NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia
Data refreshed October 25, 2026
Complaints
44,060
Active records
Recalls
213
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
2,356
Crashes
2,450
Fires
1,935
Top reported issues — Kia
Click a category to expand its values.
Condition issue
Operating state
Reporting mechanism
Engine behavior
Noise
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Safety restraint issue
Thermal issue
Lighting behavior
Vibration/harshness
Access/entry issue
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Braking behavior
Driver assistance issue
Steering behavior
Electrical issue
Safety restraint behavior
Starting behavior
Smell
Powering on/off behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Infotainment behavior
Recent change
Electrified system issue
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 FORTE
Filed Oct 22, 2026
While driving on the freeway at approximately 65 mph, my vehicle suddenly lost normal braking function. The brake pedal felt loose, and I had to press it nearly to the floor for the vehicle to slow down. Even then, stopping took significantly longer than normal. Pumping the brake pedal approximately five times temporarily restored normal braking, but the pedal became loose again afterward. Fortunately, there were no vehicles directly in front of me, allowing me to gradually slow down and exit…
2024 KIA EV9
Filed Oct 22, 2026
In July 2024, approximately two months after purchasing the vehicle new in May 2024, a significant spiderweb-shaped crack developed in the front illuminated grille and fascia assembly. The vehicle had approximately 300 miles on the odometer and the damage was discovered during a routine hand wash. The vehicle had only been driven under normal roadway conditions in the Corpus Christi, Texas area with no collisions, accidents, or known abnormal impacts. This exposed acrylic-style front fascia…
2024 KIA SELTOS
Filed Oct 22, 2026
2nd defective horn failure on my 2024 Seltos. (1st occurrence 08/2025 car backing up into me attempt to use horn to alert that driver and it did not work/ was covered and replaced by KIA as a noted defect ) 2nd occurrence, noticed when another car pulling out in front of me/did not stop at stop sign, I attempted to use horn to alert that driver, horn did not work. I have taken car to KIA dealership, evaluated horn, noted it is defective. Now going on 3rd week of waiting for part for 3rd horn
2025 KIA CARNIVAL HYBRID
Filed Oct 22, 2026
My 2025 Kia Carnival Hybrid was purchased new in January 2025. The problem began almost immediately, with the vehicle first presented to an authorized Kia dealer for this condition at only 810 miles. The vehicle repeatedly and unpredictably enters reduced-power or “limp mode,” causing a sudden loss of normal acceleration and limiting it to approximately 35 mph. This creates a serious safety risk on highways, while merging, crossing intersections, or whenever acceleration is needed to respond…
2012 KIA SOUL
Filed Oct 22, 2026
2012 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI (VIN: [XXX]). Case #[XXX]. Safety Hazard Description: The vehicle experienced a sudden engine stalling event at highway speeds and repeatedly dropped into a restricted Limp Mode due to a recurring P1326 diagnostic code. This code is explicitly tied to Kia's Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) monitoring structural connecting rod bearing failure. The sudden loss of engine RPMs and throttle response created a severe traffic hazard, leaving me without power steering or…
2020 KIA SOUL
Filed Oct 22, 2026
Reason for Dispute & Desired Resolution: I am filing an executive escalation regarding a catastrophic engine failure on my 2020 Kia Soul, which is actively included in the Piston Oil Ring Safety Recall (Campaign SC209). The engine suffered a total structural failure where a rod broke and punctured a hole directly through the engine oil pan. The vehicle is completely undrivable and presents an environmental hazard due to active fluid leakage. Standard Kia Customer Care and Roadside Support lines…
2018 KIA STINGER
Filed Oct 22, 2026
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint Statement Vehicle: 2018 Kia Stinger Premium 2.0L Turbo VIN: [XXX] Component: Fuel System, Gasoline: Delivery: High Pressure Pump [1, 5] Recall Campaign Reference: 2023 Kia High-Pressure Fuel Pump Safety Recall [5] 1. Failure of Initial Recall Remedy & Active Safety Hazard This vehicle was subject to the 2023 Kia High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) Safety Recall due to a known manufacturer defect that causes fuel pressure drops, stalling, and loss of motive power…
2020 KIA SORENTO
Filed Oct 22, 2026
I bought a used 2020 Kia Sorento LX 2.4L in 2022. It had 15,000 miles on it. AT 50,000 miles I noticed it was consuming oil. I have been changing the oil at 5,000 mile intervals even though the manual calls out to do it every 7,500 miles. I have records of the maintenance for every oil change done on this vehicle. I kept a log and now at 54,740 miles it is consuming 1 quart every 500 miles or so. I took it to the dealer on 10/19/2026 and was told that since I was not the original owner there…
2020 KIA SPORTAGE
Filed Oct 22, 2026
I was driving and my vehicle and saw smoke and it caught on fire and burnt..
2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID
Filed Oct 22, 2026
hybrid battery low won't crank but turns on and says park do not drive check charging system