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.

  • 2022 KIA SOUL
    - SAN ANTONIO, TX

    I am writing to formally report an engine failure in my 2022 Kia Soul, which I believe is directly related to the known engine defects that have prompted Kia to issue multiple recalls for this model and others with the same powertrain. Although my vehicle is not currently included in any active recall campaigns, it is exhibiting the exact symptoms and failure conditions outlined in Recall SC147 / SC200 (or similar recall numbers involving engine defects in Kia Souls and related models). Specifically, the vehicle has experienced: engine knocking, excessive oil consumption, and stalled while driving, which led to the diagnosis that the engine requires full replacement. The vehicle has been maintained according to the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule and has not been subject to any misuse or neglect. The failure appears to be consistent with the design or manufacturing defect that has affected a significant number of Kia engines, particularly those with the Theta II or Nu engines. This situation presents a serious safety concern, especially given the potential for the engine to seize while driving. It is also a substantial financial burden to bear for an issue that Kia has already acknowledged as systemic in other vehicles. I am respectfully requesting the following: 1.That my vehicle’s case be formally investigated for inclusion in any current or future recall campaigns. 2.That Kia offer coverage for the full cost of engine replacement under warranty or a goodwill repair program. 3.That the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration take this complaint under advisement as part of a broader pattern of engine-related failures. I have attached a service estimate that supports my claim. I would appreciate a prompt response and resolution to this matter, as the vehicle is currently inoperable and presents an ongoing hardship.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SOUL
    - Jacksonville, FL

    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Soul. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle had stalled. During the failure, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the oil level was extremely low, due to a faulty cam shaft. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 96,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2021 KIA SELTOS
    - Royal Oak, MI

    The contact owns a 2021 Kia Seltos. The contact stated that the engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at various speeds and while turning, the vehicle made an abnormally loud whining sound and experienced reduced motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated as needed while continuing to drive. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an excessive oil consumption. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V099000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Parts distribution disconnect.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2022 KIA FORTE
    - East Orange, NJ

    Hi I had my Kia forte GT 2022 for 3 years and my engine light has been on for about 3 months now . I get a check up and an oil change regularly. It comes on and goes off . I told my mechanic and he said I might have to get a new transmission. I only had this brand new car for 3 years . Is there a defect in these Kia forte GT or a recall .

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Los Angeles , CA

    —-Engine problem, I was driving then dash board screen show up the red light of overheat suddenly, I pullover my car to see what’s going on, I don’t see no smoke no fire or leak. Very strange issue. I keep driving the car and everything is fine for the moment. This happens in the other Kia telluride that I had, that’s why I change it for this one 2022. And did the same thing of over heating. I took the car to the dealer but they prefer to sell me this 2022 Kia telluride like I said it did have the same problem. No solution. —-Suspension, the car bounce too much and it hit the floor hard, The car feels like don’t have suspension, I have to change the road system to get comfortable way and dont feel that situation, when I park the car move side to side that happen when a another car pass in certain speed, very uncomfortable situation.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2020 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Boca Raton, FL

    I have the white pearl paint on my 2020 Telluride. It’s chipping in chunks on the roof and in smaller batches across the body. I paid extra for this paint and from recent research, I’m reading this is a common issue. I’d like this to be repaired. I only have 37,000 miles on the vehicle. I first noticed it as small chips and now it’s present in more locations and expanding in width and length.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2025 KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID
    - Robbinsville, NJ

    While coasting at very low speed with foot off accelerator or brake, into a crowded parking spot, the brakes failed after foot applied to the brake petal. This caused our vehicle to collide with a vehicle in front of us, pushing it a few feet backwards. Despite strong effort to push brake pedal down further, car would not stop. Pushed circular park button simultaneously with emergency brake tab which we believe ultimately stopped the car. No usual parking system alerts, beeps, lights, etc., turned on during the collision or near pre-collision. Finally, when car reversed to go home, the car made an unusual jerking movement without the usual reverse 'beeping' noise for the hybrid. Car then behaved normal for the 10 minute tense drive home. We are afraid to drive the car for fear of fatal brake failure to ourselves or others. Vehicle is intact and currently at local Kia dealer for past several days, though purportedly they 'found nothing' and are offering to return the car. Auto claim still pending and once car returned to us, we will have auto insurance rep evaluate the car.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2020 KIA RIO
    - Jeffersonville, IN

    I went into a rural King store to shop when I came back out my car was completely filled with smoke. I opened the front passengerdoor and the smoke hit me in the face it was so thick and green it was just it took my breath. It took me 10 minutes to locate what had happened and down on the door frame of the passenger side of the front seat where the wiring is there was a whole melted all the way through that panel and you could see the wiring was exposed so I assume that the wiring had caught on fire. I'm not sure about this it has been looked at and it is at Jeff Wilder Toyota in Clarksville Indiana. They want me to pay $1,000 deductible for this but I feel like if it was a wiring issue key is should be responsible. I am going through a flood right now in my home and now I have to deal with that and I don't think I'm even responsible for the payment I think he is at the cover it.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2021 KIA SELTOS
    - Stratford, CT

    My car was checked for a recall regarding the vehicle burning oil and the piston rings. The fix for it was a new engine. When my car was checked for the recall, it was determined to be unaffected by the issue mentioned. However, I got an oil change approx. 1.5 months ago and at this point I have had to add oil to the car on two different occasions since due to the oil burning so quickly. The oil is also very, very dark. This indicates that the oil is burning significantly regardless of the recall status. I find myself checking the oil weekly due to the worry that it will be empty. The recommended mileage in between oil changes for my car is 7,500. I have not been able to wait that long since obtaining the car 2 years ago.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 KIA SORENTO
    - Coopersville, MI

    Kia failed to take accountability for rods related to oil pan and engine damage defect on this vehicle. Did not offer other safety options and did not give any warning signs. I have ALL my receipts and maintenance on vehicle that I DID Maintain my vehicle responsible and this was a Kia vehicle safety issue on manufacturing. I did not receive any warning or lights on my dashboard and I have all my oil change receipts. Please see all attached documents for my complaint. All Kia customer service was concerned with was warranty when this is a manufacturing product defect of this car not being put together properly and my vehicle has been serviced over years at a Kia dealership and no one has ever told me my vehicle was not maintained. Kia corporation won't even investigate or even move forward in any direction even with all my receipts reports and evidence to submit my claims are true.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE