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.

  • 2024 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Gilbert, AZ

    3rd sear Buckle RH - 3rd row Rear bench right side rear passenger seatbelt anchor/buckle assembly (Right of 3RD Position) is damaged when rear seat is in down-folded position and soft length of seat buckle has slipped back under rear back rest. Receiving buckle is being crushed when seat is in folded position - KIA dealer argues misuse by customer - but fault is with manufacturer as rear buckle can slip below elastic tether because there is no stable anchor length between fixing bolt and tether point. Result is that seat buckle coupling becomes crushed when seat is in folded position. Part Replaced with K 89843 S9510WK

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2017 KIA OPTIMA
    - Orlando, FL

    Engine stalled out while driving lyft. Got passenger to their destination safely, however lyft is my only source of income big risk to stall out on a highway.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 KIA FORTE
    - Lynchburg, VA

    Steering column coupler has repeatedly gone bad, causing clicking and play in the steering wheel. There is an open recall for this issue on Kia optima’s, which use the same part. I’ve had this issue diagnosed and fixed by 2 different shops. It is an extremely common issue in these cars.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2014 KIA OPTIMA
    - Lake Stevens, WA

    The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated after the vehicle was started and warmed up, the engine made an abnormal loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed to Chavez Automotive, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the dealer was contacted for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2023 KIA SPORTAGE
    - Camden, SC

    The contact owns a 2023 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the instrument panel failed to display pertinent information. The contact stated that a dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. However, the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be repaired unless the VIN was under recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V298000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 68,585.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2016 KIA SOUL
    - Doral, FL

    2 years ago Kia had a recall on the catalytic converter that I found out about after my car displayed the engine light and shut down and would not drive. I had to tow it and they told me it was the catalytic converter but it had a recall. I took it to Kia and They said they replaced it but I'm not sure they did it properly, as I drove to Sarasota and the engine light came on I pulled over and let the engine cool and continued on with no problems until on my way back it did the same. I called the dealership but they told me it was fine. Now I'm driving today to the bank and on the way back the car would not drive faster than 5 mph!!! I drove back the couple miles to the mechanic beside my warehouse and he said it's the catalytic converter as it was extremely hot. I called the dealership and they said there is no warranty

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SELTOS
    - Derry, NH

    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the piston oil rings, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the VIN was included; however, parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 98,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2020 KIA NIRO EV
    - Petaluma, CA

    There is a silver strip that runs horizontally along the middle of the dashboard from one side to the other. It’s made out of a very reflective material. During the midday hours, it brightly shines the sun directly into the driver’s and passenger’s eyes—it’s very blinding!–and makes it difficult and unsafe to drive. I can’t even begin to think about teaching our teenage son how to drive in this car because of this safety issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA SOUL
    - Boca Raton, FL

    The contact owns a 2022 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating before the vehicle stalled. Additionally, while decelerating, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 32,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2017 KIA OPTIMA
    - Atlanta, GA

    I purchased a 2017 Kia Optima from Deal Makers Auto Sales in Georgia in February 2024. The vehicle broke down within 3 months. I later found out it had four open safety recalls that were never disclosed at the time of sale. This is dangerous and deceptive, and the dealership refused to take responsibility or make repairs.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE