KIA Complaints

The contact owns a 2024 Kia EV9. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20 MPH, there was an abnormal slapping sound coming from the rear passenger’s side of the vehicle. While observing the tires, the contact became aware that the rear tires were bald, and the steel belts were coming from the inside of the tires. The contact used Fix a Flat inside the tires and was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The following day, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer that it was a known issue with the original tires on the vehicle. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by the battery, causing the vehicle to be too heavy for the vehicle. The inclination, tilt, or angle of suspension components with the shocks, struts, or control arms, known as the CANT, caused the tires to tilt outward approximately 2 or more inches. The dealer diagnosed that the suspension could have failed. The cant, suspension, and tires were replaced, and the wheels were aligned. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 12,668.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine light illuminated. The contact pulled to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off, oil leaked from the vehicle. The contact drove slowly to a business parking lot. The vehicle was towed to the residence and was then towed to the dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired, and the dealer refused to complete the recall repairs. The contact was informed that the manufacturer refused to do the recall repairs and stated that the warranty had expired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be removed from the premises. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a claim. Afterwards, the contact was informed that NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 22V096000 (AIR BAGS), 17V608000 (STEERING), 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), and 15V123000 (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) were associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Whike driving down the street, the car lost power despite being charged to 95%. An alert went off on screen stating an electric system issue and then stopped in the middle of the road. Between the warning showing up, and car losing full power was less than a minute. There was no opportunity to pull over safely and the car was stuck in the middle of the street until a tow truck was able to come. Police had to direct traffic as it was blocking the only lane on a busy street.

My wife was recently in a car accident and sandwiched between two cars and the airbags didn’t deploy.

The AC charging for this car stopped working around [XXX]. After 3 trips to the dealership for repair I brought it back a 4th time and because the dealership was unable to repair it they gave me a loaner to use while they tried to figure out the problem. During this time they removed the entire battery from the car, dropped the suspension, experienced the car not being able to go into gear (reverse or drive), not hold a charge etc. The car has been 100% inoperable since [XXX]. Today, 01/27/26 the dealership phoned to let me know that a regional Kia technician came by and realized there was just one screw that needed to be tightened and now the car works perfectly and I can come pick up my car and bring the loaner back. There is no way I would ever feel safe driving that car again. Kia America offered me a buy back with the condition that I pay them $9,350 in depreciation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

During the incident in question, the vehicle’s lane-assist system malfunctioned in a manner I have never previously experienced. As I approached an area with multiple lane markings, the system appeared to become confused—possibly due to low-light conditions—and abruptly pulled the steering wheel with significant force. This deviation was severe enough that I temporarily lost control, causing the vehicle to drift toward the left-side ditch. When the steering suddenly released and became limp, I attempted to correct the trajectory, but the response window was too narrow to avoid impact. The vehicle struck a wooden signpost, resulting in damage to the right headlight assembly and the complete detachment of the right fog light. No lane-departure warnings were issued at any point. Under normal circumstances, the vehicle provides audible alerts regardless of whether lane assist is active, and I am familiar with the areas where such alerts typically occur. Additionally, the forward-collision warning system failed to activate, despite its usual tendency to trigger even in non-hazard situations. This inconsistency has been present since I acquired the vehicle. Prior to this event, I had also been experiencing intermittent electrical issues. I attempted to seek service at the nearest Kia dealership; however, reaching it requires traveling through a national forest during winter conditions, which is unsafe unless absolutely necessary. I attempted to file an incident report with local law enforcement, but was informed that a report could only be taken if another motor vehicle was involved. I then attempted to file a report with the DMV, but the online system requires an Oregon-issued driver’s license. I currently hold a valid Oklahoma license and have been unable to update it due to financial constraints and an anticipated move later this year. I have experienced neck pain between my shoulders since the incident.

On [XXX], our 2016 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while being driven on a public highway in Houston, Texas. The vehicle had been operating normally and displayed no warning lights, alerts, or diagnostic trouble codes prior to the incident. The driver was forced to pull over immediately for safety. The fire caused catastrophic damage and resulted in a total loss of the vehicle. Law enforcement authorized towing and impound. Photographs and third-party documentation confirm extensive fire damage. Prior to this incident, the vehicle had a clean title with no accident, fire, or salvage history. The 2016 Kia Sorento model year has been subject to multiple safety recalls, including recalls that acknowledge fire risk related to electrical and fuel system components. A vehicle igniting during normal operation without warning presents a serious safety risk and warrants investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard to stop the vehicle. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as intended. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and suggested that the vehicle be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 249,000.

My car is a 2018 Kia Rio that has a clean history and has never been in an accident. Recently my airbag light came on and I had a diagnostic run that showed a B1448 code indicating an OCS mat defect in the passenger seat. The 2015-2018 Kia Sedona models also had the same problem and were issued safety recalls. Due to this previous history I believe there could be a safety recall needed for the Kia Rio models as well.

Was driving home from work, and suddenly all the indicator lights came on on the dash, (check engine, warring lights, indicator that the battery was critically low, etc etc.) the car notified me to safely pull off the road. I pulled off the road in limp mode, the engine would not engage when pedal was pressed, and then lost power. I was stuck in the middle of the lane on a side road in park. I turned the car off, then turned it back on and let it idle for a bit thinking it may be the battery (which is new). After several minutes drove it home and have not had any other issues. I researched this issue on the internet and there were reported similar problems exactly like this. Note. I put it on a reader at home and it did not show any codes.