. A Kia dealership and Kia America have both been contacted and declined responsibility for repair. The vehicle has been regularly maintained, with routine oil changes performed as expected. The most recent oil change was completed approximately 2,000 miles prior to the failure. Insurance has confirmed this incident is not covered, as it is a mechanical failure and not the result of an accident or external damage. The vehicle has not been physically inspected by the manufacturer. Police were not involved. This type of failure is consistent with widely reported engine defects across Kia vehicles i INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 KIA SORENTO
    - PORTLAND, NY

    My car for the last 2 years has had multiple malfunctions with misfiring and replacement of head gaskets, pistons and more. Not to mention consistence oil concerns. On two occasions my family and I had to have the vehicle towed home over 200 miles because the car was not driving well. I have a [XXX] ghter who was with us at the time. The only warning lamp that ever triggered was the check engine. In October is when I was informed about a recall that was on my vehicle from KIA the corporation and I was told to have it towed to Kia in [XX [XXX] ey would replace my engine if the rod barring failed; and it did. Kia refused to pay for the engine and reported that I was misinformed. In December of 2025 I went through the Attorney General for mitigation to try and fix the engine- However, Kia reported because the engine manufacturer recall was not updated prior to October 30th or 2020 it was considered failure on the consumers part for not updating their address. However, I have documentation that the vehicle was sign for by myself on December 2nd of 2020. I have the car fax reporting that the car was surrendered by the previous owner on October 28th, 2020. Therefore, I was not the own when this manufacturer warrantee recall was in place or when it expired. So, I do not feel since i did not own the car when this was to be completed, that I should be responsible. Not to mention I am paying on the loan that financed this vehicle for the last 7 months while it has sat at KIA in [XXX] [XXX] ION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 KIA OPTIMA
    - Bremerton, WA

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving the vehicle at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The driver pulled over to the side of the road where the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence, where an independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine and transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2025 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Wego, LA

    The contact owns a 2025 Kia Telluride. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V105000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2019 KIA SORENTO
    - Santee, CA

    after purchasing from carmax 6 months later the paint above the windshield is peeling off in huge chunks. the color is snow pearl white. having large chunks of solid paint flying around can decrease visibility for both the driver of the vehicle and others should the pieces go on the windshield obstructing full view, this is a safety issue. i have called carmax and have not heard back - it has been a month. there was no warning, no noted bubbling of paint or paint rising up in any areas.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2017 KIA RIO
    - Buda, TX

    I was driving my 2017 Kia Rio at approximately 70 mph when the vehicle began shaking violently. I heard a loud mechanical sound from the engine compartment that sounded like something broke loose and was being thrown around. I immediately began pulling over as smoke started entering the cabin. As soon as I stopped, the car erupted into a fast-moving, intense fire originating in the engine compartment. The fire spread so quickly that the front of the vehicle and the passenger cabin were completely destroyed before the fire department arrived. The Austin Fire Department responded (Incident Type: Engine 2f) and the Travis County Sheriff's Office also opened a case (Case #[Insert Your Sheriff Case Number]). Multiple bystanders also called 911 due to the severity of the fire. The vehicle had under 80,000 miles and was maintained with regular oil changes every 6 months. I believe this fire was caused by a known manufacturing defect related to the engine connecting rod bearings or the HECU electrical short, both of which are subjects of major Kia safety recalls/settlements. The vehicle is currently a total loss

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE