Complaints & Recalls
Consumer Complaints
139 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Burning oil, not wanting to accelerate properly on the freeway, kia has engine in previous years having the same issue, and these 2020 and they are not trying to fix them.
Corrective Action:
Burning oil, not wanting to accelerate properly on the freeway, kia has engine in previous years having the same issue, and these 2020 and they are not trying to fix them.
Additional Notes:
Burning oil, not wanting to accelerate properly on the freeway, kia has engine in previous years having the same issue, and these 2020 and they are not trying to fix them.
Mfg Campaign: 11676550
Recall Date: Jul 28, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.
Corrective Action:
After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.
Additional Notes:
After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.
Mfg Campaign: 11674268
Recall Date: Jul 17, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Engine knocking and stalling on interstate
Corrective Action:
Engine knocking and stalling on interstate
Additional Notes:
Engine knocking and stalling on interstate
Mfg Campaign: 11670133
Recall Date: Jun 30, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
Engine knocking and stalling on interstate
Corrective Action:
Engine knocking and stalling on interstate
Additional Notes:
Engine knocking and stalling on interstate
Mfg Campaign: 11670133
Recall Date: Jun 30, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Engine failure do to excessive oil consumption. I do have records. Not able to file now. Please contact if needed Thank you
Corrective Action:
Engine failure do to excessive oil consumption. I do have records. Not able to file now. Please contact if needed Thank you
Additional Notes:
Engine failure do to excessive oil consumption. I do have records. Not able to file now. Please contact if needed Thank you
Mfg Campaign: 11667144
Recall Date: Jun 16, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Car consumes a lot of oil. Approximately 5 quarts per week-faulty engine parts allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. The oil is then ignited along with the fuel, creating blue-tinted exhaust smoke. It is burning out spark plugs which is then wearing them out and almost caused car accident when car started sputtering and would not barely go once pressing gas. Has been inspected by KIA dealership. Was told engine needs to be replaced-warranty expired and nothing can be done. Car only 2 years old when this problem started and they will not replace.
Corrective Action:
Car consumes a lot of oil. Approximately 5 quarts per week-faulty engine parts allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. The oil is then ignited along with the fuel, creating blue-tinted exhaust smoke. It is burning out spark plugs which is then wearing them out and almost caused car accident when car started sputtering and would not barely go once pressing gas. Has been inspected by KIA dealership. Was told engine needs to be replaced-warranty expired and nothing can be done. Car only 2 years old when this problem started and they will not replace.
Additional Notes:
Car consumes a lot of oil. Approximately 5 quarts per week-faulty engine parts allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. The oil is then ignited along with the fuel, creating blue-tinted exhaust smoke. It is burning out spark plugs which is then wearing them out and almost caused car accident when car started sputtering and would not barely go once pressing gas. Has been inspected by KIA dealership. Was told engine needs to be replaced-warranty expired and nothing can be done. Car only 2 years old when this problem started and they will not replace.
Mfg Campaign: 11665785
Recall Date: Jun 9, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Corrective Action:
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Additional Notes:
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Mfg Campaign: 11665441
Recall Date: Jun 7, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Corrective Action:
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Additional Notes:
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Mfg Campaign: 11665441
Recall Date: Jun 7, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Corrective Action:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Additional Notes:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Mfg Campaign: 11664354
Recall Date: Jun 2, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Corrective Action:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Additional Notes:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Mfg Campaign: 11664354
Recall Date: Jun 2, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Corrective Action:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Additional Notes:
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Mfg Campaign: 11664354
Recall Date: Jun 2, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Corrective Action:
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Additional Notes:
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Mfg Campaign: 11664106
Recall Date: May 31, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Corrective Action:
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Additional Notes:
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Mfg Campaign: 11664106
Recall Date: May 31, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.
Corrective Action:
When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.
Additional Notes:
When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.
Mfg Campaign: 11663266
Recall Date: May 27, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.
Corrective Action:
When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.
Additional Notes:
When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.
Mfg Campaign: 11663266
Recall Date: May 27, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
engine's knock sensor
Corrective Action:
engine's knock sensor
Additional Notes:
engine's knock sensor
Mfg Campaign: 11662323
Recall Date: May 21, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.
Corrective Action:
I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.
Additional Notes:
I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.
Mfg Campaign: 11661481
Recall Date: May 16, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.
Corrective Action:
I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.
Additional Notes:
I bought my car brand new in July of 2020. In Spetember of 2023 roughly around 60,000 miles the engine started consuming large amounts of oil. The dealership put me through the so-called warranty process 3x over a years' time. They refused to file warranty paperwork within the year I was going through the process. I have documentation clearly showing the engine burning 2 qtrs. every 1000 miles. I still have a car that I am paying on that needs a new engine that should have been replaced under warranty, but KIA failed to honor the warranty. I have been left stranded on the side of the road multiple times with my 3 children needing oil. Not to mention the car will lock by itself with it running and no one in the car. The screen where the radio is will just go blank.
Mfg Campaign: 11661481
Recall Date: May 16, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
UNKNOWN, Engine excessively burns oil and is now seized. Kia used the same engine in this car as they did in the 2016-19 Models which were recalled for engine failure, however mine was not included. 2.4 Theda Engine.
Corrective Action:
UNKNOWN, Engine excessively burns oil and is now seized. Kia used the same engine in this car as they did in the 2016-19 Models which were recalled for engine failure, however mine was not included. 2.4 Theda Engine.
Additional Notes:
UNKNOWN, Engine excessively burns oil and is now seized. Kia used the same engine in this car as they did in the 2016-19 Models which were recalled for engine failure, however mine was not included. 2.4 Theda Engine.
Mfg Campaign: 11660698
Recall Date: May 13, 2025
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I was driving down the interstate and all of a sudden the blinking lights of the check engine light came on and automatically I went from 75 mph down to 63 mph and when I looked up what it was, it was the knock detection system of the 2020 Kia Optima. I could not accelerate beyond 63 mph and I fear that the engine might stall on me so I went to O’Reillys and have them check it and it says it’s the P1326 Code
Corrective Action:
I was driving down the interstate and all of a sudden the blinking lights of the check engine light came on and automatically I went from 75 mph down to 63 mph and when I looked up what it was, it was the knock detection system of the 2020 Kia Optima. I could not accelerate beyond 63 mph and I fear that the engine might stall on me so I went to O’Reillys and have them check it and it says it’s the P1326 Code
Additional Notes:
I was driving down the interstate and all of a sudden the blinking lights of the check engine light came on and automatically I went from 75 mph down to 63 mph and when I looked up what it was, it was the knock detection system of the 2020 Kia Optima. I could not accelerate beyond 63 mph and I fear that the engine might stall on me so I went to O’Reillys and have them check it and it says it’s the P1326 Code
Mfg Campaign: 11658199
Recall Date: May 1, 2025
Need Legal Help?
Featured Attorneys
Barry Edzant
Edzant Price LLC
Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury