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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2017 KIA SPORTAGE- Conyers, GA
*Component or System: Power window system / electrical system *What Happened? The manufacturer issued a recall for a defect in the power window system. When I brought my vehicle to the authorized service center, I was informed that the recall repair applies only to the front power windows, even though the same malfunction and defect are clearly present in the rear windows as well. The manufacturer’s refusal to include the rear windows leaves the defect only partially remedied, which could pose a continuing safety risk. This appears to be an incomplete or inadequate recall repair, as all four windows share the same design and failure pattern. I am requesting that NHTSA review whether the manufacturer’s limited repair scope meets federal recall requirements. *When Did This Happen? October 2025 *Has the Problem Been Reproduced or Confirmed by a Dealer or Independent Service Center? Yes – the dealership confirmed the issue with all four windows but stated that only the front windows are covered under the recall. *Has the Vehicle Been Inspected by the Manufacturer or Dealer? Yes – inspected at Nalley Kia 7849 Mall Pkwy, Stonecrest, GA 30038 *Were There Any Injuries, Fires, or Crashes? NO *Additional Details / Attachments-I can provide copies of the recall notice, service invoice, and correspondence with the dealership confirming the limited repair coverage upon request.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SORENTO- Edison, NJ
There’s a big loud buzzing noise every time you open the tailgate. Sometimes it doesn’t lock, you have to try several times press the button it to unlock so that way you could lock it the tailgate down. If you do not make sure the tailgate is locked the tailgate would stay open and fly open while driving.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2019 KIA SORENTO- Gainesville , FL
I have been having heavy oil leaks with my vehicle and when I check my oil a few days after adding oil it registers bone dry. Excessive oil can be seen in my drive way after pulling in and out. The oil ight has been coming on intermittently and now it stays on. Took it to Kia dealership and inquired about problem and possible recall and they said their was none and instead tried to sell me a nother vehicle.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2015 KIA OPTIMA- Mckinney, TX
While driving my 2015 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) at highway speed, the engine suddenly shut off without any warning lights, alerts, noises, or check-engine indicators. This created a dangerous situation for me and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had passed state inspection only 3 months earlier with no issues. The sudden shutdown is consistent with the known Theta II engine defect investigated by NHTSA. The car is now completely undrivable. Two Kia dealerships refused to assist, claiming that they cannot perform KSDS because the engine is already dead. These reasons directly contradict the Kia Theta II engine settlement terms. This sudden stall is a safety hazard and could have caused a severe crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential recurrence of the engine-stall defect already documented in Hyundai/Kia vehicles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA SOUL- Los Angeles, CA
Subject: Reimbursement Request for Engine Defect Repairs - VIN [XXX] Dear Kia Consumer Assistance Center, I am requesting full reimbursement for repairs necessitated by the known engine defect in my 2014 Kia Soul with the 2.0L VEHICLE INFORMATION: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Soul Plus •Current Mileage: 145,861 •Owner: [XXX] EXPENSES INCURRED DUE TO ENGINE DEFECT: 1.Oil Change - $152.34 (November 21, 2025) Jiffy Lube work order #410 documents excessive oil consumption with notation "1/2 QUART LOW ON OIL. CHECK YOUR OIL OFTEN" despite oil change only 46 days prior. 2.Oil Change - Valvoline (Oct 6, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change $0.00 Because they gave me a oil change for free because my oil light came on the next day. Valvoline 5W30 Full Synthetic Oil API SP 4.20 QT Valvoline Oil Filter 3.Oil Change – Valvoline - $106.00 (Oct 5, 2025) Full Synthetic Oil Change Valvoline 5W20 Full Synthetic Oil 4.DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE Firestone - $110.99 (ENGINE ANALYSIS Sept 6, 2025) * POSSIBLE BOTTOM END DAMAGE TO THE ENGINE FROM OVERHEATING** NEEDS TO GO TO ENGINE SHOP** DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE (ENGINE ANALYSIS) **HEARS SQUEAKING WHEN ACCELARTING. CUSTOMER WAS DRIVING UP THE GRAPE VINE AND CAR HAD SHUT OFF. CAR ALSO TAKES A WHILE TO GET UP TO SPEED.** 5. Catalytic Converter Replacement - $1,100 (Sept 6, 2025) oThe catalytic converter failed due to excessive exhaust temperatures caused by the engine defect. Per Kia TSB and recall documentation, high exhaust gas temperatures damage the catalytic converter, resulting in abnormal engine combustion and damage to engine pistons. 6. Autozone - $26.99 (Aug 28, 2025) oCataclean Fuel & Exhaust oSystem Cleaner 7. Valvoline - $140.00 (May 11, 2025) Complete Fuel System $19.99 8.Spark Plug Replacement & Tune-Up - $391.81 (March 29, 2025) Engine diagnostic codes (P0302, P0300 I request full reimbursement for these expenses totaling $2,011.13. Kia of Downtown Los Angeles will do the oil consumption test 11/24/2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2016 KIA RIO- Swannanoa, NC
My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption. Upon inspection, it was determined that the issue lies with my catalytic converter. I have discovered that this problem has been reported in other Kia vehicles. The information I found suggests that the oil I am using is being bypassed by the catalytic converter, which indicates a potential issue with the Kia car’s design. Engine light won’t go off
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SPORTAGE- Glandale, AZ
Air conditioner, have short circuit, it works at liveral. A wired is coming out from box underneath steering wheel. And the worst problem is the tires were totally unsafe to drive, found out this problem on Nov. 14, 2025 (bought car on September 27,2025) when took car to tire center. Right rear tire was a explosion to happen, was bold and bumped, after inspection was performed.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2019 KIA SORENTO- Metuchen, NJ
Exterior paint (Snow White Pearl) has delaminated resulting in chipping in several places on the hood. This has been previously identified in 5 other NHTSA complaints (11663682, 11636915, 11630983, 11521467, 11498038). The root cause of the issue seems to be a known (but unconfirmed) manufacturer paint defect by Kia. Problems as far back as 2012 involving the paint (Snow White Pearl) have been reported on the Kia owner forum, Reddit, Facebook, and possibly other social media sites. I have always maintained my vehicle to the highest standard and my vehicle mileage is significantly UNDER the average annual mileage of 10K. I have just begun the journey to seeking remedy for this unfortunate situation and would appreciate an investigation by NHTSA on behalf of all who have filed complaints and told their stories. Thank you.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2022 KIA SORENTO- Orange Park, FL
Driving down the freeway and heard a loud explosion and sunroof shattered with glass falling into the car. It was very discontenting and if there were more cars on the freeway overpass at the time it could have caused an accident as I was stunned by what had happened and lowered my speed. This could have easily led to a collision Went to Kia and mechanic inspected roof and said it appeared to have blown outward and was not struck by an object. He further said it was not safe to drive as the small glass pieces could get imbedded in the frame and come loose at a later date and cause harm.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA FORTE- Jefferson City, TN
There are 3 recalls on my engine type but kia dealership says no recalls,#21V6220000,#22V031000,#21V260000. ENGINE TYOE 2.0L NU MPI ENGINE(SC210),MY ph#XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE