KIA Complaints

Driving home. Unexpectedly foward collision warning came on light never turned off even after a reset was done on the car

The engine totally failed while driving without any warning. Zero warning lights came on and the car would not restart. I had it towed to the dealership where they reported that I needed a new engine which is not covered under warranty or recall repair even though its been recalled several times and half the people who own 2020 KIAs seem to have almost the same exact problems. The cars start to consume way too much oil and then the engines seem to fail not soon after so I brought the car back home since its over $8000. to replace just the engine! This vehicle is not paid off so its sitting at my house without being repaired or drivable. The dealership where I had it towed, Ray Skillman NE KIA, in Indianapolis charged me $200 for diagnostics yet never explained what was wrong with the car other than it needs a new engine.

I am the owner of a 2019 Kia Optima FE with the 2.4L GDI engine (Theta II). Despite following a consistent maintenance schedule with synthetic oil changes every 4,000 to 6,000 miles, the vehicle is experiencing premature engine failure. Specifically, the engine has internal valve damage, and the shop diagnosed the issue as failure of an internal valve component. The vehicle also has a leaking axle inner boot, but the major concern is the engine. Kia has refused warranty coverage, goodwill assistance, or recall support despite this engine being part of a long-standing pattern of issues documented across many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the Theta II platform. I still owe approximately $10,000 on this vehicle, and now face a potential $5,000+ repair due to a known manufacturing defect. Kia Consumer Affairs and the dealership both declined assistance, claiming my warranty has expired, even though this engine has been involved in class action lawsuits, extended warranties, and TSBs related to premature wear, oil consumption, and mechanical failure. I am submitting this complaint to formally report the issue and to urge the NHTSA to continue investigating Kia’s 2.4L Theta II engine failures, as they represent a potential safety and financial risk to consumers. Many drivers are left stranded or in serious debt due to an engine defect they could not have prevented.

Check engine light came on and when filling up my gas tank, gas spit back out at me which has happened with the fuel tank i had in it last year and has since been replaced. Forward collision, EBS, traction control and forward safety sensor lights came on the next day and the car is running extremely rough. It was towed to a shop to see if it has to do with the fuel tank recall. Multiple people in Roanoke, Virginia are having the exact same problem as is a large portion of people online complaining about the exact same thing. Some going back 30 weeks ago.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The check engine and low oil pressure warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. An unknown dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

Issue: Defective Seatbelt Sensor - Refused Warranty Repair Vehicle: 2024 Kia Seltos EX Make/Model/Year: Kia Seltos, 2024 Mileage (approx.): 12,033 I am filing a formal safety complaint regarding a malfunctioning seatbelt sensor on my 2024 Kia Seltos EX. The front passenger seatbelt alarm goes off repeatedly even when there is no one sitting in the seat, and this behavior is unpredictable and distracting while driving. When I contacted the Kia dealership (Summit Place Kia, Auburn Hills, MI), they refused to inspect or repair the issue without charging me $180 upfront, even though my vehicle is fully under warranty and this clearly relates to a safety system. They claimed they would only waive the fee if they determine it’s covered, which gives them the option to deny responsibility arbitrarily. Kia Consumer Affairs was contacted and gave the same answer: pay up front or we won’t look at it. This raises major concerns about Kia’s warranty practices and possible violations of federal law requiring free repairs of safety-related defects under warranty. I am reporting this to request investigation and to hold the manufacturer accountable for failing to honor federally mandated coverage.

Paint bubbling on both side of the car. Kia claims there is no defect in their paint however it seems to be a known problem with the white Kia soul.

The new car I just bought started to vibrate on the highway when the speed exceeded 50. The interior panel on the left side of the driver's seat and the interior panel on the right side of the center console began to vibrate. The vibrating sensation became very intense at a speed of 60. During continuous high-speed driving, I couldn't feel the speed of the accelerator because my foot was numb due to the vibrating I took it to the Island Kia store for repair, but they told me it couldn't be fixed and it was a normal situation.

Nov 10,2024 my 2018 Kia soul “1.6” (1.6 is important because only the 2018 Kia soul 2.0 got recognized in class action lawsuit for exact reason my 1.6 did engine fire but yet YOU nor KIA will take responsibility for the fire and you guys for not doing a recall on it) biggest problem I have is when I purchased it from kia lot in Carlsbad ca the salesman NEVER mentioned one word they’re known for catching fire nor mentioned someone actually died in car from engine fire to me that’s crappy customer care all the way around and Kia DOES NOT GIVE A CRAP ABOUT THEIR CUSTOMERS WHAT So EVER!! Was driving down fwy going to work and smoke coming from my engine my engine was on fire. Aug 2024 I had oil change and tuneup just months before the engine fire. NHTSA doesn’t care either how many people like myself could’ve burned up in kia death trap. To date they still haven’t made kia responsible for the 1.6 only 2.0 I hope they have a family member experience what I did I betcha they would take care of it then! Kia Corp has denied everything being their faulty piston oil rings that they continue making and using even on their new 2025 cars that are being recalled now! Do I have to die in the car to get recognized and reimbursed for all my out of pocket expenses?? Yep! Kia SUCKS never again!

I wanted to go to the store and when I pressed the Start button I got the message: Stop car and check regenerative brakes. Soon after the lights dimmed and the message showed up that key fob was not detected even though it was in my hand. It then no longer took a charge and is completely dark. I checked the internet, and it sounds like it is the 12V battery and is a known issue that is not yet at recall level.