Kia known issues by model
By CarWhere Research · Updated
CarWhere documents 106 Kia problems and 96 NHTSA safety recalls across 11 models — Sorento, Telluride, Soul, K5, Sportage, Carnival, Seltos, Forte, Stinger, EV6 and Optima — organized by generation. Each entry lists affected model years, symptoms, what to check on a used vehicle before buying, and the sources behind it.
| Model | Generations covered | Documented issues | NHTSA recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Sorento problems | 2003–2009 (2003–2009), 2011–2015 (2011–2015), 2016–2020 (2016–2020), 2021–present (2021–present) | 12 | 10 |
| Kia Telluride problems | 2020–2025 (2020–2025), 2027–present (2027–present) | 12 | 12 |
| Kia Soul problems | 2010–2013 (2010–2013), 2014–2019 (2014–2019), 2020–2025 (2020–2025) | 12 | 11 |
| Kia K5 problems | 2021–present (2021–present) | 10 | 9 |
| Kia Sportage problems | 2005–2010 (2005–2010), 2011–2016 (2011–2016), 2017–2022 (2017–2022), 2023–present (2023–present) | 12 | 10 |
| Kia Carnival problems | 2022–present (2022–present) | 7 | 7 |
| Kia Seltos problems | 2021–2026 (2021–2026), 2027–present (2027–present) | 5 | 4 |
| Kia Forte problems | 2010–2013 (2010–2013), 2014–2018 (2014–2018), 2019–2024 (2019–2024) | 12 | 11 |
| Kia Stinger problems | 2018–2023 (2018–2023) | 7 | 7 |
| Kia EV6 problems | 2022–present (2022–present) | 5 | 5 |
| Kia Optima problems | 2006–2010 (2006–2010), 2011–2015 (2011–2015), 2016–2020 (2016–2020) | 12 | 10 |
Kia Sorento problems
The most serious Kia Sorento problems involve the 2012–2019 2.0L and 2.4L GDI engines: bearing-wear recall 17V224, engine-fire recalls and a settlement that gives a lifetime short-block warranty once the KSDS software is installed. Other major campaigns cover ABS/HECU module fires on 2011–2015 models and tow-hitch harness fires on 2016–2023 models.
Kia Telluride problems
The biggest Kia Telluride problems are recalls on 2020–2024 models: a front power seat motor that can overheat and catch fire (24V407, replaced by 26V430), and a rollaway risk in Park from an intermediate shaft that may not fully engage (24V214). Other campaigns cover a tow-hitch harness fire, 2024 valve springs and 2027 seat belts.
Kia Soul problems
The most serious Kia Soul problems are engine recalls: 2012–2016 Souls with the 1.6L GDI engine can overheat the catalytic converter and damage pistons (19V120), and 2020–2023 Souls with the 2.0L engine were recalled for faulty piston oil rings (21V259, 25V099). Other campaigns cover engine fires, ABS module fires, steering and air bag faults.
Kia K5 problems
The largest Kia K5 recall covers 2021–2024 models whose fuel tank check valve can fail, letting the tank expand, touch the exhaust and melt (25V794). Other K5 campaigns cover a transmission oil pump fault that can cut drive power (22V760), side curtain air bags that may not deploy properly (23V149) and a 2.5T fuel leak (21V519).
Kia Sportage problems
The most serious Kia Sportage problems are 2011–2019 engine issues, covered by bearing-wear recall 17V224 and a settlement giving a lifetime short-block warranty once the KSDS software is installed, plus ABS/HECU module fire recalls on 2008–2009, 2010–2013, 2014–2016 and 2017–2021 models. Newer recalls cover tow-hitch harness fires and 2023 brake and air bag defects.
Kia Carnival problems
The biggest Kia Carnival recall covers 2022–2026 models whose fuel pipe can leak at the fuel rail connection (26V232). Early 2022–2023 Carnivals also had recalls for a damaged fuel rail tube, a tow-hitch harness fire risk, power sliding doors that may not latch or auto-reverse, and roof moldings that can detach.
Kia Seltos problems
The main Kia Seltos problem is the engine: 2021 Seltos with the 2.0L engine were recalled for piston oil rings that may not be heat-treated (21V259), and 2021–2023 models for incorrectly made piston oil rings (25V099). Other recalls cover an overheating Idle Stop & Go oil pump controller and side curtain air bags that may deploy unexpectedly.
Kia Forte problems
The most serious Kia Forte problems are on 2010–2015 models: an ABS/HECU module that can cause engine fires (23V652), air bag control units that may short and stop air bags deploying (18V363) and engine-compartment fires (20V750). The 2023 Forte had a do-not-drive recall for badly welded front control arms.
Kia Stinger problems
The Kia Stinger's main problems are fire and fuel-system recalls. An engine-compartment fire can start near the ABS/HECU unit on 2018–2021 models (20V518), the 3.3L twin-turbo's left turbo oil feed line can leak on 2018–2023 models (24V169), and a sticking high-pressure fuel pump valve can cut power on 2018–2021 cars (23V634).
Kia EV6 problems
The best-known Kia EV6 problem is the Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU), which can be damaged and stop charging the 12-volt battery, leading to a loss of drive power. Recall 24V200 covered 2022–2024 models and was expanded and replaced by 24V867. Other recalls cover a rare battery cell fire risk, a shifter rollaway fault and a driveshaft.
Kia Optima problems
The most serious Kia Optima problems are 2011–2019 engine issues: bearing-wear recall 17V224 on 2011–2014 models and a settlement giving a lifetime short-block warranty on 2.0L and 2.4L GDI engines once the KSDS software is installed. ABS/HECU fire recalls cover 2011–2015 models, and 2011–2013 models had an air bag control unit recall.
Confirm how a used Kia was built before you buy.
Engine, transmission and packages decide which issues apply. The CarWhere Kia build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common Kia problems?
They depend on the model and powertrain. Across the 11 Kia models covered here, the most documented items are engine bearing wear may cause engine seizure (recall 17V224) on the Sorento; front power seat motor may overheat and cause a fire (recall 26V430) on the Telluride; 1.6L GDI catalytic overheating may damage pistons (recall 19V120) on the Soul. Each model page lists issues by generation with sources.
How do I check a Kia for open recalls?
Enter the 17-character VIN on NHTSA’s recall lookup or the brand’s owner site, or ask a Kia dealer to run it. Recall repairs are free. CarWhere’s known-issues pages list major recall campaign numbers by model and generation.
Are known issues the same as years to avoid?
No. Known-issues pages explain specific, documented mechanical problems and recalls. Years-to-avoid research ranks model years against each other, so the two answer different questions and are linked from each model page where both exist.
Sources
Each model page lists its own sources. Key references:
- NHTSA recalls database — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
- Recalls Data (NHTSA recall campaigns, dataset 6axg-epim) — U.S. Department of Transportation open data
- Kia America — models, specifications and pricing — Kia America
More Kia tools
- Kia research hub
- Kia trim levels explained
- Kia history
- Hyundai and Kia engines
- Kia warranty
- Kia engine settlement
- Kia anti-theft software update
- Free Kia VIN decoder
- Kia specs by model
- Kia reliability
- How long do Kia models last?
- Kia invoice vs what buyers paid
- Kia build sheet by VIN
- Hyundai research hub
Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia America, Kia Corporation or Hyundai Motor Group. Kia and the model names are trademarks of their owners.