KIA Complaints

I am submitting this complaint to report serious concerns regarding the quality, safety, and reliability of my new Kia Soul, as well as the financial burden caused by defects that should not occur on a vehicle with such low mileage. At approximately **8,500 miles**, one of the original tires failed prematurely. I was forced to purchase a used tire to keep the vehicle safely drivable. I had the front alignment inspected, and I was informed that it was within normal specifications, yet the tire issue persisted. Now at **10,000 miles**, I am still experiencing abnormal tire wear. Additionally, at **10,000 miles**, the vehicle began making **grinding noises when applying the brakes**, which is extremely concerning for a car that is still essentially new. These issues raise questions about the vehicle’s manufacturing quality and whether it meets reasonable consumer expectations for safety and durability. I purchased this vehicle with the expectation that it would be reliable and free from major defects. Instead, I am facing unexpected expenses, safety concerns, and ongoing problems that should be covered under warranty. I am now questioning whether I should continue making payments on a vehicle that is already showing signs of significant defects. I am requesting that the FTC review this matter as a potential issue involving product quality, warranty compliance, and consumer protection. I am seeking assistance in ensuring that Kia addresses these defects appropriately and that my rights as a consumer are upheld. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Unknown but told by multiple mechanics that the kia soul eats oil and the engine constantly runs dry which is pricey and unfair

Windshield developed a multipronged crack that does not resemble a normal road hazard crack. After having tried a mobile windshield repair, the results are not successful as the cracks seem segmented and will not accept normal repair. Files include a photo of outside and inside vehicle pic of windshield.

The dashboard goes completely black and will not work when it is really cold outside. This is a dangerous problem because I cannot see my speedometer, how much gas I have in my car, or the engine temperature. I have been to the Kia dealership 3 or 4 times for this problem and have them report it to Kia. They always tell me that they cannot replicate the problem so they cannot fix it. I have video evidence of this happening and have showed it to the dealership. This has happened now for 2 winters. There have been no warning messages or anything before this happens.

I have a used kia soul 2012 which I bought 3 years ago. It's steering column has started making strange clicking noises when I turn the wheel left and right. I went to KIA dealership, they inspected the steering column and said it's gonna cost me $1200. They said it's not covered under "recall" policy. I don't have the money to fix it and I drive Uber every day. This problem can cause accident or collision if the wheel column stops working on the road.

There were two very loud cracking noises. Nothing had hit the car at all. The following day a crack emerged on the windshield. There’s no point of impact and the glass is smooth but the crack is now 1/3 of the windshield. I took it to the dealership where I bought it last month. They initially lied to me and stated they had never heard of a class action about defective windshields but later said that it was only the 2020 models for 6months and all is fixed. Online people are complaining about cracks emerging in their 2024/2025 telluride on the windshields or the moon roofs randomly shattering.

Vehicle ICCU blew up while driving, causing drive train system shut down and limited speed to 10 mph.

Oil consumption, causing 8 spark plugs and dangerous driving. Refusing to cover under warranty.

"I am reporting a catastrophic engine failure (rod knock/bearing failure) in my 2017 Kia Sportage, consistent with the Theta II GDI defect. The failure caused a sudden loss of motive power while in traffic, creating a significant safety risk. Furthermore, I am reporting Bill Dodge Kia (Westbrook, ME) for safety negligence. On September 26, 2023 (at 83,611 miles), this vehicle was in their service bay for brake work. Despite the vehicle being under an active HECU Fire Risk Recall (SC206) and requiring the KSDS Product Improvement Campaign, the dealership failed to perform these safety updates or disclose them to me. When confronted, dealership management (Alex Pinto, Bob Colton, and Patrick Demers) explicitly stated it was 'not their responsibility' to inform customers of known defects or active recalls. This practice left me driving a vehicle with a known fire risk and a documented engine defect for over two years without my knowledge, ultimately leading to the current engine failure."

On Feb. 1, 2026 my 2022 Kia Sportage caught fire while parked and turned off. The vehicle had been stationary and was not running at the time the fire started. There were no warning lights, no prior overheating, and no collision or external cause. The fire appears to have originated from the engine/electrical area. This incident resulted in a total loss of the vehicle and posed a serious safety risk, as the fire occurred without warning. The vehicle was properly maintained and had no known modifications. This incident is concerning due to previous reports of Kia vehicles experiencing spontaneous fires related to electrical or engine components. I am requesting this incident be investigated for potential defects in electrical systems or engine components that may cause fires while the vehicle is parked and turned off.