KIA Complaints

The engine on my 2010 Kia Optima suddenly seized without warning around 150,000 miles. The vehicle had no knocking sounds or warning signs prior to failure. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. This created a sudden loss of vehicle operation. I am concerned this may be related to the known engine failure issues reported in Kia vehicles.

UNKNOWN However multiple times the front end of the vehicle starts shaking when I try to break up especially on the highway. The dealership claimed to have repaired it once and shortly after it happened again. When I took it in they first looked and said the parts was ordered but nothing was done then came back and said oh yes it was done then refused to fix it without a charge so I had to pay to repair it since I feared that the brake would give out if I drive it. The other issue was the check engine light just popped up check engine while driving on the highway, when I take it in they are stating that I may have left the gas tank open which is absolutely false. They cleared it but could not or neglect to explain why it was on. All these incidents occur while on highways never in the general local areas.

My 2023 Kia K5 experienced a fuel system issue related to Recall SC288 (Fuel Tank Inspection & ECM Update). The vehicle displayed a check engine light and could not accept fuel while refueling. The vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership on May 21, 2025 where the recall inspection failed. The repair order states the fuel tank swelled and damaged the body of the vehicle. Kia opened a Techline case and retained possession of the vehicle. Kia has now acknowledged the vehicle is not repairable. The vehicle has been in Kia’s possession since May 2025. This situation resulted in extended loss of use and financial hardship.

Issue: My 2014 Kia Optima has repeatedly experienced overheating, flashing check-engine light, and loss of coolant. The dealership has misdiagnosed the issue multiple times and returned the vehicle to me in unsafe condition. Safety Concern: The vehicle overheats while driving, the check-engine light flashes, and the engine loses power. This creates a serious risk of engine failure while on the road. I am concerned about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk due to overheating.

When attempting to level one charge the vehicle at home, the car returned a failure to charge error and would not charge. This was attempted several times using different outlets and the same error occurred. The car was brought to Gettel Kia in Bradenton Florida. The dealership confirmed that the ICCU had failed,. They did not have the part and apparently it is on backorder. The repair is being covered under warranty, however, it is not being considered a recall, despite many other Kia EV6s having ICCU failures. The ICCU failures are extensive and need to be further investigated by NHSTA and a full recall for all Kia EV6s should be ordered.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The automatic start warning light illuminated, and the engine seized. Additionally, the error message indicated that the automatic start feature was disabled; however, the contact stated that the automatic start feature was enabled. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. After several attempts, the vehicle started. The contact disabled the automatic start feature. The contact stated that while the vehicle was decelerating, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, a diagnostic test was not performed. The contact stated that the diagnostic test was incomplete. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,924.

2021 Kia Telluride experienced sudden engine failure at approximately 120,000 miles. The failure occurred without any prior warning. There were no oil warning lights, dashboard alerts, or other indicators of low oil or engine malfunction before the engine failed. After inspection, the mechanic found no oil on the dipstick and discovered metal flakes in the engine and oil filter, indicating severe internal engine damage. No external oil leaks were identified that would explain the loss of oil. This suggests a potential internal engine defect or abnormal oil consumption without warning to the driver. The vehicle has been regularly serviced and properly maintained according to recommended maintenance schedules. There was no neglect, missed oil changes, or failure to maintain the vehicle. This sudden and unexpected engine failure creates a serious safety concern. A loss of engine power while driving, especially at highway speeds or in traffic, could significantly increase the risk of a crash and place the driver, passengers, and other motorists at risk.

Check engine light on due to catalytic converter, took it to Kia motors in Bakersfield, California due to recall let them know that there was a check engine light on after buying the vehicle and only having it for one month and I thought it was due to the recall, which was on oil, piston rings, the dealership stated I could give all my paperwork that I had in regards to that, and if the engine failed, they would take care of it. After the test for the recall was done the engine failed and then a few days later a new updated recall, came out where the engine had to be running hot for the test to be done and then my recall passed so nothing was ever fixed with my vehicle. I believe that the catalytic converter is bad due to oil running into or around the catalytic converter. I also believe due to the malfunction of the oil, piston rings being bad/malfunction or whatever the recall was on is a determination of why my check engine light is on stating it’s a catalytic converter I believe if I continue driving my vehicle in the condition that it’s in it eventually will catch fire due to the issue.

The ICCU fuse blew. As I was driving, the car began to lose power. Fortunately I was able to pull into a parking lot before I lost all power. It's the same issue as the recall SC327Y1 from NHTSA, which occurred although the software update had already been performed previously. The dealer is replacing the ICCU and ICCU fuse under SC327Y1 after inspecting it. I did receive a warning as I was driving that the car was low on power.

My 2014 Kia Sorento EX was purchased brand new, one owner, and started losing paint in several areas on the outside of the car and is horrible. So many 2014 Kias have this issue. It is a BAD PAINT job. This should never happen and I’ll never buy another Kia. Kia should fix these issues immediately. My Kia is in great shape except for the horrible paint.