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.

  • 2016 KIA SORENTO
    - Micanopy, FL

    ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD SOUNDS AFTER OIL CHANGE AT 128, 000 MILES AND BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN WHILE DRIVING HAVING A HARD TIME ENGAGING TO NEXT GEAR. ENGINE LIGHT DID COME ONE And STOP AT CLOSES ATUO PARTS STORE TO HAVE IT CHECKED FOR ENGINE LIGHT TEST. SAFETY RISK TO DRIVE AND PASSAGERS IF CAR FALL TO MOVE ON HIGHWAY CAUSING ACCIDENT. PROBLEM WAS REPORTED TO KIA AND WE WERE TOLD TO BRING IT IN AND IT WOULD BE LOOKED AT FOR 200 DOLLARS.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2019 KIA SORENTO
    - Round Hill, VA

    Engined failed in the middle of the highway at 100,800 miles. Engine has had horrible oil consumption issues for a long time, despite regular oil changes and checking the oil levels. KIA already has a 150k class action settlement for engine failure due to connecting rod bearing failure, but have denied warranty and wanted out of pocket $7600 for full engine replacement.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2015 KIA OPTIMA
    - Hanford, CA

    The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from under the hood before the engine seized. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was repaired for several oil leaks, timing chain, timing chain cover, and fuel gaskets failures. The vehicle was later towed to another local dealer, Visalia Kia (825 S Ben Maddox Way, Visalia, CA 93292); for a second opinion where the vehicle was diagnosed with a rod bearing failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired under an engine warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 126,800.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2019 KIA SORENTO
    - Greenwood, LA

    Multifunction front camera unit part number 95740-c6560. Warning lights come on every day. They continue to alert while driving causing issues with attention to the road. The high beams will not work unless the lights are set to on instead of auto. Vehicle was taken to a Kia dealership, and they diagnosed a complete failure on the part. This part operates several of the safety functions of the vehicle. There have been several people who have had this issue.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2013 KIA OPTIMA
    - Little River, SC

    The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware an excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taking to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 135,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2016 KIA OPTIMA
    - Raeford, NC

    The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for a scheduled service and the contact was informed that while the vehicle was running, the engine was vibrating abnormally. The contact was informed that the rattling might have been caused by the abnormal vibration of the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was replaced in 2023 under an undisclosed recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2012 KIA OPTIMA
    - Balrico, FL

    The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke and flames were suddenly present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to an inbound facility. No report was taken and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 151,000.

    Source: HOTLINE VEHICLE OWNERS QUESTIONNAIRE
  • 2022 KIA NIRO
    - Wayland, MO

    I got my oil changed and since I picked it up, I have an EPB light on and my “auto-hold” is orange, I also can’t set my cruise control. This disables safety features on my car- adaptive cruise control.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2022 KIA EV6
    - Hillsboro, OR

    While braking in parking lot with low speed and turning the steering wheel, all of sudden the vehicle reving up by itself and then accelerate forward uncontrollably.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE
  • 2024 KIA SPORTAGE HYBRID
    - Royal Oak, MI

    Cruise control suddenly jumped to 110mph. Could not adjust the speed. Could only turn off cruise control. It happened several times in a row. Car would speed up until I hit the brake.

    Source: NHTSA WEB SITE