KIA Complaints

Metal contamination found on VVT solenoid of 2020 kia optima 2.4L GDI engine. Firestone Autocare Confirmed metal debris in oiling system. Vehicle exhibits symptoms identical to prior theta II bearing recall SC172/SC200/SC227 but not covered under recall range.

I've had a couple of issues with the electrical components. One time the drivers side door controls wouldn't roll down any of the windows or lock/unlock the doors. This is a safety issue if you needed to roll the windows down/up or lock the doors for the security of your vehicle. I've also had it where the infotainment system has cut out while driving. As far as I can tell, the vehicle could still drive but I was unsure for a minute because the engine kind of revved at the same time. There were no warning lights when the windows and locks didn't work.

The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the dashboard was cracked in the shape of an air bag on both the left and right sides, causing concerns about a potential inadvertent air bag deployment. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, who confirmed that the crack was cosmetic and advised the contact to reach out again if the air bag started to protrude through the crack. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact reached out to the manufacturer and provided photos, but received no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 86,711.

When turning left, after the turn is complete and the multi function switch returns to home position, the right turn signal activates. This could lead to confusion by surrounding drivers resulting in safety concerns. At night, the headlights will randomly turn off while in auto mode while driving. Numerous times this happens and seems to be increasing in frequency. This is a serious safety concern as the visibility is limited to the driver and others on the road. Potential for a serious accident. After the vehicle is parked at the night, the exterior lights remain on all night if the headlight setting is in “auto”.

I have a hybrid and 4 times now since we've owned it I experienced a lag during the transition from electric to gas power when I am stopped and try to move again (example at a stop sign or traffic light), which followed by a sudden, lurching acceleration when the gas does finally kick in. It's almost caused me to hit a car infront of me once and side swipe a car that was passing as I was making a turn because I wasn't expecting it to do that the 1st time it happened. It doesn't do it consistently just randomly as I said its only happened to me 4 times and I'm the only one that drives the car and we've had it since July 2025 I believe and it has under 4000 miles on it at this point.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and shifted into park(P), the gear shifter failed to shift into the intended gear. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the gear shifter had seized in park(P). In addition, the contact stated that the failure had occurred while at the drive-thru picking up lunch. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure description; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 109,200.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle, followed by a loss of motive power. The malfunction indicator light and ABS warning light were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. The VIN was not available.

I have had 2 incidents of engine ceasure in my 2013 Kia Optima SX w/ Limited package. Once it ceased on the freeway causing me to have a minor collision with the offramp guide rail and just recenting on 10/18/2025 it happened again on the 405 with loud knocking sounds engine light flashing and no real engine power after ceasing. My engine was previously repaired under warranty with case number XXX which should have extended the warranty along with the existing recall for the GDI engine. I need help to get KIA to repair/replace under warranty as my engine is covered in the Theta II class action settlement. Kia repeatedly tries to dodge responsibility for repairing my car under warranty. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Car was purchased from dealership August 25, 2025 on September 19, 2025 at about 9:38 PM. Car experienced catastrophic engine failure due to an active recall/campaign that was not disclosed to buyer for an ECU problem. This problem caused total brake failure in the power brake system, forcing buyer to swerve across three lanes of traffic into breakdown lane.

I have been trying to have my brakes line repair for a recall for over a year with the local Kia dealer as they refused to see me for over a year due to not buying vehicle there. I lost my brakes due to the recall on the lines and not being able to get an appointment. I almost died when my brakes went out. I called the local Kia dealer was told again I had to wait and that no promises could be months before touch the car. I had to fix it so I had it brought to an outside shop and submitted for reimbursement it has been over 60days no updates and no communication with the Kia claims department. I was told my claim would take about 30 days now we are almost at 60 with no updates when I call they say Derrick will call me back. No return emails or calling. My claim number is XXX with rental I paid almost $1800 for repairs that should have been covered along with a rental. No one can give me a status I call daily to be told that they can’t answer any questions only Derrick can but he does not take calls he will call me back in 24 to 48 hours. I email I get an auto response. I am running in circles for money I need to pay my bills. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)