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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2025 KIA NIRO- Brentwood, CA
I believe the issue is related to something connected to the AC system or a component underneath the hood. The exact part that malfunctioned has not been confirmed. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because some kind of leak or fumes were being sent into the car through the AC vents, causing myself and others in the vehicle to feel sick. I have taken the car to 3 Kia Dealerships. All of which have been extremely dishonest (have tons of proof) and say they cannot verify problem. I took it to an outside independent shop and they verified it instantly and wrote a very detailed invoice about the problem. They couldnt pin point where it was coming from though. The vehicle has only been inspected by the 3 Kia Dealerships and the independant shop Brake Busters I purchased the car in November of 2025 and had no problems until February 22nd 2026. No warnihg lights or messages came on prior. The symtoms that started were Nausea, Headaches, light headedness, vision blurry, and almost caused me to pass out at wheel several times.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2024 KIA EV6- Sacramento, CA
After starting the car, a message displayed on dashboard "Check Electrical System." I tried driving the car out of the garage and then a message displayed to the effect of "Stop the car and check battery." I called the dealer and they said to have the car towed to them. After having the car towed to the dealer, they ended up replacing the Integrated Charging Control System (ICCU) and fuse. The danger is that the failure of this ICCU part could cause immediate loss of power when driving. Luckily, that didn't happen to me since I was only creeping slowly out of my garage.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2019 KIA STINGER- Fort Myers, FL
The roof trim panel separates from the vehicle while driving. Depending on the car's speed the metal, plastic and rubber strip is lifted up and off the car and into the slip stream behind the vehicle creating a serious hazard for cars behind us. We examined the strip and determined the plastic clips that hold this panel in place do not function as intended, or fail to adequately hold this large section of trim in place during driving conditions. We brought this to the attention to the Kia dealership and were told "Warranty replacement items are not covered after 12 months". They offered to replace the item but we believe it is material craftsmanship and a design flaw that allows this trim to fall off the car while driving.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA SOUL- Eastlake, OH
The engine seems to be stalling, more than likely being caused by the piston rings being defective. With the piston rings being defective, this can cause oil to be lost, and then in turn causing damage to the vehicle. This can put others at risk as this will stall the vehicle, and in any form of traffic, can cause an accident. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, but they claim it is another issue. The vehicle has been inspected by the manufacturer. The engine light turned on shortly before this happened.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2019 KIA OPTIMA- Moreno Valley , CA
Our car paint started peeling out of no where and very bad. I just found out that it is a manufacturing issue with the bonding of the paint.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2025 KIA EV6- Mohrsville, PA
ICCU failure. Car lost power while driving. I heard a "pop" sound and then the car displayed a warning light moments before losing power. Car was towed to the dealership where they diagnosed and replaced the ICCU and a fuse. This is a known problem since the 2022 model year and seems to be a very common failure that the manufacturer is unable definitively repair. Thankfully I was on a local street and not on a highspeed highway when this occurred.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA K5- San Francisco, CA
Shortly after a routine oil change performed at a Kia dealership, I discovered a significant oil leak underneath the vehicle the following day. Within a short period of time, the vehicle began experiencing engine-related issues including a cylinder misfire, noticeable shaking while driving, and loss of power, particularly when accelerating or driving on inclines. The vehicle also displayed a check engine light and a warning related to 12-volt battery drain. In addition, I noticed a strong burning odor coming from the engine area, which raised concerns about a possible fluid leak or internal engine issue. These conditions created a safety concern because the vehicle would hesitate and lose power during normal driving, which could increase the risk of an accident, especially in traffic or when merging or climbing inclines. The vehicle was returned to a Kia dealership for inspection. I was informed that a cylinder issue was suspected; however, only a temporary repair involving a coil swap was performed. No comprehensive diagnostic testing was completed to confirm the root cause of the problem. After the repair, the vehicle continued to exhibit abnormal behavior, including shaking and lack of power. Due to ongoing safety concerns and lack of confidence in the vehicle’s reliability, I stopped driving the vehicle. This issue occurred at relatively low mileage, raising concerns about a potential engine defect or unresolved mechanical failure.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2024 KIA SPORTAGE- Moncks Corner, SC
Forward collision warning systems check error light hard braking occurred and scared the pee out of me. Camera blockage obstruction error
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA TELLURIDE- Venus, TX
While driving on the highway under normal conditions (clear weather, no nearby vehicles within approximately 1,000 feet), I heard a sudden loud “bang,” immediately followed by a large crack forming across the windshield. There was no visible debris impact, and no external cause could be identified at the time. Based on similar reports involving this issue in other vehicles, this appears to be a potential structural or manufacturing defect rather than road damage. While using adaptive cruise control in clear weather and with no traffic present, the vehicle will randomly decelerate as if detecting a vehicle ahead when none exists. This results in sudden, unnecessary braking without warning or indication. The issue has occurred multiple times and creates a significant safety risk, particularly at highway speeds where unexpected deceleration could lead to a rear-end collision.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA TELLURIDE- Houston , TX
I am reporting multiple life-threatening safety defects with my 2025 Kia Telluride. The vehicle has experienced Sudden Unintended Acceleration, where it accelerates to excessive speeds without driver input. During these episodes, the braking system fails to respond, only allowing the vehicle to stop once its internal safety systems intervene. Additionally, the vehicle suffers from unpredictable stalling and power loss; the engine frequently shuts off upon parking—followed by the electrical system cycling back on without the motor—and the vehicle consistently struggles to start in the morning. These recurring mechanical and electrical failures pose an immediate danger to myself and others on the road.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE