Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
9 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Sedona, Soul, Soul EV, 2017-2018 Forte, and 2017 Forte Koup vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit. Circuit damage may result in deactivated air bags that will not deploy in a crash.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC226
Recall Date: Jan 25, 2022
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Forte 4-door, Forte Koup 2-door, and 2018-2019 Rio 4-door vehicles. The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC216
Recall Date: Aug 9, 2021
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Forte vehicles equipped with a 2.0L Nu MPI engine. Foreign particles may stick inside the oil pump, which may cause an oil pump failure and engine damage.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC210
Recall Date: Apr 13, 2021
Consumer Complaints
167 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop the car
Corrective Action:
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop the car
Additional Notes:
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop the car
Mfg Campaign: 11583731
Recall Date: Apr 18, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SEAT BELTS
Potential Consequences:
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop the car
Corrective Action:
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop the car
Additional Notes:
I got into a car accident and my air bags never deployed and the seat beat didn’t lock so I cause me to get jerked and my head hit the side door and I messed up my left shoulder and arm in the process of holding myself from hitting the steering wheel and my breaks didn’t stop when I got hit and pressed down my car got stuck on drive accelerating on its own after I had my foot on break to stop the car
Mfg Campaign: 11583731
Recall Date: Apr 18, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Corrective Action:
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Additional Notes:
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Mfg Campaign: 11580324
Recall Date: Mar 31, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Potential Consequences:
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Corrective Action:
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Additional Notes:
Started my car it was making a tapping noise. I tried driving home the noise got worse and my car didn’t want to accelerate very much. I noticed a recall for other 2018 Kia fortes as mine is doing exactly what others are but my car isn’t included in the recall. I think the recall outlook is bigger than imagined.
Mfg Campaign: 11580324
Recall Date: Mar 31, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My vehicle has 90,000 miles on it. I was leaving from work when I started to drive it, it was making a noise so I checked before leaving the parking lot I didn’t see anything wrong. As I drove home the noise got worse and the car was having problems accelerating. The noise turned into a thumping and the car slowed even more. When I got home I realized the engine is knocking and there’s a recall out but not for my VIN. It’s having the same issue as other 2018 Kia fortes with engine malfunctions.
Corrective Action:
My vehicle has 90,000 miles on it. I was leaving from work when I started to drive it, it was making a noise so I checked before leaving the parking lot I didn’t see anything wrong. As I drove home the noise got worse and the car was having problems accelerating. The noise turned into a thumping and the car slowed even more. When I got home I realized the engine is knocking and there’s a recall out but not for my VIN. It’s having the same issue as other 2018 Kia fortes with engine malfunctions.
Additional Notes:
My vehicle has 90,000 miles on it. I was leaving from work when I started to drive it, it was making a noise so I checked before leaving the parking lot I didn’t see anything wrong. As I drove home the noise got worse and the car was having problems accelerating. The noise turned into a thumping and the car slowed even more. When I got home I realized the engine is knocking and there’s a recall out but not for my VIN. It’s having the same issue as other 2018 Kia fortes with engine malfunctions.
Mfg Campaign: 11579217
Recall Date: Mar 25, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a DTC code indicated there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and there was a fuel error ratio fault. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a DTC code indicated there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and there was a fuel error ratio fault. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and a DTC code indicated there was a misfire in cylinder #2 and there was a fuel error ratio fault. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, however the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11573562
Recall Date: Feb 23, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SUSPENSION
Potential Consequences:
Front lower control arms were entirely rusted out to the point that one had completely detached and the other was nearly detached. Had the second arm rusted out, the risk of loosing control of the vehicle was incredibly high. Vehicle has under 75k miles and is well maintained. Was replaced and mechanic was even surprised at the state of the rise of the vehicle.
Corrective Action:
Front lower control arms were entirely rusted out to the point that one had completely detached and the other was nearly detached. Had the second arm rusted out, the risk of loosing control of the vehicle was incredibly high. Vehicle has under 75k miles and is well maintained. Was replaced and mechanic was even surprised at the state of the rise of the vehicle.
Additional Notes:
Front lower control arms were entirely rusted out to the point that one had completely detached and the other was nearly detached. Had the second arm rusted out, the risk of loosing control of the vehicle was incredibly high. Vehicle has under 75k miles and is well maintained. Was replaced and mechanic was even surprised at the state of the rise of the vehicle.
Mfg Campaign: 11573694
Recall Date: Feb 23, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My car stalled in the middle of a busy road at 80k miles on the way to get an oil change. Never had any issues or lights on with the vehicle prior and oil maintenance was performed regularly. My safety was impacted due to not being able to get of of car in the middle of the street and could have caused a major accident or gotten killed on that road from cars speeding past. My car has been at the Kia service center for 4 months with no confirmation of when this can be resolved due to my specific engine being on back order. Kia has been known to produce bad engines and has a prior lawsuit out for other models, I believe this model should be included as well since it did the exact same thing as previous models that are no longer sold due to engine failures.I have reached out to Kia corporate several times a week since December and have had no success in persuading them to take this matter more seriously. I have explained not only my personal concern but also the safety concern to multiple people in the corporation and have had no relief emotionally about this and have been placed in an even tighter situation not being provided a replacement or rental in the meantime. I am also put in a financial bind due to being out of a car for this long and having to spend thousands on transportation, car payments, and car insurance on a car that hasn’t been in my possession due to a system failure that was out of my control and Kia’s known problem of engine malfunctions. Thank you in advance for your assistance and time spent listening to my concerns I hope to have all of this resolved for me and current/future Kia owners.
Corrective Action:
My car stalled in the middle of a busy road at 80k miles on the way to get an oil change. Never had any issues or lights on with the vehicle prior and oil maintenance was performed regularly. My safety was impacted due to not being able to get of of car in the middle of the street and could have caused a major accident or gotten killed on that road from cars speeding past. My car has been at the Kia service center for 4 months with no confirmation of when this can be resolved due to my specific engine being on back order. Kia has been known to produce bad engines and has a prior lawsuit out for other models, I believe this model should be included as well since it did the exact same thing as previous models that are no longer sold due to engine failures.I have reached out to Kia corporate several times a week since December and have had no success in persuading them to take this matter more seriously. I have explained not only my personal concern but also the safety concern to multiple people in the corporation and have had no relief emotionally about this and have been placed in an even tighter situation not being provided a replacement or rental in the meantime. I am also put in a financial bind due to being out of a car for this long and having to spend thousands on transportation, car payments, and car insurance on a car that hasn’t been in my possession due to a system failure that was out of my control and Kia’s known problem of engine malfunctions. Thank you in advance for your assistance and time spent listening to my concerns I hope to have all of this resolved for me and current/future Kia owners.
Additional Notes:
My car stalled in the middle of a busy road at 80k miles on the way to get an oil change. Never had any issues or lights on with the vehicle prior and oil maintenance was performed regularly. My safety was impacted due to not being able to get of of car in the middle of the street and could have caused a major accident or gotten killed on that road from cars speeding past. My car has been at the Kia service center for 4 months with no confirmation of when this can be resolved due to my specific engine being on back order. Kia has been known to produce bad engines and has a prior lawsuit out for other models, I believe this model should be included as well since it did the exact same thing as previous models that are no longer sold due to engine failures.I have reached out to Kia corporate several times a week since December and have had no success in persuading them to take this matter more seriously. I have explained not only my personal concern but also the safety concern to multiple people in the corporation and have had no relief emotionally about this and have been placed in an even tighter situation not being provided a replacement or rental in the meantime. I am also put in a financial bind due to being out of a car for this long and having to spend thousands on transportation, car payments, and car insurance on a car that hasn’t been in my possession due to a system failure that was out of my control and Kia’s known problem of engine malfunctions. Thank you in advance for your assistance and time spent listening to my concerns I hope to have all of this resolved for me and current/future Kia owners.
Mfg Campaign: 11573379
Recall Date: Feb 22, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
While driving my car it just dies. I put a new battery in it I've checked the alternator I've done all of those things and I have no check engine light nothing no kind of warning or anything. I know there is a recall for this happening but my VIN number is not showing that I have a recall for it.
Corrective Action:
While driving my car it just dies. I put a new battery in it I've checked the alternator I've done all of those things and I have no check engine light nothing no kind of warning or anything. I know there is a recall for this happening but my VIN number is not showing that I have a recall for it.
Additional Notes:
While driving my car it just dies. I put a new battery in it I've checked the alternator I've done all of those things and I have no check engine light nothing no kind of warning or anything. I know there is a recall for this happening but my VIN number is not showing that I have a recall for it.
Mfg Campaign: 11573161
Recall Date: Feb 21, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Corrective Action:
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Additional Notes:
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Mfg Campaign: 11571352
Recall Date: Feb 11, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Corrective Action:
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Additional Notes:
Brakes completely locked up during my attempt to stop the vehicle does have abs and that is supposed to allow the wheels to keep moving so that you can try to maneuver and when I made contact with the other vehicle the airbag never deployed
Mfg Campaign: 11571352
Recall Date: Feb 11, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Corrective Action:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Additional Notes:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Mfg Campaign: 11571085
Recall Date: Feb 9, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Corrective Action:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Additional Notes:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Mfg Campaign: 11571085
Recall Date: Feb 9, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Corrective Action:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Additional Notes:
Trunk opens unexpectedly
Mfg Campaign: 11571085
Recall Date: Feb 9, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
The airbag lights indicator on the dash are going on and off periodically as I used the vehicle
Corrective Action:
The airbag lights indicator on the dash are going on and off periodically as I used the vehicle
Additional Notes:
The airbag lights indicator on the dash are going on and off periodically as I used the vehicle
Mfg Campaign: 11569646
Recall Date: Feb 3, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The vehicle stalls while driving during inclement weather. It needs to be restarted for it to continue driving. I have taken the car to multiple dealerships and they cannot locate the problem. I have also taken it to general mechanic shops and they cannot locate the issue. There isn't a code that is shown or a recall, there isn't even a warning lamp showing on the dash. This is creating a significant safety concern for anyone that is driving behind me. I haven't been rear ended yet but it's only a matter of time. If multiple dealers cannot fix the issue I believe this is a defective car. I have tried to contact Kia for guidance and they have not been any help. Please help me get through to Kia that they have sold a defective car and it is a safety hazard on the road.
Corrective Action:
The vehicle stalls while driving during inclement weather. It needs to be restarted for it to continue driving. I have taken the car to multiple dealerships and they cannot locate the problem. I have also taken it to general mechanic shops and they cannot locate the issue. There isn't a code that is shown or a recall, there isn't even a warning lamp showing on the dash. This is creating a significant safety concern for anyone that is driving behind me. I haven't been rear ended yet but it's only a matter of time. If multiple dealers cannot fix the issue I believe this is a defective car. I have tried to contact Kia for guidance and they have not been any help. Please help me get through to Kia that they have sold a defective car and it is a safety hazard on the road.
Additional Notes:
The vehicle stalls while driving during inclement weather. It needs to be restarted for it to continue driving. I have taken the car to multiple dealerships and they cannot locate the problem. I have also taken it to general mechanic shops and they cannot locate the issue. There isn't a code that is shown or a recall, there isn't even a warning lamp showing on the dash. This is creating a significant safety concern for anyone that is driving behind me. I haven't been rear ended yet but it's only a matter of time. If multiple dealers cannot fix the issue I believe this is a defective car. I have tried to contact Kia for guidance and they have not been any help. Please help me get through to Kia that they have sold a defective car and it is a safety hazard on the road.
Mfg Campaign: 11567808
Recall Date: Jan 25, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The car stalled radomly when I was in a drive thru for only 10 mins
Corrective Action:
The car stalled radomly when I was in a drive thru for only 10 mins
Additional Notes:
The car stalled radomly when I was in a drive thru for only 10 mins
Mfg Campaign: 11564527
Recall Date: Jan 10, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
I have 4 recall notices on this vehicle, my trunk latch stopped working 3 days ago, after a trip to the grocery store. now the trunk will not close had to strap it down with bungee cords to the under carriage . The 2 Kia Dealers in my area of Riverside County California have said to me they’re not touching recall work, there’s that excuse, I’ve requested 4 appointments online with both dealers and I’ve never gotten a call-back! They suggest scheduling appointments online because no one answers the phones. If they do answer a ringing phone they simply transfer me to another phone that nobody answers. Frustrating. No voicemail?! I’m getting no support from Kia! It’s illegal in California to drive with your trunk strapped down, it’s also a huge safety issue! Having to strap the trunk down is damaging my car paint job. Trying to do the right thing and getting no support. What do I do now? Allstar Kia in San Bernardino is where I bought my Kia and Riverside Kia in Riverside CA is where I was told they weren’t dealing with recall work. That’s why they don’t answer ringing phones. Help please!
Corrective Action:
I have 4 recall notices on this vehicle, my trunk latch stopped working 3 days ago, after a trip to the grocery store. now the trunk will not close had to strap it down with bungee cords to the under carriage . The 2 Kia Dealers in my area of Riverside County California have said to me they’re not touching recall work, there’s that excuse, I’ve requested 4 appointments online with both dealers and I’ve never gotten a call-back! They suggest scheduling appointments online because no one answers the phones. If they do answer a ringing phone they simply transfer me to another phone that nobody answers. Frustrating. No voicemail?! I’m getting no support from Kia! It’s illegal in California to drive with your trunk strapped down, it’s also a huge safety issue! Having to strap the trunk down is damaging my car paint job. Trying to do the right thing and getting no support. What do I do now? Allstar Kia in San Bernardino is where I bought my Kia and Riverside Kia in Riverside CA is where I was told they weren’t dealing with recall work. That’s why they don’t answer ringing phones. Help please!
Additional Notes:
I have 4 recall notices on this vehicle, my trunk latch stopped working 3 days ago, after a trip to the grocery store. now the trunk will not close had to strap it down with bungee cords to the under carriage . The 2 Kia Dealers in my area of Riverside County California have said to me they’re not touching recall work, there’s that excuse, I’ve requested 4 appointments online with both dealers and I’ve never gotten a call-back! They suggest scheduling appointments online because no one answers the phones. If they do answer a ringing phone they simply transfer me to another phone that nobody answers. Frustrating. No voicemail?! I’m getting no support from Kia! It’s illegal in California to drive with your trunk strapped down, it’s also a huge safety issue! Having to strap the trunk down is damaging my car paint job. Trying to do the right thing and getting no support. What do I do now? Allstar Kia in San Bernardino is where I bought my Kia and Riverside Kia in Riverside CA is where I was told they weren’t dealing with recall work. That’s why they don’t answer ringing phones. Help please!
Mfg Campaign: 11553492
Recall Date: Nov 3, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Car with less than 100K in Miles requires a new camshaft and accuator. Kia will not replace as a warranty defect due to it being a second owner car. The car can stall and cut off due to this issue.
Corrective Action:
Car with less than 100K in Miles requires a new camshaft and accuator. Kia will not replace as a warranty defect due to it being a second owner car. The car can stall and cut off due to this issue.
Additional Notes:
Car with less than 100K in Miles requires a new camshaft and accuator. Kia will not replace as a warranty defect due to it being a second owner car. The car can stall and cut off due to this issue.
Mfg Campaign: 11552138
Recall Date: Oct 26, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the trunk latch failed to unlock the trunk. The contact stated that the trunk latch was previously replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the trunk latch failed to unlock the trunk. The contact stated that the trunk latch was previously replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Forte. The contact stated that the trunk latch failed to unlock the trunk. The contact stated that the trunk latch was previously replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Mfg Campaign: 11551601
Recall Date: Oct 24, 2023
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