NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia
Data refreshed June 26, 2026
Complaints
42,638
Active records
Recalls
210
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
2,300
Crashes
2,402
Fires
1,877
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.
2021 KIA K5
Filed Jun 23, 2026
I took my 2021 KIA K5 to the dealership in March of 2025 for an oil change. While I was there, a diagnostic test was conducted to determine if my vehicle was affected by a damaged check valve. Therefore, the car could have caught on fire while it was being driven. I was given a rental car while my vehicle was supposed to be fixed. KIA deemed my 2021 K5 to be a hazard to the road. In June of 2025, KIA offered to pay my loan balance off and give me less than $250 for the down payment. Please…
2023 KIA EV6
Filed Jun 23, 2026
ICCU failed and replaced under warranty
2022 KIA EV6
Filed Jun 23, 2026
ICCU electrical system failed while driving (~1mi from house). Warning messages popped up and caused me to pull over and drive back to house under reduced speed. Kia told me car was not safe to drive and to tow car for repair under warranty. ICCU failure was confirmed by service provider and repaired after 2 weeks (diagnosis, part order, and replacement).
2014 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jun 23, 2026
The component that failed on my 2014 Kia Optima was the engine. Prior to the malfunction there were no lights indicating a failure. My safety was put at risk several times as my car had completely shut down on the highway going over 55 mph in way of many vehicles causing police to shut down the highway. I took the car to several auto shops to test and there was no indication of engine failure. I’ve got my battery checked, front end alignment and oil changed on schedule. The car still…
2015 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jun 23, 2026
While driving my 2015 Kia Optima, the engine failed completely without warning. The vehicle lost power while in motion approximately 300 miles away from my home. All warning lights illuminated and the car shut down during driving conditions, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership where it was inspected. I was informed the engine has failed and may be related to the known 2.4L engine defect and prior recall campaign involving this engine type. This vehicle…
2016 KIA SOUL
Filed Jun 23, 2026
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The vehicle is a 2016 Kia Soul 1.6L GDI with approximately 83,000 miles. The vehicle experienced engine performance issues, loss of power, and stalling. A Kia dealership diagnosed a failed/melted catalytic converter and reported metal shavings in the engine oil. The vehicle has not been repaired and is available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at…
2019 KIA NIRO
Filed Jun 23, 2026
My car is a 2019 KIA Niro Hybrid. It's only 7 years old, and my husband and I have been the only owners. It only has 61,000 miles on it, and it is serviced regularly and has to pass a state emissions test each year. As I was driving the other day, the dashboard lit up with critical alerts saying check regenerative battery and the braking system went completely soft; I could not stop the car using the brakes. It was terrifying. I had to pull off the road and use the emergency brake to stop the…
2020 KIA TELLURIDE
Filed Jun 23, 2026
My vehicle’s white exterior paint and clear coat are delaminating and peeling off in pieces while driving. Loose paint pieces fly off the vehicle, creating a potential road hazard for other drivers. The defect affects the hood, the front, and the area above the windshield. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The paint delamination has been visually confirmed and is worsening over time. I have contacted Kia customer service multiple times by phone and email requesting repair…
2023 KIA TELLURIDE
Filed Jun 22, 2026
The engine cooling fan activates at high speed and runs continuously for an extended period — in one instance, overnight — after the vehicle has been turned off, locked, and left unattended. This has occurred on multiple occasions. No warning lamps or messages appear before or during the event. The vehicle gives no indication anything is wrong; the fan simply runs at full speed on its own, without the ignition on, for hours at a time. The component involved is the engine cooling fan and/or its…
2015 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jun 22, 2026
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle would require another engine replacement or extensive engine repairs. Additional…