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Kia

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Common Kia Problems • Brakes • Stalling • Sudden acceleration • Transmission • Collision Damage • Just everything! --- News • Kia.com Rated Best Web Site for New-Vehicle Shopping • Kia Owners Awarded $6 Million in Class Action • Hyundai Offers $85 Million to Settle Horsepower Suit • Kia Aces J.D. Powers Survey • Horsepower Overstated

In fact, there are so many problems with Kias it's hard to know where to start. Most cars have one or two problems that tend to be dominant -- Ford's 3.8l V-6 engine, to pick an infamous example. But with Kia, pretty much everything seems to go wrong.

More recently, Hyundai and Kia raised eyebrows when they finished unexpectedly high in the J.D. Powers Initial Quality Survey. The Powers Survey is highly regarded but perhaps "initial" quality isn't the problem? Check the complaints listed to the right and judge for yourself.

Brian of Fountain Valley, CA July 29, 2010

What Power Train Warranty? My 2003 Kia Sorento is still under "power train warranty" with only 54,000 miles on it. A small leak in the coolant system went undetected and caused the engine to overheat on the freeway @ 10PM. I could have been killed thanks to that damn car. A major design flaw in the dashboard display is that the engine thermostat is tucked away in the upper right hand corner invisible to any good driver that keeps their hands on the steering wheel. The overheated engine ceased while I was on the freeway and I was barely able to coast off to a gouge point next to the nearest exit. Cars were screaming by both sides of my car. Very scary!

Anyway, turns out that I'm the one at fault according to Kia customer care and service managers at the Kia Depot in Santa Ana, CA. Since the Kia cooling system failed and Kia water reservoir caused the problem, Kia should cover the cost of engine replacement or at least consider an extreme discount. Unfortunately, they ruled that I'm completely at fault and refuse to assist in any way. With that kind of attitude and lack of compassion for their customers, why in my right mind would a spend a dime let alone 5000 to replace the engine and catalytic converters? Never buy from Kia or Hyundai! They don't stand by their product and will worm their way our of any and all warranty issues!

Joseph of Medway, MA July 28, 2010

I have purchased a 2011 KIA Sorrento from Central KIA of Norwood MA. on July 19 2011 and on Monday July 26 I noticed a spot of oil on my garage floor, I brought the car to Central KIA and they determined the leak was coming from inside the engine and in order to repair it they would have to remove the exhaust system, transmission and parts of the engine to determine where the leak is and what they need to do to repair it.

This car only has 600 miles on it and they are completely disassembling the engine. I expressed my anger over this and told them I did not want the car even after the repair, they told me to contact KIA and let them know my concerns. I did call KIA’s customer service and told them the following, I do not want a brand new car that just has been ripped apart and reassembled. With so few miles on the car this is clearly an assembly line issue and why should I pay 20000 for a car with this type of defect. As a result of this repair I anticipate additional problems due to the fact that so many pieces of the engine have been removed and there is no guaranty that this will be reassembled without something going wrong down the road. I also anticipate many more visits to KIA for follow-up repairs, this is not why I purchased a new car.

They assured me that they will stand behind the repair but would not address the idea of replacing it. My contact at KIA is Steve, I am angered over this because I purchased a new car to avoid the constant repairs I have experienced with my previous car and now I have a new car that is in far worse shape than my old car. It is my opinion that the simple thing to do is replace the car and use this defect as a means to correct this problem either at the plant or with the vendor that may have supplied them with the defective part. I am at the beginning stages of this and I am not sure if this is the time to contact you but I would appreciate some advice on handling this and what path I should take to get this resolved.

kathleen of Boissevain, MB July 28, 2010

I purchased a 2010 Red Kia Soul in November of 2009..i purchased the extra warranty on paint protection and ect... i absouletly love this vehicle and it was in mint condition through the whole winter, spring time comes and i start noticing chip all over the front of my hood and on the bottom of the doors.. i go into my dealership and the first thing the man says is what have you been doing, i was insulted! i knew they wouldnt take me serious because i am a young woman. They took pictures and said they doubt they will do anything about it. My grandpa who is my co signer who also owns a kia and loves it took my vehicle in again to discuss the matter. They gave him the number for the head people and talked with them and they said they would call him back... he has been waiting for three weeks now!!! They are trying to blame me saying its my fault and i must be driving on gravel roads lot.. i do not drive on gravel!! ( i was also at the mall one day and seen a red kia soul in the parking lot, i went up to it and load and behold the vehicle had paint chips in it!!) I Kia doesnt fix this problem my two family members that own kia vehicles will no longer be taking business to them

CC of Tg. Bungah, Penang, Malaysia July 20, 2010

In mid of July 2010, I was thinking of buying a new car. After much research and talking to various car salesmen, I have somehow decided for a new Kia Forte 2.0 liters for the following reasons. - Sales person told me that they have stocks. - CBU units from Korea. - Lots of gifts.

After much considerations, I had finally decided to do my booking with them. At the point of booking, the sales lady, Ms J., kept emphasizing that she should have stocks to be delivered to me in a week. When the first commit came, she told me that the car was stuck at Malaysian custom for clearance problems. I need to wait for another week or so. Then, she gave me a 2nd commit. Well, time flies, the 2nd committed date arrived. Unfortunately, she still could not deliver the car to me. The reason was still being the same, Malaysian custom issue. The CBU unit could not be released due to some documentations problems. As usual, 3rd commit given to me, 19th Julu 2010.

Last Sunday, 19th July 2010, I texted her on the status. No response! No surprise because I have to usually make an effort to visit the show room to look for the sales person for an update for my new car. So, I made a trip on Monday, 20th July 2010. As usual, I called her before i popped into the show room. As usual, she did not pick up phone. I showed up in the show room, she was in the midst of finding something for a new car release for another customer. She quickly told me to wait for her. I told her that I don't need her since she had been decommitted so many rounds. I meant she has no longer has any credibility to me not the delivery. So, I demanded to see her immediate superior, Ms A.

She told me that her immediate superior was out for lunch and on her way back to the office. Once she arrived, she will talk to me. Then, I was patiently waiting for her immediate superior to return from lunch. When she returned to the office, she walked straight to her office, without noticing a customer was waiting for her. I, then, informed another salesman at the counter that was waiting for Ms A. for an answer on my new car delivery. The salesman entered her office and spoken to her. Then, he returned and asked me to enter to her office.

This is completely ridiculous! Do you need to speak to the chef at a restaurant and get the chef to serve you? It is the same concept. Ms. A., a branch Manager, has no idea who is customer and who is supplier. She refused to meet me at the lobby. After not wasting so much time, I had decided to leave the sales office. I was completely mad! I went text the sales lady, Ms J., again and told her that her superior did not speak to me a demanded her to get her immediate superior to call me. End up, as usual, no response no phone call!

Just a few hours ago, I took my effort and continue to follow up by calling the sales lady again. You know what happened, I dialed 7 calls, the 3rd call was picked up and cutoff immediately. I attempted one more round. The call was picked up but answered by a guy. The guy told me that Ms J. left her phone for charging. Man, how could a sales just left her cellphone and went off without it! She is a sales person. In this IT edge, how could a sales person without a cell? It will be just like a car without wheels! That is completely crab! Anyway, I left a message to the guy and demanded the guy to pass on the message so that she could call me! As usual, no responses thereafter!

After 6 weeks of booking, if Kia cannot deliver, please inform the customer honestly! I worked with many Koreans before. They are very serious about delivery. Unfortunately, the Koreans working in Kia Motors are not interested to deliver on time and like to de-commit on deliveries of their cars to their customers. When you have chance to visit Korea, you will have many chances to see their factory slogan, "World class supplier", "No 1 supplier for so and so"...these are all bullshit! I would love to hear that these 2 employees to be given a disciplinary warning letter to tell lies to their customers and never deliver quality delivery commitment! If I were the sales head, both of them must be taken out from the team to maintain the quality reputation of Kia Motors in Malaysia. They should also provide a public apologies to me!

Now, I wish the public could provide me a contact in Korea for this complaint. It's the trust and professional ethics that disappointed me! Both of these ladies dressed well but act like a wolf....tell lies all the time! Felt like in the trap! They took the commission and unwilling to work professionally! This is completely sad and shame! So that, my voice can be effectively heard and royalty can be awarded to me! Would appreciate any source of contact, the higher the better their management staff! Thank you!

Dr.Daniel of Ankeny, IA July 20, 2010

Customer #: 4905504 KIA Sedona 2006 VIN 233766055497. 96,515 miles extened warranty purchased. Initial problem check engine light remaining on/basis service. Received car back after considerable communication problems (KIA service personnel failing to return multiple call to my daughter regarding the car when they promised to due so). Flushed transmission fluid when was flushed some time ago ( cost 134.95) after this work was completed the service personnel noted that she needed a new transmission at a cost of ~3,200 which hardly seems appropriate with a QUALITY product after 96,515 miles. A certified transmission specialist was sought for second opinion and repaired the transmission at a cost of 800.

Within a few minutes of driving out of the lot the check engine light came back on again which is one of the original problems that the car was brought in for. Loose sway bar links on front and all 4 subframe bushings MAY be a problem in the future needs repair at a cost of 529.00. The car received a tune up with new plugs etc. at a cost of 199.95. Tires were mounted and balanced and 2 new tires was purchased. My daughter, Danna paid 1736.33 by chk. on a bill which totaled 2028.11. She and my wife are listed as owners of the KIA SEDONA.

Danna, feels that she wasn't treated very well and was taken advantage of by running up the costs of repairs. Her additional warranty noted as aftermarket will pay some of the costs related to this repair/service. The check engine light came back on within blocks of the dealer. It is not likely that she will return to the dealer for service. Poor communication, loss of the use of the car, inflated bill, second opinion sought due to the lack of confidence in the service, treated with a lack of respect. Thank you for your consideration in this matter.

Tong of Corona, CA July 17, 2010

TERRIBLE CAR, TERRIBLE COMPANY. My 2010 KIA RIO' air conditioning does not work sometimes. Abot 40% of the time the AC is just not cool. It has 13000 miles, I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW in 2009, had it for 3 months, when I start using the AC a lot more because in about 100 degrees in Riverside, and you need the AC. That when it started having problems. Sometime it nice and cold, sometime it's warm. I called Riverside Kia, now they want to charge me 99 just to look at it, and can not do it this Saturday.

Just a terrible company with no service of any kind. I call Kia Depot in Santa Ana, they will NOT look at diagnostic for AC unit on Weekends, only Monday to Friday with appointments. Poeple, let face the fact, people who worked Monday thru Friday to pay for a piece of junk car like a Rio, doesn't have many options when they can take time off work. I now know what a mistake I make purchasing a Kia. I am sucker,and I am stuck with it, so here is warning to everyone else, Do not buy Kia. It will break down on you within months. Warranty will not cover the time you lost trying to fix their junk, or the fustrations, or the knowledge of what a mistake you make with your hard yearn money.

Kia Motors America in Irvine, does not have weekend hours, where most good, hard working people like me would normally have time to seek help with their car issues. No answer. No Service. Maybe that should be Kia's new company logo.

Chris of Hermitage, TN July 15, 2010

My sister recently bought a 2006 Kia Sorento. We paid 9,000.00 for it, and we're the 2nd owner of the vehicle. Right off the bat there were electrical problems of which the dealer was happy to take care of. Now 4 months later in the dead of summer, the Air Conditioning is out, and will cost 1,600.00 to fix. What a load of crap! The car is practically brand new, and shouldn't have this problem.

I contacted Kia as they "BOAST" about their so called 10yr 100,000 mile warranty on every vehicle. They say they stand behind their product. HA! it doesn't follow the vehicle if it is sold. Well duh, people will generally sell or try to rid themselves of a bad car after 1 or 2 major repairs. Warranty void. So I asked the guy at Kia what's the difference whether the vehicle has a new owner or not. It's still well under 10 years, as well as under 100,000 miles. The product is STILL the same. Of course no answer. Just a "I'm sorry sir" Don't EVER buy a Kia.

Chris of St Charles, MO July 14, 2010

I own a 2006 Kia Sedona and hate the gremlins that live inside it. And I am not imaging these although the dealer can't correct or find these problems. Here are some of them: Numerous things: AC does not blow cold continually and has been repaired several times. Horn problems that have been fixed several times (Does not work properly when lock vehicle and it is to "chirp" when it locks).

Also, security horn has had to be replaced. Shifting / odd transmission type problem - the vehicle "bangs" when you come down a hill to a stop. Also, when slowing down to a stop light it actually has a surge or acceleration. Very scary and they say this is ok or they can not find a problem. Also as you are driving it accelerates or decelerates oddly. Brakes - vehicle only has 62000 and have replaced brakes twice.

stacie of brooklyn, NY July 14, 2010

I just purchased a used 2000 Kia Sportage. Very cute and reasonable on gas. But theres a problem with it and it seems like no 1 as the answer for the problem. It stalls when I turn it on and while Im out driving it just lose speed and the rpm box drops and it wont pick up and it make loud noise at this time. Then it just start on its on. I invested more than enough money into the truck. Had the ignition coil, full tune up, ignition wires, gasket, ecu all change. Still doing the same thing. Now Im told it could be the engine harness. I could have just invested in a more expensive car if I have known that I was going to spend so much money..Was just looking for a "get around car".."Some 1 help please"..There have to be a recall on this vehicle.

Rebecca of Danville, AL July 14, 2010

I purchased my KIA Optima from Bramlett KIA in August 2009 this is July 2010 my Optmia has been in the shop 5 times for the transmission shifts very hard when it shifts from first.They reset the ADAPTIVES by KIA'S instructions. Well 5 times later we are back to square one. All I want KIA to do is buy the car back.

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