KIA Complaints

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the steering wheel was loose while turning. Additionally, the contact stated that on approximately three occasions while in reverse(R), the steering wheel locked up. The contact stated that the EPS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked at the residence and could not be moved, due to the failure with the steering wheel. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,800.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that the sunroof failed to close after being opened. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the cables for the sunroof had fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer secured the sunroof using duct tape as a temporary fix. The contact found information on Technical Service Bulletin, NHTSA ID: 10239743 (Visibility, Structure), which was related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

The DC charger plug won’t release after charge was completed. Waiting 3.5 for the tech to forcefully unplug and broke the charger pins. This is a known issue with Kia vehicles and costly repairs.

This vehicle has a safety issue with the headlights. Basically, the low beams for both, driver and passenger sides are not functioning at all. Several diagnostic have been done to repair the existing issue such as replacing new light bulbs, new OEM turn signal switch, replacing whole new headlight assembly for both driver/ passenger sides, checking the relay, replacing new fuses, though, the issue still exists to date and the vehicle is undrivable in the dark. On a side not, only high beam works and turn signals, that is basically it. Several auto service centers have advised me to submit a report as a safety issues since all options have been exhausted. With that said, this safety issue concerning headlight should be addressed with the manufacturer. Thank you for taking this matter seriously!

Paint is bubbling and peeling off in large sections down to the primer coat. The paint is shedding. Paint does not appear to have adhered to the E-coat.

Every two months I have to change the bulb for the break lights. It burns out fast. Not only is it burning out fast but its melting and takes several days for pry the melted material out. Also smells like something is going to catch fire with this. This started over a year ago but I didnt know i can report it to be investigated as a recall.

The vehicle is shifting weird out of first, knocking sound. A code of p1326 skds is showing on diagnostic. This was supposedly repaired by kia a few months ago from a recall. I am questioning if they corrected and inspected the recall appropriately, due to this being the issue. The car is now unable to be driven because I do not want to do more damage.

The contact owns a 2019 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed at night, there was smoke coming from the front driver’s side headlamp, prompting the contact to have her son disconnect the headlamp wiring harness. After a visual inspection, the contact observed that the wiring harness showed signs of burn damage. The headlamp warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V771000 (Exterior Lighting), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Summary: Emergency collision warning system activated unexpectedly at highway speed, causing sudden braking and loss of vehicle control. Details: While traveling approximately 65 mph on [XXX] , the emergency collision warning system in my Kia activated suddenly and without cause. There were no vehicles in front, beside, or near me at the time. The system automatically engaged the brakes, causing the rear of my vehicle to jackknife. The vehicle did not slow gradually—it braked abruptly, creating a serious risk of rear-end collision. Afterward, the car would not shift back into drive, leaving me stranded in a dangerous location in the middle of the highway. This is the third time I have contacted Kia regarding the same malfunction with the emergency collision warning system. The issue remains unresolved and continues to pose a severe safety hazard to myself and other motorists. Date of most recent incident: [XXX] Vehicle information: 2024 KIA telluride Vin: Est.mileage: 37,000 Location: [XXX] Summary of concern: This malfunction causes the vehicle to brake unexpectedly and lose drivability, with no valid reason for system activation. This could easily result in a rear-end crash or multi-vehicle collision. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether other Kia owners have experienced similar incidents and whether this issue warrants a safety recall or software fix. This is my third experience with this warning system malfunctioning I have reached out to Kia previously before. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine burned up all oil. No check engine lights. No active leaks confirmed by dealership. Engine is now damaged