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 SORENTO- Aurora, CO
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH and making a left turn, the vehicle lost power. The accelerator pedal was depressed down to the floorboard; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact drove the vehicle for a mile to the workplace. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket and upper radiator hose had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure had occurred on 8 occasions. The contact stated that the engine overheating had persisted. The vehicle was taken to a second independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine block was cracked. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2013 KIA OPTIMA- Chicago, IL
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined the failure was linked to DTC code: P0445, indicating an issue with the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. The mechanic replaced the fuel canister, and engine cap. The contact stated while driving 77-85 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) where it was determined that the engine was knocking but there were no codes retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
2016 KIA SORENTO- Lancaster, NY
I was driving on the Thruway and suddenly my check engine light came on and a large plume of black smoke came from the exhaust. The car was misfiring badly. I nursed it home and the next day took it to my mechanic, hoping it was a coil or plug. I had almost zero compression in cylinder #2. I then took vehicle to his engine repair shop. The owner told me the next day that I needed a new engine. I picked it up the next day and took it to my dealer, and they also told me I needed a new engine as well as a new intake manifold. Cost was $10,550.00. There were no warning lights or messages prior to the incident. There was a 1" X 1" hole in my intake manifold.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2016 KIA SEDONA- Fort Worth, TX
Engine died in the middle of driving. After having it towed and diagnosed, there was no engine oil at all. I still had 1500 miles before the recommended mileage for my next oil change. No warning lights. Engine is totally seized and will need to be replaced. Kia dealership stated that an indicator should have told me that my oil was low and the engine should have shut off prior to running dry. We were driving with my 4 children in the car. Thankfully we were on a side road where we could push the car to safety.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2012 KIA FORTE- Jasper, AL
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving at approximately 15 MPH, as the contact was turning to the left and ascending a slight grade in the road the vehicle's rear end was swaying to the left and the right. The contact stated she was not able to regain control of the vehicle and drove off of the roadway and down an embankment. The contact was rendered unconscious. The contact stated that emergency services were on the scene and the state police. The contact stated that she was not transported to the hospital and was taken to her residence by the state police. The contact stated that the police had issued a report. The contact later was taken to the hospital and was diagnosed as having a fractured sternum, damage to her lower back, concussion, and neck damage. The contact stated that the police had the vehicle towed to an impound lot. The contact stated that her insurance provider had declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The contact stated that before the crash the vehicle had been stalling intermittently but she had not had the vehicle taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE -
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2021 KIA K5- los angeles, CA
I've took my lease vehicle too dealer for the same problem 3 time car shake no matte what speed check engine light flashes code P0302 cylinder 2 misfire
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2020 KIA TELLURIDE- Heltonville , IN
Oil filter, housing leaks where it bolts to the motor this could become a fire hazard but the exhaust close to it
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2024 KIA EV9- Seattle , WA
Vehicles accelerates aggressively to no limit (95+) when adaptive cruise control is set and there is no leading vehicle within following range.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2012 KIA SORENTO- Smyrna, TN
Driving on the highway, engine began to tick and make strange noise, engine light flashed, oil light cam on and engine ceased.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE -
2025 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID- Midlothian, VA
While driving, my cruise control got stuck at 110 miles per hour. Three times I turned it off and on and each time the 'cruise' speed was set at 110mph. I took it to the local dealer and they were unable to replicate the issue.
Source: NHTSA WEB SITE