Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
1 RecallThese 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 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
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: SC235
Recall Date: May 5, 2022
Consumer Complaints
27 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his son was driving 5 MPH, the engine seized. A message indicating that the vehicle was off and to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact’s son veered to the side of the road. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while his wife was driving 5-10 MPH and approaching a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V519000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,800. The VIN was unavailable.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his son was driving 5 MPH, the engine seized. A message indicating that the vehicle was off and to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact’s son veered to the side of the road. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while his wife was driving 5-10 MPH and approaching a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V519000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,800. The VIN was unavailable.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated while his son was driving 5 MPH, the engine seized. A message indicating that the vehicle was off and to restart the vehicle was displayed. The contact’s son veered to the side of the road. The contact’s son was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while his wife was driving 5-10 MPH and approaching a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. A case was opened with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V519000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 12,800. The VIN was unavailable.
Mfg Campaign: 11517860
Recall Date: Apr 19, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Corrective Action:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Additional Notes:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Mfg Campaign: 11488159
Recall Date: Oct 6, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Potential Consequences:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Corrective Action:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Additional Notes:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Mfg Campaign: 11488159
Recall Date: Oct 6, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Potential Consequences:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Corrective Action:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Additional Notes:
Hi, On multiple occasions, the car slams on brakes in the middle of traffic, its like it has a mind of its own, I can back up and a car can be passing by all the way across the street and the car will beep and slam on brakes, sometimes while I'm driving and may not be close to a car, the car will just slam on breaks. That has almost caused me multiple accidents and I'm afraid that one day it will. The safety feature on this car is very dangerous.
Mfg Campaign: 11488159
Recall Date: Oct 6, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started revving without driver input. The battery and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with engine damage due to the overheating caused by a faulty engine pulley bolt. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 608.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started revving without driver input. The battery and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with engine damage due to the overheating caused by a faulty engine pulley bolt. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 608.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2022 Kia Forte. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle suddenly started revving without driver input. The battery and high engine temperature warning lights illuminated before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer and diagnosed with engine damage due to the overheating caused by a faulty engine pulley bolt. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 608.
Mfg Campaign: 11464989
Recall Date: May 17, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
My wife's older car needed a new engine, so we decided on buying a new car since her work requires a good deal of driving. One week after the purchase, we discovered there was no spare tire! This IS a major safety issue, and although the car has many good safety features, this lack is really frightening. I read that AAA begged car makers NOT to get rid of this, but the brand we bought has had this at least since 2017. This affects all those who can LEAST afford it, since the more expensive larger cars mainly have spare tires. Why hasn't this been a bigger issue? Other popular competitive makes still have the spare, and if we had known this problem we likely would have gone to another make, although our choices are limited. I can't believe that this has been going on with this car model since at least 2017 and that more people haven't complained.
Corrective Action:
My wife's older car needed a new engine, so we decided on buying a new car since her work requires a good deal of driving. One week after the purchase, we discovered there was no spare tire! This IS a major safety issue, and although the car has many good safety features, this lack is really frightening. I read that AAA begged car makers NOT to get rid of this, but the brand we bought has had this at least since 2017. This affects all those who can LEAST afford it, since the more expensive larger cars mainly have spare tires. Why hasn't this been a bigger issue? Other popular competitive makes still have the spare, and if we had known this problem we likely would have gone to another make, although our choices are limited. I can't believe that this has been going on with this car model since at least 2017 and that more people haven't complained.
Additional Notes:
My wife's older car needed a new engine, so we decided on buying a new car since her work requires a good deal of driving. One week after the purchase, we discovered there was no spare tire! This IS a major safety issue, and although the car has many good safety features, this lack is really frightening. I read that AAA begged car makers NOT to get rid of this, but the brand we bought has had this at least since 2017. This affects all those who can LEAST afford it, since the more expensive larger cars mainly have spare tires. Why hasn't this been a bigger issue? Other popular competitive makes still have the spare, and if we had known this problem we likely would have gone to another make, although our choices are limited. I can't believe that this has been going on with this car model since at least 2017 and that more people haven't complained.
Mfg Campaign: 11445494
Recall Date: Dec 29, 2021
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
KIA FORTE 2022 Complaints A/C isn't working KIA FORTE 2022 AC condenser we just bought a *New Black 2022 KIA FORTE FE/L on 09 Nov 2021 already having problems the AC stopped working so we took it to the KIA Dealership in Katy when it happens the parts dept. the supervisor says it has no Freon in it and it was safe to drive home and it was a Structural Design Flaw that caused the problem. So we took it to where we bought it to get it checkout they claim it was due to a HOLE IN THE CONDENSER, NOT WARRANTY RECOMMEND TO REPLACE CONDENSER Estimated PARTS, AND LABOR IS $1,351.13+ TAX. Kia dealership won't fix it unless we pay $1300 ++++ saying it's not covered under the warranty it's a brand new car parts manager in another Kia Dealership says it was caused by a Structural Design Flaw but the KIA Dealership where we bought the car says we have to pay to get it fixed. They claim a little rock or something from the road caused the damage however there is no way for a little rock to reach the AC condenser from the bottom. As you can see in the pictures the bottom is covered by a shield to prevent anything from getting in. If anything got in it's due to a Structural Design Flaw due to the opening in the bumper design where there is an opening just below where they claim the damage is. I took picture of the car before taking it to the shop and the picture they sent us looks like a different vehicle. There was no residue or anything to show it was a leak. Then they had the nerve to charge me $132.69 to get my car back the receipt says labor $50.00 Parts $90.00 what parts did they replace? It’s still broken. Then they even charged me tax on this Is this how they treat customers who have bought several cars from them I hope someone gets their act together and do what’s right and fix our car and refund me the $132.69 and fix the problem so it won’t happen again.
Corrective Action:
KIA FORTE 2022 Complaints A/C isn't working KIA FORTE 2022 AC condenser we just bought a *New Black 2022 KIA FORTE FE/L on 09 Nov 2021 already having problems the AC stopped working so we took it to the KIA Dealership in Katy when it happens the parts dept. the supervisor says it has no Freon in it and it was safe to drive home and it was a Structural Design Flaw that caused the problem. So we took it to where we bought it to get it checkout they claim it was due to a HOLE IN THE CONDENSER, NOT WARRANTY RECOMMEND TO REPLACE CONDENSER Estimated PARTS, AND LABOR IS $1,351.13+ TAX. Kia dealership won't fix it unless we pay $1300 ++++ saying it's not covered under the warranty it's a brand new car parts manager in another Kia Dealership says it was caused by a Structural Design Flaw but the KIA Dealership where we bought the car says we have to pay to get it fixed. They claim a little rock or something from the road caused the damage however there is no way for a little rock to reach the AC condenser from the bottom. As you can see in the pictures the bottom is covered by a shield to prevent anything from getting in. If anything got in it's due to a Structural Design Flaw due to the opening in the bumper design where there is an opening just below where they claim the damage is. I took picture of the car before taking it to the shop and the picture they sent us looks like a different vehicle. There was no residue or anything to show it was a leak. Then they had the nerve to charge me $132.69 to get my car back the receipt says labor $50.00 Parts $90.00 what parts did they replace? It’s still broken. Then they even charged me tax on this Is this how they treat customers who have bought several cars from them I hope someone gets their act together and do what’s right and fix our car and refund me the $132.69 and fix the problem so it won’t happen again.
Additional Notes:
KIA FORTE 2022 Complaints A/C isn't working KIA FORTE 2022 AC condenser we just bought a *New Black 2022 KIA FORTE FE/L on 09 Nov 2021 already having problems the AC stopped working so we took it to the KIA Dealership in Katy when it happens the parts dept. the supervisor says it has no Freon in it and it was safe to drive home and it was a Structural Design Flaw that caused the problem. So we took it to where we bought it to get it checkout they claim it was due to a HOLE IN THE CONDENSER, NOT WARRANTY RECOMMEND TO REPLACE CONDENSER Estimated PARTS, AND LABOR IS $1,351.13+ TAX. Kia dealership won't fix it unless we pay $1300 ++++ saying it's not covered under the warranty it's a brand new car parts manager in another Kia Dealership says it was caused by a Structural Design Flaw but the KIA Dealership where we bought the car says we have to pay to get it fixed. They claim a little rock or something from the road caused the damage however there is no way for a little rock to reach the AC condenser from the bottom. As you can see in the pictures the bottom is covered by a shield to prevent anything from getting in. If anything got in it's due to a Structural Design Flaw due to the opening in the bumper design where there is an opening just below where they claim the damage is. I took picture of the car before taking it to the shop and the picture they sent us looks like a different vehicle. There was no residue or anything to show it was a leak. Then they had the nerve to charge me $132.69 to get my car back the receipt says labor $50.00 Parts $90.00 what parts did they replace? It’s still broken. Then they even charged me tax on this Is this how they treat customers who have bought several cars from them I hope someone gets their act together and do what’s right and fix our car and refund me the $132.69 and fix the problem so it won’t happen again.
Mfg Campaign: 11442448
Recall Date: Dec 2, 2021
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