Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
17 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 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
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: SC249
Recall Date: Sep 19, 2022
Kia America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016 Sedona and Sorento vehicles. The vehicles may have been manufactured with faulty automatic transmission shift lever assembly components, preventing the shift lever from locking, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
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: SC246
Recall Date: Aug 10, 2022
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
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: SC172
Recall Date: Dec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to August 25, 2016, and 2017 Sportage vehicles manufactured December 10, 2015, to August 26, 2016. The affected vehicles are equipped with an accessory trailer hitch wiring harness that, due to a malfunction of the tow hitch module, may result in the trailer brake lights being constantly illuminated. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
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: SC142
Recall Date: Nov 30, 2016
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured March 3, 2016 to March 21, 2016. The driver's seatback frame may have been produced with inadequate weld joints and, as a result, the seatback may not function as designed in the event of a rear-end collision.
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: SC140
Recall Date: Oct 24, 2016
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles. A component of the rear suspension may not be properly welded.
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: SC137
Recall Date: Jun 29, 2016
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Sorento vehicles manufactured October 23, 2014, to December 10, 2014. The affected vehicles have a front passenger seat belt whose buckle latch assembly may prevent the front passenger from fastening the seat belt.
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: SC123
Recall Date: Jul 14, 2015
Kia Motors America
Safety Issue:
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Sorento vehicles manufactured October 27, 2014, to January 29, 2015. Due to an improperly soldered component in the accelerator pedal assembly, the driver may not be able to accelerate the vehicle.
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: SC115
Recall Date: Feb 13, 2015
Consumer Complaints
1.5K ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Corrective Action:
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Additional Notes:
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Mfg Campaign: 11556134
Recall Date: Nov 20, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Corrective Action:
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Additional Notes:
A lot of oil in the floor. Oil Pressure Sensor Fail Lock of all doors are crazy (lock and unlock so many times)
Mfg Campaign: 11556134
Recall Date: Nov 20, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
While driving car sputtered, was able to get to side of road. Turned car off, waited and then turned on again and was able to proceed, engine light on - got occasional performance issues. Kia dealer checked out and servicing, informed me of the oil was depleted issue and in need of substantial engine repair. (Provided written estimate, approx $4800). Able to continue driving but risk of stalling, told eventually timing belt will fail. Got estimates for repairing, and total engine replace to compare options. (Have not done either option as yet).
Corrective Action:
While driving car sputtered, was able to get to side of road. Turned car off, waited and then turned on again and was able to proceed, engine light on - got occasional performance issues. Kia dealer checked out and servicing, informed me of the oil was depleted issue and in need of substantial engine repair. (Provided written estimate, approx $4800). Able to continue driving but risk of stalling, told eventually timing belt will fail. Got estimates for repairing, and total engine replace to compare options. (Have not done either option as yet).
Additional Notes:
While driving car sputtered, was able to get to side of road. Turned car off, waited and then turned on again and was able to proceed, engine light on - got occasional performance issues. Kia dealer checked out and servicing, informed me of the oil was depleted issue and in need of substantial engine repair. (Provided written estimate, approx $4800). Able to continue driving but risk of stalling, told eventually timing belt will fail. Got estimates for repairing, and total engine replace to compare options. (Have not done either option as yet).
Mfg Campaign: 11555799
Recall Date: Nov 18, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Engine began regularly overheating. Problem began in May 2023. No warning lights, other than the temperature gauge going up. Thermostat was replaced, radiator was cleaned and checked, without defects found. No leaking hoses. Problem continued to get worse, requiring coolant be added every time the car was driven. Mechanic decided the head gasket was failing. Due to the nature of the head bolts, the recommendation was to replace the engine. This has not been done and the car is unusable and unsellable due to the failure.
Corrective Action:
Engine began regularly overheating. Problem began in May 2023. No warning lights, other than the temperature gauge going up. Thermostat was replaced, radiator was cleaned and checked, without defects found. No leaking hoses. Problem continued to get worse, requiring coolant be added every time the car was driven. Mechanic decided the head gasket was failing. Due to the nature of the head bolts, the recommendation was to replace the engine. This has not been done and the car is unusable and unsellable due to the failure.
Additional Notes:
Engine began regularly overheating. Problem began in May 2023. No warning lights, other than the temperature gauge going up. Thermostat was replaced, radiator was cleaned and checked, without defects found. No leaking hoses. Problem continued to get worse, requiring coolant be added every time the car was driven. Mechanic decided the head gasket was failing. Due to the nature of the head bolts, the recommendation was to replace the engine. This has not been done and the car is unusable and unsellable due to the failure.
Mfg Campaign: 11555446
Recall Date: Nov 16, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The engine has not worked properly in over a year and has problems accelerating and skipping. Engine light remains on at all times.
Corrective Action:
The engine has not worked properly in over a year and has problems accelerating and skipping. Engine light remains on at all times.
Additional Notes:
The engine has not worked properly in over a year and has problems accelerating and skipping. Engine light remains on at all times.
Mfg Campaign: 11555546
Recall Date: Nov 16, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
2016 Sorento 3.3L with approximately 136,000 miles on it. Did not have heat. Diagnosed with low coolant and possible head gasket leak due to loose head bolts. No warning lights. Seems to be a common manufacturing issue with these engines.
Corrective Action:
2016 Sorento 3.3L with approximately 136,000 miles on it. Did not have heat. Diagnosed with low coolant and possible head gasket leak due to loose head bolts. No warning lights. Seems to be a common manufacturing issue with these engines.
Additional Notes:
2016 Sorento 3.3L with approximately 136,000 miles on it. Did not have heat. Diagnosed with low coolant and possible head gasket leak due to loose head bolts. No warning lights. Seems to be a common manufacturing issue with these engines.
Mfg Campaign: 11555309
Recall Date: Nov 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
17-year-old daughter driving 65 mph down the highway when engine just gave out. Loss drive power but was able to make it to the side of highway, once stopped coolant find blowing out. There was no overheating warning or light luminated on dash. Once towed to shop and inspected told head gasket blown out dur to loose head bolts & possible head crack due to lost coolant.
Corrective Action:
17-year-old daughter driving 65 mph down the highway when engine just gave out. Loss drive power but was able to make it to the side of highway, once stopped coolant find blowing out. There was no overheating warning or light luminated on dash. Once towed to shop and inspected told head gasket blown out dur to loose head bolts & possible head crack due to lost coolant.
Additional Notes:
17-year-old daughter driving 65 mph down the highway when engine just gave out. Loss drive power but was able to make it to the side of highway, once stopped coolant find blowing out. There was no overheating warning or light luminated on dash. Once towed to shop and inspected told head gasket blown out dur to loose head bolts & possible head crack due to lost coolant.
Mfg Campaign: 11555333
Recall Date: Nov 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
17-year-old daughter driving 65 mph down the highway when engine just gave out. Loss drive power but was able to make it to the side of highway, once stopped coolant find blowing out. There was no overheating warning or light luminated on dash. Once towed to shop and inspected told head gasket blown out dur to loose head bolts & possible head crack due to lost coolant.
Corrective Action:
17-year-old daughter driving 65 mph down the highway when engine just gave out. Loss drive power but was able to make it to the side of highway, once stopped coolant find blowing out. There was no overheating warning or light luminated on dash. Once towed to shop and inspected told head gasket blown out dur to loose head bolts & possible head crack due to lost coolant.
Additional Notes:
17-year-old daughter driving 65 mph down the highway when engine just gave out. Loss drive power but was able to make it to the side of highway, once stopped coolant find blowing out. There was no overheating warning or light luminated on dash. Once towed to shop and inspected told head gasket blown out dur to loose head bolts & possible head crack due to lost coolant.
Mfg Campaign: 11555333
Recall Date: Nov 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Engine stalled when merging in the freeway. Mechanic said that the engine stalled because there was not enough oil. I did an oil change a month prior, and no oil light indication came on until after the car broke down.
Corrective Action:
Engine stalled when merging in the freeway. Mechanic said that the engine stalled because there was not enough oil. I did an oil change a month prior, and no oil light indication came on until after the car broke down.
Additional Notes:
Engine stalled when merging in the freeway. Mechanic said that the engine stalled because there was not enough oil. I did an oil change a month prior, and no oil light indication came on until after the car broke down.
Mfg Campaign: 11555039
Recall Date: Nov 14, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STEERING
Potential Consequences:
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Corrective Action:
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Additional Notes:
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Mfg Campaign: 11554702
Recall Date: Nov 12, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Corrective Action:
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Additional Notes:
At 45mph or faster, when turning left.. the steering sticks briefly and the EPS (electric power steering) over-corrects it. Makes the steering wheel jump. So the driver has to perform constant corrections. I believe it’s very serious safety issue.
Mfg Campaign: 11554702
Recall Date: Nov 12, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
2016 Kia Sorento SX 3.3l engine failure at 87k miles. Head bolts backed out. Kia dealership verified the issue. The engine could have seized why driving which is a safety risk. No warning lights at all.
Corrective Action:
2016 Kia Sorento SX 3.3l engine failure at 87k miles. Head bolts backed out. Kia dealership verified the issue. The engine could have seized why driving which is a safety risk. No warning lights at all.
Additional Notes:
2016 Kia Sorento SX 3.3l engine failure at 87k miles. Head bolts backed out. Kia dealership verified the issue. The engine could have seized why driving which is a safety risk. No warning lights at all.
Mfg Campaign: 11554608
Recall Date: Nov 10, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I was taking my mom to her knee appointment after her surgery, and my temperature gauge started to rise. No lights or warnings came on in the car what so ever. I pulled over before it reached the red, let it cool and checked fluids. From what I could see the oil, and coolant were fine. The heat in the car stopped working, and the car kept wanting to over heat in the lower gears. I got it to Lion Country Kia in St.College and diagnosed it as finding a cylinder head gasket. My car could no longer be driven, from St.College to my home in St.Mary’s. I had to have it towed, as well as checked here as well to find they were right with a cylinder head gasket issue. I was under the assumption I had the power train warranty as well because it’s under 10/100,000 but unknown to me I didn’t. I could’ve been in an awful accident if I wasn’t paying attention to my gauges and my car overheated and locked up while driving. If anything would’ve happened to my children and my mom in the car that day, all because of a fault in the car manufacturing, Id be knocking on doors! To see all the recalls on the years previous to this for the same issue, you would think it would’ve either been taken care of, or a recall put on this year as well. From what I’ve been reading it’s been happening all too often. Something needs done.
Corrective Action:
I was taking my mom to her knee appointment after her surgery, and my temperature gauge started to rise. No lights or warnings came on in the car what so ever. I pulled over before it reached the red, let it cool and checked fluids. From what I could see the oil, and coolant were fine. The heat in the car stopped working, and the car kept wanting to over heat in the lower gears. I got it to Lion Country Kia in St.College and diagnosed it as finding a cylinder head gasket. My car could no longer be driven, from St.College to my home in St.Mary’s. I had to have it towed, as well as checked here as well to find they were right with a cylinder head gasket issue. I was under the assumption I had the power train warranty as well because it’s under 10/100,000 but unknown to me I didn’t. I could’ve been in an awful accident if I wasn’t paying attention to my gauges and my car overheated and locked up while driving. If anything would’ve happened to my children and my mom in the car that day, all because of a fault in the car manufacturing, Id be knocking on doors! To see all the recalls on the years previous to this for the same issue, you would think it would’ve either been taken care of, or a recall put on this year as well. From what I’ve been reading it’s been happening all too often. Something needs done.
Additional Notes:
I was taking my mom to her knee appointment after her surgery, and my temperature gauge started to rise. No lights or warnings came on in the car what so ever. I pulled over before it reached the red, let it cool and checked fluids. From what I could see the oil, and coolant were fine. The heat in the car stopped working, and the car kept wanting to over heat in the lower gears. I got it to Lion Country Kia in St.College and diagnosed it as finding a cylinder head gasket. My car could no longer be driven, from St.College to my home in St.Mary’s. I had to have it towed, as well as checked here as well to find they were right with a cylinder head gasket issue. I was under the assumption I had the power train warranty as well because it’s under 10/100,000 but unknown to me I didn’t. I could’ve been in an awful accident if I wasn’t paying attention to my gauges and my car overheated and locked up while driving. If anything would’ve happened to my children and my mom in the car that day, all because of a fault in the car manufacturing, Id be knocking on doors! To see all the recalls on the years previous to this for the same issue, you would think it would’ve either been taken care of, or a recall put on this year as well. From what I’ve been reading it’s been happening all too often. Something needs done.
Mfg Campaign: 11554119
Recall Date: Nov 8, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
I was unable to to get my gear out of park. I took to Kia immediately to inspect this issue. My safety is at risk if a collision occurs because I can’t change gears or if I have my children in the car and I get stuck in a remote location. The problem is currently being inspected by a Kia dealership & no one else has been notified just yet. I was given no warning or message before this began on Nov. 7, 2023. After a thorough internet search it seems there are several KIA owners that have experienced the same problem.
Corrective Action:
I was unable to to get my gear out of park. I took to Kia immediately to inspect this issue. My safety is at risk if a collision occurs because I can’t change gears or if I have my children in the car and I get stuck in a remote location. The problem is currently being inspected by a Kia dealership & no one else has been notified just yet. I was given no warning or message before this began on Nov. 7, 2023. After a thorough internet search it seems there are several KIA owners that have experienced the same problem.
Additional Notes:
I was unable to to get my gear out of park. I took to Kia immediately to inspect this issue. My safety is at risk if a collision occurs because I can’t change gears or if I have my children in the car and I get stuck in a remote location. The problem is currently being inspected by a Kia dealership & no one else has been notified just yet. I was given no warning or message before this began on Nov. 7, 2023. After a thorough internet search it seems there are several KIA owners that have experienced the same problem.
Mfg Campaign: 11554141
Recall Date: Nov 8, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the headlamps became inoperable. The contact stated that the light switch was jiggled, and the lamps illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the headlamps became inoperable. The contact stated that the light switch was jiggled, and the lamps illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the headlamps became inoperable. The contact stated that the light switch was jiggled, and the lamps illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11553996
Recall Date: Nov 7, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I noticed one day when filling up my wiper fluid that the engine was just slightly below the coolant low level. I topped off the coolant and tried to see if there was any leaks under the car. I couldn't see any. I started the vehicle and noticed there was bubbling in the coolant reservoir.I called my local mechanic and scheduled an appointment to bring the car in. The car wasn't driven until the day it was going in to be looked at. When driving the car in it started rough and slugish but then went back to normal. I drove it to my mechanics and on the way the car started running very rough engine shaking and the check engine light started flashing. I was only a few blocks away from the shop so I coasted in. They took the car in said it had a code for a cylinder misfire and started the car saying it was blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. They ran a test on the car and said they didn't want to take anything apart and to tow it to Kia. The car was towed to Kia in Wheat Ridge, CO. Car was inspected and the diagnosis was that the engine had overheated. The block is made of aluminum and so is the head. The headbolts that hold the two pieces together are a different type of metal. This manufacturing defect caused the threads in the aluminum block to strip or pull and loose tension on the head gasket. This allowed coolant to enter into one of the cylinders. Kia is recommending the engine be replaced for $11,910 and change. Car was regularly serviced and drove perfectly fine up until the day it went into the shop. Dealer service dept says this is very common on Kia and Hyundai 3.3L engines. Multiple cases around the same mileage.
Corrective Action:
I noticed one day when filling up my wiper fluid that the engine was just slightly below the coolant low level. I topped off the coolant and tried to see if there was any leaks under the car. I couldn't see any. I started the vehicle and noticed there was bubbling in the coolant reservoir.I called my local mechanic and scheduled an appointment to bring the car in. The car wasn't driven until the day it was going in to be looked at. When driving the car in it started rough and slugish but then went back to normal. I drove it to my mechanics and on the way the car started running very rough engine shaking and the check engine light started flashing. I was only a few blocks away from the shop so I coasted in. They took the car in said it had a code for a cylinder misfire and started the car saying it was blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. They ran a test on the car and said they didn't want to take anything apart and to tow it to Kia. The car was towed to Kia in Wheat Ridge, CO. Car was inspected and the diagnosis was that the engine had overheated. The block is made of aluminum and so is the head. The headbolts that hold the two pieces together are a different type of metal. This manufacturing defect caused the threads in the aluminum block to strip or pull and loose tension on the head gasket. This allowed coolant to enter into one of the cylinders. Kia is recommending the engine be replaced for $11,910 and change. Car was regularly serviced and drove perfectly fine up until the day it went into the shop. Dealer service dept says this is very common on Kia and Hyundai 3.3L engines. Multiple cases around the same mileage.
Additional Notes:
I noticed one day when filling up my wiper fluid that the engine was just slightly below the coolant low level. I topped off the coolant and tried to see if there was any leaks under the car. I couldn't see any. I started the vehicle and noticed there was bubbling in the coolant reservoir.I called my local mechanic and scheduled an appointment to bring the car in. The car wasn't driven until the day it was going in to be looked at. When driving the car in it started rough and slugish but then went back to normal. I drove it to my mechanics and on the way the car started running very rough engine shaking and the check engine light started flashing. I was only a few blocks away from the shop so I coasted in. They took the car in said it had a code for a cylinder misfire and started the car saying it was blowing white smoke out of the exhaust. They ran a test on the car and said they didn't want to take anything apart and to tow it to Kia. The car was towed to Kia in Wheat Ridge, CO. Car was inspected and the diagnosis was that the engine had overheated. The block is made of aluminum and so is the head. The headbolts that hold the two pieces together are a different type of metal. This manufacturing defect caused the threads in the aluminum block to strip or pull and loose tension on the head gasket. This allowed coolant to enter into one of the cylinders. Kia is recommending the engine be replaced for $11,910 and change. Car was regularly serviced and drove perfectly fine up until the day it went into the shop. Dealer service dept says this is very common on Kia and Hyundai 3.3L engines. Multiple cases around the same mileage.
Mfg Campaign: 11553130
Recall Date: Nov 2, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
Paint for this car has been delaminating and peeling off from regular use of the car. No accidents or scratches caused the paint to begin peeling, it just started on it's own. I am reporting this because I found it was a common issue for Kia owners with a pear white paint.
Corrective Action:
Paint for this car has been delaminating and peeling off from regular use of the car. No accidents or scratches caused the paint to begin peeling, it just started on it's own. I am reporting this because I found it was a common issue for Kia owners with a pear white paint.
Additional Notes:
Paint for this car has been delaminating and peeling off from regular use of the car. No accidents or scratches caused the paint to begin peeling, it just started on it's own. I am reporting this because I found it was a common issue for Kia owners with a pear white paint.
Mfg Campaign: 11553067
Recall Date: Nov 1, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The engine threw a rod while driving on a flat stretch of US HWY 285. The vehicle is available for further inspection if needed. The engine has 61,300 miles on it. We were forced to stop on a small 2-lane highway and wait for hours for a tow. This was inspected by the dealership and needs to be replaced for the vehicle to be safe to drive again. This is not covered under warranty as I am the second owner with a warranty up to 60,000 miles. No warning lights or messages occurred prior to the rod being thrown.
Corrective Action:
The engine threw a rod while driving on a flat stretch of US HWY 285. The vehicle is available for further inspection if needed. The engine has 61,300 miles on it. We were forced to stop on a small 2-lane highway and wait for hours for a tow. This was inspected by the dealership and needs to be replaced for the vehicle to be safe to drive again. This is not covered under warranty as I am the second owner with a warranty up to 60,000 miles. No warning lights or messages occurred prior to the rod being thrown.
Additional Notes:
The engine threw a rod while driving on a flat stretch of US HWY 285. The vehicle is available for further inspection if needed. The engine has 61,300 miles on it. We were forced to stop on a small 2-lane highway and wait for hours for a tow. This was inspected by the dealership and needs to be replaced for the vehicle to be safe to drive again. This is not covered under warranty as I am the second owner with a warranty up to 60,000 miles. No warning lights or messages occurred prior to the rod being thrown.
Mfg Campaign: 11552514
Recall Date: Oct 29, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil. The check engine light nor low oil light has came on and vehicle was (4) quarts low (according to independent mechanic). Was told by KIA dealership that they would not repair unless the engine was completely blown up. I was told to add oil, get more frequent oil changes, trade vehicle, or come up with $8,500. The engine only has 61,000 miles on it and is a 2016 model. This is a widely known issue and KIA needs to admit the failures and fix the problem.
Corrective Action:
Vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil. The check engine light nor low oil light has came on and vehicle was (4) quarts low (according to independent mechanic). Was told by KIA dealership that they would not repair unless the engine was completely blown up. I was told to add oil, get more frequent oil changes, trade vehicle, or come up with $8,500. The engine only has 61,000 miles on it and is a 2016 model. This is a widely known issue and KIA needs to admit the failures and fix the problem.
Additional Notes:
Vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil. The check engine light nor low oil light has came on and vehicle was (4) quarts low (according to independent mechanic). Was told by KIA dealership that they would not repair unless the engine was completely blown up. I was told to add oil, get more frequent oil changes, trade vehicle, or come up with $8,500. The engine only has 61,000 miles on it and is a 2016 model. This is a widely known issue and KIA needs to admit the failures and fix the problem.
Mfg Campaign: 11552265
Recall Date: Oct 27, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My car has been having high oil consumption. I have taken it to my Kia dealership. They informed me this is a problem with the make and model. They told me this is the beginning of an engine problem that will ultimately cause engine failure affecting connecting rods and bearings. My options are to drive the car until it fails then Kia will replace the engine. I a,so co tacted Kia corporate Customer service a d was told the same thing. I ask her to file a complaint and accelerate it. She said 5hat was. Ot he process. I am 77 year old widow. I'm active and drive my car day a night almost every day. I am usually alone. The solutions are not acceptable. There is a danger for me getting suddenly stranded alone at my age. I think the engine should be replaced now. Can you help me with this? Thank you
Corrective Action:
My car has been having high oil consumption. I have taken it to my Kia dealership. They informed me this is a problem with the make and model. They told me this is the beginning of an engine problem that will ultimately cause engine failure affecting connecting rods and bearings. My options are to drive the car until it fails then Kia will replace the engine. I a,so co tacted Kia corporate Customer service a d was told the same thing. I ask her to file a complaint and accelerate it. She said 5hat was. Ot he process. I am 77 year old widow. I'm active and drive my car day a night almost every day. I am usually alone. The solutions are not acceptable. There is a danger for me getting suddenly stranded alone at my age. I think the engine should be replaced now. Can you help me with this? Thank you
Additional Notes:
My car has been having high oil consumption. I have taken it to my Kia dealership. They informed me this is a problem with the make and model. They told me this is the beginning of an engine problem that will ultimately cause engine failure affecting connecting rods and bearings. My options are to drive the car until it fails then Kia will replace the engine. I a,so co tacted Kia corporate Customer service a d was told the same thing. I ask her to file a complaint and accelerate it. She said 5hat was. Ot he process. I am 77 year old widow. I'm active and drive my car day a night almost every day. I am usually alone. The solutions are not acceptable. There is a danger for me getting suddenly stranded alone at my age. I think the engine should be replaced now. Can you help me with this? Thank you
Mfg Campaign: 11551321
Recall Date: Oct 23, 2023
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Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
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