Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
570–25K
2325–50K
4250–75K
3075–100K
25100–150K
4150K+
181 reports with mileage · 218 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Engine. Review the 219 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 62 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Power Train. Review the 40 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
14 crash reports27 fire reports17 injury reports
What owners actually said
399 reports
Mileage unknown · May 25, 2022
Structure
My rear driver side door hatch malfunctioned and had a mechanical fail as confirmed by Auffenberg KIA, he stated “he see’s this all the time”, in O’Fallon, IL. I can not open the door from the inside or outside. Child lock is not active. Just a mechanical fail. This is not safe! What if there had been a car accident and my child…
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My rear driver side door hatch malfunctioned and had a mechanical fail as confirmed by Auffenberg KIA, he stated “he see’s this all the time”, in O’Fallon, IL. I can not open the door from the inside or outside. Child lock is not active. Just a mechanical fail. This is not safe! What if there had been a car accident and my children needed to vacate the car! There were no warning lamps or other symptoms.
NHTSA ODI #11466043
Mileage unknown · May 13, 2022
Electrical SystemEngine
I was passing a car doing below 50 in a 55. As I sped to pass him the engine seemed to misfire, the car began to jerk and I suddenly lost power to the engine. I tried pressing on the gas pedal but engine was idle. I pulled to the side shut the engine off, waited a few minutes and tried to start the engine again. It did not want …
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I was passing a car doing below 50 in a 55. As I sped to pass him the engine seemed to misfire, the car began to jerk and I suddenly lost power to the engine. I tried pressing on the gas pedal but engine was idle. I pulled to the side shut the engine off, waited a few minutes and tried to start the engine again. It did not want to turn over, sounded like a piston had blown. I had it towed to the family mechanic whom I take all my vehicles to. He ran a diagnostics and said piston #3 was getting no compression and I would need a new engine. I bought the vehicle brand new with 0 miles, the car now has 103,000 miles, just 3000 miles over warranty, which is why I took it to my mechanic and not the dealership. I bought the service contract from the dealership so it has been completely maintained as per contract at Future Kia in Clovis. My mechanic advised me to take it back to the dealer. I had it towed there and awaiting their diagnostics report.
NHTSA ODI #11464571
Mileage unknown · May 10, 2022
Unknown Or Other
After purchase the car only a year. The rod was thrown and punched a hole i. The engine block and began to smoke. I jumped out and the car wouldn’t start or nothing. Car was towed home and to several locations to look at and fix the car. When all along there was a safety recall. When I attempted to file a complaint the Kia class…
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After purchase the car only a year. The rod was thrown and punched a hole i. The engine block and began to smoke. I jumped out and the car wouldn’t start or nothing. Car was towed home and to several locations to look at and fix the car. When all along there was a safety recall. When I attempted to file a complaint the Kia class action suit was denied. Now this is on my credit due to having no other choice then to voluntarily repo the car.
NHTSA ODI #11463989
Mileage unknown · May 7, 2022
Engine
While driving, the engine suddenly lost power and stalled. All of the warning lights on the dash illuminated. After coasting to the side of the road I pressed the start button and the engine started back up. Later that week the low oil light illuminated. After stopping the car I pulled the dipstick and it was not registering any…
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While driving, the engine suddenly lost power and stalled. All of the warning lights on the dash illuminated. After coasting to the side of the road I pressed the start button and the engine started back up. Later that week the low oil light illuminated. After stopping the car I pulled the dipstick and it was not registering any oil. The car is at JT Kia in Columbia, SC to be diagnosed and we will be doing an engine oil consumption test.
NHTSA ODI #11463727
Mileage unknown · May 2, 2022
EnginePower Train
Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder an…
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Over the last year the car has been having the engine light come on. The car idols ruff, loses power and has left me stranded on the side road. I lost power in the fast lane on the freeway and had to maneuver out of the fast lane to side of freeway.Each time it has been taken to shop it has been a mis-fire in the #3 cylinder and the spark plug had to be replaced. Several calls not returned by Roseville Kia asking for information regarding this problem as well as trying to set up appointment for current recall over the last year. Once again car left me on side of road and was told by mechanic that it needs new engine. Told by Folsom Kia to have it towed to them since Roseville Kia would not return calls and that the issue with the engine would be covered by warranty being extended due to past recall. After 4 days at Folsom Kia I was told that I would need a new engine and starting price to tear it down is $5000, and it would most likely be more, approx$8000. Also told that the warranty does not apply now.
NHTSA ODI #11463101
93,703 miles · Apr 29, 2022
Service Brakes, HydraulicFire
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and while taking a picture of his instrument panel, a grayish color smoke began to emit from the hood of the vehicle. As the contact began…
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The contact owned a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as several warning lights appeared on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over and while taking a picture of his instrument panel, a grayish color smoke began to emit from the hood of the vehicle. As the contact began to search for the hood latch button inside the vehicle, flames had emitted from the hood of the vehicle. The contact immediately exited the vehicle and called 911. As the contact waited for authorities to arrive, the vehicle became engulfed in flames; the fire department eventually arrived and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed(#122023397) and no injuries were reported. The remaining parts of the vehicle were towed to an independent tow yard where it remained in their possession. The contact called the dealer where he purchased the vehicle to obtain his vehicle records. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that his vehicle had been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V137000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that he was never informed about the recall and never received a recall notice. The Kia dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire. The failure mileage was 93,703.
NHTSA ODI #11462753
70,175 miles · Apr 18, 2022
Engine
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and remained at the dealer for over 30 days and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure …
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The contact owns a 2017 Kia Sportage. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and remained at the dealer for over 30 days and was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,175.
NHTSA ODI #11461158
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2022
Air BagsEngineSeat Belts
I HAVE A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IS THIS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THE "THETA II" ENGINE WHICH IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST ENGINE FIRES I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT 70K MILES AT HOLLYWOOD KIA I CHECKED THE CAR AT 73K AND IT WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW I A…
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I HAVE A AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT THEY SAID IT WAS A SENSOR WITH THE DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT. IS THIS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE? VEHICLE IS EQUIPED WITH THE "THETA II" ENGINE WHICH IS UNDER A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT AGAINST ENGINE FIRES I HAD THE OIL CHANGED AT 70K MILES AT HOLLYWOOD KIA I CHECKED THE CAR AT 73K AND IT WAS 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED 1.5 QUARTS LOW I ADDED ANOTHER HALF QUART AT 74K IT WAS A QUART LOW AT 75K WHEN I GOT THE NEXT OIL CHANGE ALSO, I HAD TO ADD A QUART AT 77K, 78K AND 79K JUST FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA CORPORATE CASE # 14755737 I AM GOING INTO GUNTHER KIA NEXT WEEK TO GET MY 80K OIL CHANGE I LEFT A VOICE MESSAGE WITH SERVICE MANAGER ANTHONY DECARLO AS WELL ENGINE OIL LIGHT NEVER COMES ON COULD THIS ALSO BE RELATED TO THE ENGINE FIRE ISSUES ?
NHTSA ODI #11460734
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2022
Engine
While driving this car on the highway, the car shut down leading to severely decreased speed placing my life in danger. The engine was repaired in 2019. Again, on Monday 3/21/2022, while driving on the highway, this car decreased speed and put my life in danger again. This time KIA will not rectify the situation and denies any …
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While driving this car on the highway, the car shut down leading to severely decreased speed placing my life in danger. The engine was repaired in 2019. Again, on Monday 3/21/2022, while driving on the highway, this car decreased speed and put my life in danger again. This time KIA will not rectify the situation and denies any responsibility for the second engine issue. This vehicle now requires a total engine replacement at the cost of myself. No explanation of what led to the cause of this engine failure was provided. Multiple attempts requesting written explanation of diagnostic findings have not been met. No invoice has been provided at the time of this claim.
NHTSA ODI #11459243
Mileage unknown · Mar 18, 2022
Engine
Unknow I took my kia 2/10/2022 in because the control knob was not working they did not have the part On 2/11/2022 I picked it up. On 2/17/2022 I dropped off my Kia so that the replacement part could be installed. On 2/18/2022 I picked up my vehicle and seen that my knob was fixed be discovered another problem had occurred that …
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Unknow I took my kia 2/10/2022 in because the control knob was not working they did not have the part On 2/11/2022 I picked it up. On 2/17/2022 I dropped off my Kia so that the replacement part could be installed. On 2/18/2022 I picked up my vehicle and seen that my knob was fixed be discovered another problem had occurred that was no there before. My check engine light was on. I never left the service area. I informed [XXX] the he contacted (by radio) the mechanic that worked on my Kia. The took the vehicle back to the mechanic and when I got my vehicle back the check engine light was off and if the check engine light came back on to let him know. On Feb 19 the check engine light was back on so I called and left a message for [XXX] to call me back but he never did. Feb 21 I called [XXX] again and left a message for him to call me back. Feb 22.2022 My Husband [XXX] spoke to [XXX] , and he then informed him to call Kia Service Center because he [XXX] already had call them about my Kia explaining what the problem was. on Feb 24 I dropped off my Vehicle to Kia Service Center. On Feb 25 [XXX] from Kia Service Center called me to ask me where [XXX] go the part from and what was the part number On Feb 26 I went to Advantage Toyota and spoke to [XXX] for the information he informed me hi did not know the part number because he got the part from the warranty company On Feb 28 I informed [XXX] what [XXX] told me On March 2 [XXX] from Kia Service Center informed me that the Bocy Harness was burned out and that it would cost me $4000 dollars to fix On March 3 I went back to Advantage Toyota to speak to a manager about my situation because i was tired of getting the run around and I needed help to resolving this issue. I spoke with [XXX] yet again no one there was willing to help me. I left a message With General Manager [XXX] he did not return my call, I spoke with the corporate office still no one has called me INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will inspect the vehicle, and, as necessary, replace the fuse and/or tow hitch harness module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 11, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC249.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2021 Sportage and Cadenza vehicles. The electrical circuit in the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may short-circuit, which can cause a fire in the engine compartment.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An engine compartment fire can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures as a precaution until the recall repair is complete. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace certain fuses in the electrical junction box. Vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake (EPB) will also receive a HECU software update. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on April 30, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC206.
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Engine
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings
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.
Consequence: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
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."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Trailer Hitches
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."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Electrical System
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."
Consequence: If the trailer brake lights stay illuminated while being used, other drivers may be confused, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the trailer tow hitch harness, free of charge. The recall began January 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC142.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
2
AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires
Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied
Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.
DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power
Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.