Kia has built a good reputation for itself over the years with the production of reliable vehicles of all kinds. The large variety of Kia models available today ensures that there's something for everyone. Whether you are looking for gas-powered models or hybrids, Kia has got you covered with some of the best-rated vehicles in their respective segments. For the 2023 model year, Kia offers 19 models with prices ranging from $16,750 to $49,990. Kia also has two upcoming vehicles, the Seltos and EV9. While the Seltos is similar to most of its Kia stablemates, the EV9 is a new, all-electric crossover that aims to take the fight to the best and biggest electric SUVs on the market.

UPDATE: 2023/10/17 By Ron FP

Kia has improved its build quality over the decades, recently proven by Kia's highest overall rank in the J.D. Power 2022 US Vehicle Dependability Study. However, despite the quality and reliability improvements that the Korean brand has achieved, some Kia models still give car owners and insurance companies huge headaches.

We've compiled information from news outlets, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Consumer Reports (CR), Car Complaints, CarEdge, and JD Power to help you identify the issues you need to watch out for when buying a Kia vehicle.

With models scattered all over the world, there are just as many people excited about the brand as there are those disappointed with their ownership experience. If you plan on getting a Kia vehicle, this piece is like a heads-up about what you might experience. But then, bear in mind that most of these problems are not specific to Kia, so you might want to cut the brand some slack. That said, here are 15 things to watch out for when buying a Kia.

15 Prone To Theft - The TikTok Kia Challenge

During the summer of 2022, a group of TikTokers who called themselves The Kia Boys uploaded a demonstration video on how to hack and steal certain Kia and Hyundai models. The so-called TikTok "Kia Challenge" hack, which involved using USB cables in lieu of a car key, led to the theft of over 10,000 Kias and Hyundais in Milwaukee between 2022 and 2023.

Because of social media virality, these crimes may still continue in the foreseeable future. Why so? These thefts could have been easily preventable if the vehicles had an anti-theft immobilizer – an electronic system that would automatically turn off a car that goes out of signal range of the car key fob. Unfortunately, only 26% of Kias and Hyundais in the US have immobilizers. Most of the 2011 to 2021 Kia models don't have it.

Affected Models:

  • 2011–2021 Kia Forte
  • 2021–2022 Kia K5
  • 2011–2020 Kia Optima
  • 2011–2021 Kia Rio
  • 2011–2021 Kia Sedona
  • 2021–2022 Kia Seltos
  • 2010–2022 Kia Soul
  • 2011–2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2011–2022 Kia Sportage

14 Steering Problems

2023 Kia Sorento - Front profile - driving
Kia

Steering problems account for nearly 6% of all complaints by Kia owners filed under CarComplaints.com, and the most affected models are the Optima, Sorento, and Soul released between 2011 and 2017. The 2013 Kia Optima (renamed as the Kia K5 in 2021), seems to suffer more from steering problems, with many drivers complaining that their steering pulls to the side, even when they're driving on a straight road and having an aligned vehicle. On more recent models, this can be attributed to Electronic Power Steering (EPS) system failure caused by either a failing electric motor or a bad sensor.

If you drive a 2012 Kia Soul, it's not uncommon to hear a clunking sound when turning the steering wheel to the right or left. On another note, CarComplaints also recorded reports of loss of power steering for the Kia Rondo, making maneuvering very difficult and potentially dangerous, especially at cruising speeds.

Affected Models:

  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Optima
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Soul

13 Fuel Pipe Leak

2018 Kia Sportage SUV On A Dirt Trail
Kia

Fuel system problems comprise roughly 4% of Kia owners' complaints in carcomplaints.com, and perhaps the most alarming among these would be the fuel pipe leaks that were prevalent in the 2011 - 2017 Optima, 2011 - 2018 Sportage, and 2012 - 2017 Sorento. The main causes of this issue were the misaligned, improperly torqued, or damaged high-pressure fuel line connected directly to the fuel pump outlet. This fuel pipe leak problem prompted the NHTSA to issue an urgent fire risk warning and an official recall for the affected vehicles.

Ironically, Kia's fuel pipe leak problem is an indirect result of an engine problem that was the subject of an earlier recall regarding the knock sensor detection system. When Kia launched its special service campaign to address this engine problem, the servicing procedure caused the fuel pipe problem. Kia and Hyundai issued a massive recall in early 2019 for the same fuel line problem, and there were 4 million affected vehicles between the two Korean brands.

Affected Models:

  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Optima
  • 2011 - 2018 Kia Sportage
  • 2012 - 2017 Kia Sorento

12 Loss Of EV Power

Kia EV6 GT
Kia

The Kia EV6 is the Korean brand's first all-electric model, and it will serve as the basis for Kia's upcoming electric models. Because of its outstanding EV performance, crossover utility, and captivating design, the 2022 Kia EV6 won the North American Utility Vehicle Of The Year Award, among other prestigious accolades from different automotive assessment groups.

Along with the Kia EV6's new powertrain technology, however, came a new problem – the loss of motive power. Several EV6 buyers reported hearing a loud popping noise in the cabin while they were driving, followed by a visual warning on their instrument cluster, and eventually by a reduction or a complete loss of propulsion power. On July 3, 2023, the NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened an investigation regarding this issue, and as of September 2023, this investigation is still ongoing.

The NHTSA's preliminary evaluation shows that there is a strong correlation between this power loss issue and the possible failure of the Kia EV6's Integrated Control Charging Unit (ICCU), which is mainly responsible for sending power to the high-voltage traction/propulsion battery and the low-voltage 12-volt car battery. Moreover, recent updates from Korean media outlet Business Korea show that the newly launched Kia EV9 is experiencing the same loss of power problem as well.

Affected Models:

  • 2022 - 2023 Kia EV6
  • 2023 Kia EV9

11 Transmission Issues

Gray 2023 Kia Forte Parked Outside
Kia

There's a Kia for everyone, but the downside of several Kia models is that you will most likely experience transmission problems. For Sorento owners, chances are you have experienced jerking when shifting, especially when going uphill at about 75 mph. Moreover, according to a 2019 Kia Forte owner from Delaware, there have been two transmission replacements with less than 5,000 miles on the car's odometer. Many other Forte owners have similar sad experiences with the transmission.

More recently, Kia and Hyundai issued a recall last October 2022 for over 120,000 units due to problems with the dual-clutch transmission (DCT) system that could lead to a complete loss of mobility.

Affected Models of DCT Recall:

  • 2021 - 2022 Kia Sorento
  • 2021 - 2023 Kia K5
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10 Door Lock Malfunction

Dark Blue 2017 Kia Optima
Kia

Kia's interior problems account for a large chunk of the complaints by owners, but one particular issue that often comes up is the door lock. Many owners of Kia vehicles like the Optima and Rio have expressed concerns about this door lock issue.

For instance, a Kia Optima owner from Georgia reported that the door lock failed to open from the inside or outside. Although this door malfunction may seem like an inexpensive issue to fix, it can be costly, especially in the event of an accident or emergency. Most Kia owners experience door lock problems due to issues like frozen rubber door gaskets, worn-out tumblers, or jammed lock cylinders.

Last August 2023, Kia issued a recall for latch problems on certain model years and variants of the Optima and Rio.

Affected Models of Latch Problem Recall:

  • 2016 - 2018 Kia Optima
  • 2017 - 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2017 - 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid
  • 2016 - 2017 Kia Rio

9 Airbag Failure

Silver 2022 Kia Forte GT
Kia

Airbag deployment failure (or unintended deployment, for that matter) may increase the severity of an accident and put the life of the car occupants at risk. With this in mind, it's important to do your background checks to ensure any Kia model you opt for doesn't have airbag problems. While it's normal for airbags not to deploy in minor accidents, they need to deploy during certain types of moderate to severe impacts, like head-on collisions.

You might want to steer clear of models like the Forte, Soul, and Sedona produced from 2017 to 2019 because Kia recalled nearly 410,000 units of these vehicles for airbag failure. The airbag problem is due to soldering joint damage, which triggers the airbag light to turn on even if the airbag fails to deploy.

Affected Models:

  • 2017 - 2018 Kia Forte
  • 2017 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2017 - 2019 Kia Sedona
  • 2017 - 2019 Kia Soul
  • 2017 - 2019 Kia Soul EV
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8 Engine Failure

2019 Green Kia Soul front view
Kia

There are multiple efficient and powerful Kia engine options, including 4-cylinder engines ranging from 1.6 to 2.5 liters. Kia also offered a V6 engine option that produced over 270 hp and almost 250 lb-ft of torque. However, despite having impressive engine options, engine problems account for up to 35% of all Kia complaints filed with CarComplaints. Kia's Sorento, Optima, and Sportage account for the bulk of the problems. Many Kia drivers have reported engine failures, but what's even more worrisome is the fact that it can happen while the vehicle is in motion.

Just August 2023, Kia and Hyundai issued another engine problem recall regarding a faulty oil pump that can lead to engine and vehicle fire. The NHTSA has issued an "Urgent: Fire Risk When Parked" notice to all owners of the affected models.

Affected Models For Oil Pump Recall:

  • 2023 - 2024 Kia Seltos
  • 2023 Kia Soul
  • 2023 Kia Sportage

7 Rust And Paint Peeling

Green 2023 Kia Sorento parked
Kia

Early detection is the key for your Kia to survive rust. That's why you need to know to prevent rust or stop it from spreading at an early stage. Specific model years of some Kia nameplates like the Cadenza, Rio, Sportage, Sorento, Optima, and Spectra are prone to rusting, so it's best to check a pre-owned Kia's body thoroughly before buying. Besides destroying the car's aesthetic value, rust can compromise the vehicle's structural integrity. It can eat away components of the car, thus compromising stability. In addition, rust can damage the fuel tank housing, chassis, engine mounts, wheel wells, and other parts.

No recall has been issued regarding these paint problems, hence there is no official list of affected models. However, the problem has become so prevalent that disgruntled Kia and Hyundai owners have already banded together and started preparing for a class-action lawsuit against the two Korean brands regarding these paint issues. The most recent complaints include paint peeling problems on a 6-month-old 2023 Kia Telluride.

Affected Models:

  • 2014 - 2020 Kia Cadenza
  • 2011 - 2023 Kia Sportage
  • 2014 - 2023 Kia Rio
  • 2011 - 2023 Kia Sportage
  • 2014 - 2023 Kia Soul
  • 2014 - 2023 Kia Sorento
  • 2014 - 2023 Kia Optima
  • 2020 - 2023 Kia Telluride
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6 Poor Lighting

Green Kia Telluride
Kia

Lighting issues are relatively inexpensive problems, but they constitute about 5% of all complaints by Kia owners. Kia Sorento owners complain about flashing headlights, while Forte and Optima owners do not feel comfortable with the dim headlights and taillights.

One 2011 Kia Sorento owner complained about the headlights randomly turning on and off when driving. Faulty headlights make night driving very unsafe. The same case also applies to the dashboard lights, although exterior light failure is definitely more alarming.

Kia recalled over 3,000 units of the 2015-2016 K900 sedans for headlight failure.

Although there have been no recalls yet for other models affected by the headlight problems, the NHTSA has been investigating complaints about similar issues in several other Kia nameplates.

Affected Models:

  • 2015 - 2016 Kia K900
  • 2011 - 2019 Kia Sorento
  • 2014 - 2015 Kia Soul
  • 2018 Kia Forte
  • 2020 - 2023 Kia Telluride

5 Brake Issues

Red Kia Soul
Kia

Having a good braking system enables the car to slow down and stop safely, and Kia has some significant braking issues that you need to watch out for. For instance, there were many complaints about the faulty brake pedal in the 2019 Kia Soul. Moreover, in 2020, Kia recalled a total of 463,500 units of the 2014-2015 Sorento and the 2013–2015 Optima due to brake fluid leaks.

Last September 2023, Kia and Hyundai issued yet another recall for roughly 3.3 million vehicles regarding brake issues that could lead to vehicle fires.

Affected Models:

  • 2010 - 2019 Kia Borrego
  • 2014 - 2016 Kia Cadenza
  • 2010 - 2013 Kia Forte
  • 2010 - 2013 Kia Forte Koup
  • 2010 - 2013 Kia Sportage
  • 2023 Kia Sportage
  • 2015 - 2018 Kia K900
  • 2011 - 2015 Kia Optima
  • 2011 - 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid
  • 2011 - 2013 Kia Soul
  • 2012 - 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2011 - 2015 Kia Sorento
  • 2010 - 2011 Kia Rondo
  • 2019 Kia Soul
  • 2023 Kia Sportage

4 Rodent Infestation

2014 Kia Forte
Kia 

Weird as it may sound, you may have a serious problem with your Kia due to rodent infestation. A while back, automotive manufacturers discovered the cost-effective soy-based wire coating and adopted it in the production of their cars. Apart from the apparent relatively lower cost implication, soy-based wiring also helps reduce plastic waste in the environment. However, rodents find this type of wire particularly tasty, thus prompting them to nest where the food is. According to KiaComplaints, there have been quite a heavy number of complaints of rodent infestation from Kia owners of models such as Soul, Sorento, Optima, and Forte.

Affected Models:

  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Soul
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Sorento
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Sedona
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Sportage
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Forte
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Cadenza
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Optima
  • 2011 - 2017 Kia Rio

3 Starting Difficulty

2010 Kia Sedona
Kia 

If you own a Kia Sedona produced between 2002 and 2016, or a 2004 to 2009 Kia Amanti, there’s a high chance you might encounter problems starting the car (if you haven’t encountered it already). According to RepairPal, the anti-theft control module on some Kia Sedona and Amanti models can malfunction, causing the car to think it’s getting stolen when you try to start it. As a result, the vehicle immobilizer control module gets triggered, causing the car not to start. This is also prevalent with models using the Kia smart key, which allows keyless entry as well as remote engine starting, among other functions. Fixing this will require a factory-authorized Kia service center to perform diagnostics on the car.

Affected Model/s:

  • 2002 - 2016 Kia Sedona
  • 2004 - 2009 Kia Amanti
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2 Faulty Throttle Position Switch

2017 Kia Optima
Kia

The throttle position sensor (TPS) regulates the appropriate mix of fuel and air that gets sent into your car’s engine. A malfunctioning TPS will lead to poor or erratic acceleration, trigger the check engine light, or limit the car to a certain speed level. According to Repairpal, TPS faults often happen with the 2001 to 2017 Kia Optima models, although some Sorento and Sedona model years have also experienced similar problems. It's important to have these problems diagnosed and checked by professional technicians, especially as many modern car problems are too complicated for DIY fixes.

Affected Models:

  • 2001 - 2017 Kia Optima
  • 2016 Kia Sorento
  • 2006 - 2012 Kia Sedona

1 Excessively Noisy Engine On Startup

2017 Kia Sedona
Kia

The unpleasant noise that comes from the engine when you start up your Kia Sedona after you've left it idle for a while could be a result of a bad timing chain tensioner. As its name suggests, a timing chain tensioner helps the timing chain to remain firm on the engine. According to RepairPal, owners have reported this problem on several models of the 2002 to 2017 Kia Sedona (also called the Carnival in other markets). Other timing chain-related noise complaints from Kia owners' online forums include the Sorento, Sportage, and Rio. However, Kia has tried to address the issue by releasing an updated timing chain tensioner.

Affected Models:

  • 2002 - 2017 Kia Sedona
  • 2003 - 2009, 2011, and 2015 Kia Sorento
  • 2015 - 2017 Kia Rio
  • 2015 - 2017 Kia Sportage