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.

  • 2021 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Crystal Springs, MS

    While driving at highway speed, The moon roof cracked and blew outward with out any reason.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2023 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Milwaukee, WI

    The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that the passenger’s side roof molding was missing from the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was determined that the roof molding needed to be replaced; however, he had to pay for the repair out-of-pocket. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V025000 (Structure); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2020 KIA SORENTO
    - Vernal, UT

    My headlights went out completely and without warning on a dark highway. No brights or even the orange running lights. Not even the front hazard lights would go on. There was no warning until after they went out. I pulled over as best I could but there was very little shoulder and semi trucks speeding past me at 70 mph about a foot away from my car. There was a ditch about a foot to the right. I stayed in my car and turned the interior lights on until after highway patrol officer escorted me to a safe turn off. Thankfully my rear hazard lights were working. My husband had to drive a hour to come pick me up. I got home 3 hours later than originally planned. I talked to a mechanic who said it was likely a fuse that went out. I asked him why there was no warning and he said the warning for the lights is likely on the same fuse as the lights! How is that helpful?! We weren’t able to find the right fuse late at night in the dark, so we had to leave it on the side of the road about 60 miles from home until we could go to an auto parts store and drive it home in the daylight. It was a very dangerous situation. I could have been killed.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2017 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Charleston, SC

    The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 - 50 MPH, the vehicle started to decelerate unintendedly. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the pedal went to the floorboard, and the vehicle failed to accelerate as needed. The contact attempted to depress the brake pedal; however, the brakes failed to stop the vehicle. The contact activated the hazard light and was able to coast to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle with a burning odor. The contact turned off the vehicle and had the vehicle towed to a nearby mechanic. The mechanic determined that the engine had failed and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact found information on NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) online; however, after discussions with the dealer, it was decided that the contact had to provide maintenance receipts before any engine replacement could be finalized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 KIA SORENTO
    - North Bend, WA

    Started with check engine light coming on then having problems with engine knocking last winter. During oil change and oil filter change there were gold "sparkles" throughout the old oil and the filter was completely covered. It appears some component of the engine is being "chewed" up and destroying our engine. It is now undrivable. I was told by our local mechanic shop to contact KIA or NHTSA regarding a special extended warranty from KIA specifically for engine issues. I am not finding anything specific online, so wanted to reach out. I am waiting to hear back from local KIA dealership service department as well.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SOUL
    - Deatsville, AL

    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the engine was making a grinding sound while the vehicle was being started. Additionally, the contact stated that the engine oil had to be changed every week. While receiving an oil change, the contact was informed that the engine seemed to be defective, and the contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. While the vehicle was idling at a red light, the vehicle suddenly stalled without warning. The contact shifted to park(P) and made two attempts to restart the vehicle before being able to continue driving. While decelerating to come to a stop at a red light, the vehicle stalled a second time. The contact shifted into park(P) and several attempts were made before the vehicle restarted. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was taken to the dealer who had installed the piston-ring noise-sensing system software and determined that the remedy was completed, and that the engine did not need to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the heck engine warning light had failed but had been repaired and should properly illuminate whenever needed. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2012 KIA OPTIMA
    - Barnegat, NJ

    The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that, while stopped and attempting to complete a left turn an SUV failed to yield and collided with the front driver side of her vehicle. As a result, the contact lost control of the vehicle, spun across the intersection, and careened off the roadway only coming to a complete stop after colliding head-on with a tree. The contact also stated that the seat belt Emergency Locking Retractor failed to deploy allowing her to jolt forward violently and hit her head on the steering wheel. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a storage facility but had yet to deemed a total lost by the contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact was later transported to an area hospital and treated for chest pain and neck pain. The contact also received an MRI due to possible concussion. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 84,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 KIA SOUL
    - Houston, TX

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the front of the vehicle suddenly jumped. The contact was unsure if any warning lights were illuminated during the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2019 KIA FORTE
    - Newcomerstown, OH

    Motor started ticking....then just stopped running...motor blew up..checked the oil and it had metal flaking in it..

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2016 KIA OPTIMA
    - Frisco , TX

    The body paint is cracking and falling down. Since five years ago this problem started.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE