KIA Complaints

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Soul. The contact had received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V120000 (ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING); and the engine block was replaced; however, the catalytic converter was not replaced. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I dropped off my 2021 Kia Soul at the dealership where I purchased it to address a nationwide recall, which states: “The piston oil ring(s) may have been incorrectly manufactured, potentially damaging the engine cylinder wall. This can lead to increased oil consumption, abnormal engine noises, engine seizure, and possible fire from oil leaking onto hot exhaust components. Loss of drive power and/or fire increases crash and injury risk.” My vehicle has shown multiple symptoms, including rough running, significant shaking, illuminated check engine and oil lights. On 01/02/23, I brought it in, but the dealership found no stored codes and took no action. On 04/20/23, a code for a cylinder 1 misfire was found, but because the issue wasn’t present at that moment, no repairs were made. On 10/05/23, spark plugs and fuel pump were replaced under warranty. No further issues occurred until 02/14/25, when the same symptoms returned. I was told I’d be charged for a diagnosis and they likely wouldn’t find anything, so I left without service. On 04/09/25, the symptoms reoccurred. I dropped off the vehicle on 04/10/25 and paid out-of-pocket for a rental until 04/14/25. On 04/14/25, after being told earlier that work couldn’t be done because the engine hadn’t cooled to 55°F, I was later told the recall was completed and the vehicle was safe—despite ongoing issues. I fear for my safety and the safety of others. I believe my vehicle needs an engine replacement and is unsafe to drive. The recall letter states inspection and software update should take 1–2 hours, and engine replacement 8+ hours. I request further diagnosis and repairs. Despite the vehicle continuing to show symptoms, I was dismissed. I am seeking accountability and proper resolution.

The contact owned a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while coming to a stop, the vehicle leaned forward as if the engine had moved abnormally too far forward out of position. The contact stated that her boyfriend attempted to roll down the passenger’s side window; however, the window failed to open as intended. No warning light was illuminated. In addition, the contact attempted to take the vehicle to the local independent dealer where it was purchased; however, the vehicle experienced a loss of automotive power. The vehicle was towed to the local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the engine was blown and there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. In addition, the contact diagnosed the failure and related the failure to the motor mount, alternator bracket, and in need of an intake manifold replacement. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the local dealer. The vehicle was given back to the local independent dealer and the vehicle was repaired and put up for sale. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,086. The VIN was not available.

I was driving on [XXX] and I heard a really loud sound like a Gun Shot in my Car I couldn't just pull over I had to get off at the next exit when I did I checked myself and then I checked my Windows then I opened my back door on the passenger side and saw that behind the seat had swollen up. I drove to work and call KIA where I purchased the car and told them what happened my husband carried the car to them and to make a long story short. After Months of back & forth it was determined that the GAS TANK had EXPANDED!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the oil level was lower than expected. There was an unknown warning light illuminated. The vehicle vibrated while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); and the engine was replaced under the recall in September 2020. The contact stated that 5 years after the recall repair was completed, after approximately one month, the brake failure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who added brake fluid to the brake reservoir, and the brake warning light illuminated approximately 2 weeks later and remained illuminated. The contact spoke with the dealer, who confirmed that the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 294,000.

Mi Kia Optima 2018 con motor 2.4L GDI presenta consumo excesivo de aceite, un problema que he visto reportado por muchos otros propietarios del mismo modelo. En solo 700 millas recorridas, el aceite baja hasta el punto “Low” sin fugas visibles. Este consumo anormal puede causar fallos en el motor si no se revisa constantemente. El concesionario Kia ya revisó el vehículo, pero como no hay recall abierto, no ofrecieron solución, a pesar de que este motor ha sido identificado en boletines técnicos por este problema. Solicito que este caso sea considerado por la NHTSA para que se investigue si debe emitirse un recall extendido para los Kia Optima con motor 2.4L GDI.

Engine failure I have had it inspected already by Koons Kia of Owings Mills and State Farm. My vehicle 2021 Kia Soul stalled while driving. I received a recall letter by mail from Kia on April 12, 2025 letter was dated for April 4, 2025. The oil light illuminated when the vehicle stalled on October 21, 2024. The recall issue has still not been resolved.

The engine has known defects, however is not on the engine replacement campaign. Failed at 114k miles. KIA refuses to acknowledge known defects. Dealer confirmed bad engine. Second opinion confirmed also. No warning or service engine lights. All oil changes were arouond 3k miles. Started with a slight ticking noise that progressivly got worse.. Driviability is fine. So this proves KIA has defective engines including the 1.8 liter.

I've had issues with my air conditioner not working properly and now making a loud humming sound. Also my car is very sluggish and my motor is very loud when the car is running. Sometimes it doesn't want to shift exactly when it should it takes longer and I have to take my foot off the gas to let it shift. My car keeps running out of oil every time before the designated oil change time and mileage. This really worries me and no lights show on my dash when my oil pressure gets low which is alarming because it got low one time and I could hear the pistols rubbing together, I knew immediately I needed oil. Sure enough I put oil in the car the noise stopped and I went and got an oil change the next day because I was worried about my car. The oil issue has happened multiple times..

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine failed while driving ([XXX])—specifically, the engine seized and became inoperable while driving on the interstate. Yes, the engine is still available for inspection upon request. (Currently at the dealership - due to overheating while driving (after engine had been replaced on 3/26/2025) 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? On [XXX], the engine failure occurred while the vehicle was in motion, causing a sudden loss of power and steering assist. This placed me and other drivers at serious risk, especially since it happened on the interstate and I was unable to maneuver or accelerate safely. On [XXX], the engine overheated in severe, bumper to bumper traffic. The owner’s safety was put at risk due to the high volume of traffic and little options to pull over. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the engine failure has been confirmed by both an independent mechanic and a Kia dealership. They diagnosed the engine as seized and non-repairable without a full engine replacement. Engine was replaced by Kia on March 26-28, 2025 and returned to the owner on March 28,2025. At the dealership's recommendation the owner replaced all the hoses and belts. Owner was assured all fluids had been refilled and engine repair was complete. Engine overheated while driving in Atlanta on [XXX]. Vehicle was towed back to the dealership due to the overheating and the noises coming from the engine compartment while running. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? So far, the engine has been inspected by the Kia dealership's service department and the engine was replaced on March 26-28,2025 To my knowledge, the manufacturer has not inspected the vehicle. All inspections were performed by th INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5