Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
5 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Kia America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, 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: SC278
Recall Date: Aug 24, 2023
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
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: SC162
Recall Date: Mar 8, 2018
Consumer Complaints
283 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to Battleground Kia of Greensboro (2927 Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408) but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to Battleground Kia of Greensboro (2927 Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408) but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was then taken to Battleground Kia of Greensboro (2927 Battleground Ave, Greensboro, NC 27408) but no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11510005
Recall Date: Mar 3, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
2018 KIA OPTIMA EX A/T. MY WIFE DRIVE THIS CAR TO WORK EVERY DAY, 45-50 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS. WE HAVE NOTICED THAT OIL CONSUMPTION IS STARTING TO BECOME A PROBLEM. IM UNSURE THE EXACT AMOUNT IT GOES THROUGH BUT IT SEEMS TO BE ALMOST 3-4 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WOULD RANDOMLY BE A QUART LOW, BUT NO LEAKS, NO NOTICEABLE SMOKING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. MY WIFE HAS HAD A FEW TIMES WHERE THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY LOOSE ACCELERATION NAD SLOW WAY DOWN. THE CAR WOULD COME BACK UP TO ACCELERATION AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENS. IM WONDERING IF IT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT NOT SURE. IT HAS THE RECAL FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR UPDATE WHICH WE ARE WAITING FOR FEB 28TH, THATS THE TIME THE DEALER CAN GET THE CAR IN FOR IT. OUR CLOSEST DEALER IS 150 MILES FROM HOME. WE HAVE OWNED IT SINCE NEW AND THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WE'VE HAD WITH IT. I HOPE WE CAN GET THIS RESOLVED. NO NEW CAR SHOULD GO THROUGH THIS MUCH OIL AT ALMOST $6 A QUART OR MORE.
Corrective Action:
2018 KIA OPTIMA EX A/T. MY WIFE DRIVE THIS CAR TO WORK EVERY DAY, 45-50 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS. WE HAVE NOTICED THAT OIL CONSUMPTION IS STARTING TO BECOME A PROBLEM. IM UNSURE THE EXACT AMOUNT IT GOES THROUGH BUT IT SEEMS TO BE ALMOST 3-4 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WOULD RANDOMLY BE A QUART LOW, BUT NO LEAKS, NO NOTICEABLE SMOKING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. MY WIFE HAS HAD A FEW TIMES WHERE THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY LOOSE ACCELERATION NAD SLOW WAY DOWN. THE CAR WOULD COME BACK UP TO ACCELERATION AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENS. IM WONDERING IF IT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT NOT SURE. IT HAS THE RECAL FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR UPDATE WHICH WE ARE WAITING FOR FEB 28TH, THATS THE TIME THE DEALER CAN GET THE CAR IN FOR IT. OUR CLOSEST DEALER IS 150 MILES FROM HOME. WE HAVE OWNED IT SINCE NEW AND THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WE'VE HAD WITH IT. I HOPE WE CAN GET THIS RESOLVED. NO NEW CAR SHOULD GO THROUGH THIS MUCH OIL AT ALMOST $6 A QUART OR MORE.
Additional Notes:
2018 KIA OPTIMA EX A/T. MY WIFE DRIVE THIS CAR TO WORK EVERY DAY, 45-50 MILE ROUND TRIP FOR THE PAST COUPLE YEARS. WE HAVE NOTICED THAT OIL CONSUMPTION IS STARTING TO BECOME A PROBLEM. IM UNSURE THE EXACT AMOUNT IT GOES THROUGH BUT IT SEEMS TO BE ALMOST 3-4 QUARTS BETWEEN OIL CHANGES. EVERY NOW AND THEN IT WOULD RANDOMLY BE A QUART LOW, BUT NO LEAKS, NO NOTICEABLE SMOKING, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS. MY WIFE HAS HAD A FEW TIMES WHERE THE CAR WOULD RANDOMLY LOOSE ACCELERATION NAD SLOW WAY DOWN. THE CAR WOULD COME BACK UP TO ACCELERATION AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY WHEN IT HAPPENS. IM WONDERING IF IT MIGHT BE RELATED TO THE OIL CONSUMPTION, BUT NOT SURE. IT HAS THE RECAL FOR THE KNOCK SENSOR UPDATE WHICH WE ARE WAITING FOR FEB 28TH, THATS THE TIME THE DEALER CAN GET THE CAR IN FOR IT. OUR CLOSEST DEALER IS 150 MILES FROM HOME. WE HAVE OWNED IT SINCE NEW AND THIS IS THE ONLY PROBLEM WE'VE HAD WITH IT. I HOPE WE CAN GET THIS RESOLVED. NO NEW CAR SHOULD GO THROUGH THIS MUCH OIL AT ALMOST $6 A QUART OR MORE.
Mfg Campaign: 11502650
Recall Date: Jan 19, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
Front brake calipers seize and burning smell and smoke coming for front wheels. Have replaced the rotors, calipers and brake pads(twice) and it does not seem to fix the problem.
Corrective Action:
Front brake calipers seize and burning smell and smoke coming for front wheels. Have replaced the rotors, calipers and brake pads(twice) and it does not seem to fix the problem.
Additional Notes:
Front brake calipers seize and burning smell and smoke coming for front wheels. Have replaced the rotors, calipers and brake pads(twice) and it does not seem to fix the problem.
Mfg Campaign: 11498673
Recall Date: Dec 23, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Excessive oil consumption will burn through around 4qts of oil before 1k miles
Corrective Action:
Excessive oil consumption will burn through around 4qts of oil before 1k miles
Additional Notes:
Excessive oil consumption will burn through around 4qts of oil before 1k miles
Mfg Campaign: 11496523
Recall Date: Dec 8, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Normally, when the doors are open my car will tell me. The doors notify me that they're open but my trunk was not showing that it was open. It blinks when it is. Due to that I was driving and my trunk seemed closed and it just flew open. So the problems I'm having is that my trunk will not show its open but it also will not close AT ALL due to the latch. I literally had to bungee it closed. This is dangerous. I have seen many recalls in other kia's and hyundai's just like this. This is very dangerous and needs to be recalled and/or fixed.
Corrective Action:
Normally, when the doors are open my car will tell me. The doors notify me that they're open but my trunk was not showing that it was open. It blinks when it is. Due to that I was driving and my trunk seemed closed and it just flew open. So the problems I'm having is that my trunk will not show its open but it also will not close AT ALL due to the latch. I literally had to bungee it closed. This is dangerous. I have seen many recalls in other kia's and hyundai's just like this. This is very dangerous and needs to be recalled and/or fixed.
Additional Notes:
Normally, when the doors are open my car will tell me. The doors notify me that they're open but my trunk was not showing that it was open. It blinks when it is. Due to that I was driving and my trunk seemed closed and it just flew open. So the problems I'm having is that my trunk will not show its open but it also will not close AT ALL due to the latch. I literally had to bungee it closed. This is dangerous. I have seen many recalls in other kia's and hyundai's just like this. This is very dangerous and needs to be recalled and/or fixed.
Mfg Campaign: 11493460
Recall Date: Nov 14, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Corrective Action:
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Additional Notes:
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Mfg Campaign: 11492374
Recall Date: Nov 5, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Corrective Action:
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Additional Notes:
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Mfg Campaign: 11492374
Recall Date: Nov 5, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
UNKNOWN When slowing to a stop, the vehicle spontaneously makes a sudden jolt, throwing passengers forward. It’s as if the the transmission malfunctions when down shifting and results in engine braking.
Corrective Action:
UNKNOWN When slowing to a stop, the vehicle spontaneously makes a sudden jolt, throwing passengers forward. It’s as if the the transmission malfunctions when down shifting and results in engine braking.
Additional Notes:
UNKNOWN When slowing to a stop, the vehicle spontaneously makes a sudden jolt, throwing passengers forward. It’s as if the the transmission malfunctions when down shifting and results in engine braking.
Mfg Campaign: 11491042
Recall Date: Oct 26, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that when the vehicle's oil will be as low as half a tank or lower the engine would suddenly stall. The vehicle would immediately regain power and function as expected. The failure occurred at various speeds with the highest speed being 60 mph. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that there was fuel pressure pump failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact received a letter stating that the manufacturer was well aware of the failure and have also created an extended warranty, however, they did not have the remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,652.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that when the vehicle's oil will be as low as half a tank or lower the engine would suddenly stall. The vehicle would immediately regain power and function as expected. The failure occurred at various speeds with the highest speed being 60 mph. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that there was fuel pressure pump failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact received a letter stating that the manufacturer was well aware of the failure and have also created an extended warranty, however, they did not have the remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,652.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that when the vehicle's oil will be as low as half a tank or lower the engine would suddenly stall. The vehicle would immediately regain power and function as expected. The failure occurred at various speeds with the highest speed being 60 mph. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that there was fuel pressure pump failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact received a letter stating that the manufacturer was well aware of the failure and have also created an extended warranty, however, they did not have the remedy. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 122,652.
Mfg Campaign: 11489713
Recall Date: Oct 18, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Corrective Action:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Additional Notes:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Mfg Campaign: 11486765
Recall Date: Sep 27, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Corrective Action:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Additional Notes:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Mfg Campaign: 11486765
Recall Date: Sep 27, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Corrective Action:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Additional Notes:
Rough idle, chugged along before killing engine power. Has happened a couple of times. No check engine light has come on
Mfg Campaign: 11486765
Recall Date: Sep 27, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Corrective Action:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Additional Notes:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Mfg Campaign: 11486502
Recall Date: Sep 26, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Corrective Action:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Additional Notes:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Mfg Campaign: 11486502
Recall Date: Sep 26, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Corrective Action:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Additional Notes:
Just Started Having Problems On It’s On The Car Only Has 38,000 Miles
Mfg Campaign: 11486502
Recall Date: Sep 26, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My car is consuming 2 quarts of oil for every 1,000 miles. This falls under the oil consumption that needs a motor replaced and I am getting a run around from the dealership about getting it replaced. They are saying that Kia does not like to replace the motors and I'm better off trading it in. I bought this car intending on keeping it long term, not purchasing a new one. All of the regular maintenance has been done on the vehicle. I've been into the dealership a multitude of times a month due to issues with the car.
Corrective Action:
My car is consuming 2 quarts of oil for every 1,000 miles. This falls under the oil consumption that needs a motor replaced and I am getting a run around from the dealership about getting it replaced. They are saying that Kia does not like to replace the motors and I'm better off trading it in. I bought this car intending on keeping it long term, not purchasing a new one. All of the regular maintenance has been done on the vehicle. I've been into the dealership a multitude of times a month due to issues with the car.
Additional Notes:
My car is consuming 2 quarts of oil for every 1,000 miles. This falls under the oil consumption that needs a motor replaced and I am getting a run around from the dealership about getting it replaced. They are saying that Kia does not like to replace the motors and I'm better off trading it in. I bought this car intending on keeping it long term, not purchasing a new one. All of the regular maintenance has been done on the vehicle. I've been into the dealership a multitude of times a month due to issues with the car.
Mfg Campaign: 11486511
Recall Date: Sep 26, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
When headlight switch is set to automatically come on, the light will sometimes randomly turn off. No warning or indicator on the dash appears showing that they are off. Technicians are unable to reproduce the issue in the shop. Have recommended replacing the entire headlight switch on the turn signal stick.
Corrective Action:
When headlight switch is set to automatically come on, the light will sometimes randomly turn off. No warning or indicator on the dash appears showing that they are off. Technicians are unable to reproduce the issue in the shop. Have recommended replacing the entire headlight switch on the turn signal stick.
Additional Notes:
When headlight switch is set to automatically come on, the light will sometimes randomly turn off. No warning or indicator on the dash appears showing that they are off. Technicians are unable to reproduce the issue in the shop. Have recommended replacing the entire headlight switch on the turn signal stick.
Mfg Campaign: 11484676
Recall Date: Sep 15, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
When headlight switch is set to automatically come on, the light will sometimes randomly turn off. No warning or indicator on the dash appears showing that they are off. Technicians are unable to reproduce the issue in the shop. Have recommended replacing the entire headlight switch on the turn signal stick.
Corrective Action:
When headlight switch is set to automatically come on, the light will sometimes randomly turn off. No warning or indicator on the dash appears showing that they are off. Technicians are unable to reproduce the issue in the shop. Have recommended replacing the entire headlight switch on the turn signal stick.
Additional Notes:
When headlight switch is set to automatically come on, the light will sometimes randomly turn off. No warning or indicator on the dash appears showing that they are off. Technicians are unable to reproduce the issue in the shop. Have recommended replacing the entire headlight switch on the turn signal stick.
Mfg Campaign: 11484676
Recall Date: Sep 15, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a faulty knock sensor that needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle from the dealer the vehicle was slow to accelerate and the vehicle was driving sluggishly. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The contact related the failure to the Kia Consent Order with NHTSA; however, the 2018 Kia Optima was not included. The contact stated that the remedy was not sufficient to remedy the vehicle failure. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 62,709.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a faulty knock sensor that needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle from the dealer the vehicle was slow to accelerate and the vehicle was driving sluggishly. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The contact related the failure to the Kia Consent Order with NHTSA; however, the 2018 Kia Optima was not included. The contact stated that the remedy was not sufficient to remedy the vehicle failure. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 62,709.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle went into Limp Mode. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a faulty knock sensor that needed a software update. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after receiving the vehicle from the dealer the vehicle was slow to accelerate and the vehicle was driving sluggishly. The contact stated that the vehicle needed to be taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed and repaired. The contact related the failure to the Kia Consent Order with NHTSA; however, the 2018 Kia Optima was not included. The contact stated that the remedy was not sufficient to remedy the vehicle failure. The manufacturer was notified and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 62,709.
Mfg Campaign: 11484505
Recall Date: Sep 14, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Excessive oil consumption. Dealer says it is normal to burn a quart every thousand miles. At that rate I would have no oil left before my next oil change. That is not normal and could cause overheating and engine lock up. The car only has 45,000 miles.
Corrective Action:
Excessive oil consumption. Dealer says it is normal to burn a quart every thousand miles. At that rate I would have no oil left before my next oil change. That is not normal and could cause overheating and engine lock up. The car only has 45,000 miles.
Additional Notes:
Excessive oil consumption. Dealer says it is normal to burn a quart every thousand miles. At that rate I would have no oil left before my next oil change. That is not normal and could cause overheating and engine lock up. The car only has 45,000 miles.
Mfg Campaign: 11483363
Recall Date: Sep 7, 2022
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