KIA Complaints

I am submitting this safety complaint regarding a critical oil leak on my 2019 Kia Sorento, currently at 125,000 miles. I observed a significant amount of engine oil leaking onto the ground where the vehicle was parked, indicating a substantial loss of lubricant. The oil pressure warning light has been illuminating intermittently on the dashboard, confirming that the engine's oil pressure or level has dropped to a critical point. This has been an ongoing issue for several years with this car. What started as a small oil leak that nobody could find has turned into a big issue and safety issue. I am requesting that an investigation be made into this model for oil pressure sensor. The oil dummy light only comes on when the rpms drop or brakes are applied.

Engine failed. Took car to Johnson City Kia dealership as advised by Kia of north America. The dealership said the engine failed due to carbon build up which is a problem with the engines, that it was not covered under warranty. I paid over $6,400 to have the engine replaced. When I was driving the car home the engine light came on and I lost power on the interstate causing me to almost get hit by a semi-truck. I took the car back to Kia of Johnson City Tn. the next day. Kia stated that the high-pressure fuel pump had went bad from the time I left the dealership and got home. I paid over $1,350 to replace a High-Pressure Fuel Pump. On the way home engine light and loss of power. I returned to Kia. They stated that gas had gotten into my oil. They changed the oil and I headed home, same issue engine light and loss of power. I told Kia of Johnson City I wanted a refund, and they could put the old part back on. Kia of Johnson City told me to take the car to another dealership that I was not getting a refund, and they would not fix my car. The engine codes and problems were the same as when I picked the car up from Kia. I have tried twice to have Kia of North America buy the car back due to it not being fixed and I do not feel safe in the car. I have taken the car to a Hyundai dealership in Johnson City Tn. and asked them to check the engine code and loss of power. Another $223.05. They stated the high-pressure fuel pump was defective. Fixing same issue multiple times.

I am writing regarding my vehicle, a 2021 Kia Seltos LX - VIN Number [XXX] , which is subject to a recall NHTSA #25V099, Manufacturer Recall Number SC336. I was informed of the recall April 2025 and have since experienced engine stalling while driving on the highway with my young children with me, abnormal engine noise, complete oil loss and eventually complete engine failure. Unfortunately, this defect caused my vehicle to become unsafe and completely inoperable for the last 8 weeks. Kia said "We have completed the SC336 Piston Oil Ring recall, and your vehicle did pass. This means that the failure of the engine is not covered within the scope of that recall. This vehicle also does not have Kia warranty coverage active now due to age and miles. At this stage, Metro Kia does not have any further recourse for warranty coverage." My kia was stalling on the highway, complete oil loss where it was bone dry which led to engine failure. How did the vehicle "PASS" when EVERYTHING from the description of the recall is EXACTLY what happened to me? This is absolutely wild that Kia is refusing to do anything about this vehicle. It is a 2021, with 65,000 miles on it. The repairs are over 13K and I am being told I would get nothing for the car if I traded it in because it is worth nothing. Because of this situation, I have experienced a complete loss of transportation and have been relying on other methods of transportation and emptying my bank account for numerous towing visits to and from the dealership. Kia has not fixed the recall and instead quoted me over $13,000 to repair the car. I have enclosed copies of relevant documents, including the recall notice, service records, and any related correspondence. I messaged the BBB and attached Kia's response to that, as well as an email with the service advisor at Kia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When pressing the horn on the steering wheel of my 2024 Kia Seltos SX Turbo AWD during an emergency no sound was heard. Horn is silent. Fuse is not blown and it appears likely the horn is defective.

Vehicle: 2025 Kia Sorento (leased) VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 11,345 Incident dates: March 23, April 27, November 28–December 1 Type: Loss of power / electrical failure / safety hazard Complaint Description: I am reporting repeated electrical failures and complete loss of power in my 2025 Kia Sorento that created unsafe situations for myself and my children. The first failure occurred on March 23, approximately 2½ weeks after leasing the vehicle. The vehicle died without warning and had to be jumped. I brought it to the Kia dealership, but service would not perform a diagnostic without an appointment and sent me home with no repair. The second failure occurred on April 27. This time the vehicle was completely dead again. Kia’s service manager retrieved the vehicle from my home, diagnosed a failed battery cell, and replaced the battery. The third failure occurred between November 28 and December 1. The vehicle was again completely inoperable. I attempted to jump the vehicle on multiple days, but it would not hold a charge. I was stranded without transportation. The interior doors and trunk would not unlock because the power locks failed, and my belongings and large business related were inaccessible. Headlights flickered like a strobe light before the vehicle lost power entirely. Kia towed the vehicle from my home on December 1. These repeated electrical failures have resulted in multiple incidents of being stranded, including with my children, and have caused loss of use of the vehicle for several days. The defect is unpredictable and creates a serious safety concern, especially because the vehicle can lose power without warning and i am unable to unlock the doors. This raises a SERIOUS safety concern when transporting children. I am requesting that NHTSA document this as a potential electrical system safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am reporting a safety defect on my 2013 Kia Sorento (VIN: [XXX] ). Before the failure, the vehicle began experiencing sluggish starting, sputtering during acceleration, stalling when stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, a noticeable fuel odor, and eventually a check engine light. These symptoms increased over several days, and once the check engine light illuminated, we had the vehicle towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. At the dealership, the problem was confirmed and reproduced by their technicians. They diagnosed: •Fuel leakage from the high-pressure fuel pressure regulator •Fuel contamination in the engine oil These components and diagnostic findings are available for inspection upon request. This issue poses a significant safety risk. Fuel leakage and fuel-in-oil contamination increase the potential for an engine fire, and the hesitation, sputtering, and stalling at intersections present a risk of unexpected loss of power in traffic, which could result in a collision. The vehicle previously had its engine replaced under a Kia recall in 2020, and the current symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine and fuel system defects addressed in past recalls and technical service bulletins. The vehicle has been inspected only by the dealership so far; it has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. Kia Consumer Affairs has been contacted and is reviewing the case. I am requesting that NHTSA review this issue as a potential defect trend involving the high-pressure fuel system on this model, especially in vehicles with prior recall-related engine replacements. Documentation from the dealership, including the diagnostic report and repair estimate, is available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic every 3,000 miles for an oil change, and there was no oil in the engine. Additionally, the contact stated that he was adding a gallon of engine oil every month in between oil changes. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that later, while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to Auto Zone, where the contact retrieved Diagnostic Trouble Code: P1326; for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, who informed the contact that he had to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 63,666.

My 2017 Kia Sorento is experiencing significant engine issues, including excessive oil consumption and ongoing oil leaks. The Kia dealership initially told me I qualified for an oil-consumption test that could result in a free engine replacement if the results met the criteria. After inspecting the vehicle, they refused to perform the test because they said it was ‘leaking too much oil,’ charged me $600 for a gasket, but the vehicle still leaks and burns oil. Now the dealership claims the engine is not covered and wants $5,000 for a replacement, despite previously stating testing could qualify me for a free engine. This appears to be a common issue with Kia GDI engines and a safety concern due to risk of engine failure and fire. I believe Kia is improperly denying required testing and coverage, and I request NHTSA review this pattern. I included the invoice fr the gasket repair and pictures from the oil change I got last week showing pictures of it still leaking oil despite the repair at Kia.

Beginning at approximately 750 miles on a brand-new 2025 Kia Sorento Hybrid EX, the vehicle experienced a flashing Check Engine Light accompanied by severe shaking while driving, rough idling, loss of power, and loud engine/exhaust noise. The vehicle became difficult and unsafe to operate due to the vibration and reduced drivability. These symptoms appeared suddenly on November 22, less than three weeks after purchase. The vehicle was taken to the dealership on November 24. Their technician retrieved diagnostic codes P0300 (Random Misfire) and P0304 (Cylinder #4 Misfire) and identified a failed ignition coil on Cylinder #4. The coil was replaced, and the dealership reported the issue resolved. However, less than 24 hours later, with the vehicle still under 800 miles, the exact same symptoms reoccurred: heavy shaking while driving, vibration while idling, loss of power, and unstable engine operation. This indicates the underlying issue may be more serious than a single coil failure. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership, and the vehicle is currently back in their possession for further inspection. A loaner vehicle was issued because the vehicle was not safe to drive. The sudden shaking, engine misfire, and loss of power created a significant safety risk, especially if this failure were to occur at highway speeds or while turning across traffic. Given the extremely low mileage and recurrence immediately after repair, this may indicate a broader defect affecting engine performance or ignition components in this model. The vehicle remains available for inspection by NHTSA, the manufacturer, or investigators.

Upon backing the Kia out of my driveway the brakes failed completly. Upon removing the brake line shield I found extensive corrosion of the brake line resulting in a massive fluid loss. There is a Voluntary Service Campaign by Kia Motors for this issue. But, it only pertains to automobiles driven in high road salt usage states. I live on the coast of Alabama where the air is laden with salt. In fact our building codes here require the utilization of only stainless steel fastners due to this effect. In my opinion this recall should include the coast of Alabama. I did speak with Kia (Case number 25706168) but they could offer no remedy as my car was not operated in a high road salt state.