Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (48.1% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 3.8× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
None of the 6 most-reported categories on this page have a recall or open investigation on file — they rest on unverified owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 359 · 48.1% | Investigation closed | DP22003 · DP21002 |
| Structure:body | 94 · 12.6% | No official action | — |
| Exterior Lighting | 85 · 11.4% | No official action | — |
| Electrical System | 56 · 7.5% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 42 · 5.6% | No official action | — |
| Steering | 32 · 4.3% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 746 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 20V519000 · 2020 · reported 08/27/2020
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 21V331000 · 2021 · reported 05/10/2021
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“WHEN I TURN A CORNER, MY KIA SPUTTER TO GET AROUND THE CORNER. THIS PROBLEM HAS ALMOST CAUSED ME TO BE IN A COUPLE OF…”NHTSA complaint 11190429 — filed 03/21/2019 · ENGINE
“I TOOK MY CAR IN TO A KIA DEALERSHIP RECENTLY FOR PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE, AND BECAUSE I NOTICED THAT IT WAS NOT DRIVING AS SMOOTHLY AS…”NHTSA complaint 11186804 — filed 03/14/2019 · ENGINE
“WHILE VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING 70 MPH ON INTERSTATE, ENGINE CUT OFF. SUBSEQUENT MECHANIC EVALUATION WAS ENGINE IS INTERNALLY DAMAGED AND REQUIRES REPLACEMENT”NHTSA complaint 11185666 — filed 03/10/2019 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 359 of 746 NHTSA complaints (48.1%), followed by unspecified/other issues (113), structure:body (94), exterior lighting (85). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
746 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 20 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 24 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
0 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
