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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2021 KIA SELTOS- Brook Park, OH
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer but was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer had placed a hold on the recall repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming engine oil and required monthly oil top offs. The contact also stated that the engine was making an abnormal ticking sound. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2017 KIA OPTIMA- Jonesboro, GA
The power steering stopped working and the car became hard to turn because of it. The power steering light (red color with steering wheel and exclamation point to the right of it) came on also.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA FORTE- Jonesboro, GA
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over, but the steering wheel and the brake pedal was stiff and almost unresponsive. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and observed that the check engine warning light was flashing. The contact stated that the failure had occurred several times. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the ignition coils and spark plugs. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,185.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2016 KIA OPTIMA- Gary, IN
Engine failed at 52.350 miles due to excessive oil consumption confirmed by a Kia dealership. Car was driving fine on 5/1/25, on 5/2/25, car started to stall with loud clicking noise, and wouldn't move fast, which then activated the check engine light.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID- Calumet City, IL
Driving home from work on 5/16/2025 and my sunroof exploded. It sounded like a gun shot then there was glass falling into my car. I had hlass in my hair and tiny cuts in my arms.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2021 KIA SOUL- Dunbar, WV
I own a 2021 Kia Soul that was serviced under recall SC060, which involves inspection of the piston oil rings for potential defects. The recall service was performed at an authorized Kia dealership on May 12th, and I was informed that the engine passed the inspection and was operating properly. However, on [XXX] after the recall service was completed, I noticed oil deposits on my spark plugs. Upon removal and inspection, the spark plug tips (combustion side) show clear evidence of oil contamination, which suggests that oil is entering the combustion chamber—exactly the type of problem SC060 was meant to address. My car is definitely damaged, and my recall passed the inspection. That doesn't make sense. Kia Dutch Miller didn't give me proof of inspection of my car; they only gave me the invoice for the work done on the car. I have photo evidence of the oil-contaminated spark plugs, and I am concerned this may lead to increased engine wear, misfires, or even total engine failure. Please investigate whether recall SC060 is being resolved properly by dealerships, and whether additional remedies or extensions should be provided to affected owners like myself. My car hasn't been fixed yet. Vehicle VIN: [XXX] Mileage at time of recall service: 41,365 Date of recall service: [05/12/2025] Location of dealership: Dutch Miller, South Charleston, WV Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2017 KIA SOUL- Gastonia, NC
Vehicle shut off on the highway and engine no seized however oil change was recently completed
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA K5- Fort Meade, FL
Main wiring harness melted in my fuse box, had to pay $5000 to replace, turbo leaked into my engine and cause for the engine to blow! Hadn’t even had the car a year !! This is getting ridiculous.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2015 KIA SEDONA- Beacon Falls, CT
Engine blew a rod without warning or service light indication. The vehicle is available for inspection. My two children and I were put at risk due to the nature of the engine failure and being able to safely navigate the vehicle off of the highway. The vehicle was inspected by the mechanic of the shop that towed the vehicle. No warning lamps or symptoms of the engine failure until it happened. Low oil was suspected but made no sense since the oil had just been changed a month prior and no leaks detected.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA CARNIVAL- Port orange , FL
Carnival came with DVD players for kids in the back seat. It contains a volume control that can be controlled by the child. The child at any point can blast the stereo insanely high which can distract the driver and could cause an accident. This needs to be recalled immediately. There is no reason for the sound to be able to be blasted that loud. Then if it happens, there is no fast way to turn it down which causes the driver to fumble. Please look into this immediately as it can effect any owner.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE