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.

  • 2022 KIA SORENTO
    - Ocala, FL

    Jenkins kia of Ocala Florida sold me this car as a certified used car on July 4 2025 without fixing or disclosing the fact this vehicle has 2 recalls! I want to file a formal complaint with you against this company. This car should never have been sold as a certified used vehicle with these 2 safety recalls not being addressed, fixed or mentioned!

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2015 KIA SOUL
    - Kennewick, WA

    Unknown. Even while the car was still under warranty And under 130,000 miles, it's needed the catalytic converter replaced twice already. It burns/leaks oil to the point where it gets bone dry but will still run just with lost power. Sometimes it has a loud raddle when you first start the vehicle, only for a brief couple of seconds but it could be the lifters potentially. CRANKSHAFT & cams throw codes,

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2020 KIA SOUL
    - Manitou Beach, MI

    Piston oil ring failure resulting in needing a complete new engine. Known recall issues on other years same model/engine(2.0L). Car would lose oil pressure and stall while driving at any speed.

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

    The engine is starting to fail causing issues such as being able to accelerate. When driving on the freeway it caused a safety issue it began slowing down on the interstate. The vehicle has been inspected by mechanics. No warnings prior to problem. They appeared day before due for an oil change. The car also burns oil really fast sometimes causing car to smoke. I have a GDI turbo engine and have been told that the engine i have has been recalled a few times on different models cars.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 KIA SOUL
    - North Kingstown, RI

    The contact owned a 2013 Kia Soul. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 19V120000 (Engine, Engine and Engine Cooling) and NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that while her son was driving at 60 MPH, an abnormal sound was heard coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's son was able to pull over to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated her son exited the vehicle and noticed flames were emitting from underneath the vehicle. A passerby pulled over and helped the contact's son move the vehicle. The vehicle extinguished itself. No injuries were reported. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that her son called her, and she and the contact's brother went to the site of the accident. The contact's brother checked underneath the vehicle and picked off the pieces that were on the ground. The contact's brother noticed that a rod had detached and gone through the motor, which created a hole in the motor. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed that the bearing rod detached and damaged the engine. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and tried to order a new engine. However, KIA declined and advised the dealer not to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. Two months later, the contact sold the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The insurance company was not notified. The failure mileage was unknown.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2018 KIA SORENTO
    - Fredericksburg, VA

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that the rear driver's side seat lap belt harness anchor pin had detached while the contact's son was attempting to wear the seat belt, rendering the seat belt inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was made, and the contact was informed that there was a fee for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2023 KIA SPORTAGE PHEV
    - Thousand Oaks, CA

    When engaging the cruise control using the steering wheel button, the speed will set itself at 110 miles an hour, and the vehicle will in fact attempt to reach that speed and accelerate. The problem has occurred at speeds as low as 30 miles an hour and as high as 70 miles an hour, it happens intermittently pressing the cruise control button does not disengage the cruise control every time sometimes it is necessary to press the brakes for the cruise control to be shut back off.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2023 KIA K5
    - Old Fort, TN

    After getting my rearview mirror, repaired by the Kia dealership when I break when I came to a stop, my car started flashing forward, collision warnings, and Blindspot assist warnings and activated the emergency parking break ticket to the Kia dealership they saw the safety issues in in diagnostics and a history of it They said they won't replace anything unless it happens in the dealership's care gave the car back to me and less than five minutes after leaving the same issue occurred. They've currently had my car two weeks and have no update on what's going on was almost in an accident because of this issue after getting it back from the dealership. I also have a recording of the dealership stash. They won't do anything about it unless it happens in their care. With them, knowing it's a safety issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA SOUL
    - Lincoln, ME

    I had this car go to the garage back in February under the 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul engine recall. The engine was fine but the check engine light is has been on since MARCH. I personally believe this was software related as I had MULTIPLE technicians verify the sensor and wiring is still in top shape. My OBD2 Reader shows the engine is pulling a large amount of retarded timing and it only happens under acceleration.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2015 KIA OPTIMA
    - Thornton, CO

    Well my paint is peeling everywhere I only had car 4 years, I can barely wash it because the car wash takes more paint off, I seen Hyundai do a paint recall or something like that so I'm wondering if it's the same for Kia.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE