KIA Complaints

This is the third time I’m having to take my SUV to the Kia dealership because my check engine light begins flashing and then my car has a hard time accelerating when it gets to certain speeds. It shakes but will not go over 68 mph although it is covered under a warranty, it is very frustrating. Having to keep take my car to get fixed. There should be a more permanent solution.

Decrease of power when pushing on gas peddle, a smell of burnt oil coming through vent. And since risk is very high on this engine component of possibly setting fire to car, and or ceasing thay may cause a crash. I would not like my wife to drive this vehicle knowing it could be a neglegent hazard that could cause injury or bodily harm to owner or other drivers near the vehicle. Very unsafe dont want to play russian roulette with my life or the life of others. There is already a remedy set forth by the company so why now is there none?

On August 17, 2024, my 2017 Kia Sportage suddenly lost power on the highway. The check engine light came on seconds before the engine seized completely. I was able to pull into the breakdown lane because I was already in the exit lane. It was a very frightening moment and could have been dangerous if I had been in a different lane or in heavier traffic. Component that Failed: The engine seized. The dealership found burned holes in the valves of cylinders 2 and 4. The vehicle is still in my possession and available for inspection. Safety Risk: Sudden loss of power on a highway placed me and others at risk of a serious accident at high speeds. Confirmed by Dealer: The dealer confirmed valve damage and misfire codes. Root cause was not confirmed. Inspected: The vehicle was not fully inspected by an authorized Kia dealer. Kia observed burned valves and did not investigate further into the engine to identify the cause. Warnings Prior to Failure: The check engine light came on minutes before the failure. No prior symptoms. Assessment: Rod bearing failure is suspected due to the sudden engine seizure. During the first visit to the dealership, a diagnostic fee was paid, but Kia stopped investigating after discovering burned valves. On the second visit, the dealership attempted but did not complete the bearing clearance test. They also chose not to open a Techline case, which is required under Kia’s own NHTSA-documented bearing clearance test procedures (TSB SST067 Rev 2) when the test cannot be completed. Kia has provided incomplete diagnostics and avoided further investigation, leaving me without answers. I was told I need a new engine, but I have never been told what actually caused the failure.

I have been having to put catalytic converter cleaner in my car to keep it running. The catalytic converter is bad more than one of them actually. I have also been having to add oil every week almost because it burns through oil so fast. I was on the highway today and my car went down to 30 miles an hour because of the catalytic converter problem.

UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the car lost all power again turning back onto our street, again with the Dash lighting up erratically.

I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid on [XXX], from Nissan of Grapevine, TX. The vehicle had an open safety recall issued in 2021 (PI2104) related to engine failure, but neither Kia nor Nissan informed me of this recall before my purchase, nor was the recall repair ever performed. On [XXX], my engine suddenly seized while driving, leaving me stranded. I had the vehicle towed to Meineke in Pflugerville, where they confirmed the engine failure but declined to perform an official diagnostic due to liability concerns. In 2024—over a year after my engine had already failed—Kia America finally mailed me a recall notice. By this time, the damage was irreversible. I took the car to Kia of Round Rock on April 2, 2024, where I was charged a diagnostic fee despite the engine failure being caused by the known recall issue. Kia then denied me warranty coverage, claiming I was ineligible because the recall repair had not been performed prior to the failure—even though I was never informed of it in time. Now, my vehicle has been impounded at AusTex Towing since March 6, 2025, because it is inoperable and cannot be registered. If I cannot afford the impound fees, my car will be auctioned off, leaving me responsible for payments on a vehicle I can no longer use. Safety Concerns: -Sudden engine failure while driving poses a serious crash risk. -Failure of recall notification system—I was only informed AFTER my engine had already failed. -Negligence by the manufacturer and dealership—Neither Nissan (the seller) nor Kia (the manufacturer) addressed the recall prior to the failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia America and Nissan of Grapevine’s handling of this recall to determine whether their actions constitute negligence in notifying owners about critical safety defects. Kia should be held responsible for either covering the cost of repairs, offering a buyout, or reimbursing me for my financial losses (towing, impound fees, and loan payments). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

tire size 235/45 R18. Both front tires at 7,300 miles suddenly have bulging out of the side wall. One tire bulge the size of a golf ball, the other tire slightly larger in size. No warnings or inflation issues prior to failure. Severe safety risk. Risk of blowout is high. Car not drivable due to risk of blowout. Contacted Pirelli the manufacturer, was told both tires are to be sent to them for inspection by the dealership. Pirelli customer service indicated the issue will likely not be covered under warranty.

The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear driver’s side window. The contact discovered that the glass had shattered. The contact stated that the Police Department advised her to contact the dealer where the vehicle was purchased, not the Insurance Company. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by a manufacturing defect. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be inspected or repaired. diagnoses. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,009.

I have persistent vibration issues with Kia ev9. It is very much a risk as it causes concentration issues while driving. My tires are worn out at less than 10k. Looking at the forum and reports a lot of folks who have EV9 are facing the same issue. Is there a investigation which can be looked into as this can be a safety issue due to vibration as well tired being worn as well.

My vehicle is currently being held at a Kia Dealership in Woodstock, GA to attempt to find the problem with my car. The lateral G sensor code as well as a few others were found in diagnostic testing. They attempted to fix it with replacing the air bag module but it did not remove the problem. My problem is this: Four of my ADAS lights have come on several times over the last few months at random, but all at the same time. It turns off every single safety feature of my vehicle. One time I was driving and my ABS light came on and off quickly as if it were stuck and the car started to pull me off the road as I tried to accelerate. I was told there may be a software issue with my vehicle and that they would take months to fix it if they can. I am concerned for my safety at this point.