The Most Common Kia Problems
Engine failure is the most common problem with Kia, but keep your eye on the transmission and electrical system.
Written by Talullah Blanco
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
Engine failure is one of the most common problems you’ll encounter with Kia—other issues include transmission problems and a faulty electrical system.
Most car manufacturers will produce cars that have the same problem time after time no matter how reputable they are. That’s why it’s important to be aware of the most common problems associated with each automaker.
Jerry
, the app that saves you money on car insurance
, has compiled every mechanical problem you should be aware of if you drive or are planning to purchase a Kia. Read on! Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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What are the most common Kia problems?
While Kia had a poor reputation for manufacturing cheap unreliable vehicles when it first entered the United States in the early 2000s, today they are considered among the most reliable automakers.
That being said, Kia is not without its issues. Here are some of the most common problems across five popular Kia models:
- Engine malfunction and failure
- Transmission problems due to outdated software
- Faulty electrical system
The Kia Sorento has experienced the most problems–from engine failure and doors that won’t open from the outside to a faulty ignition coil, bad crankshaft pulley bolt, and a failing AC compressor. Sorentos have received 989 complaints on CarComplaints.Com.
Check out the table below to get a complete breakdown of the most common Kia problems you should look out for in the models on the market today:
Model | Starting price | J.D. Power reliability rating | Most common problems | Years to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sorento | $30,845 | 77/100 | Engine failure, faulty doors, headlight bulbs burning out, noisy A/C compressor, faulty timing chain, malfunctioning ignition coil, and bad crankshaft pulley bolt. | 2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016 |
Optima | $24,355 | 83/100 | Transmission problems, defective throttle position switch (TPS), malfunctioning door latch, weak alternator, engine malfunction/failure, steering complications, faulty and leaky low pressure fuel hose. | 2011 |
Soul | $20,545 | 87/100 | Cruise control surge, engine noise, malfunction, and failure. | 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020 |
Sportage | $27,245 | 88/100 | Exterior accessories problems, HVAC issues, engine problems, transmission troubles, and faulty fuel systems. | 2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013 |
Forte | $20,145 | 87/100 | Speakers not working, engine problems and failure, exterior lighting malfunction, leaky interiors, malfunctioning transmission, and faulty stop lamp switch. | 2010, 2012, 2014, 2017 |
Most common Sorento problems
Average annual repair cost: $533
CarComplaints.com complaints: 989
One of the most common problems plaguing the 2016
Kia Sorento
is engine failure caused by a leaky head gasket or faulty ignition coil. So, if you drive a 2016 Kia Sorento make it a habit to regularly check your head gasket for leaks. Sorento drivers also noticed noisy start-ups due to a faulty timing belt and vibration coming from the A/C compressor. And the most annoying problem? Your car doors sometimes won’t open from the outside if you own a 2011 model.
Most common Optima problems
Average annual repair cost: $471
CarComplaints.com complaints: 686
Kia Optima
drivers are plagued by transmission problems around 67,000 miles due to outdated transmission software. If you are experiencing jerking and lurching when downshifting you should take your Optima to a mechanic to have your software updated.Engine malfunction and failure are also common among Optimas. Uncontrollable engine seizing, hesitation, stumbling misfiring, and power loss, may be due to worn-out bearings or a defective throttle position switch (TPS).
Unfortunately, you can also expect minor annoyances from stuck door latches that won’t open from the inside or outside, a weak alternator and dying battery, or a stiff steering wheel that vibrates aggressively.
Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs
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Most common Soul problems
Average annual repair cost: $437
CarComplaints.com complaints: 375
Engine problems, oh my! The
Kia Soul
has a laundry list of engine problems including clicking while turning, knocking and ticking noises when accelerating, and small engine fires. The two major engine problems are no-start conditions and engine failure. At around 10,000 miles the Soul engine may not start and around 70,000-80,000 miles the engine may completely lose power.
Most common Sportage problems
Average annual repair cost: $462
CarComplaints.com complaints: 305
Like all other models previously mentioned, the
Kia Sportage
is no stranger to engine problems. After drivers of the 2012 Sportage reported the engine dying while driving at high speeds (especially dangerous on the highway!), Kia recalled the units with the bad engines reporting the problem was caused by an oil pan leak.Leaky fuel tanks, noisy A/C compressors, faulty key fobs, and transmission issues like dropping out of gear, having difficulty switching between gears, or getting stuck in park no longer seem so bad in comparison to engine problems.
Most common Forte problems
Average annual repair cost: $451
CarComplaints.com complaints: 234
Bad ignition coils are the most common cause of engine problems in the
Kia Forte
. Abnormal knocking sounds, excessive stalling, shaking, idling, and misfiring are just a few symptoms that indicate your engine is failing. You can also expect transmission issues ranging from scraping noises and rough shifting or inability to shift altogether to debris in transmission fluid and complete transmission failure. Because there’s no exact cause for these transmission issues, you’ll have to replace the transmission to resolve the problem.
Key Takeaway Engine failure is the worst and most common problem plaguing Kia vehicles.
MORE: Does insurance cover engine failures?
Are Kia cars reliable?
Kia is considered one of the most reliable car brands on the market on par with Toyota. With a 4-star RepairPal reliability rating, Kia ranks third most reliable of 32 car brands surveyed. However, Kia’s overall Consumer Report reliability rating dropped six places to 15th last year.
Kia’s average annual repair cost is $474 across all models according to RepairPal. This places Kia on average for repair costs, likely balanced by the least and most reliable models: the 2016 Sorento and 2016 Sportage.
The least reliable Kia model: 2016 Sorento
Most common problem: Engine failure
NHTSA complaints: 482
While the 2016 Kia Sorento might appear as a great family car, an SUV with plenty of interior features to enjoy, it has received the most complaints of any Kia model available on the market today.
The most troubling and common problem? Engine failure due to a faulty ignition coil or leaking head gasket. NHTSA has received 74 engine complaints alone.
The most reliable Kia model: 2016 Sportage
Most common problem: Transmission issues
NHTSA complaints: 50
The same year Kia released its worst model to date, they also released their most reliable model, and it’s affordable too! The 2016 Sportage starts at $23,000—and any possible transmission issues? Those can be corrected with a quick transmission software update.
How to buy hassle-free car insurance
From engine and transmission failure to car doors that won’t open from the outside, owning a Kia can come with an exhausting list of problems both big and small. Luckily, shopping for
car insurance
is completely hassle-free with Jerry
. It’s this simple: download the Jerry app or go to getjerry.com. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all of your information from your existing insurer. Choose from competitive quotes from top insurance companies and Jerry takes care of the rest—securing your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
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How long do Kias last?
Kias can last up to 200,000 miles or 13 years with regular maintenance.
Why is Kia unreliable?
When it comes to reliability it’s about the rate of problems and affordability. Kia’s most common problem (engine failure) has some of the highest repair costs.
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