The South Korean automaker has come a long way in the past few decades. At first, Kia sold basic and economically priced cars that were not very reliable. When the brand first launched in the American market, the models experienced a significant number of issues.
It was coupled with the perception that Kias were what one bought if they could not afford a decent Toyota or Honda. Since then, Kia took note of the poor consumer reviews and mended most of the problems. However, there are a few issues Kia is yet to deal with to the brand to the next level.'
10 Lack Of Performance Model Options
For the longest time, Kia prioritized economic over performance or luxury models, which earned it a reputation of a "cheap" brand when, in fact, it was capable of so much more. Its range-topping GT trim is the first instance of the automaker providing competitive cars such as the Stinger and the GT.
The brand did say they would continue building sporty grand tourers though they would not make a performance division of their own, the way other competitors like Hyundai and Toyota have done so. The lack of a motorsport division takes the edge of some cars even if they were released as GT options.
9 Poor Build Quality
Models like the Kia Sportage have had dark years since their introduction to the market. Poor assembly and build quality for these models have led to several body and mechanical issues.
One owner posted a video of a leaking roof on YouTube showing rain droplets getting through to the cabin, yet they had bought the car the previous day. On the plus side, they are easily maintained and cheaply fixed.
8 Faulty Airbags
Kia indicated that their airbag control unit detects a crash's potential intensity and then informs the seatbelt pre-tensioners and the airbags to deploy when needed. Unfortunately, some Kia models like the Forte, Sedona, and Optimas have electronic malfunctions during frontal crashes.
That means the airbags and the pre-tensioners are not going to deploy, leading to severe injuries. There was no immediate remedy for this, but the recall was scheduled for mid-2018. Thus far, four people have died because of the fault and, six others have been injured.
7 Fire Risk
In early 2021, almost 400,000 Kia models were recalled because of a short circuit issue in the hydraulic electronic control unit. That controls the ABS model, which is powered and positioned between the brake master cylinder and the wheel brakes.
If there is an electric short circuit, then it may lead to an engine compartment fire. The HECU remains energized even when the engine is off, which is why the cars pose a risk even when they are stationary.
6 Engine Stalling
In 2019, Kia announced 100,000 of their models were at risk of engine stalling. They since made a statement that it was happening due to software rather than hardware option. However, it has been revealed that some of their other models also have tangible problems.
The affected Kia Soul and Seltos crossovers have oil rings that are too hard, for example. Over time, this hardness may damage the pistons and the cylinder bore, causing excessive oil leaks and engine knocking.
5 Transmission Reprogramming Issues
Many transmission problems, including not engaging delayed shifting or lack of drive, may be caused by low transmission fluid on the Kia models. The Sorento utilized a five-speed automatic transmission from hard shifts and failed gear changes.
These issues may happen sporadically or be a constant cause of concern. It will then trigger the check engine light meaning there will be code stored in the engine light. Faulty transmission fluid sensors are also going to give false output readings on these Kia models.
4 Few Safety Systems Compared To Competition
Kia may have upped their game in several aspects, including the electronic and hybrid segment, but some models are still not up to par when it comes to safety. The Kia Seltos, for example, has been reviewed as quite disappointing considering it does not have safety additions worthy of the price tag.
It does not have brake assist or hill hold. Features like an electric parking brake have become rather common at present. The same is true with the Kia Rio, which does not offer adaptive cruise control, a review camera or even blind-spot monitoring.
3 Issues With Electronics
The problems with Kia's electronics have been there for some time as Kia has recalled over 220,000 Sedona minivans during the last two decades. In fact, Kia told the SUVs owners to park these vehicles outside structures until they were able to find a solution.
Malfunctioning dashboard gauges and power accessories such as door locks and windows failing to operate in the right way are also potential problems. These may be signs of slight problems, though like bad wiring or a worn battery.
2 Hydraulic Electronic Control Units Issues
The Sportage and the Cadenza were the subject of a risk debate as the automaker found these vehicles have hydraulic electronic control unit risks. The HECU was vulnerable to moisture, and that would eventually lead to an electrical short circuit.
That would lead to a fire within the engine compartment. Of course, during the escalation, drivers might notice the blizzard of warning lights on the instrument cluster and a burning smell from the engine bay.
1 Exterior Lighting Issues
During night driving, 2019 Sorento models have been known to point excessively in a down direction leaving the driver with a dark area in their line of sight. That means the light does not cover the area needed to be lit in front of the vehicle, which is scary during high speeds.
The passenger beams have also been known to blow out while others go on and off, which is especially troubling during night driving. Unfortunately, these issues are chronic despite replacements of the bulbs.