Engine. Review the 160 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

20 crash reports22 fire reports16 injury reports

Engine complaints

160 reports

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Mileage unknown · Nov 23, 2022

Engine

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Car was at KIA dealer for engine noise with 136,000 miles. They performed the knock sensor update and said the engine noise was belts. At 150,000 miles car was at a shop for oil change. They said there are chunks in the oil and engine makes a lot of noise. At 162,000 miles car went into limp mode won’t go over 50 mph. Had car towed to KIA dealer they said the engine was covered under replacement recall. Kia emailed me a quote to do repairs on the car. The quote included a new engine under warranty for ni cost. I told them to replace belts and the engine replacement. The KIA dealer ordered the new engine and removed the old engine. Then called me and said KIA would not cover the engine replacement. I asked what my options are and they said I would have to pay $5,300.00 for new engine or put the old engine back in. This engine has been a problem for the last 2 years like millions of other KIA vehicles. This is a fire safety hazard, I was never notified of the recall!

NHTSA ODI #11494681

Mileage unknown · Oct 31, 2022

Electrical SystemEngineExterior Lighting

Unknown… The car has been having on going issues with shutting off while driving. With new battery, starter, tune up, plugs, and still no fix. The signal lights do keep busting. The headlights and brake lights. It’s expensive to keep changing the headlights that do not last more than 2 months. Driver side in particular.

NHTSA ODI #11491597

Mileage unknown · Oct 15, 2022

EngineFire

Car is not included in recall, engine noise piston knocking, loss of power. Took to dealer, dealer said this is normal. Car has loss of power on highways with excessive piston slap which is getting increasingly noiser . Engine mileage 156000. Problem was there since day one from dealer.

NHTSA ODI #11489402

121,000 miles · Aug 31, 2022

Engine

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The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Auto Zone to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle needed to be repaired due to an engine misfire. The vehicle was then taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact stated that the engine was knocking while the diagnostic test was being performed. The contact was made aware of internal engine failure and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The contact related failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000 (Engine) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.

NHTSA ODI #11482226

82,000 miles · Aug 29, 2022

EngineFire

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The contact owns a 2012 Kia Forte. The contact stated the vehicle was previously involved in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (Engine) where they received an engine knock test as the remedy. The contact stated that at that time they had no failures with the engine. Approximately 2 months after while driving approximately 30 mph when the vehicle began to make a loud knocking noise inside the engine. The contact decided to pull the vehicle over to the side of the road and while doing so they began to smell smoke within the cabin of the vehicle. Once the contact had successfully pulled over and exited the vehicle they began to notice smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was able to extinguish the smoke with a fire extinguisher. The fire department did arrive and confirmed the smoke was successfully extinguished and there no longer was a fire. There was no damage, injuries, or medical attention needed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The contact then had the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the vehicle nor had the vehicle been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. The contact stated the vehicle shut down on its own, but contact was able to veer off the road.

NHTSA ODI #11481768

Mileage unknown · Jun 13, 2022

Engine

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I received a letter in the mail in the beginning of April about a recall. The Slave Cylinder just happened to go out at this time, so I tow it in to Kia Downtown LA on April 6th. I let them know I have recalls on the vehicle and the problem with the clutch, or more specifically the slave cylinder. They give me a estimate on how much it would be to replace the slave cylinder, so I decline the offer and asked them to just get the recalls done. That was on April 13th. We have this back and forth phone calls about when was I going to pick up my vehicle and I had to constantly remind them that I was waiting on them to call me letting me know when the recalls were finished. It took until April 22nd to find out that none of the recalls were done, after being told they are "still working" on the recalls. I go to pick up my car asking about why none of the recalls were done and their excuse was they could "not turn it on, the car was shaking, or because the clutch issue." I had to pay a fee of $189.95 for the "diagnostics" and in order for them to release the car. I get the car fixed as of June 3rd, and on that day the engine locks. The component that failed is the 'knock sensor detection system' which could have prevented the engine from locking or worst catching on fire. I very much feel that me, my spouses, and others around me on the road were not safe. There was no warning lamps on or messages on to indicate the engine was under any problem. At the same time the oil had been changed on April 1st, and they gave no indication that the car was ever leaking oil. As of June 10th the car was towed into the dealership again. I have called every day they were open, and finally got a hold of a advisor on June 13th. The same advisor as the one I had last time. He now alleges the technician "couldn't get a proper reading from the scanner" last time, and how the "PI 2002" recall has expired so they might not be able to do anything about the engine.

NHTSA ODI #11469027

Mileage unknown · Apr 9, 2022

Engine

Engine has really bad knock, was taken to a mechanic and they said it has internal rod damage and needs to be replaced. The car has 125,000 miles

NHTSA ODI #11460226

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2022

Engine

Check engine light came on. Kia dealer ran a diagnostic test on it. Says there is a knock in the lower part of the engine. Expects it is a rod knocking. Found metal filings in the valve oil filter. After replacing that oil filter, valve solenoid and adjusting the valves the check engine light came on again. This time the Kia de…

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NHTSA ODI #11459884

Mileage unknown · Mar 6, 2022

Engine

1 month and 2000 miles out of warranty engine started ticking at start up. 1 month later engine ticks all the time. Brought to Kia dealer and they said motor needed to be replaced.

NHTSA ODI #11455409

Mileage unknown · Jan 23, 2022

EngineExterior LightingFuel/propulsion System

I PURCHASE THE CAR FROM A CAR LOTIN THE CITY WHERE I LIVE I GOT THE CAR IN MARCH OF 2020 I DROVE THE CAR FOR 3 MONTHS ONE OF MY HEAD LIGHTS STARTED TO SHORT OUT SO IALEVIEATED THE PROBLEM TWO MONTHS LATER A MOTOR MOUNT WENT BAD I HAD IT REPLACED AFTER THAT MY SENSOR S STARTED TO MALFUNCTION

NHTSA ODI #11448496

Official recalls

23V652000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Sep 25, 2023

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

20V750000 · Engine

Dec 2, 2020

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.

18V363000 · Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

Jun 1, 2018

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

17V773000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Dec 1, 2017

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2014 Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. The brake pedal stopper pad can deteriorate allowing the brake light switch plunger to remain extended when the brake pedal is released. This will allow the brake lights to remain illuminated continuously. It can also allow the shift lever to be moved without depressing the brake pedal, or activate the engine management brake pedal override feature.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the brake light switch plunger does not retract as it should when the brake pedal is not being pressed, the brake lights may stay illuminated preventing accurate communication to following vehicles that the vehicle is slowing or stopping. Additionally, if the brake switch plunger is not retracted, then the transmission can be shifted out of PARK without depressing the brake pedal. Either condition increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake pedal stopper pad, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 30, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC158.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

AQ23002 · Hyundai And Kia Abs Module Fires

Opened Nov 17, 2023 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received eight Hyundai Motor America (Hyundai) and eight Kia America, Inc. (Kia) Part 573 Recall Reports between 2016 and 2023. The combined 16 safety recalls all involve the antilock braking system (ABS) modules or Hydraulic Electronic Control Units (HECU) manufactured by the equipment supplier Mando. The Part 573 Recall Reports contain varying defect descriptions and differing remedy descriptions for the same or similar equipment supplied by Mando. Safety recalls included in this Audit Query (AQ) review include: Hyundai recalls 20V-520, 20V-543, 21V-161, 21V-160, 21V-303, 22V-056, 22V-810, and 23V-651. Kia recalls 16V-815, 20V-518, 20V-519, 21V-137, 21V-331, 22V-051, 22V-800, and 23V-652 The purpose of this AQ is to evaluate the timeliness and scoping of Hyundai and Kia’s defect decision making and adherence with reporting requirements; and understand the varying defect descriptions and remedies between these recalls.

DP22003 · Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Sep 12, 2022 · Closed Dec 12, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug back outs, resulting in loss of motive power and/or catastrophic engine damage. Additional complaints were provided which alleged that the oil drain pans lack sufficient structural integrity and are susceptible to cracking. The petition itself can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI number 11481745. On September 12, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Defect Petition (DP22-003) to evaluate the Petitioners’ request. The Petitioners have provided additional complaints within four supplemental letters dated January 31, 2023, March 21, 2023, May 23, 2023, and August 4, 2023. ODI’s evaluation included the review and analysis of the complaints and supporting information submitted by the Petitioners, as well as additional complaints submitted directly to NHTSA which referenced either the oil drain plug or a crack in the oil pan. After reviewing the available data, ODI has not identified evidence that would support opening a defect investigation into the oil drain pan assemblies of the subject vehicles. Based on a review of the available information, a loss of motive power resulting from an oil drain plug back out has not occurred between the initial sale of a vehicle and the completion of its first oil change. If during an oil change service, a technician fails to remove the existing drain plug gasket before installing a new gasket, it is likely that a proper seal between the drain plug and the oil pan will not be made. An improper seal between the drain plug and oil pan could lead to the backing out on the drain plug, resulting in the sudden loss of oil while driving. Additionally, the provided examples of oil pan cracks were localized to the immediate vicinity of the oil drain plug and/or appeared to be the result of direct-contact with a tool during servicing. There is no information to support that a vehicle-based defect exists relating to the oil pan assembly, and instead the documented incidents are related to the failure to follow the proper maintenance procedures during oil change service. In October 2023, Hyundai published a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) that provided detailed instructions for oil change service on its gasoline powered vehicles, specifically highlighting the need to remove and replace the existing drain plug gasket prior to reinstalling the drain plug. After a thorough review of the material submitted by the petitioner, the information already in NHTSA's possession, and the potential risks to motor vehicle safety implicated by the petitioners' allegations, NHTSA does not believe that a formal investigation is warranted. Therefore, the petition is denied. A Federal Register Notice (FRN) further detailing NHTSA’s reasons for denial of the petition will be published. The reference numbers for the complaints to NHTSA cited by the petitioner can be found in the petition submission documents in the public file for DP22-003. To review those complaints and the additional complaints ODI added to its evaluation which are cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

EA21003 · Engine Fires

Opened Dec 22, 2021 · Closed Feb 5, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Engine

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles. During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to engine failures involving various engine types. The remedies for the engine failure recalls typically involve engine inspection (to detect existing damage), and if necessary, engine replacement. Additionally, both manufacturers have been installing an engine control software modification known as Knock Sensor Detection Software (KSDS) which is intended to detect impending engine failure, alert the driver, and limit engine power (to lessen likelihood of engine failure).KSDS is being installed under recalls and non-safety field actions, and both companies have extended limited engine warranties (see recall files). On December 22, 2021, ODI upgraded PE19-003 and PE19-004 to this Engineering Analysis (EA21-003, covering both Hyundai and Kia) to evaluate the scope of the prior recalls related to engine failures/fires and the efficacy of the recall remedies for the recalls, as well as the long-term viability of related programs and non-safety field actions being conducted by Hyundai and Kia. The former issue involved approximately 550,000 MY 2013 Hyundai Elantra, MY 2011 Kia Sorento, and MY 2012-2015 Kia Rio. The latter issue involved approximately 2.5 million recalled vehicles, which have been identified as displaying potential remedy concerns: Hyundai recalls 15V-568, 17V-226, 20V-746, and 21V-727; and Kia recalls 17V-224, 19V-120, 20V-750, and 21V-844. Regarding the recall scope issue, among all of the scope vehicles identified at EA opening, ODI found only the MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with both the Theta II 2.4L 4-cylinder Multi-Point Injection (MPI) and the Lambda II 3.5L 6-cylinder MPI engines experienced relatively high rates of reported fires. In December 2023, Kia issued recall 23V-877 that will cover about 80,000 MY 2011 Kia Sorento vehicles equipped with the Theta II 2.4L MPI engines. The remedy will involve an inspection, and if necessary, a replacement of the engine, as well as the installation of KSDS. It should be noted that in 2021 these vehicles were included in a KSDS product improvement campaign with warranty extension. For the MY 2011 Sorento vehicles equipped with the Lambda II 3.5L engines, ODI believes that future engine failures/fires involving these vehicles will likely be due to a lax in adhering to the proper or scheduled engine maintenance (regular engine oil changes), rather than a design or manufacturing engine issue. Regarding the issue of the efficacy of the recall remedies, ODI found the majority of the recalled Hyundai and Kia vehicles, by model, experienced lower reported fire rates after the remedies were applied. Furthermore, ODI found that for most vehicles that did not receive the recall remedies, by model, experienced relatively high fire rates. To address this problem, Hyundai informed ODI in December 2023, that it will renotify all of its owners covered by the Hyundai recalls of engine failures/fires every 8 months for the next 3 years. In December 2023, Kia stated that it will renotify the majority of its owners every 8 months for the next 3 years.Several previously recalled Kia models are excluded from the renotification due to their lower reported rates of engine fires. Overall, the renotification actions will help to increase the recall completion rates, thus reduce the frequency of engine fires in the future. In view of the recall action being taken by Kia and renotification actions being taken by both Kia and Hyundai, ODI is closing this Engineering Analysis. Also, both companies have been released from the 2020-iniated Consent Orders (Kia since November 2022 and Hyundai since November 2023). The agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE18003 · Air Bags May Be Disabled During Crash

Opened Mar 16, 2018 · Closed Aug 30, 2019

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module; Air Bags:frontal; Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module; Air Bags:side/window; Seat Belts:pretensioner

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE18-003 on 3/16/18 to investigate incidents involving crashes, resulting in significant collision related damage, where the frontal airbags failed to deploy. ODI reviewed complaint data, available design, test, and field data on the model year (MY) 2011 Hyundai Sonata, MY 2012-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup vehicles. ODI also evaluated data from the automotive air bag system supplier, ZF-TRW (ZF), to review vehicles that may contain the same air bag control unit (ACU) used in the subject vehicles. Hyundai Motor America (HMA) issued recall No. 18V-137 for MY 2011-2013 Sonata and MY 2012 Sonata Hybrid vehicles. Kia Motors America (KMA) issued recall No. 18V-363 for MY 2010-2013 Kia Forte and Forte Koup, MY 2011-2013 Optima, MY 2011-2012 Optima Hybrid, and MY2011-2012 Sedona vehicles. The two recalls address vehicles containing ACUs manufactured without adequate circuit protection by installing a wire harness filter kit to prevent internal damage to the ACU. In the event of a crash, ACU damage may result in the disablement of the vehicle's airbags. Each respective manufacturer has mailed letters to affected vehicle owners informing them of the remedy and its availability. ODI plans to evaluate the susceptibility of the subject ACU to electrical signals, as well as other vehicle factors that can either lead to, or reduce the likelihood of, an electrical overstress event in other vehicles manufactured with the subject ZF ACU.Accordingly, this Preliminary Evaluation has been upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA19-001), to expand the scope of the investigation to include the Tier-one supplier and any manufacturers who installed the subject ACU in production vehicles. Additional information is available with the closing resume available at NHTSA.gov (see Associated Documents).The ODI complaints cited above can be viewed at www.NHTSA.gov under the following ODI identification numbers: 10781050, 10849839, 11099038, 11080341.

Additional source detail variants (21)

Air Bags: Air Bag/restraint Control Module

Air Bags:frontal:driver Side:inflator Module

Air Bags:frontal

Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module

Air Bags

Air Bags:side/window

Seat Belts:pretensioner