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 EV6
    - Reno, NV

    This is related to the NHTSA Recall Number24V867. We recently received this notice (a few weeks ago) and were planning to get it taken in. However, before we were able to do so it died with ZERO warning and simply wouldn't start. Had it towed to a dealer, who ignored that there is a recall, said the problem was the 12V battery being dead, and asked for $500 to replace the 12V battery... which was clearly damaged by the defective Kia charging system. So our complaint is two parts: i) allegedly the system would at least warn before dying (it didn't). and ii) in the process of being defective, it damaged other components and Kia is trying to not repair those claiming they're not under warranty. That is, frankly, crap.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2016 KIA OPTIMA
    - Valparaiso, FL

    Driving down the road trying to accelerate. My rpm's wouldn't go over 2000. The engine started fluttering and the accelerator stopped working. Went to take to local repair shop and they stated it was an issue with the engine. problem listed after a scan: OBD P1326 Recall NUMBER: PI1802W/X (Rev 2, 01/28/2019) With this stated. My vehicle under the same Year, Model, Engine, and Production Date are all calling for a recall but my VIN doesn't have a recall. So I am wanting to enquire why my vehicle doesn't have this recall.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2020 KIA SOUL
    - Shelbyville, KY

    While driving the vehicle on the highway I lost speed slowly..pull over an car made a rattling noise an stop running..Took to dealer.they have had my car going on three months..last I talk with them I had to agree with the next step which could cost me.to take apart.to see if I kept up with my oil changes...no offer of a rental car...I have almost lost my job twice..an I been there fifteen years..

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA EV6
    - Anaheim, CA

    I was about to drive to work and was still in the local area when suddenly a message popped up saying: "check electrical system" and "drive speed reduction", not allowing me to drive more than 10 mi/hr, but only about 30 seconds later a warning sound popped up and kept making noise. It was very dangerous for me. I had to pull over and call a tow truck via the Kia app (luckily the Kia app was still valid until 1/15/2025). At the time I reported, the car was at the dealer and there was no response from the dealer.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2023 KIA EV6
    - Charlotte, NC

    I received recall 24V867 from Kia dated 12/13/2024. The dealer alternately claims no knowledge of this recall, scheduled a service appointment to complete it, an today again claims no knowledge of the recall. Union Kia has put it on me to contact Kia America - that is not my job to correct their internal problems. Please advise. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2015 KIA OPTIMA
    - Brookhaven, PA

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to activate the defroster, the defroster failed to active to defrost the windshield. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, the heated steering wheel failed to operate as needed. The contact also stated that the front driver’s side and front passenger’s side heated seats were inoperable. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2022 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Trenton, FL

    Recall repairs done at original dealership(bought new). Passenger seat components that were repaired started an electrical fire under the passenger seat while vehicle was driving. There was a horrible smell inside the car and coming thru the air vents so I turned the ac off and smoke started billowing from under the seat. Immediately pulled over and removed children from car. Vehicle is available. Incident happened with 1 adult 3 kids in car driving. Dealership towed from side of road and kept in service for 54 days(rental provided) and returned with over 1600 new miles on it with no usage of the vehicle told to me and now the affected seat is not connected into the electrical system of the vehicle. Manufacturer did not choose to inspect. No warnings prior.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2012 KIA OPTIMA
    - VIrginia Beach, VA

    The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine warning light eventually became illuminated, and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The mechanic retrieved a fault code for the engine variable valve timing solenoid. The contact was informed that the engine variable valve timing solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact called a dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2020 KIA TELLURIDE
    - Midland, TX

    I am the owner of a 2020 Kia Telluride with less than 60,000 miles, and I am experiencing a significant issue with the paint peeling off the top of my vehicle. The car is always parked in a garage and only used for routine school pick-ups, with no incidents or accidents that could explain the peeling paint. After researching, I have discovered that this issue is a recurring problem for many Kia vehicles with the Snow White Pearl paint color. It is evident that this is a result of defective paint, and I am outraged that I am being quoted $3,500 to fix an issue caused by Kia’s faulty materials. The peeling has spread to two different areas and worsens daily, further devaluing my vehicle through no fault of my own. Given the widespread reports of this issue and ongoing discussions of a potential class action lawsuit, I urge Kia to address this problem immediately and take responsibility for the defective paint. I strongly believe this should be treated as a recall and that Kia should cover the cost of repairs. Please respond promptly with a resolution, as this is unacceptable for a vehicle of this age and mileage. I expect Kia to stand by the quality of its products and address this issue without further financial burden on your customers.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2023 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID
    - West Haverstraw, NY

    My 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid, with only 22,000 miles, has been experiencing a recurring "Check Hybrid System Stop Safely" error, causing sudden and complete loss of acceleration while driving. This issue first occurred in November 2024, while I was driving at highway speeds (60 mph), and has recurred multiple times since. The sudden loss of power puts my safety and others’ at serious risk by leaving the vehicle stranded in traffic, increasing the chance of accidents. On December 30, 2024, I brought the car to Kia of West Nyack for diagnosis and repair, providing video evidence of the error. However, the dealership claims they cannot replicate the issue and has not completed any repairs. While the dealership has stated since last week that a Techline case was opened, Kia Corporate confirmed no such case exists, highlighting a lack of accountability and coordination. For over two weeks, no progress has been made, and the issue has not been escalated to a specialist. Despite being under warranty, I have not been offered a loaner vehicle, significantly impacting my daily life, work, and family responsibilities. This issue is further complicated by Kia’s inability to log intermittent errors, as the "Check Hybrid System Stop Safely" message disappears when the car is restarted. This design flaw has allowed the dealership to dismiss the error as unreproducible, despite video evidence provided. This situation has left me questioning whether my car is safe to drive and when it will be repaired. This defect is not isolated to my vehicle. Many other Kia and Hyundai hybrid owners have reported the same error, highlighting a widespread safety issue. Despite its warranty obligations, Kia has failed to act promptly to address this defect. Immediate action is needed to ensure the safety of this vehicle and others affected by this recurring problem.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE