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.

  • 2014 KIA OPTIMA
    - York, PA

    I am getting a clunking in the steering column.. I feel that my vehicle may be unsafe to drive.. Upon inspection it was brought to my attention that kia had known of a problem with a coupler in the steering that goes bad..they have extended the warranty.. But only for cars purchased in certain states. I feel that this problem should be covered...

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA K4
    - Kettering, OH

    I am reporting a serious safety defect involving the brake pedal area of my newly leased Kia K4 GT-Line. There is a metal bracket/component located directly above the brake pedal that interferes with foot placement. My foot becomes caught on this bracket when attempting to apply the brake, which delays or prevents proper brake application. On [XXX], while exiting the roadway and attempting to stop at a stop sign, my foot became stuck on this bracket as I applied the brake. This caused a delay in braking and nearly resulted in an accident. I was shocked and frightened, as this situation could have resulted in a life-threatening collision. I took the vehicle to the dealership, Kia Beavercreek in Dayton, Ohio, for inspection. The dealership reviewed the vehicle and stated that they were unable to fix the issue. I was told there was “nothing wrong” with the vehicle and that I simply did not know how to drive it. Despite this, the obstruction remains and continues to interfere with safe braking. Because this defect directly affects my ability to safely apply the brakes, I do not feel safe operating this vehicle. This is a critical safety issue involving brake operation that poses a risk of serious injury or death. The vehicle has extremely low mileage, and the dealership has acknowledged the concern but stated it cannot be corrected. Photos of the brake pedal area are available and clearly show the metal bracket near the brake pedal that causes the obstruction I can not put life and others life in danger driving this car. Please assist INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2014 KIA FORTE
    - Plymouth Meeting, PA

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Forte. The contact stated that there was a ticking sound coming from the steering column while turning the steering wheel in either direction while driving at slow speeds. The contact stated that over time, the clicking sound became progressively louder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who replaced the steering wheel coupler, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that the manufacturer had recalled other vehicle models for the same failure. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 10,243.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2016 KIA SORENTO
    - Louisville, KY

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling at a red traffic light, the temperature gauge went from the normal engine temperature to HOT. The contact turned off the vehicle and allowed the engine to cool down, and the gauge returned to normal. The contact continued to drive. The following morning the contact inspected the vehicle while parked at the residence and while checking the radiator cap, there were no noticeable issues found with the cooling fluid. The dealer was contacted and informed that the thermostat had fluctuated; however, there were issues found regarding the fluid. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that Stop Leak might have been used in the radiator to prevent a leak. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with head gasket and radiator failure and stated that both parts needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that there was copper in the engine and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2019 KIA SOUL
    - San Leandro, CA

    Sudden vibration on the engine while driving. No power upon acceleration. Heavily oil consumption. Had a problem on the seat belt with in couple of year of purchased, however the dealer fixed it for free. Catalytic converter was brooked at 80k milage exactly when the warranty over. It was costly to replace.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA EV9
    - Victor, NY

    Vehicle consistently vibrates at highway speeds, feels like a driveline vibration, wheel, tire or suspension issue. Almost feels like a tire is wobbling.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA SELTOS
    - ANNISTON, AL

    I purchased this 2022 Kia Seltos on [XXX] from Serra Nissan Volkswagen Inc, Birmingham. One week afterwards my vehicle cut off at the light while waiting for light to change....This incident has occurred more than 10 x since then. My vehicle have over a 100,000 miles on it which does not qualify for Kia yo check it out. I will be taking my vehicle to get a service check. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2016 KIA OPTIMA
    - Atlanta, GA

    While driving my 2016 Kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was Door Dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 Wolf Creek Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness for over an hour while multiple oncoming vehicles passed by, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be left on the roadside overnight. The following day, the vehicle would only start briefly when jump-started, ran for approximately 15 seconds, and shut off again. It could not move and was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. At the dealership, technicians jump-started the vehicle, performed diagnostics, added engine oil, cleared codes, reset adaptive values, and conducted a test drive. During that test drive, the engine seized again, and the vehicle had to be towed back. Kia approved a full engine replacement under its extended engine warranty, acknowledging engine failure consistent with known defects. However, after the engine replacement, the vehicle would not start at all. Kia stated oil intrusion from the failed engine damaged electronic components, leaving the vehicle non-operational. Kia denied coverage for the resulting damage and issued an estimated $6,000 repair bill for engine harness, injector sub-harness, and ECU replacement. The vehicle remains inoperable following an approved warranty repair. This incident involved sudden loss of propulsion while driving, occurred without warning, resulted in repeated engine seizure, and left the vehicle disabled in traffic at night. This appears consistent with known Kia engine defects and presents a serious safety concern that warrants investigation.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA SORENTO
    - DeKalb Junction, NY

    Driver attention warning light coming on frequently for no reason, is distracting for driver and will cause and accident, today we almost hit a horse and buggy

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2018 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Logansport, IN

    My vehicle suffered from a catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The vehicle stalled at highway speeds (55mph), during rush hour. Causing a near rear end collision. From this point on my vehicle was unable to reach speeds of 30 Mph. This failure is consistent with a defect in the Theta II engines that has been subject to recalls. The Theta II engine recall is under a soft recall. It is not known to the public unless it happens to the owners vehicle. This sudden stall at highway speeds jeopardized the safety of the driver (myself) and the people and vehicles behind the driver.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE