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.

  • 2020 KIA SORENTO
    - Stedman, NC

    The contact owns a 2020 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, there was white smoke coming from under the hood. The contact stopped the vehicle on the side of the highway. The contact had recently had an oil change completed at an independent oil replacement shop. The contact called the shop, and a technician was sent to the location. The technician checked the engine oil level and stated that there was no oil on the dipstick and added four quarts of engine oil. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that the vehicle had started to emit white smoke from the engine compartment and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the vehicle needed an engine oil flush. The vehicle was repaired but the contact stated that the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not taken back to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2021 KIA SELTOS
    - Holstein, IA

    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact pulled into a gas station and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that during the inspection, the dip stick was dry, and the contact added 1 1/2 quart of oil to the engine. The contact stated that after driving 150 miles, 1 1/12 quart of oil needed to be added to the vehicle each time. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired due to parts not being available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 67,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2015 KIA SORENTO
    - Canal Fulton, OH

    White vehicle paint is peeling. Was told by dealer it's a known issue and is awaiting defect with paint manufacturer.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA SORENTO
    - Aberdeen , MD

    Both Horn units need to be replaced . It's been confirmed by Safford Brown Kia in Manassas ,Virginia. The dealership did not have the parts and I have to wait 3 to 4 days for the parts to come in. In the meantime I have been driving the vehicle without an active horn because I was not given a loaner vehicle . I did call Kia Customer service whom stated that they are not aware of an open recall for my issue .

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2020 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Murfreesboro, TN

    Our Kia Telluride had engine failure and a leaking oil pan. There were no warning messages or lamps at all.We noticed a blue smoke coming from the engine upon acceleration and a knocking noise from engine. We took it to a local repair shop and they said the engine was shot. We needed a new engine and a new oil pan as well as an oil change.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA FORTE
    - Little Rock, AR

    Date of Incident: [XXX] Location: [XXX] To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this letter to report a potential airbag malfunction involving my 2024 Kia Forte GT. On [XXX], I was the driver and sole occupant of my vehicle when I was T-boned on the driver’s side while traveling [XXX] on [XXX] at the intersection of [XXX] . The collision was severe enough to spin my vehicle and resulted in significant damage to the driver-side door and frame. Despite the force and nature of the crash, none of the airbags in my vehicle deployed—including side airbags that should have been triggered by the impact. I was later diagnosed with a concussion and sustained other physical and emotional injuries from the crash. As of the date of this complaint, the vehicle has not been repaired, and I have photos documenting the damage. Given the potential risk to other drivers who may experience similar failures, I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration review this vehicle for airbag deployment defects. I am willing to provide photos, medical records, and further details as needed. Also, the seatbelts sometime freeze when pulling them out to get secured in the car, you have to release and then pull again to gain full access to the seat belt. There is a police report done on this matter but I do not have access to it yet because it has yet to be approved by the LRPD sergeant. We checked on July 5th, 2025. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 KIA SOUL
    - Knoxville, TN

    While driving KIA 2012: It will suddenly quit running while driving. Loss of control of steering. Loss of electrical controls, ie: brake lights, head lights & all electrical devices. Dangerous to drive.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA EV6
    - Lancaster, MA

    Multiple times the 12V battery has died without warning. Once in driveway while engine was charged to 93%, once while parked at work parking lot at charging station. Both times the car had to be jumped by AAA and driven to the dealership where it sat for 7 days each time with NO diagnosis, no loaner, no rental, and no transport. Finally after the second time, the dealership replaced the 12V battery but still did not give any diagnosis whether this was the ICCU or not. I have complained to KIA Motor Corporation who have advanced my complaint however they have eventually dismissed my complaint. They cannot answer me whether they believe this car is safe. They cannot stand by the safety of this car. They have not acknowledged that this is a safety problem and that other motorists have had similar battery failures while driving on the highway and in other unsafe areas.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA K5
    - Flagstaff, AZ

    I am the owner of a 2025 Kia K5 GT-Line that was recently involved in an accident. In the days prior to the crash, I experienced recurring issues including screen reboots while driving and temporary power loss. I do not remember the moment of the accident, and I am currently under medical care for head trauma. I am reporting this because I believe the vehicle may have malfunctioned in a way that contributed to the accident. Please advise if there are known issues with the 2025 K5 GT-Line, and how I can formally report this case for technical investigation.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA CARNIVAL
    - Tucson, AZ

    Vehicle vents gasoline fumes into the passenger cabin causing drowsiness, headaches, and impaired cognitive function as well as exposure to a carcinogen. Vehicle has significantly high levels of CO2 inside the cabin at all times (2000-4000ppm) as well as TVOC and HCHO being higher than OSHA allows. Engine temperature gauge does not function properly and sliding doors have closed on myself and my children leaving bruises. If car were to be in an accident it would likely explode. Critical levels of CO2 have caused me to fall asleep while driving on several occasions including on the highway. I have brought car to Kia dealership in Tucson, AZ on 4 occasions, is currently back again for gas smell and high levels of CO2, with no resolution. Dealer manager and service team did confirm gas fumes in cabin and are currently using my CO2 monitor to test for CO2 levels. Vehicle component hasn't been inspected by police, insurance rep., or others. There are no warning lights of any kind on any instance of these occurrences. Images will not upload- email or call.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE