NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia
Data refreshed July 12, 2026
Complaints
42,841
Active records
Recalls
212
Active records
TSBs
3,370
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
94
Injuries
2,309
Crashes
2,408
Fires
1,884
Top reported issues — Kia
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Condition issue
Reporting mechanism
Engine behavior
Noise
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Safety restraint issue
Thermal issue
Lighting behavior
Access/entry issue
Vibration/harshness
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Driver assistance issue
Braking behavior
Steering behavior
Electrical issue
Safety restraint behavior
Starting behavior
Smell
Powering on/off behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Recent change
Electrified system issue
Infotainment behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Charging behavior
Communication/network issue
Most-reported Kia models
Ranked by total record count. Sparkline shows the last 12 months. Click a model to view year-level data.
Browse all Kia models
All Kia models with NHTSA records, listed alphabetically.
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2023 KIA NIRO
Filed Jul 9, 2026
There's a problem with the horn in my car. Either the high or low. The problem is intermittent and the horn will fail and it is not available in emergency situations. I brought this to the dealership and made them aware but they refuse to take this seriously and two adequately evaluate the car. They blew the horn and said it was working. It was not working and I said it was intermittent and they said well we could not find any problem. There were no warning lights. Nothing else. The horn is…
2025 KIA CARNIVAL
Filed Jul 9, 2026
The rear sliding door on the driver's side was not locking. I took it to the dealership and they have replaced the actuator, the wiring harness, and the IPM power module. None of this has fixed it. We now have a Kia special mechanic coming to Georgia to take a look at it. I was told there are 19 other vehicles in Georgia with the same issue.
2018 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 9, 2026
I’ve had my 2018 kia optima for round about two years.I only got this car because they refused to replace my previous engine on my 2015 Kia optima,even though I had a warranty but that’s another story(Kia on the Blvd).This car have given me problems from the start.Going through oil in less than a month,which they can never find a leak,not being able to go over a certain speed before I start to hear noises.Ive complained about noises,they act like they can’t hear,and said nothing is wrong with…
2020 KIA NIRO
Filed Jul 9, 2026
This submission is supplemental information for my prior NHTSA complaint (Complaint #11744598 ). After filing the original report, I learned additional details from the Kia dealership that serviced my vehicle. The service department stated that they have seen the same electronic parking brake controller and actuator failure on multiple Kia Niro vehicles from model years 2018–2021. They reported that these failures were not covered under warranty for those years, even when the symptoms began…
2024 KIA SOUL
Filed Jul 9, 2026
Had to make a panic stop in rain on interstate due to vehicle in front of me using emergency turn around (vehicle was not authorized to use). Brake pedal went down furthur than normal amd abs did not activate. Barely missed having an accident. Exiting 12 miles later brake pedal went to floor. Stopped (had to pump pedal repeatedly to stop as iy was going to floor) & checked brake fluid level. It looked low. Drove carefully home. Upon parking at home, 'Low brake fluid' light came on. Checked…
2022 KIA STINGER
Filed Jul 9, 2026
My 2022 Kia Stinger GT-Line (VIN: [XXX]) has experienced three HVAC blower motor failures in Phoenix, AZ — August 2025, June 2026, and July 2026. Loss of AC in Phoenix summer temperatures exceeding 110°F is a direct safety concern. The first failure occurred in August 2025 while the vehicle was under full factory warranty. Ken Garff Kia Phoenix replaced only the blower motor multifuse (Part No. 18980 09400) and charged $624.57 out of pocket, incorrectly advising the repair was not covered under…
2020 KIA SPORTAGE
Filed Jul 9, 2026
I bought vehicle used from a Honda dealership at 51,000 miles. At 55,000 my engine broke, mechanics found metal fragments in my engine. The Honda dealer nor Kia were willing to do nothing. So I had purchase new engine at 12,000.
2020 KIA SOUL
Filed Jul 9, 2026
The car began making a weird noise and stalling. Then close to home if shut off, I was able to restart it and drove a short distance to home. Realized couldn't drive it like that and contacted City Kia Greater Orlando dealer. Towed the car to the indicated destination and after about four days (it was the July 4th weekend) they sent me a diagnostic of engine failure due to internal combustion and want to charge me $7500. Offered another alternative for about $1500 but acknowledged that would…
2023 KIA K5
Filed Jul 9, 2026
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding my 2023 Kia K5 and the unacceptable experience I have had following a dangerous brake system failure. On Wednesday June 24th, while driving on Route 22 in New Jersey, my vehicle's brakes suddenly became extremely hard, making it incredibly difficult to stop. There were no lights on indicating an issue, neither any concerning sounds prior to this incident. I came dangerously close to being involved in an accident and was left extremely shaken.…
2020 KIA TELLURIDE
Filed Jul 9, 2026
Vehicle has 75,000 miles. The knuckle on the steering column and the rack and pinion became worn out causing the steering wheel to be loose and jump at high speeds. Mirrors would stop opening randomly. Rear camera stopped working making it very difficult to view when backing up. Replacing the camera did not work, the harness was tested to be ok. The only other option is the software in the head unit. This is the 2nd head unit as the first one was replaced for a failed bluetooth. Cost…