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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2023 KIA SELTOS- Milford, IL
On 4 different occasions my vehicle applied the brakes forcefully on its own at high speeds. The dash flashed with the message "check forward collision avoidance assist system." as well as displayed the following icons: master warning light, hill climb assist, traction control, forward collision, and the Auto start/stop was flashing. These continued until I was able to stop and turn the car off. When I was trying to slow down and stop my brakes were not working correctly as I had to push the pedal all the way to the floor for a long period to stop all the way. When the car was put in park the engine was revving up until it was off. The car was towed to the dealership after first incident and the following codes were in the history: C164202 C161308. Dealership had my car for 6 days, opened a tech line case and without an answer of why this happened nor remedy, my car was released back to me resulting in 3 additional instances. It is now going to another dealership to hopefully get an answer and repair.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2015 KIA OPTIMA- Pueblo, CO
I was driving on the Northbound side of the Interstate when my brakes failed when I pressed them to avoid a collision on the highway. The steering wheel malfunctioned when I tried to avoid a head-on collision with another vehicle. I couldn't control or stop the car, causing me to swerve left to right, and I then completely lost control of the vehicle. I crashed into the middle of the highway, but because my brakes had failed, the car continued at full speed into the Southbound side of the highway, causing me to wreck into a semi. The Colorado State Patrol investigated the accident. Right before I wrecked into the semi-trailer, I noticed all of the lights on the dashboard were off. My Steering wheel had fallen off completely, but the airbag never deployed even though every other airbag had deployed.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA RIO- Helena, MT
I tried to get the parts fixed from the recall. However, when I tried to get it serviced I was adviced that the parts would take a few weeks to arrive. With an appending move to Helena, Mt from Lambertville, Mi they informed me that they would not be able to fix the recall issues. There is no KIA dealership within a reasonable distance from my current location. I am having issues with the dealership towing the rio without charging me the amount of $1300. The engine had completely stopped. I towed the car from Michigan to Montana with a Uhaul because of the recall issues.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2012 KIA SOUL- Knoxville, TN
The engine has gunk in the motor. Can not clean it. Uses oil. Noise from the engine.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA K5- Rockford, IL
I recently purchased a Kia k5 2021 gt line awd one month later I noticed there was recall I take to the dealership they let me know it will only take a few hours (3) and I can pick up later the same they call me 3h later and let me know sorry this case is going to take a few weeks and I should pick up rental car and they will pay for my rental so I did I come back one month later nothing as been done they just tell me to wait and they can’t release due to the safety recall the tank has swelled up it has been 3mont now and they still haven’t done anything to the car and I can’t sell the vehicle cause they won’t release it
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2012 KIA SORENTO- Boca Raton , FL
[XXX] brought car in to dealer with engine problem, I was told it needed a new engine and would be replaced under warranty. April 27th 2025 I picked up my car, two weeks later on [XXX], driving home from work the engine caught on fire, I was able to pull over, got out and called 911. In 5 minutes the whole front end was engulfed in flames. Coconut Creek Police arrived first, then the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire. I didn't notice any warning lamps, car was driving fine, I filed a claim with my insurance, AAA, I also spoke with the KIA service manager about it, He said it could have been an old brittle fuel line, they only replaced the engine. My AAA insurance company has the vehicle and is inspecting it. The Coconut Creek Police in FL has a report # [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA SOUL- Kingwood, TX
Hi, I had my car tested for recall SC336, and it initially failed, indicating the engine needed replacement. The dealership ordered a new engine from Kia. However, a few days later, they called to say that after retesting, the engine was fine and didn't require replacement. Now, I'm experiencing excessive oil consumption, and the check engine light shows code P0420, indicating a faulty catalytic converter. This issue is likely due to the car burning oil, clogging the converter, and pointing to a problem with the piston rings – the same issue covered under recall SC336. Given the recall's warning of potential engine stalling and fire risk, I'm extremely uncomfortable driving this car.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2015 KIA FORTE- Prairie Village, KS
My engine has started knocking and two pistons are not firing correctly. This is a common issue and has possible safety issues connected with it due to having an engine fail while driving.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA OPTIMA- Chula Vista, CA
While driving vechile shakes violently between 35-45 mph. I was informed the right axle needed replacement. There is a recall for 2016 optima axle replacement but Kia says my car doesn’t fall under it even though is the exact issue as the recall.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2018 KIA STINGER- Marietta, GA
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Stinger. The contact stated that occasionally while starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start immediately. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle during each failure. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a light, at 5 MPH the vehicle lost automotive power, with the check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel pump and vacuum pump were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE