Kia problems
Kia Corporation (Korean: 기아, IPA: , formerly known as Kyungsung Precision Industry (京城精密工業) and Kia Motors Corporation) is a South Korean multinational automobile manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. It is South Korea's second largest automobile manufacturer, after its parent company, Hyundai Motor Company, with sales of over 2.8 million vehicles in 2019. As of 2015, Kia is owned by Hyundai, which holds a 33.88% stake valued at just over US$6 billion. Kia in turn is a minority owner of more than twenty Hyundai subsidiaries ranging from 4.9% up to 45.37%, totaling more than US$8.3 billion.
Etymology
According to the company, the name "Kia" derives from the Sino-Korean characters 起 (ki, 'to arise') and 亞 (a, which stands for 亞細亞, meaning 'Asia'); it is roughly translated as "Rising from (East) Asia".
History
Origins and early expansion
Kia was founded on June 9, 1944, as Kyungsung Precision Industry, a manufacturer of steel tubing and bicycle parts, eventually producing Korea's first domestic bicycle, the Samchuly, in 1951. In 1952, Kyungsung Precision Industry changed its name to Kia Industries, and later built Honda-licensed small motorcycles (starting in 1957) and Mazda-licensed trucks (1962) and cars (1974). The company opened its first integrated automotive assembly plant in 1973, the Sohari Plant. Kia built the small Mazda-based Brisa range of cars until 1981, when production came to an end after the new military dictator Chun Doo-hwan enforced industry consolidation. This forced Kia to give up passenger cars and focus entirely on light trucks. Kia assembled a few hundred more cars in 1982 and 1983, after the ban had taken effect, but no passenger cars were built in 1984 and 1985.
Prior to the forced 1981 shutdown, Kia had rounded out its passenger car lineup with two other foreign models assembled under license: the Fiat 132 and the Peugeot 604. The import of these knock-down kits was permitted as long as Kia exported five cars for every single Fiat or Peugeot brought in (Hyundai had to meet the same requirement).
Starting in 1986 (when only 26 cars were manufactured, followed by over 95,000 the next year), Kia rejoined the automobile industry in partnership with Ford. Kia produced several Mazda-derived vehicles for both domestic sales in South Korea and for export into other countries - where they were positioned at the budget end of the market. These models included the Kia Pride, based on the Mazda 121 and the Avella, which were sold in North America and Australasia as the Ford Festiva and Ford Aspire. In 1992, Kia Motors America was incorporated in the United States. The first Kia-branded vehicles in the United States were sold from four dealerships in Portland, Oregon, in 1993. Since then, Kia methodically expanded one region at a time. Dealers in 1994 sold the Sephia and a few years later the United States segment expanded their line with the Sportage. Over one hundred Kia dealerships existed across thirty states by 1995, selling a record 24,740 automobiles.
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Kia models
Common Kia problems
Based on complaints from Kia car owners, several common problems have been reported:
- Issues with GTDI Motors: Some Kia owners have reported problems with GTDI motors, particularly around the 60,000-mile mark, where these motors can experience failures. This issue can be significant as it may lead to engine damage and potentially costly repairs if not addressed promptly.
- Reliability Concerns: While Kia has high reliability ratings, no car is entirely free of issues. This reliability concern highlights the importance of regular maintenance and monitoring for Kia owners.
- Charging Unit Problems: Recent recalls by Hyundai and Kia due to charging unit problems in vehicles like the Ioniq and EV6 have raised safety concerns. Issues with the integrated charging control unit can lead to power loss while driving, posing a risk of accidents and safety hazards for drivers. This problem emphasizes the importance of addressing recalls promptly to ensure vehicle safety.
These common problems reported by Kia car owners highlight the importance of regular maintenance, prompt attention to warning signs, and staying informed about recalls to ensure the longevity and safety of Kia vehicles.
Percentage distribution of complaints by Kia models
We have analysed all the complaints filed against Kia cars and compiled the top 5 most problematic Kia models:
Below you can see the percentage distribution of known problems by Kia brand.
Distribution of the number of complaints by Kia models
We have also compiled a table for you with the number of complaints about specific models of Kia cars:
Distribution of Kia car problems by type
Based on an anlyse of all Kia related complaints and concluded that the most common problems with Kia cars are the following:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Service brakes problems
- Power train problems
Below is a graph with statistics on all Kia vehicle components and the number of complaints about them.
Distribution of the number of complaints where the accident occurred by Kia models
A total of 2337 complaints were registered in which the accident occurred. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with fire by Kia models
There were a total of 1850 complaints that resulted in a fire. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with injuries by Kia models
There were a total of 2245 complaints that resulted in a injuries. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
Distribution of the number of complaints with deaths by Kia models
There were a total of 87 complaints that resulted in a death. In the graph you can see the distribution of the number of complaints by model.
The NHTSA has received 39133 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Kia Kia. Below are 15 recent complaints about various Kia models. In order to research complaints about a particular brand you need to select it from the list of available models above.
List of the last 15 complaints about Kia models
Kia Sportage 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-07
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XYK6CAF5PG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Dear NHTSA Defects and Recall Team, My name is [XXX] , and I am writing this email along with my wife, [XXX] , to report a serious safety issue with our 2023 Kia Sportage. I am writing to bring a serious, ongoing vehicle safety issue involving a Kia Sportage to your attention. My family and I are facing repeated, hazardous malfunctions with our vehicle that have led us to fear for our lives, as well as the safety of others on the road. Since mid-September, our 2023 Kia Sportage has experienced sudden, unanticipated shut-offs both while parked and, most dangerously, while driving. During these incidents, the brake pedal becomes completely unresponsive, hazard lights fail to activate, and the vehicle is left stranded and inoperable. Most recently, while driving in traffic, the car shut off without warning, leaving us in an extremely vulnerable position. These repeated failures could lead to a catastrophic accident, especially considering we often travel with our [XXX] child in the vehicle. Despite notifying Kia and seeking assistance from their customer service team, the issue remains unresolved, and their response has been unacceptably slow. Given the severity of these malfunctions and their direct impact on public safety, we respectfully request your support in addressing this matter. We believe Kia has a responsibility to ensure the safety of its vehicles and to take immediate action when serious safety risks arise. We request that the NHTSA investigate the issue and consider any necessary recalls or further action to ensure public safety. We would appreciate any guidance or assistance your office could provide in helping us resolve this life-threatening issue. Sincerely, [XXX] and [XXX] [XXX] | [XXX] Kia Sportage X Line AWD [XXX] Purchased date: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Kia Ev9 2024
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-27
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: KNDADFS53R6
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Main head display in front of driver is blank. No live driving information is displayed, speed, state of charge, etc. This has happened 3 separate times at this point. So far, leaving the car turned off and locked for an undetermined amount of time (over 30 minutes?) has resolved the issue as the next time the car is started the display functions as normal.
Kia Rio 2020
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3KPA24AD1LE
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Recall SC223 Brake master cylinder. Rough metal edges can pinatrate Seals causing leaks poor braking functionality. NHTSA Capaign ID# 21V936000. Nov.30th.2021, 87 vehicles effected. Clay Cooley kia refused to honor the recall and fix the problem with my vehicle on 10/25/2024. Recall on the catalytic converters. Recall SC176 , Carbon monoxide poisoning due to exhaust systems malfunctioning and exhaust coming through the AC system. When I took my 2020 Rio S to Vanguard Kia Arlington Texas. Vanguard kia refused to honor the recall because my vehicle had over 80,000 miles and that's why Vanguard Kia service advisors wouldn't replace the catalytic converters. Or Vanguard kia would have replaced them! Even though it was a Safety issue. My wife and I recently was admitted to Parkland hospital for carbon monoxide poisoning levels of tests taken at the hospital blood gas tests were above level 9 for carbon monoxide poisoning. My level was 13. So now we're having to drive our 2020 rio s with the windows down and the ac vents closed. To keep from getting carbon monoxide poisoning again!! Please help us get these 2 SAFETY RECALL ISSUES FIXED. We cannot afford it out of pocket. Kia Should honor their recalls. vehicle owners.
Kia Optima 2012
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-30
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 1
- VIN: KNAGM4AD6C5
- Components: POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: Power train and engine failure and causing my Kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was Driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train For over $9000 between repairs and labor and transmission and engine
Kia Optima 2014
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-27
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XXGN4A76EG
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Complaint Summary: I am the current owner of a 2014 Kia Optima, which is affected by recall 23V652 related to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU). The vehicle was imported to the UAE, and the recall was not addressed by the previous owner. As a result, I am now facing significant safety issues. Since taking ownership, I have encountered multiple engine problems, including sudden power loss, severe vibrations, and abnormal behavior from the throttle. These symptoms align with the issues outlined in the recall notice, indicating that the vehicle may pose a safety risk to me and other road users. Despite my efforts to diagnose the problems, I have already incurred costs exceeding 13 AED on various repairs and diagnostic services, all while being unaware of the existing recall. It was only recently that I discovered the recall information online, which has heightened my concern regarding the safety of my vehicle and the potential for further complications. Given these circumstances, I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA in resolving this recall issue and guidance on how to proceed with the necessary repairs while the vehicle is registered under my name in the UAE. It is crucial for me to ensure the safety of my vehicle for my own protection and for the safety of others on the road. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to any support you can provide. Please let me know if further information or documentation is needed Thanks alot
Kia Optima 2019
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-26
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XXGU4L15KG
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: PAINT CAME OFF OF THE HOOD AND TRUNK (PEARL WHITE)
Kia K5 2023
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-09
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XXG64J20PG
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: I submitted a previous report NHTSA ID: 11488746 and have not heard anything. I continue to have this problem and am afraid it could cause a severe accident. When I come to a stop with the "Auto Hold" engaged the acceleration increases to 4 rpms or a little higher so I hold the brake down hard with my foot in fear that the Auto Hold will not work. I proceed to shift it in Park then as i take my foot off the brake the acceleration returns to normal. This is very alarming and has occurred to me at least 20 times since I've had the car. I have had the car in the dealership but they do not see anything wrong with it and does not register any Error codes. The car has less than 10k miles on it.
Kia Forte 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-10
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-26
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 3KPF44AC2NE
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I got into an accident i On December 10th, 2023 my car was totaled out. My steering wheel felt like it was doing its own thing and I crashed straight into a curb and some rocks. I was injured and they had just fixed my steering because of the recall but I don’t know if they did it correctly
Kia Sorento 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-17
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XYRL4LC0NG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,SEAT BELTS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH, the forward camera was obstructed. The steering over corrected while turned off. The transmission was accelerating and decelerating without application. The collision control engaged without an object in the driving path. The drive-side seat belt randomly unlatched. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer, who diagnosed and determined that the transmission and seat belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a case but declined to buy back the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 28,660.
Kia Sorento 2011
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-23
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XYKUDA29BG
- Components: SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 3 different episodes suv will start by appear warning lights downhill, slippery road, abs, engine , decrease speed, shuts down, tire pressure finally battery dead and rubber smell. I've had it fixed once mentioned it was Altarnator, second time battery, finally third time something electrical or unknown. Total cost now $3000 and my life in danger al 3 times and towec.
Kia Forte 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-08
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: KNAFK4A69F5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The engine lost pressure while being driven on the interstate. My daughter was able to pull over and then the car began to smoke. She and a passenger immediately exited the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the nearest shop and was diagnosed with engine failure. My daughter indicated that no check engine light illuminated nor did the temperature gauge note that the vehicle was overheating, but it just began to lose pressure even when she tried to accelerate. I was researching cost to have the engine replaced and came across other Forte owner's testimony that they have had engine problems as well, but the Forte was not listed under the Kia recall for engine issues. But perhaps, it should be.
Kia Sorento 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XYKTCA62FG
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2015 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving 2- 4 MPH on a bumpy driveway, the front end of the vehicle and the steering started shuddering violently. Additionally, the contact had noticed that the steering wheel had become abnormally loose, and there was significant play in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the steering coupler had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Kia Soul ev 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: KNDJP3A5XF7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home . drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp,. could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to get car home, took it to the kia dealer (car pros moreno valley) towed to them because they said had to get a appt,. which they set up for today 10/25/2024. the intake person was letting us know it was just a update as if the fuel leak and oil leak was not a part of the recall and it would cost us 9000-13,000 to fix the engine plus the diagnosis of 240.00 getting the run around already for a dangerous situation. the car has caught fire for other owners, of the same year and make. the customer care person stated to me it is just a oil pan leak, as if the car is safe and anything else is our problem. the car reeks of fumes and could not be safe to drive. they were questioning us about the recall as to why it was not done? we told him we were not the owners we dont know if they got the notices? no, unknown only owned the car 0n 10/12/24 for 30 minutes before this started warning lights appeared on dash after knocking and acceleration went out. car was towed and left at kia dealer today. he was talking to us as if it was our fault the car was dangerous and could blow up while driving!!!
Kia Soul 2015
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-25
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: KNDJP3A5XF7
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: purchased vehicle on 10/12/2024 was driving it home the car started knocking, and loosing acceleration on freeway. the car was smelling of very volatile gas fumes. i put some gas in car for the trip home . drove about 15-18 miles had to pullover into the v shape of the merging section of a on ramp,. could not make it to the emergency lane on the freeway. used family members road side assistance to get car home, took it to the kia dealer (car pros moreno valley) towed to them because they said had to get a appt,. which they set up for today 10/25/2024. the intake person was letting us know it was just a update as if the fuel leak and oil leak was not a part of the recall and it would cost us 9000-13,000 to fix the engine plus the diagnosis of 240.00 getting the run around already for a dangerous situation. the car has caught fire for other owners, of the same year and make. the customer care person stated to me it is just a oil pan leak, as if the car is safe and anything else is our problem. the car reeks of fumes and could not be safe to drive. they were questioning us about the recall as to why it was not done? we told him we were not the owners we dont know if they got the notices? no, unknown only owned the car 0n 10/12/24 for 30 minutes before this started warning lights appeared on dash after knocking and acceleration went out. car was towed and left at kia dealer today. he was talking to us as if it was our fault the car was dangerous and could blow up while driving!!!
Kia Telluride 2022
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- Date Complaint: 2024-10-25
- Number Of Injuries: 0
- Number Of Deaths: 0
- Crash: 0
- Fire: 0
- VIN: 5XYP3DHC5NG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
- Summary: Sunroof is stuck in an open position unable to be closed. Upon attempting to open the sunroof, the deflector snapped off the assembly and the sunroof track broke. Took car to dealership (Raceway Kia, 4044 US-9, Freehold, NJ 07728) for service. Dealership indicated the sunroof is beyond repair and requires installation of an entirely brand new sunroof assembly at a cost of $5730 because it occurred outside the warranty (warranty expired at 60,000 miles and the car had 70,463 miles when sunroof broke). They were unable to manually close the sunroof as a temporary solution. Therefore, the sunroof remains open due to the broken track and is covered with plastic to avoid the elements. There were no prior symptoms indicating that the sunroof would break in this way. In fact, in three years of ownership, the sunroof was rarely used and only opened a handful of times before breaking. At this time of this writing, the sunroof is available for inspection while I look for more economical means of repair versus the dealership's plan to replace the entire assembly.
Latest 5 Kia recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 593 recalls involving various Kia models.You can learn more about the model you are interested in by selecting it from the list.
- Model: Kia Ev9 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-10-10
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 EV9 vehicles. Due to a software error, the instrument panel screen may fail. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Controls and Displays."
- Consequence: An instrument panel screen that fails to display critical safety information, such as the speedometer or warning lights, can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: The instrument cluster software will be updated by a dealer or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 25, 2024. Owners may contact Kia Customer Service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC326.
- Model: Kia Ev9 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-09-17
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: PARKING BRAKE:ELECTRICAL:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 EV9 vehicles. A software error may cause the remote smart parking assist feature, which allows the operator to remotely move the vehicle, to miscalculate stopping distances.
- Consequence: A remote smart parking assist feature that miscalculates stopping distances may increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the integrated electronic brake software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 4, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC324.
- Model: Kia Sportage 2024
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-07
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Kia Sportage vehicles. The circuit board in the motor-driven power steering assembly may short circuit, resulting in a loss of power steering assist.
- Consequence: A loss of power steering assist can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will replace the motor-driven power steering electric power pack, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 19, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC319.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2023
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
- Model: Kia Telluride 2021
- Report Received Date: 2024-06-05
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Park Out Side: 1
- Park Out Side: 1
- Components: SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:POWER ADJUST
- Summary: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2024 Telluride vehicles. The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
- Consequence: A fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will install a bracket for the power seat switch back covers and replace the seat slide knobs, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 30, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC316.
Are you having problems with your Kia?