KIA Complaints

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 08/07/2025 [XXX] Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs P.O. Box 52410 Irvine, CA 92619-2410 Subject: Request for Reconsideration of Engine Replacement – 2015 Kia Forte Dear Kia Customer Care Team, I am writing to formally request a reconsideration regarding the recent denial of assistance for my 2015 Kia Forte ([XXX]), which has experienced a major engine failure at approximately 157,000 miles I was informed by your customer service department that my vehicle is not eligible for the engine replacement under the recall or extended warranty programs due to timing. However, I am aware that Kia has had significant and well-documented issues with the 2.0L GDI engines used in my vehicle model year. The problem in my car appears to be consistent with the same engine defects that have affected countless others — in my case, a serious piston-related failure that now requires a full engine replacement. As a loyal Kia owner who has taken good care of my vehicle, I am incredibly disappointed that such a severe defect would surface and that my only option, per current communication, is to replace the engine at my own expense — something that is financially unfeasible for me. My car has otherwise been well maintained and was expected to last many more miles. I respectfully ask that Kia extend goodwill assistance in this matter. Whether through an extended warranty exception, cost-sharing on the repair, or any alternative solution, I would greatly appreciate any support Kia can offer in helping resolve this issue. I believe in your brand and want to continue to support it, but I also believe this issue is not just due to normal wear and tear. Please reconsider this decision and help me get back on the road safely. I am open to speaking with a representative if more information is needed and look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The engine light came on and then two hours later the entire system started flashing and the engine started stalling. The car would not accelerate and had to be taken to Kia. This is the SECOND time this has occurred. The first time, the engine froze and I could not accelerate on the highway. I barely got to the side and had to get towed to Kia. Please, please investigate this vehicle and the power train.

Side Curtain and Seat Side Airbags. Unavailable for inspection as Avis Rental Company cleaned the vehicle, removed airbags, and sold at auction as salvage. Side curtain airbags trapped me in the vehicle, and shrapnel from seat side airbag impaled/injured my arm. Combination of Side Curtain and Seat Side airbags, and seat belt, resulted in catastrophic shoulder injuries. Additionally, the gases and powder substance from the airbag deployment caused a severe asthma attack. I was told that the entire interior was covered in a powder substance. Note: It appears that Avis Rental Company rented this vehicle out in violation of Federal Law (FIXING AMERICA'S SURFACE TRANSPORTATION ACT - Public Law 114-94 114th Congress - SEC. 24109. <<NOTE: Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015.>> RENTAL CAR SAFETY.) as the recall is still showing as unresolved. I had also contact Kia Corporate and Kia Maui to inquire as to whether they had record of the recall being resolved and neither did.

On [XXX], my 2011 Kia Sportage SX (VIN: [XXX] ) caught fire while I was driving. The vehicle rapidly filled with smoke, causing throat and eye irritation from smoke inhalation. My insurance company declared the vehicle a total loss. Kia America (Case #[XXX]) acknowledged the incident and confirmed that a fire inspection would be conducted. The inspection was completed, but Kia has refused to release the findings or determine the cause. On [insert date], Kia denied my claim without explanation, despite the vehicle being a complete loss due to fire. This is a critical safety issue that could have caused severe injury or death. I am requesting NHTSA investigate the cause of the fire and Kia’s handling of post-incident safety reporting. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am the owner of a 2019 Kia?Optima?SX Turbo in Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. At approximately 100,000 miles, I observed bubbling and peeling of the paint—no collision or exterior impact occurred to trigger this. The peeling area has since enlarged, exposing the underlying primer or bare metal, which is visible in an attached photo. I contacted Kia around 115,000 miles when I fully realized the paint failure. Kia declined to offer any repair or goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is no longer under warranty. However, this is a widely reported defect affecting many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the Snow White Pearl paint. Numerous owners have experienced similar peeling and flaking without misuse or accidents. This is clearly a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion, rather than normal deterioration. It compromises both the vehicle’s aesthetics and resale value, and it may lead to rust or more serious long-term problems. There are pending class-action lawsuits in Canada for identical issues with SWP paint. Yet, U.S. owners are left to manage this defective condition on their own, without support from Kia. I respectfully request the NHTSA open an investigation into this paint failure issue involving Kia vehicles painted in Snow White Pearl, including the 2019 Optima, and consider issuing a recall or a mandatory repair campaign.

The car is a 2015 model and as shown in the pictures, the paint on the tail is damaged. This is a defect of the manufacturer.

The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sportage. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an oil change, and the contact was advised that the oil level was low. The contact stated there was no warning illuminated with the oil level being low. The contact was advised by the mechanic to check the oil level more frequently. The contact had recently checked the oil level and needed to add one quart of engine oil. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact researched online and related the oil consumption to a known failure with the engine installed in similar vehicles. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

Hello, I have been a KIA owner for a very long time. I am dissatisfied with the corporation regarding my current experience. My vehicle qualified for the engine recall. Over several months I have been bringing my car into KIA Valley regarding concerns of the performance of my car which is connected with the recall. Every time I have brought in my car , the code has not popped up yet. I followed up with a phone call to KIA customer service. Over the phone I was told that the code needs to be popped up. In order for that to happen, that would require my car to seize or the engine catch on fire. The FACT THAT THIS COMPANY IS WILLING TO PUT LIVES AT RISK, is alarming. A few weeks ago at 10:00PM at night my car seized on the on ramp of freeway. Took car to dealer. I was informed the code did not pop up and the KIA dealer filled my car with more oil.A week later, my engine completely seized and oil was everywhere. I WAS IN FEAR OF MY ENGINE CATCHING ON FIRE. I got out of my car and called a tow truck. I was informed by the service dealership that the code popped up. Meaning I now qualify for a new engine. The following day I received a phone call that CORPORATE IS KICKING IT BACK AND DEMANDING AN ABUNDANCE of receipts. Receipts dating back even several years, to try to prove its neglect on my end, for the company to avoid cost. When clearly this is due to the recall per the service dealer. I recently went to the dealer to bring several receipts showing the care for my KIA. IT IS STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR CORPORATE. Receipts even included documentation from other mechanic businesses that did not want to work on my car because their finding with my engine appeared to be linked to the recall. They told me it was unsafe to drive and take it to the dealer. Over the past 8 months because KIA CORPORATE has made it difficult. I am seeking help.

Was traveling along Interstate 95 when the engine failed without any warning signs!

Air bag light turned on June 2025. Could not be reset. Had local shop read the code. Driver's side air bag, likely clock spring. Brought it to the dealership after a month wait for appointment. It was confirmed that it was the Clock Spring and replaced. This is not a wear part. Research shows a very common issue with other kia and hyundai makes and models of a similar age that were actively recalled.. Kia declined and will not reimburse due to not having a recall for my specific make, model, and year.