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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2017 KIA FORTE- Cadet, MO
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while his son was driving 35 MPH, the timing chain tensioner snapped, causing the vehicle to lose automotive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and the contact was informed that the timing chain tensioner, and timing chain were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA OPTIMA- Vancleave, MS
Paint is peeling off in big chunks down to the metal. On the hood, trunk, and over the doors.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA OPTIMA- Ann Arbor, MI
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to accelerate to overtake a semi-truck, the vehicle suddenly started losing automotive power and then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated, and the engine experienced excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2023 KIA K5- Palm Bay, FL
My engine line keeps returning regardless of the multiple visits to the service department in attempt to fix recall complications at BONIFACE-HIERS KIA. Today will be the fourth visit for fuel tank and ECM recall related malfunctions.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA SELTOS- Garland, TX
My car just stopped working while driving on the road. It wouldn’t crank up/ the engine wasn’t operating and the car wouldn’t accelerate. It’s been over a year since my car hasn’t been working. I took it to the dealer and they said the engine wasn’t consuming the oil or something of that sort. No lights came on before it’s like it just went out. It has been inoperable ever since. This was June 2024.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2011 KIA SORENTO- Kansas City, KS
there are eight recalls on my car I do not trust dealerships I do not trust mechanics I work on my own car I have very bad experience with mechanics I would rather return my car to the dealership I want to sell my car do the dealership eight different recalls is too much
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA SPORTAGE- Anza, CA
My car has the same issues as the Kia Soul and Kia Sorento. Kia has issued recalls for certain Soul and Sorento models due to various issues. A significant recall involves the 2020-2021 Soul and 2021 Seltos with 2.0L Nu MPI engines, where the piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, potentially leading to engine damage and even fires. Additionally, some 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 models have been recalled due to a potential loss of drive power caused by a faulty transmission oil pump. I purchased my car within the same time frame between 2020 - 2021 as well. Many mechanics have also told me the fast oil burn issue has been happening to a lot of Kia Sportages as well. I have also been told by Kia dealership they have stopped selling my particular model for a while now as well. My engine is having issues, and the air in my car is also not working as well. Please help assist in this concern of mine and the issue that is very relevent and related to the Kia Soul and Kia Sorento. Thank you!
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA SPORTAGE- Eau Claire, WI
The dash screen went blank. You could not see the speedometer, fuel guage, etc. This has happened twice and is intermittent.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA SELTOS- Miami Gardrens, FL
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle decelerated. A dealer was contacted. The failure had occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V259000 (ENGINE); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered to cover half of the repair in January, but recently only offered to cover twenty percent of the repair cost. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2021 KIA K5- Sautee Nacoochee, GA
Just minutes before entering the highway, my son and I heard a very loud popping sound that startled us, like something large hit the car or a tire exploded. I immediately pulled into a gas station checked the exterior & all 4 tires, but everything appeared intact. Shortly after, while driving on hwy during morning rush hour at 65–70 mph in the far-left lane, the check engine light illuminated & almost immediately the car lost all engine power. My speed dropped quickly with cars behind me traveling at high speeds. I had to activate hazard lights & cut across 4 lanes of traffic to the shoulder, putting myself, my child passenger, & others at serious risk of a multi-car collision. While waiting for help, I plugged in my FIXD OBD-II reader later looking over diagnostics read code P0451 – EVAP System Pressure Sensor. 8 hours after car was towed & had been parked at my home & still not starting I researched the code to learn what that means & the possible cause for & found it is all emission related issues varying in reasons as simple as a gas cap replacement. Nothing of any engine failure while driving risking the lives of drivers & others so before sending my car to a mechanic, I went and checked the gas cap in case just a simple emissions type fix that is where I observed fuel still bubbling out of the tank have photos, my daughter, & sister, as witnesses. The next day car was towed to Kia Mall of Georgia on June 26, 2025. As of August 20, 2025, the dealership has confirmed the fuel tank expanded as of now there is no resolution from Kia for fixing once this happens can likely shift car frame & could be declared totaled. Component/system failed: Fuel tank/EVAP system (pressure failure). Vehicle is available for inspection at Kia Mall of Georgia. Safety risk:Complete engine shutdown at highway speeds with child passenger on board; risk of multi-car, high-speed crash. Fuel bubbling/spitting increased fire hazard. not a recall only emissions campaign needs to change
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE