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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2018 KIA SORENTO- Lafayette, LA
Was driving car it lost power, pulled over and had tow truck bring car to dealership. Dealership states a new engine is needed due to a malfunction in the engine block, however warranty is out on car just by 9,000 miles and car is still financed! Maintenance has been kept up on car. Kia wants $10,000 to replace engine.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2014 KIA SPORTAGE- Franksville, WI
The rear hatch door no longer opens. This could pose a safety risk in an emergency situation. Upon research it appears to be very common issue among Kias from this year.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID- Mechanicsburg, PA
I was driving with cruise control on. I had to slow down for traffic. Upon resuming speed, I reactivated cruise control at which time it jumped to 110 mph. This happen several times. I turned cruise off and back on 110. I canceled and tried to reset, 110. I kept resuming 110 mph and the function was not usable. I have a video but was unable to upload because it was to large
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA SELTOS- Brunswick, OH
Car delivered [XXX] since then we have had 3 incidents of the dash control lights going out along with the head lights going dim making it very dangerous to drive in the dark. Car had about 1200 miles on it when it started and it had 1823 miles on it when they had a appointment for me to get the car in. We are going on a 3 week trip south at the end of march and based on my experience with the Saltos, the dash lights go out and the head lights either go out or go very dim. How do I know, I had a 2023 Seltos that had the same problem, answer from Ganley Kia, could not duplicate, another Kia I owned when I lived in Georgia, Dash llights and head lights went out in the mountains in the dark. Dealer replaced this car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2024 KIA SPORTAGE- Phoenix , AZ
The ECU malfunctioned and the passenger side airbag didn’t go off and should have. There were error codes and I told KIA service department about it but they weren’t to concerned and said they would look at it at my first service appointment
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
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2014 KIA SORENTO- Galax, VA
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to report a serious safety issue with my Kia Sorento 2014. While driving on the interstate with my family, the vehicle suddenly began to slow down without warning. We were able to move to the shoulder, but this incident put our safety at significant risk as we were on a busy highway. We initially suspected brake failure, but after having the car towed home and inspected, we discovered that the motor/engine had completely failed. This failure also impacted the electrical system, leaving the car completely immobile. It has been confirmed by a mechanic that the engine is at fault. However, local dealers and mechanics were unable to inspect it further due to a lack of necessary equipment. As of now, the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or any other authority. There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure, and the vehicle showed no signs of issues leading up to the incident. We purchased this car in 2023, only to find out later that Kia had issued a recall for this issue in 2021. This recall was never disclosed by the dealership, nor was it listed on the Carfax report. Due to the recall predating our purchase, Kia has refused to provide any assistance or compensation, leaving us with an inoperable vehicle and significant financial strain. As a low-income family on a fixed budget, this situation has been extremely challenging. We kindly request your assistance in investigating this matter and helping us find a resolution. Thank you for your attention and support.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2023 KIA CARNIVAL- Batavia, IL
The car seat harness fails to stay engaged in a safe and secure position. When tightened to the correct position it becomes loose. I contacted Nuna and they advised I should clean the harness adjuster button from debris but I did that and the harness is still coming loose. I don’t know how many times my children have been transported while wearing this faulty harness over time since purchasing our seats in 2021 but we are in our vehicle daily so my guess is upwards of 100’s of times. The manufacturer refuses to take accountability and recommends we wait indefinitely for a new car seat fabric cover, cleaning kit and instructions to alter the car seat for the purpose of cleaning the harness adjuster button ourselves.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA EV9- Sacramento, CA
While driving on the freeway I suddenly lost control of the vehicle, with the vehicle swerving left and back across several lanes. Thankfully, I avoided a catastrophic accident and managed to pull over safely. There were no warning lamps or messages of any kind prior to the failure. Upon inspection of the driver’s side rear wheel, I discovered that multiple lug nuts had snapped off, with the studs still attached to the lug nuts. The remaining lug nuts were extremely loose. I have never heard of such a dangerous defect in a brand-new vehicle, and it appears as if the wheel may not have been tightened properly before I took possession or they loosened since then (possibly due to having had just driven through freezing temperatures). I had only had the brand new car for 5 weeks and added 400 miles to the odometer (total mileage 544). Inspection report was provided by the nearest Kia dealership “Found 2 lugs snapped off taking the stud with it, and the rest of the lugs were loose. Damaged rotor screws, lug studs, and the wheel. Recommend replacing the hub assembly, lug nuts, wheel, and recheck vehicle operation.” Kiais claiming this is not covered by Warranty and is so far refusing to make repairs.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2022 KIA EV6- Alameda, CA
The ICCU failed, causing the battery to die which left me unable to drive the car further. The car needed to be towed to the Kia dealership, who confirmed that the ICCU had failed. A warning saying check electrical system showed on the dash when the part failed
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA SOUL- Landrum, SC
Car started running rough and stalling at stops. Replace crankshaft sensor and vvt solenoids. Found out there was a recall and sent to dealership for recall. They claim that the issue is not related to the recall, that the valves are the issue. But if the piston oil rings aren't working properly that would cause problems with the valves.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE