KIA Complaints

Persistent ICCU failure causing charging interruptions, “Check Vehicle Charging System” ? “Stop vehicle and check power supply” warnings, low 12V battery voltage (down to 12.1V), and risk of power loss/strand. Kia Connect sent “Charge Interrupted” alert during a session that reached 99%. Multiple prior recalls/attempts failed to resolve (Sep 2023 TSB ELE291 BMS, Jun 2024 SC271 ICCU SW, Jan 2025 SC273 VCU SW, May 2025 SA5999 limp-home logic, Sep 2025 dead 12V stranding). Towed Feb 2026 after stranding; dealer confirmed ICCU failed (DTC P1A9096), replaced ICCU (P/N 36400-1XFA0AQQK latest revision), fuse, and SW update under SC327 (24V-867). Repair completed same day (Feb 24, 2026), but dealer skipped charging system test and filling coolant. Safety impact: Stranded wife twice (dead battery and iccu failure), tow required, potential sudden power loss while driving. Report purpose: Document recurrence despite multiple recalls; seeking NHTSA tracking for effectiveness of SC327 remedy.

On Feb 1, 2026, while driving my panoramic ceiling on my 2023 Sportage just imploded . It sounded like a bomb or a gun was shot. The dealer didn't want to take ownership of the accident and had to file a claim through my insurance. There is more than 2000 cases of this just in 2025 alone. They stated something must of hit it. There was no one on the road that morning and it was right in the middle. I park in my garage at home and at my work location. Not 1 crack or any type of damage was done prior to this incident.

The car material itself is very cheap meaning it poor quality, very flimsy, I hit a curb and the grill and cover just broke so easily even though it was now a serious hit but very small and slight to the point where you can’t feel it. Now it’s just hanging off and shaking badly because of the poor material, it isn’t stuff enough to keep in place.

When the brake pedal is pressed on the brakes will grab. It snatches the car kinda hard. Also when you give the car gas it will hesitate and will not accelerate. Another with the gas is that you can be driving at a higher speed such as 45 to 55 or so and you press down the gas pedal like your going into passing gear and it will not accelerate it’s like it’s trying to stop. Feels like the car is gonna fall on down onto itself and it loses power.

Car was driving find and suddenly check electric system message came in with a red battery indicator. The application for the car indicates an ICCU P1A9096 error code. ICCU errors seems to be common with Kia/Hyundai electric cars. Car went to limp mode and wouldn’t let drive it more than 45mph which it was dangerous in the highway. I was able to get the car into the dealer but the last mile the car was very limited in power with no more than 30mph. Radio, A/C and other accessories stop working

At 113,000 my engine failed. It was determined that low compression occurred due to the first cylinder failing. I’ve been having excessive oil consumption since about 60k.

I am reporting a recurring safety concern with seatbelt fit and adjustability that I have experienced in multiple passenger vehicles. As a [XXX] driver, the shoulder belt in many vehicles consistently rubs my neck rather than resting across the center of my shoulder, even when height adjusters are set to their lowest positions. Additionally, as a [XXX] occupant ([XXX]), rear seatbelts in many vehicles must be fully extended into locking mode to buckle, preventing a snug fit and raising concerns about proper tension during a crash. There have been no warning lights, prior symptoms, or dealer inspections confirming these conditions; they have been present since initial use. Improper belt positioning and limited adjustability may increase the risk of neck or upper-body injury and may encourage unsafe seatbelt adjustments. I request that NHTSA track and evaluate this as a broader, cross-vehicle safety concern regarding seatbelt design, adjuster range, belt length, and geometry for [XXX] and [XXX] size occupants. Videos showing seatbelt discomfort can be found here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am reporting a safety concern with the seatbelt system in my 2023 Kia Telluride related to fit and adjustability, not a mechanical failure. The vehicle is available for inspection. As a [XXX] driver, the shoulder belt consistently rubs my neck rather than resting across the center of my shoulder, even when the height adjuster is set to its lowest position. Because I must raise the seat and sit closer to the steering wheel, the belt angle pulls inward toward my neck every time I drive. As a [XXX] occupant ([XXX]), rear seatbelts must be fully extended into locking mode to buckle, resulting in discomfort and concerns about proper belt tension. There have been no warning lights, prior symptoms, dealer confirmations, or inspections by the manufacturer; this condition has been present since initial use and appears to be a design limitation. Improper belt positioning and limited adjustability may increase the risk of neck or upper-body injury in a crash and may discourage proper seatbelt positioning. I request that NHTSA track and evaluate this as a vehicle safety concern in the 2023 Kia Telluride and assess whether current seatbelt adjuster range, belt length, and geometry adequately accommodate shorter and plus-size occupants. I have experienced similar seatbelt fit and adjustability issues in multiple other passenger vehicles, suggesting this may represent a broader cross-vehicle design concern rather than an isolated model-specific condition. Videos showing seatbelt discomfort can be found here: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While charging my vehicle at a level 2 charging station, my vehicle ceased charging. I received no other warnings or symptoms prior to my vehicle ceasing to charge. Upon being alerted by the Kia Access app that the charging stopped, I went to check my vehicle and none of my doors would unlock in response to the buttons on my keys. I had to manually unlock my driver side door in order to enter my vehicle. I attempted to start my vehicle and unplug/re-plug in the charger, but my vehicle would not start or charge. Using a portable jump starter, I was able to jump start my vehicle and begin charging again. However, after approximately 5 minutes of charging, my vehicle stopped charging and once again would not start. At that point, I called for my vehicle to be towed to a Kia Service Center. The Kia Service Center was able to reproduce the problem of my vehicle not starting or charging and informed me that there was an internal short circuit caused by a bad Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU). The bad ICCU shorted my ICCU fuse, resulting in the draining of my 12-volt battery. The ICCU and fuse were replaced at no cost to me. Although my vehicle is available for inspection upon request, the parts that malfunctioned have been replaced with new, functioning parts. My safety or the safety of others were not at risk in this situation, but I was fortunate that my 12-volt battery died while parked and charging, not while I was driving, which could have caused an accident.

1. Instrument panel failure, can’t see speed, fuel, mileage. Blind spot warning does not work, lane assistance does not work. This issue was not solved by recall related to software update. 2. Unsafe to drive with no way to see speed, blind spot warning failure, can’t tell if blinker is on or how much gas is in car. 3. Dealer reproduced. It’s not a sporadic issue, the panel does not turn on 4. Yes Kia dealership inspected 5. No warning. Turned the car on and the panel no longer worked.