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.
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2022 KIA K5- Austin, TX
I am submitting this complaint regarding a confirmed safety recall on my 2022 Kia K5 LX that has not been repaired and currently has no available remedy, despite being acknowledged by Kia. This unresolved recall places me, my passengers, and other motorists at ongoing risk. I rely on this vehicle for daily transportation, and continuing to operate it under these conditions creates a constant safety concern that is beyond my control. I have been informed that the recall exists, yet there has been no corrective action, repair timeline, or interim safety solution provided. Leaving consumers in possession of a known defective vehicle without a remedy is unacceptable, especially when the issue involves safety-related components. I am requesting that the NHTSA: •Review Kia’s handling of this recall •Require timely corrective action or an interim safety solution •Ensure accountability so affected drivers are not left operating unsafe vehicles indefinitely I am deeply concerned about the lack of urgency and transparency surrounding this issue. A confirmed safety recall without a remedy is not a minor inconvenience; it is a serious hazard. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide additional documentation if needed.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA SOUL- Defuniak Springs, FL
They have a recall on the catalytic converters for the 1.6 engines but not the 2.0. I have had to have mine replaced two times in a year. There is definitely a problem. The second time it almost caught fire due to glowing red cause it got so hot. The same problem is happening to the 2.0 engines just like the 1.6 engines, but nothing is being done.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA SPORTAGE- TAYLOR, MI
While driving this car, I have experienced the car's auto-braking system. While driving on I-94, the traffic was slowing down due to activity ahead of me. Apparently, I did not slow down enough for the car's sensor, as the auto brakes engaged and "slammed" onto the brakes. The car behind me barely had time to react due to the auto-braking so hard on the brakes. Another instance of these auto brakes engaging dangerously, as I am backing out of my driveway ( My home faces a corner and is a 3 way stop intersection) I am halfway out of my driveway when the car picks up there is a car behind me, however the vehicle is NOT behind me it is at the corner stop sign on the opposite side of the road. The brakes once again engaged in a very aggressive manner, throwing everything in the car onto the seats to the floor. I almost got T boned by a car because they had no clue what "I" was doing, or where I was going. Although this function is designed to assist drivers, it is a casualty waiting to happen. I'd rather drive my own car and brake myself than have a car do it for me. Especially in the manner this is engaging. There is no easing onto the brake; it's quite harsh and aggressive. This can lead to you being rear-ended in the long run.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID- New Bern, NC
While driving during colder weather the car will show HEV (hybrid system) warning and tell you to shut it off. I was in a construction zone with no where to pull over when the car died and lost all propulsion and brakes. This seems to be a common problem on KIA Optima hybrids from 2012-2015.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2022 KIA K5- Citrus heights , CA
The ac and or heat goes out and I have to press the fuse under the hood and it comes back on other Kia k5 owners have had the same problem was told to report here for recall so fuse box doesn’t get burned out.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2020 KIA SPORTAGE- Philadelphia, PA
I was driving my 2020 Kia Sportage recently and experienced a safety issue 3 times within 30 minutes. I was driving on a highway (Pennsylvania Turnpike/I-76) at night. Prior to the issue occurring, I drove through an area where snow was falling, there was fresh salt on the road, and I had been behind salt trucks briefly at different times. While driving through the snow and with exposure to the salt, my car notified me that the forward Collision Detection system could not operate because the sensors were blocked. Some time later in the drive, after that notification had turned off and remained off for a bit of time, I engaged my cruise control which uses the forward Collision Detection system. At 3 different times, I either approached a barrier (which run a large portion of I-76 to separate the east and west bound lanes) or a vehicle (I believe it was a semi truck) in the lane next to me while entering a curve. While entering the curve, the sensor saw these items and falsely detected a vehicle in front of me, and responded by rapidly slowing my vehicle. Two times the vehicle speed dropped about 20 mph within 30 seconds. On each occasion, I was fortunate that there was no vehicle close behind me that likely would have rear-ended me.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA SORENTO- Highlands Ranch, CO
The DCT transmission causes significant hesitation at slow speeds or starting from a stop. This often leaves the driver and it’s occupants in a vulnerable position if the car hesitates when trying to navigate through traffic. I have taken it to the dealership and they stated that nothing is wrong with it, However, in reviewing online forums, it is obviously a significant concern.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA FORTE- Holland , OH
I am filing a formal complaint regarding serious safety and mechanical problems with my vehicle. The brakes do not function properly and I have to add brake fluid every few days, which indicates a possible leak or brake system failure. This creates an extremely dangerous driving condition. The vehicle also has electrical problems, including malfunctioning lights. The engine has lost power, making it unsafe to drive, especially in traffic or on highways. In addition, the airbag warning light is on, which means the airbag system may not deploy in a crash, putting me at risk of serious injury or death. These problems have made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate. I am requesting that these issues be inspected and repaired immediately at no cost to me, or that the vehicle be replaced or refunded under warranty or consumer protection laws. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others, and I expect this matter to be handled urgently.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SORENTO- HOLLIDAYSBURG, PA
My name is [XXX] I am a [XXX] widow, and I am also a 100% Disabled (Combat Wounded, Purple Heart receipient) Marine Corps veteran. I purchased my 2017 Kia Sorento brand new from Lion County Kia in State College Pennsylvania. After a couple of years, I noticed while driving on several random trips, that my Kia's steering felt like it had stopped working, and I had to fight to keep my Kia centered in my lane. I took it to Lion County Kia, and complained about this issue, while my Kia was still under warranty. The Lion Country Kia Service Tech. claimed that they could not find the issue with my steering (Becasue there was no "Alert Light" in my Kia's computer. A few years later corporate Kia acknowledged there is an issue with the power steering assist motor and sent a document stating that this part will be warranty past the original warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. I let my grandson use my vehicle and the same continual steering failure happened to him. I then took my Kia to Team Kia in, Johnstown Pa, and paid to have a diagnostic test completed Team Kia's test showed in a writen document that my Sorento has a Faulty "Motor Driven Power Steering" unit. I sent the Team Kia's Test Results to Kia Corp. power steering assist motor, so Kia corporate is aware that my Sorento defenitly does have a "M.D.P.S." problem. I contacted Kia corporation and they informed me that because there is no indicator light or computer code present on my Kia, they will not warrant the power steering assist motor. In my opinion Kia Corp. is willingly placing an unsafe vehicle on the roadway. This Faulty "Motor Assist Power Steeing" not only puts the operator of my vehicle at risk, but this issue also puts all vehicles close to me on the roadway at risk. This issue has me so concerned that I am forced to ride my trike instead of driving my Kia. Driving my Kia, with this Steering Problem, is definately a Severe Safety Issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2013 KIA SORENTO- Struthers, OH
Car stalled several times including as I was turning through an intersection. I took my car to KIA Ganley if Boardman 7870 Market Street Bdmn Two, Youngstown, Ohio 44512. I met w/Gerry who I explained the concerns with car stalling reminding him it had been almost 2 years since the jnick sensor issue was detected. So why am I expected to keep driving a dangerous vehicle without the repair needed??!!!! Also asked about light assembly replacement delay (per recall) since I'm replacing the turn signal & brake bulbs 5-6 times a year while awaiting a replacement. assembly.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE