KIA Complaints

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that her son had reported that the vehicle was losing motive power and had failed to exceed 15 MPH while driving. The check engine warning illuminated. The contact advised the driver to pull over and to stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and advised that the engine had failed the engine bearing test and several other engine tests. The contact was advised that the vehicle could not be driven. The contact advised the dealer that in 2024, the same dealer had performed the recall of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000(Engine) on the vehicle. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle qualified for a manufacturer program for engine replacement. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the dealer would be contacted, but no further action was taken. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

While highway driving, suddenly and without warning, the panoramic sunroof shattered and exploded. Nothing hit the vehicle. Yes, it is available i took a photo. Yes, the Kia Southern Pines, NC saw the vehicle and damage.

Summary of Defect and Repair History My 2024 Kia Telluride EX AWD has experienced repeated and ongoing transmission failures. The failures include the vehicle becoming stuck in 5th gear, unsafe acceleration characteristics, and loss of normal drivability. Two transmissions have been replaced, and the same defect continues to occur. The vehicle remains at the dealership today with the defect unresolved. Repair Attempts and Days Out of Service 1 Transmission replacement 30 days Returned but defect recurred. A warning lamp (check engine) did illumiinate after the first transmission failure, however did not for the second nor third failure. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 2 Transmission replacement 47 days. Returned but defect recurred. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. 3 Current repair attempt 24+ Not repaired. The vehicle has incurred three repair attempts and 101+ days out of service for the same defect. Failure was confirmed by Kia dealership. Substantial Impairment: Use, Value, and Safety 1. Impairment of Use ? The vehicle has been in the dealership’s possession for more than three months in 2025, making it unavailable for normal use ? Driving attempts prior to service demonstrated lack of shifting, hesitation, clunking, and unsafe behavior ? The defect continues to occur despite repeated major repairs 2. Impairment of Value ? A newer model vehicle requiring two full transmission replacement in one year and still malfunctioning has demonstrably reduced value ? Transmission replacement history is discoverable and materially reduces market value 3. Impairment of Safety ? Transmission failure compromises safe acceleration, speed regulation, and predictable power delivery ? The failures occurred at low mileage, indicating a systemic nonconformity rather than normal wear, presenting an ongoing risk As a engineer with 20+ years of experience, I do believe the root cause is a wiring issue (e.g. shorted wiring harness), not a transmission failure.

My low beam headlights seem to burn out at an unusually high rate. Multiple times per year, and this is much higher than any other vehicle that I've owned. I believe there may be some type of electrical issue.

I would also like to highlight the serious safety concern due to cell deviation (imbalance) along with SOC (State of Charge) mismatch as per my car's BMS (Battery management system) which is present in my vehicle and shared with Kia corporate. In an electric vehicle, the high-voltage battery cells, the Battery Management System, and the battery coolant system function as a single integrated safety-critical system. When battery cells are imbalanced and there is a significant mismatch between the state of charge displayed to the driver and the lower usable energy calculated by the Battery Management System, the weakest cell can reach its safe operating limit under normal driving load even though the dashboard indicates sufficient charge. If this condition is combined with a battery coolant system fault, such as low coolant level or air in the cooling circuit, battery temperatures can rise unevenly and further reduce safe operating margins. To protect the battery and prevent thermal or electrical damage, the system must immediately limit propulsion or enter a reduced-power (“turtle”) mode without driver input. Because these protective actions can occur suddenly and without advance warning, they can restrict acceleration or vehicle speed during ordinary driving conditions such as merging or maintaining highway speed, creating an unexpected loss-of-propulsion safety risk rather than a mere inconvenience. This is equivalent to a faulty fuel gauge for a gasoline car but with more immediate and severe consequences Sudden Power Cutoffs: If a single battery cell's voltage drops below a safe threshold, the Battery Management System (BMS) will shut down the entire pack to prevent permanent damage. This can happen even if the dashboard shows 25% or more remaining, potentially leaving you without power while driving. Loss of Vehicle Control: A sudden shutdown can lead to a loss of power steering and braking assistance, which is hazardous in high-speed or heavytraffic situatio

My 2022 KIA Seltos with 52000 miles shut down on me completely in the middle of a road while I was going full speed limit causing the car behind me promptly to change lanes to avoid the collision. It happened 2 more times until I got to my destination l. After I googled what could cause the issue I saw the recall info which I didn’t get any notification about. I brought my car to a dealership and they told me that it passed the recall but I have to replace the whole engine because they found metal filings in the oil. They are refusing to do it under warranty or recall because I cannot produce oil change receipts since January of 2025. I was under the impression that recalls need to be fixed but they denying that it is a recall even though it is to a tee follows the description of a recall.

I purchased the 2021 Telluride (former owner of a Sportage, Rio and Sorento). I have our local mechanic handle maintenance and service. After paying $1,400 for a tune up to address misfiring, we quickly concluded the transmission was shot and my engine was burning theough every drop of oil before it was due for a change. I went to Kia of Des Moines, since it is covered under a 200k/20-year warranty. They replaced the transmission under warranty, I shared my mechanic details for records, and they told me they were going to do an oil consumption test. They sent me on my way, asking for me to return after 1,000 miles. I did (and then my car began shaking, but we thought it was due to snow conditions) and they quickly said, "Yes, it is an issue!" My Telluride burned through almost 2.5 quarts of oil in 1,000 miles. I left on 12/15, being told they would have direction from Kia corporate on next steps and acknowledged I need a vehicle loaner during repairs (single disabled mother, who has to travel safely). I did not hear back, chasing for updates. Yesterday, Steven text me saying I would need to authorize $1,600 engine tear down fee in order to confirm issue. I asked for Denny, the manager to contact me. I also called Kia Care, who said it is up to dealer. I am seeing so many issues with Tellurides burning oil. And, I do not have $1,600 to make my vehicle safe - that amount would make me sacrifice my home or another necessity. Google said to fight it and to submit a form to you also. I have to fight this because I have no other choice than to sell an organ. I will stock up on oil to keep filling it so my engine doesn't blow up, but have incredible fear of being stranded and not being able to get my vehicle towed or us home safely. If there is anything you can assist with, I appreciate it. I just found out my parent's 2023 telluride is burning too much oil too - they haven't got the $1,600 sticker, but I know that amount will wreck them also.

The collision alert system is out of wack. The system is at a glitch era where as no cause prompts the alert. I am now responsible to disable all systems prior to each drive to avoid unnecessary automatic braking. The following are of concern: Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance Parking Collision Warning Rear Cross Traffic Warning

Heard a loud pop while driving , and then car immediately showed an electrical failure message and went into turtle mode. Diagnosed by dealer as an ICCU issue

The contact owns a 2024 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the driver's side rear door belt molded trim detached from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that it was a known failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated wthat hile driving approximately 45 MPH, two years later, the trim detached from the driver's side front door. The contact had previously heard the trim becoming loose while going through a car wash. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V494000 (Structure), which the contact related to the failure; however, the part needed for the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the recall remedy was not available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the recall remedy was not available. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.