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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2016 KIA SOUL- Royal Oaks, CA
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Soul. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact heard an abnormal ticking sound. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure due to a failure of the catalytic converter. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an undisclosed recall repair; however, the recall repair had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2023 KIA SPORTAGE- Warrenton, GA
The infotainment screen continues to blank out. The backup camera, media, navigation, or radio won’t work when the infotainment system is blank.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA SELTOS- Seabrook, NH
I saw the recall on my car for the engine on this website. I brought it to McFarland Kia, where they told me this recall does not exist for my vehicle. I asked more than once and they told me there is nothing they can do, but I feel at danger if the engine in my car were to potentially catch fire.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2012 KIA SOUL- Orange Park, FL
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Soul. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); however, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was no longer under the Extended Warranty. The manufacturer sent the contact the information for a Class Action Lawsuit. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to empty and refilled with premium gasoline. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact was informed that the engine had thrown a rod. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of the recall. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer informed the contact the vehicle was no longer under the extended warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and sent the contact the Class Action Lawsuit paperwork to fill out. The failure mileage was approximately 161,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2016 KIA SEDONA- Independence, MO
On April 1st my vehicles engine started normally and upon leaving the neighborhood began to rough idle. Prior to this, no lights were on and the vehicle had just passed an inspection. The engine was shuddering and there was very little power and the vehicle had difficulty maintaining speed. The codes were read and came back with P0304, P0306, P0302, P0300 and P0019. The vehicle was towed to a shop because it was undrivable. The vehicle is currently in the shop and they are recommending an entire engine replacement.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2011 KIA SORENTO- Moss Bluff , LA
The ABS, down hill light, and swaying light came on. As I was pulling into a parking space slowly with my foot on the brakes, the car sped forward knocking over a post and shrubs.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA EV6- Houston, TX
ICCU failure. Car was dropped off with Kia and the (second) recall they claimed to have performed did not fix the 12-v battery charging system error. They ordered in a new part, which was on national backorder and they provided no ETA. I had to purchase a replacement vehicle after 30 days of them having the vehicle without making the repair, providing an update, or having given me a loaner. Received message it was fixed after 37 days, but no information whether it is with a new part. Subreddit for the EV6 shows this is a widespread issue that has not been permanently resolved. When the ICCU fails, you are limited to 25mph "limp mode" and will lose ability to move car if 12V battery dies.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA TELLURIDE- Rocky Mount, NC
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Telluride. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, other drivers were flashing their headlights, attempting to notify the contact that the front headlights were not functioning as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the high beam headlights were replaced. The contact stated that on another occasion, while driving at various speeds, the driver’s side front high beam headlight failed to illuminate as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The high beam headlights were replaced. The contact tested the lights, and the front driver’s side high beam headlight failed to operate. Upon further inspection, the dealer stated that there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the headlight assembly kit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V148000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,688.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2023 KIA EV6- Ashford, AL
I have received at least two recalls on the ICCU component on my Kia EV6, which were taken to the dealership for repair per the recall. On April 4, 2025, my vehicle displayed the "Check Electric Vehicle Systems" and "Stop vehicle and check power supply" alerts. It had to be towed to the dealership, as it cannot be driven. They called and stated it was related and the part is on back order for the unforeseen future.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA FORTE- Houston, TX
Component/System Involved: Electric Power Steering (EPS) – specifically, a potential malfunction with the assist motor response timing. Description of Incident: While driving, primarily on the highway, I have experienced a recurring issue with the power steering system. The steering assist appears to delay activation after periods of inactivity—such as when driving straight. When I attempt a small correction (even a movement as small as 1/16 of an inch), there is unusually high resistance, followed by a sudden release. This results in an overcorrection and can create a cycle of steering instability as the same pattern repeats with each correction. Safety Risk: This malfunction poses a safety risk because the delay in steering assist and sudden release can lead to unintended sharp corrections or lane drifting, especially at highway speeds. The issue requires both hands on the wheel to maintain control, and the unpredictable nature of the steering increases the chance of losing control or colliding with another vehicle. Warning Lamps/Symptoms Prior to Failure: There are no warning lights, error messages, or chimes preceding or accompanying the issue. Mileage & Vehicle Info: Several people seem to be having the same issue and it happens at different stages of the vehicles life, but no one seems to have found a solution or source of the problem.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE