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.
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2020 KIA RIO- columbia, MS
I was driving up a hill and it would not go past 20-30 mph, and the rpm will sometimes go up when not accelerating. The transmission does not shift when driving and will sometimes make the car stop and go stop and go continuously. Tried accelerating but the rpm would go up while the mph would not.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2012 KIA OPTIMA- Roselle , NJ
Car thought I was breaking when I was pressing the gas and I was merging into a left lane. I was able to turn on the car without pressing the brakes due to the latter. The car doors are unlocking while im driving without warning. Also traction light on car cameo on
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SORENTO- La Grange, KY
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sorento. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The mechanic replaced the air filter, brake fluid, serpentine belt, accessory belt, performed tire rotation, replaced the power steering fluid, and performed an oil change. The check engine warning light illuminated again. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who replaced the ignition coil and spark plugs. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis. The dealer replaced the valve cover gasket, fuel pump gasket, and coolant, performed a 3-point GGI induction service, refilled the brake fluid, and replaced a carbon air filter. The failure persisted and the vehicle was returned to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that piston #3 had failed, and a spark plug was burned and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 65 - 70 MPH, the vehicle began to shake aggressively, and the engine had seized. There was no warning light during the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The driver had coasted to the side of the road where the vehicle was towed home with open fuel injectors and piston failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and a case was opened. The manufacturer informed the contact that the spark plugs needed to be replaced again. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2023 KIA SORENTO- Pittsburgh, PA
Even though the dealership reports that safety recall 23V610 / SC280 for the mounting clip replacement was completed on 2/16/24, my rearview camera has just fell out of its housing, hanging by its wires, with the mounting clips laying broken in my driveway. My rearview camera is currently unusable; its taped up so that it is not just swinging by the wires. When I contacted my dealership, they are pretty sure they can get this work covered under the warranty, but they are not sure. And my VIN# is currently not pulling up any "Active Recalls". Either the clips they used to replace the previous clips were also bad, or the dealership didnt actually complete the work as reported.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA SOUL- Clearwater, FL
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the driver’s side tire was making a metal scraping sound. In addition, the contact stated there was an abnormal chemical odor entering into the cabin of the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road, and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with a stuck valve inside the ABS module, causing the passenger’s side front brake caliper piston to not function as intended, and a brake fluid leak. The hydraulic unit, brake fluid, Pad Kit Front Disk B, and Disk Front wheel Brake parts were replaced and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
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2018 KIA SORENTO- Eastport, ME
GDI engine carbon buildup causing very high gas consumption and damage . Should carbon buildup break free it will cause engine falure resulting in engine seizure while at speed. Loss if property and life imment. Only soulition is disassembly to remove buildup. Another failure is corrosion on shift cable causing gear falure.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SORENTO- Evansville, IN
When I drive at night with the headlights on, sometimes the headlights will all go off until I click the button a couple of times then they will come back on, and this scares me because it can cause a wreck when I can’t see
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA SOUL- San Antonio, TX
I had my crankshaft sensor replaced and it is still stalling on me. Engine has stalled while I was driving and this has put my life at risk and my job at risk.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SORENTO- Waynesboro, VA
Strong smell of gas while driving and under the hood of car with no visible leaks.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA SOUL- Kimballton, IA
my vehicle was part of a recall for the piston oil rings. the car was taken to KIA for testing. The car failed the test and I was told that the engine would need to be replaced (I have a video and test results of the failed test. Then KIA stated that too many cars were failing and that they were redoing the test. My car was in the Kia repair shop waiting for an engine that was ordered. KIA cancelled my engine and my car was tested with the new test and it passed. After two weeks of being in the repair shop I was told to come and get it. This not only appears unethical but a blatant attempt to circumvent the recall.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE