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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2011 KIA SORENTO- Raleigh, NC
I was driving and my Kia started over heating and smoking and smelled like plastic burning I got it towed to the Hendricks of Kia and it sat there for 2weeks and I contacted them about giving me a lender until they fix my engine problem and they told me that my engine is not under warranty but is a recall I didn’t blow my engine I recently bought it about 6 months ago
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2013 KIA OPTIMA- Lithia Springs , GA
I was driving and my car stopped running took it to the dealership find out. It has a recall never got a recall letter because I wasn’t the first owner and now they refuse to fix my car.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA TELLURIDE- Byron Center, MI
The body trim is starting to fall off. I have at least 2 trims that are barely hanging on. this has been a problem on my vehicle since December 2024. A recall was issued August 2025 but no remedy is available and still not available even after letters have been sent out to owners. I am afraid to drive my vehicle and it seems like Kia doesn't care. I don't understand why they can't fix this problem
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SOUL- Laguna Niguel, CA
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report that a Kia dealership of garden grove, ca falsely recorded a safety recall as “completed” on my 2019 Kia Soul Upon review from another kia dealer, I discovered that the recall repair — essential to prevent engine failure — was never actually performed. My engine has now failed catastrophically (broken connecting rod at 128,600 miles), consistent with the known risks that recall was meant to address. This misrepresentation by the dealership not only endangered my safety but also undermines the recall process intended to protect consumers. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and ensure accountability for the dealer and manufacturer. To answer your questions more directly. : 1.Connecting rod exploded out of engine. Kia is aware of thier faulty torque on said part. 2 My wife was driving on the free way with her kid at the time and could have caused a major accident. 3.yes they had a class action lawsuit against the recall. 4. The car is waiting at kia dealer. I was told that the update they didnt do that was put out in 2022 was not done when bought and brought to said dealer in January 2024 and that another recall was said to be done but was not done . 5. There was a knocking or shaking but when asking the mechanics hired by the dealer they said it was the rotors . We replace the rotors and a week later the connecting rod shot out of the engine.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2024 KIA FORTE- El Cajon , CA
The car shuts down on my wife multiple times now more than 10 to 15 times and most of the time it’s on the freeway few times she’s had my teenage son with her and I have three videos that I have sent to Kia but they’re refusing to move with buying the car back, saying because the dealership cannot duplicate the problem And the dealership drives the car 10 to 20 miles. I’ve stated to the dealership and to Kia factory that this car has to be driven every day like my wife who drives it so they can discover the problem they’re not going to be able to discover the problem or just drive and get 10 to 20 miles once or twice Last time I was found on my wife to take the car to the dealership on the freeway and it shut down on her on [XXX] right before the junction of [XXX] and I also have a video of that if I’m able to download it. I’ll download it for you guys. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2023 KIA K5- West Palm Beach, FL
I am submitting an update regarding my 2023 Kia K5 (VIN: [XXX] ). •On July 25, 2025, I delivered the vehicle to my dealership for recall-related fuel tank issues. •As of today (61 days later), the vehicle remains out of service and undrivable. •The dealership opened a Kia Techline case, confirming they are unable to repair the fuel tank issue and that it is a safety hazard. •Kia North America has not provided any resolution, despite repeated contacts and escalation of my case (Kia Claim #25408405). •I have incurred significant financial hardship, including paying the monthly car loan, maintaining minimum insurance, and paying for out-of-pocket rental expenses while Kia holds my vehicle. •I also contacted Kia Finance, and they confirmed my hardship notes are documented in their system. This situation is ongoing, with no repair performed, no reimbursement, and no safe solution provided. The recall remains unresolved, and the vehicle is unavailable for use. I request that NHTSA take immediate action to ensure Kia complies with its recall obligations and consumer safety requirements. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2024 KIA SPORTAGE PHEV- Parkhill, OK
Sunroof unexpectedly shattered at highway speed with no vehicles or obstructions present.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA SOUL- Las Vegas, NV
When driving my vehicle under normal conditions, the car will unexpectedly slow down on its own, and the system brake lights and hazard lights will activate as if I am about to be in a collision, even though no accident is occurring. I have noticed this issue most frequently when I am stopped at a traffic light and begin to accelerate again. Once I turn the car off and restart it, the warning lights go away, but the issue continues to reoccur.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA K4- Garden City, MI
While driving on the freeway in the left lane on a two-lane highway, the lane departure and steer ahead feature incorrectly adjusted steering and pulled vehicle into the right lane. Is incorrect adjustment due to lane departure has happened numerous times. Each time this occurred I was not using copilot features. The lane departure cannot be turned off.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA OPTIMA- Albany, NY
The car is burning oil rapidly causing potential issues with the transmission and engine. The oil burns and does not leak after a few hundred miles and has to be refilled continuously causing alot of money and potential issues with other components of the car. I notice jerking when accelerating and smoke if dont fill every 1 to 2 weeks.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE