KIA Complaints

I’m driving down the road my engine started knocking like head gasket lifter and rod was knocking

2 problems occurred within 1 month from each other: - Kia Sportage engine started to randomly stall. I needed to do a full stop in the middle of the road and restart the car to continue driving. I had 3 stalls happen within 2 weeks before I had time to take it to the dealer. The Kia Dealer held it for over a week and drove it but could not find any issues. They mentioned low oil, which was strange considering I recently replaced it. I also forced the dealer to do ignition tuning which seemed to have resolved the issue. - In a month after the first problem with stalling I experienced issues with the engine of unknown origin (so far). This happened this week. While going downhill cruise control shut off. After that the engine started to decelerate and the amber blinking engine light came off. Transmission started to be jerky. Dropped it off at the dealer again. I was very luck to not get into any major car accidents so far, but I was very close! Smells, sounds, and looks like a potential recall that Kia does not want to recognize.

The steering wheel makes a loud clocking sound. It’s sounds like the pinion plug is broken or loose

Another Kia Telluride reporting the known defect in 2020 Kia Tellurides related to severe and excessive oil consumption that poses a potential safety risk and financial loss. I have recently experienced repeated and worsening oil loss between routine oil changes with no visible leaks or warning lights. The rate of consumption exceed 1 quart per 1,000 miles which Kia defines as “excessive” under Technical Service Bulletin ENG222 (Rev 5). This condition creates a risk of engine failure while driving, especially because there are no warning signs that the engine is about to seize. I am in the process of contacting my dealership but Kia of America declined to acknowledge this issue despite it being well documented and affecting a wide range of Kia engines. I believe this is a safety defect that warrants further investigation due to: 1) Sudden engine failure or stalling from low oil levels 2) Lack of adequate early warning indicators 3) Unreasonable financial exposure to consumers for a manufacturer-related defect 4) A pattern of complaints across similar models/engines. I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further and ensure Kia is held accountable for this widespread and dangerous issue.

Occupant airbag sensor doesn't recognize whether someone is sitting or not. The occupant airbag sensor light goes on and off whether there is a passenger sitting on the seat or not. Kia has extended warranty on this issue however it doesn't let customer know about this part is defected. I was doing my research how to fix the issue and learn that kia had extended warranty for 15 years from the first day of service. the warranty currently expired right now. if I knew there was a warranty, I would go to dealer to fix the issue the day that my wife bought the car.

The 2.4L Theta II engine in my 2018 Kia Optima is failing, exhibiting excessive oil consumption, with oil loss documented at over 1 quart per 1,000 miles, leading to secondary failures in the catalytic converter, clogged with oil carbon and breaking into pieces that may damage the cylinder walls, and the spark plugs, which are fouled with carbon, causing misfires. The engine and related components remain intact and un-repaired, pending Kia’s required 3,000-mile consumption test. Safety of drivers have been put at significant risk. The excessive oil consumption and potential engine seizure threaten sudden loss of power, especially on freeways where car fails to accelerate to city and highway speeds, increasing the chance of a collision. The clogged catalytic converter poses a fire hazard, (reported by NHTSA investigations into Theta II) where oil leaks or debris can ignite on hot surfaces. Risk is heightened during the mandated 3,000-mile test as well. Problem has been confirmed by both a dealer and an independent service center as recent at 1 July, '25, documenting oil loss and new engine recommendation. Symptoms began with noticeable oil loss during oil changes, starting at least 1 quart per interval on May 10, 2023 (mileage 43,374), with the loss increasing over time. Misfires and RPM loss during acceleration first appeared after the oil valve gasket replacement in late May 2025, and freeway pickup issues became apparent around mid-June 2025. The full engine failure was confirmed by Spitzer on July 01, 2025.

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA ID Number: 10247553 (Steering, Structure, Electrical System), and the vehicle intermittently failed to start. While driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was idling, the vehicle jerked and shut off unintendedly. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent; however, the failure mostly occurred while the radio or A/C was in use. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The contact used a diagnostic machine and retrieved a code for a failure with the ignition, and that an unknown software update was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.

First issue started in February when check engine light came on for camshaft position sensor A circuit. Took to Shawnee Mission Kia and was told that I just needed an oil change. Not even a mile away and the check engine light came back on. Took to where I purchased the vehicle from and they fixed the sensor. 4 months later, almost the exact same thing is happening. Check engine light came on for ignition coils, replaced. Check engine light off for 2 days. Check engine light pops back on, checked oil and there's like none so I added 2 quarts and had the code read. Comes back on for camshaft again. Took to dealer, Bob Sight Kia this time, have been told I need a whole new engine. My third party warranty is covering it, but not the rental. This issue is also pretty much what everyone else is going through with the recall... I just hit over my 5y/60k warranty... I think the recall needs to be broadened and isn't fully covering the issue.

I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding Recall 22V-760 (SC250) affecting my 2021 Kia Sorento. This recall was marked “complete” by Kia, even though no actual repair or remedy was performed on my vehicle. I am now facing a complete transmission failure and have been quoted $7,100 to repair a defect Kia already acknowledged and promised to fix. The reality is, the defect was always present, it just hadn’t reached full failure yet. The recall being closed does not mean the issue was resolved, and this approach leaves thousands of Kia owners like myself unprotected.In May 2023, I brought my vehicle to Daphne Kia in Alabama for a radiator leak. During that visit, they noted the transmission recall was open but stated that no defect was found. As a result, they marked the recall as “complete” without conducting any meaningful repair or replacement. No transmission work was done, despite known problems reported nationwide.In May 2025, my Sorento began showing the exact symptoms described in the recall: surging RPMs, transmission hesitation, jerking, and drifting in and out of gear. At times, the vehicle would slow dramatically or jolt in the middle of traffic and lose drive! Extremely dangerous situation for me in traffic with complete loss of acceleration. I had to take time off to bring the vehicle to Step One Automotive Kia in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, on June 30, 2025 the soonest my schedule allowed. At that appt, I was told the transmission had failed and would cost over $7,000 to replace.I also am paying for a rental vehicle while my car is still with Kia for resolution as of now. Recall coverage did nothing to protect me when the defect eventually surfaced. Kia has publicly stated that:“If your vehicle is affected by a recall, Kia will repair the vehicle free.” They have a legal obligation under the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act to correct safety related defects.They are not meeting that. kia consumer relations contacted as well.

My 2016 Kia Soul Plus (VIN: [XXX] ) showed a blinking check engine light and entered limp mode while driving. I had the code read and received P1326, which is a known issue in Kia vehicles related to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). This code indicates possible engine bearing wear or impending engine failure, which could result in engine stall or fire, creating a serious safety risk while driving. My car has under 115,000 miles, but I purchased it used from a non-Kia dealer and was told by Kia that it's not covered under warranty or recall. However, many vehicles with this issue received engine replacements or software updates under TSB PI2002 and other campaigns. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for the 2016 Kia Soul, as it appears to be part of the larger engine defect trend affecting many Kia models. This vehicle should be included in any safety recall or extended warranty coverage related to this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)