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 RIO- Studio City, CA
My car is consuming a lot of oil and I have to add it on a weekly basis. The catalytic converter has already been replace once and is on the verge of having to be replaced again because of this issue. I just bought the vehicle last year. I see that there was a previous campaign with this same issue. See campaign NHTSA ID: 23V-652000. I am wondering why my vehicle was not part of it. Please advise next steps to remedy this safety issue on the 2018 KIA Rio models.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2015 KIA FORTE- Saint Albans, WV
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving uphill at approximately 50-55 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power and made an abnormal knocking sound. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was restarted. The mechanic diagnosed that the engine was damaged due to rod bearing failure, and metal shavings were found in the engine. The mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) and related the failure to the recall. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed because the engine had already failed; however, the contact stated that the recall repair involved the replacement of the engine assembly as necessary. The vehicle was not repaired. 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 149,061. Parts distribution disconnect.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2010 KIA FORTE- Sterling, IL
Known engine problem with bottom end knocking sounds. Potential risk of fire or wreck caused by engine failure. Engine condition is an ongoing issue. Dealerships and manufacture refuse to honor recall because last recall hasn't been addressed and the title is rebuilt.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2021 KIA SORENTO- Johnson City, TN
The contact owns a 2021 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while accelerating from a complete stop and while driving at various speeds, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle shuddered and hesitated to respond while the engine revved. The check engine warning light was illuminated, and the vehicle made a dinging sound. The contact stated that the RPMs fluctuated while idling. Additionally, the contact stated that upon manually shifting to Sport Mode, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was taken to O'Reilly Auto Parts, where DTC: P193B and P193B79 were retrieved. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a fee would be charged for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2024 KIA EV9- Bradenton, FL
I am experiencing significant and persistent vibrations at highway speeds (60–75 mph) in my 2024 Kia EV9. Despite multiple dealership visits and repair attempts, the issue remains unresolved. The vibrations cause noticeable discomfort and potential safety risks, especially on long drives. Timeline of Events & Repairs: 1.First Visit to Kia dealer (Dec 24): The dealership performed a tire balance and determined one tire was defective, replacing it. Vibrations persisted. 2.Second Visit (Jan 25) The dealership replaced the remaining 3 tires 3. ThirdVisit (Feb 25): The dealership identified three wheels with lateral runout and replaced them. They also performed road force balancing, reportedly bringing all values below 16. 4.Test Drive (Feb 25): After picking up my vehicle, I drove on the interstate and found the vibrations had worsened, now starting at 60 mph instead of 70 mph. •A third-party wheel shop inspected the wheels and found the fourth wheel (not replaced by Kia) was defective and out of round. 5.Dealership’s Response: Despite these findings, Kia dealer dismissed my concerns and referred me to another dealership for a second opinion. They also stated that third-party evaluations are not accepted, creating an endless loop where I cannot get the issue properly addressed. Safety Concerns: •Vibrations impact vehicle stability and driver comfort, especially on long trips. •Extended driving with excessive vibrations may lead to fatigue, reduced control, and premature mechanical wear. •The fact that multiple components (wheels, tires) have required replacement raises concerns about a potential manufacturing defect affecting Kia EV9 models. Request for Investigation: The dealership has failed to resolve this issue despite multiple repair attempts, and their refusal to acknowledge third-party findings leaves me with no clear resolution path. I request that NHTSA investigate potential defects in the wheels, tires, or drivetrain system of the Kia EV9.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2022 KIA SORENTO- Fisk, MO
Driving down the road and the sunroof exploded. No other cars were around me so no project was thrown from another vehicle. Took the vehicle to the dealership. The service tech confirmed nothing was thrown and it appears the glass imploded from the inside. We are over 60,000 so not covered by warranty. He stated he would send through to Kia to see if they would replace and was rejected. Was told to take it some place else to get it fixed. Contacted a local auto glass, they will not even touch it. Contacted another, the entire panoramic roof must be replaced even though it was only the front moving part that shattered. I am out $1,300 and a vehicle until the glass arrives which I was told will take weeks. Searching the internet I see there have been numerous complaints of this issue. Something needs to be done. No there was no crash, but very easily could have.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2013 KIA FORTE- Selma , CA
As I’m reading it states that my knock sensor detection system and HECU FUSE NEEDS REPLACEMENT.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA SORENTO- Miami, OK
All of it. Car randomly shuts off and lose power steering. No. Dealership has inspected. ALL the lights in the dash light up, screen says battery discharge warning, car shuts off and lose power steering while driving down the road.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2012 KIA RIO- Alameda, CA
The GDI 1.6L engines are manufactured with a flaw that affects piston rings and makes oil consumption go up which in turn can make the engine run dry and damage the engine, which if you're in a bad location could be dangerous. My car has been dealing with the issue and I searched yet found no recalls for the engine. 2. It can put me and others at risk, if my car breaks and I'm driving in a snowy or hot area, or breaks when driving up hill or down hill. 3. Look all over the internet GDI 1.6 Oil consumption issue. 4. Yes, repair shop. 5. Plenty of times barely drove 200 miles and I get the red lamp for no oil/low oil level.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA SOUL- DANVILLE, VA
Error codes possibly 3 times diagnose. P0017. Crankshaft - camshaft 1 correlation bank b .Could be timing chain being stretched vigorously. Still have excessive oil consumption after getting piston rings replaced.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE