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.

  • 2017 KIA FORTE
    - Rockville, MD

    Car steers to tilting directions. Doesn't drive straight especially on the highway. Headlights are horrible.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 KIA OPTIMA
    - Corryton, TN

    Car was in park at our home and not running. I was outside and noticed the car rolling backward. I thought my wife was leaving at first, but then noticed no one was in the driver's seat. I ran after the car got the door open and was pulling on it to stop it when it became stuck in a ditch between my driveway and the neighbor's driveway. After getting the keys and trying to start the car, it would not. The shifter was all the way in the park position but the reverse light was lit up. I used the shift release so I could move the shifter. I moved it out of park down to drive and back into park. I could then start the car, but I could not get the car out of park. There is an active recall on Telluride for a similar issue, and I have found other reports of 2013 kia optimas doing the same thing. This is a major safety issue as the vehicle could start rolling at any time.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Miramar, FL

    This is an issue of nonconformity according the Florida Lemon Law: "Florida's Lemon Law protects consumers who buy or lease new or demonstrator vehicles with persistent, significant defects, known as nonconformities, within the first 24 months of ownership." My March 2025 leased Kia Sportage was sitting for about an hour. I turned it on and the all the dash warning lights stayed on, hot air blew (no AC), and I couldn't shift out of Park. I tried turning it off/on twice, with a few minutes in between attempts, and on the second attempt only the Check Engine light stayed on, cold AC blew, and I could shift. I drove 3.5 miles home. About an hour went by, I started it again and the Check Engine Light was still on. I drove it 2.5 miles to the dealership, turned it off, and minutes later they started it to move it but the Check Engine light had gone off. They said another car almost the same mileage (4040miles) had the same issue and because the light wasn't on, the scan showed nothing. They told me to return if it happens again and not to shut it off because the Kia Dealer could not duplicate or reproduce the concern at that time. My vehicle is available for inspection and diagnosis, but the dealer said a computer scan wouldn't show anything. Something is definitely not okay and I do not feel safe. Although this incident was while traveling 20-40mph, I travel at high speeds on the highway during the week for work, and am very concerned for my safety.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2017 KIA SEDONA
    - Flowery Branch, GA

    Burning through oil faster than it should, needing to feel up oil every week, has been confirmed by an auto repair shop.8

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2019 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Charlotte, NC

    My oil consumption is approximately 1.5 quarts every 200 miles. I get my oil changed every month and every other week I need to top off. When my oil, is low there is no indication on the dash. I have to preform inspections on my car on a daily basis. Now, my car will randomly not start. I replaced the battery and changed the spark plugs.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2016 KIA SORENTO
    - Coral Springs, FL

    Fuel pump leaking gas from a crack around electrical connections on top of it. Fire hazard.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA FORTE
    - Oak Harbor , WA

    Car has been in several times for repair clutch assembly clutch plate, flywheel transmission, and the problem continues with shifting it does not want to go into gear it grinds even with the clutch fully to the floor. It will not go into first gear, not going to reverse intermittently and sometimes it will go from 1st to 5th third gear is missing sometimes first gear is missing this can happen at any given time shifting putting it into reverse sometimes it will not go into gear. It will just grind gears or taking off from a dead stop. It will not go into first gear. It will automatically go into third gear even though you’re putting it over and trying to put it into first gear, it will not engage in first gear. It will go to third gear and if you try to put it in a different gear, it will grind. Kia is aware of the issue with my vehicle and another vehicle that is experiencing the same problems and is unable to fix them this is an ongoing intermittent issue

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Roseville, CA

    While driving on a surface street the sunroof glass shattered all on its own. The glass was in the closed position. No rock or debris was located in the sunshade portion. No one else was around us on the road when it happened. There are numerous complaints about this happening within other forums. The dealer claimed the warranty will not cover broken glass and I was told to file an insurance claim. The estimate to repair the sunroof assembly is $8260.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA SELTOS
    - Buchanan, MI

    Engine failure while driving. Car not accelerating. Check engine light came on. Pulled over, checked oil, found to be very low without evidence of leak. Oil should’ve not been that low, seemed to be burning up. Car towed to nearest auto shop for inspection/repair.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Las Vegas, NV

    The car emergency brake component was faculty and kicked in at an inappropriate time. When the emergency brake occurs you are unable to move the car at all. Being unable to move put myself and my passenger seater at risk for bring hit to which we were. The vehicle was not inspected due to Kia Corporate office not answering the phone.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE