Complaints & Recalls
Consumer Complaints
139 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER
Potential Consequences:
April 30, 2023 my 2020 Kia Optima was stolen. The thief or thieves broke my backside passenger window to get inside. Once inside they started my car using a USB cord/ charger block. I purchased the car in Feb 2023. I wasn't aware of made aware the car's antitheft software needed to be upgraded which would've deterred or made it difficult for thieves to steal it. I wasn't notified by the dealership nor Kia about this needed upgrade. My insurance has denied my claim and I'm stuck paying for damages well over $4000. What can I do to prevent my car from being stolen again should I decided to keep it? I've reached out to the dealership where I purchased the car and Kia neither of them were concerned nor had answers
Corrective Action:
April 30, 2023 my 2020 Kia Optima was stolen. The thief or thieves broke my backside passenger window to get inside. Once inside they started my car using a USB cord/ charger block. I purchased the car in Feb 2023. I wasn't aware of made aware the car's antitheft software needed to be upgraded which would've deterred or made it difficult for thieves to steal it. I wasn't notified by the dealership nor Kia about this needed upgrade. My insurance has denied my claim and I'm stuck paying for damages well over $4000. What can I do to prevent my car from being stolen again should I decided to keep it? I've reached out to the dealership where I purchased the car and Kia neither of them were concerned nor had answers
Additional Notes:
April 30, 2023 my 2020 Kia Optima was stolen. The thief or thieves broke my backside passenger window to get inside. Once inside they started my car using a USB cord/ charger block. I purchased the car in Feb 2023. I wasn't aware of made aware the car's antitheft software needed to be upgraded which would've deterred or made it difficult for thieves to steal it. I wasn't notified by the dealership nor Kia about this needed upgrade. My insurance has denied my claim and I'm stuck paying for damages well over $4000. What can I do to prevent my car from being stolen again should I decided to keep it? I've reached out to the dealership where I purchased the car and Kia neither of them were concerned nor had answers
Mfg Campaign: 11524124
Recall Date: May 27, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in for routine maintenance, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11519389
Recall Date: Apr 28, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SEATS
Potential Consequences:
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Corrective Action:
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Additional Notes:
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Mfg Campaign: 11514612
Recall Date: Mar 30, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Corrective Action:
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Additional Notes:
The passagen side seat belt comes on and beeps and stays on sometimes and other times it dont Then the check engine one day started flashing on me lost of power wouldnt do no more then 60mph
Mfg Campaign: 11514612
Recall Date: Mar 30, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Car burns through 3 quarts of oil per week with just normal usage. Confirmed there are no oil leaks.
Corrective Action:
Car burns through 3 quarts of oil per week with just normal usage. Confirmed there are no oil leaks.
Additional Notes:
Car burns through 3 quarts of oil per week with just normal usage. Confirmed there are no oil leaks.
Mfg Campaign: 11508286
Recall Date: Feb 21, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Potential Consequences:
I believe the engine could possibly be failing. My engine light will come on & flash, when it does this it is slowing down at speed ranges of 60 mph. Another thing, the GDi engine that is in this vehicle burns oil EXTREMELY fast. It is quite aggravating having to constantly get oil changes every 2-4 weeks & have only driven 0-1500 miles. This is not normal. The engine has this crackling noise as if it’s chopping metal.
Corrective Action:
I believe the engine could possibly be failing. My engine light will come on & flash, when it does this it is slowing down at speed ranges of 60 mph. Another thing, the GDi engine that is in this vehicle burns oil EXTREMELY fast. It is quite aggravating having to constantly get oil changes every 2-4 weeks & have only driven 0-1500 miles. This is not normal. The engine has this crackling noise as if it’s chopping metal.
Additional Notes:
I believe the engine could possibly be failing. My engine light will come on & flash, when it does this it is slowing down at speed ranges of 60 mph. Another thing, the GDi engine that is in this vehicle burns oil EXTREMELY fast. It is quite aggravating having to constantly get oil changes every 2-4 weeks & have only driven 0-1500 miles. This is not normal. The engine has this crackling noise as if it’s chopping metal.
Mfg Campaign: 11507131
Recall Date: Feb 13, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
Corrective Action:
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
Additional Notes:
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
Mfg Campaign: 11501369
Recall Date: Jan 11, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Potential Consequences:
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
Corrective Action:
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
Additional Notes:
ABS module is faulty. Confirmed by professional auto shops and it’s a safety risk. Without this working properly, my car refuses to brake sometimes. Will not automatically stop when it needs to due to the spongy, unresponsive brake pedal. Kia / Hyundai have known about this for years and continues to sell these vehicles that WILL kill myself or someone else on the road.
Mfg Campaign: 11501369
Recall Date: Jan 11, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
2020 Kia Optima with 39,000 miles. Check engine light came on for knock sensor and put into limp mode. Before the check engine light came on I've been noticing a faint noise during acceleration from the engine. Waiting to hear back on the overall problem.
Corrective Action:
2020 Kia Optima with 39,000 miles. Check engine light came on for knock sensor and put into limp mode. Before the check engine light came on I've been noticing a faint noise during acceleration from the engine. Waiting to hear back on the overall problem.
Additional Notes:
2020 Kia Optima with 39,000 miles. Check engine light came on for knock sensor and put into limp mode. Before the check engine light came on I've been noticing a faint noise during acceleration from the engine. Waiting to hear back on the overall problem.
Mfg Campaign: 11498914
Recall Date: Dec 26, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
On Thursday, I was leaving to drive my son 5 miles up the road and my check engine light started flashing with no warning. My car slowed down and started jerking. I took it to auto zone (on limp mode) to receive a code and it came back with p1326. My car only has 64,216 miles and I also just recently got the oil changed. I have not taken it to a dealer yet but I wanted to report this because my car is only 2 years old and shouldn’t have engine/power train issues.
Corrective Action:
On Thursday, I was leaving to drive my son 5 miles up the road and my check engine light started flashing with no warning. My car slowed down and started jerking. I took it to auto zone (on limp mode) to receive a code and it came back with p1326. My car only has 64,216 miles and I also just recently got the oil changed. I have not taken it to a dealer yet but I wanted to report this because my car is only 2 years old and shouldn’t have engine/power train issues.
Additional Notes:
On Thursday, I was leaving to drive my son 5 miles up the road and my check engine light started flashing with no warning. My car slowed down and started jerking. I took it to auto zone (on limp mode) to receive a code and it came back with p1326. My car only has 64,216 miles and I also just recently got the oil changed. I have not taken it to a dealer yet but I wanted to report this because my car is only 2 years old and shouldn’t have engine/power train issues.
Mfg Campaign: 11498453
Recall Date: Dec 21, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
2020 Kia Optima Exploding Sunroof. While driving home from work on the highway I heard a loud pop that startled me. Once stopping I found my sunroof was broken. Nothing had hit it, and after inspection at the dealership no mechanical issues were found. On Google many other Kia owners with different years and model cars have experienced the same exact thing I went through. On top of my monthly note I have never been late on. I have to pay to get this fixed when Kia should have actually footed the bill. Will never purchase another kia after this. The whole situation has caused tons of stress and anxiety.
Corrective Action:
2020 Kia Optima Exploding Sunroof. While driving home from work on the highway I heard a loud pop that startled me. Once stopping I found my sunroof was broken. Nothing had hit it, and after inspection at the dealership no mechanical issues were found. On Google many other Kia owners with different years and model cars have experienced the same exact thing I went through. On top of my monthly note I have never been late on. I have to pay to get this fixed when Kia should have actually footed the bill. Will never purchase another kia after this. The whole situation has caused tons of stress and anxiety.
Additional Notes:
2020 Kia Optima Exploding Sunroof. While driving home from work on the highway I heard a loud pop that startled me. Once stopping I found my sunroof was broken. Nothing had hit it, and after inspection at the dealership no mechanical issues were found. On Google many other Kia owners with different years and model cars have experienced the same exact thing I went through. On top of my monthly note I have never been late on. I have to pay to get this fixed when Kia should have actually footed the bill. Will never purchase another kia after this. The whole situation has caused tons of stress and anxiety.
Mfg Campaign: 11497229
Recall Date: Dec 13, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Corrective Action:
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Additional Notes:
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Mfg Campaign: 11495396
Recall Date: Nov 29, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Corrective Action:
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Additional Notes:
Vehicle was tampered before purchasing, transmission mounts broken, evap hose gas tank and engine.. car was claimed as a lemon vehicle, dealership sold me a vehicle that’s unsafe to operate. Dealership refuses to fix…
Mfg Campaign: 11495396
Recall Date: Nov 29, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Corrective Action:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Additional Notes:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Mfg Campaign: 11475800
Recall Date: Jul 25, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SERVICE BRAKES
Potential Consequences:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Corrective Action:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Additional Notes:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Mfg Campaign: 11475800
Recall Date: Jul 25, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Potential Consequences:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Corrective Action:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Additional Notes:
The Kia optima 2020 2.4 every 3000 to 4000 miles oil change is metal shavings in the old oil. The clicking noise stared it around the 10000 miles mark and now is getting worse with 60000 miles ,everytime I hit the gas and goes over 30 miles loose a lot of power and a clicking noise come out ,now is getting worse. Is a new car. Already change a ABS pump and I keep my oil change to the date. I m afraid the car is breaking . Help.
Mfg Campaign: 11475800
Recall Date: Jul 25, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
The vehicle is incredibly easy to steal. A simple flat head screw driver in the hands of a child will steal this vehicle. My car was stolen from Daytona Beach Florida on July 8 2022 by 2 14 year and one 15 year old kids. No key, no fob needed, who knew it'd be so easy to steal? They learned it on TikTok. This is a problem nation wide and social media seems to spread the issue even further. I provided a link to one of many news stories regarding this problem below. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2022/06/30/police-rise-car-thefts-kia-hyundai/7776099001/
Corrective Action:
The vehicle is incredibly easy to steal. A simple flat head screw driver in the hands of a child will steal this vehicle. My car was stolen from Daytona Beach Florida on July 8 2022 by 2 14 year and one 15 year old kids. No key, no fob needed, who knew it'd be so easy to steal? They learned it on TikTok. This is a problem nation wide and social media seems to spread the issue even further. I provided a link to one of many news stories regarding this problem below. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2022/06/30/police-rise-car-thefts-kia-hyundai/7776099001/
Additional Notes:
The vehicle is incredibly easy to steal. A simple flat head screw driver in the hands of a child will steal this vehicle. My car was stolen from Daytona Beach Florida on July 8 2022 by 2 14 year and one 15 year old kids. No key, no fob needed, who knew it'd be so easy to steal? They learned it on TikTok. This is a problem nation wide and social media seems to spread the issue even further. I provided a link to one of many news stories regarding this problem below. https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/cars/2022/06/30/police-rise-car-thefts-kia-hyundai/7776099001/
Mfg Campaign: 11474661
Recall Date: Jul 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
Other/I am not sure
Potential Consequences:
The driver side seat It goes off whenever sometimes for a few seconds other times a few minutes and this is when I'm driving
Corrective Action:
The driver side seat It goes off whenever sometimes for a few seconds other times a few minutes and this is when I'm driving
Additional Notes:
The driver side seat It goes off whenever sometimes for a few seconds other times a few minutes and this is when I'm driving
Mfg Campaign: 11463586
Recall Date: May 6, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
After changing the bulbs and fuses . The lights flicker and sometimes don’t come on at all .
Corrective Action:
After changing the bulbs and fuses . The lights flicker and sometimes don’t come on at all .
Additional Notes:
After changing the bulbs and fuses . The lights flicker and sometimes don’t come on at all .
Mfg Campaign: 11462706
Recall Date: Apr 29, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Potential Consequences:
After changing the bulbs and fuses . The lights flicker and sometimes don’t come on at all .
Corrective Action:
After changing the bulbs and fuses . The lights flicker and sometimes don’t come on at all .
Additional Notes:
After changing the bulbs and fuses . The lights flicker and sometimes don’t come on at all .
Mfg Campaign: 11462706
Recall Date: Apr 29, 2022
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