Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
4 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 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
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: SC284
Recall Date: Sep 25, 2023
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
Consumer Complaints
34 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Excessive oil burning causing catalytic converter to go bad. Oil change every 3,000 miles with synthetic oil. Car was making knocking noise and having a hard time accelerating and going up hill.
Corrective Action:
Excessive oil burning causing catalytic converter to go bad. Oil change every 3,000 miles with synthetic oil. Car was making knocking noise and having a hard time accelerating and going up hill.
Additional Notes:
Excessive oil burning causing catalytic converter to go bad. Oil change every 3,000 miles with synthetic oil. Car was making knocking noise and having a hard time accelerating and going up hill.
Mfg Campaign: 11521749
Recall Date: May 12, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? Now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times
Corrective Action:
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? Now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times
Additional Notes:
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? Now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times
Mfg Campaign: 11518898
Recall Date: Apr 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? Now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times
Corrective Action:
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? Now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times
Additional Notes:
This vehicle has electrical issues none stop. One day it randomly stalled out while still in motion and lost all power. No power at all. It was “repaired” and I had it for 2 weeks and it again lost all power while in motion. It put my life completely at risk as I had to pull over into a parking lot after losing all power turning in the middle of a very busy main intersection. Kia dealership said it was the main wiring harness at first and replaced that but then the second time said that the new harness was out again and needed replaced a second time because of a fuse that was causing too much power therefor blowing the wiring harness again? Now I am having engine and electrical issues months later. I had what appeared to be a need for a tune up. Which was done. It has continued to throw wrong codes and lights come and go on the dash all the time. I’ve gotten several tests done and I always get a code stating misfiring even when there is no light on the dash. The check engine light will come on for 2 weeks then randomly go off for 2 weeks. No matter what it will throw a code as misfiring in the 1&3 cylinders. Spark plugs, coils, air filter. everything has been replaced yet the light still comes and goes and it continues to throw the code. Car has been seen by the dealership multiple times
Mfg Campaign: 11518898
Recall Date: Apr 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My car needs oil every 3 to 4 days. There is no blue smoke and there is no signs of oil leaks. The vehicle was in an accident before I purchased it.
Corrective Action:
My car needs oil every 3 to 4 days. There is no blue smoke and there is no signs of oil leaks. The vehicle was in an accident before I purchased it.
Additional Notes:
My car needs oil every 3 to 4 days. There is no blue smoke and there is no signs of oil leaks. The vehicle was in an accident before I purchased it.
Mfg Campaign: 11506708
Recall Date: Feb 10, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Unknown- trunk won’t open even after pulling the inside emergency cord
Corrective Action:
Unknown- trunk won’t open even after pulling the inside emergency cord
Additional Notes:
Unknown- trunk won’t open even after pulling the inside emergency cord
Mfg Campaign: 11496956
Recall Date: Dec 11, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
steering wheel would not lock into place, moved up and down from dash, once dash was removed to see steering column was not connected, top brackets came loose inside dash, bottom of column was never bolted in place from assembly, dealship will not cover/ help and states new column is needed and quoted 1000.00 to repair
Corrective Action:
steering wheel would not lock into place, moved up and down from dash, once dash was removed to see steering column was not connected, top brackets came loose inside dash, bottom of column was never bolted in place from assembly, dealship will not cover/ help and states new column is needed and quoted 1000.00 to repair
Additional Notes:
steering wheel would not lock into place, moved up and down from dash, once dash was removed to see steering column was not connected, top brackets came loose inside dash, bottom of column was never bolted in place from assembly, dealship will not cover/ help and states new column is needed and quoted 1000.00 to repair
Mfg Campaign: 11492979
Recall Date: Nov 9, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Vehicle caught on fire.
Corrective Action:
Vehicle caught on fire.
Additional Notes:
Vehicle caught on fire.
Mfg Campaign: 11433156
Recall Date: Sep 16, 2021
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
My Rio's trunk latch mechanism has failed for the second time. I know there may be recalls for other model years. But 2017 models may also be affected. The trunk latch mechanism will fail without warning. The remote release will not open the trunk, the key/lock will not open the trunk. Most worrisome is that the inside emergency release will not open the trunk. I checked by climbing into the trunk through the fold-down rear seat back.
Corrective Action:
My Rio's trunk latch mechanism has failed for the second time. I know there may be recalls for other model years. But 2017 models may also be affected. The trunk latch mechanism will fail without warning. The remote release will not open the trunk, the key/lock will not open the trunk. Most worrisome is that the inside emergency release will not open the trunk. I checked by climbing into the trunk through the fold-down rear seat back.
Additional Notes:
My Rio's trunk latch mechanism has failed for the second time. I know there may be recalls for other model years. But 2017 models may also be affected. The trunk latch mechanism will fail without warning. The remote release will not open the trunk, the key/lock will not open the trunk. Most worrisome is that the inside emergency release will not open the trunk. I checked by climbing into the trunk through the fold-down rear seat back.
Mfg Campaign: 11432586
Recall Date: Sep 11, 2021
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LOCK
Potential Consequences:
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LOCK SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LOCK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.
Corrective Action:
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LOCK SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LOCK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.
Additional Notes:
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA RIO. THE CONTACT STATED THE TRUNK OF THE VEHICLE FAILED TO LOCK SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TRUNK LOCK WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER A DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 28,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11341121
Recall Date: Jul 23, 2020
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
THE TRUNK IS NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED MANUALLY, EXCEPT THROUGH THE KEY FOB. WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, THE LATCHING MECHANISM WILL NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRUNK IS UNABLE TO LATCH SHUT. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Corrective Action:
THE TRUNK IS NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED MANUALLY, EXCEPT THROUGH THE KEY FOB. WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, THE LATCHING MECHANISM WILL NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRUNK IS UNABLE TO LATCH SHUT. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Additional Notes:
THE TRUNK IS NOT ABLE TO BE OPENED MANUALLY, EXCEPT THROUGH THE KEY FOB. WHEN TRYING TO CLOSE THE TRUNK, THE LATCHING MECHANISM WILL NOT ENGAGE AND THE TRUNK IS UNABLE TO LATCH SHUT. BOTH INCIDENTS HAPPENED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.
Mfg Campaign: 11281417
Recall Date: Nov 20, 2019
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR HIT A FENCE KNOCKED IT DOWN & HIT A TREE IT IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Corrective Action:
THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR HIT A FENCE KNOCKED IT DOWN & HIT A TREE IT IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Additional Notes:
THE CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE CAR HIT A FENCE KNOCKED IT DOWN & HIT A TREE IT IS COMPLETELY INOPERABLE. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED.
Mfg Campaign: 11221014
Recall Date: Jun 18, 2019
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
WAS ENVOLVED IN A WRECK TO WHERE I WENT OFF THE ROAD HIT A STOP SIGN,,A TELEPHONE BOX,,A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOW MY WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE,,I GOT A BUSTED UP KNEE A SPRANG SHOLDER NECK AND BACK
Corrective Action:
WAS ENVOLVED IN A WRECK TO WHERE I WENT OFF THE ROAD HIT A STOP SIGN,,A TELEPHONE BOX,,A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOW MY WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE,,I GOT A BUSTED UP KNEE A SPRANG SHOLDER NECK AND BACK
Additional Notes:
WAS ENVOLVED IN A WRECK TO WHERE I WENT OFF THE ROAD HIT A STOP SIGN,,A TELEPHONE BOX,,A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED NOW MY WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE,,I GOT A BUSTED UP KNEE A SPRANG SHOLDER NECK AND BACK
Mfg Campaign: 11130901
Recall Date: Sep 24, 2018
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
AIR BAGS
Potential Consequences:
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
Corrective Action:
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
Additional Notes:
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
Mfg Campaign: 11124725
Recall Date: Sep 6, 2018
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SEAT BELTS
Potential Consequences:
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
Corrective Action:
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
Additional Notes:
WAS RUN OFF THE ROAD AT 55 MPH HITTING A STOP SIGN A TELEPHONE BOX A OAK TREE THEN A PINE TREE AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY OR DID THE SEAT BELTS LOCK UP WIFE HAS A BROKEN BACK AND CHEST BONE
Mfg Campaign: 11124725
Recall Date: Sep 6, 2018
Need Legal Help?
Featured Attorneys
Barry Edzant
Edzant Price LLC
Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury