Kia catalogue
Kia
Choose a model before comparing complaints or documented conditions. The exact year is where the source starts to become relevant.
- Models listed
- 13
- Documented files
- 64
- Documented year span
- 2015 to 2026
Model directory
Choose a Kia model
Each model opens a year-by-year directory. File counts describe source coverage, not vehicle reliability.
2022 to 2026
Carnival
- Years
- 5
- Files
- 5
2022 to 2026
EV6
- Years
- 5
- Files
- 5
2015 to 2024
Forte
- Years
- 10
- Files
- 5
2021 to 2026
K5
- Years
- 6
- Files
- 5
2017 to 2026
Niro
- Years
- 10
- Files
- 5
2015 to 2020
Optima
- Years
- 6
- Files
- 5
2015 to 2023
Rio
- Years
- 9
- Files
- 5
2021 to 2026
Seltos
- Years
- 6
- Files
- 4
2015 to 2026
Sorento
- Years
- 12
- Files
- 5
2015 to 2025
Soul
- Years
- 11
- Files
- 5
2015 to 2026
Sportage
- Years
- 12
- Files
- 5
2018 to 2023
Stinger
- Years
- 6
- Files
- 5
2020 to 2026
Telluride
- Years
- 7
- Files
- 5
Source-backed problem files
Documented Kia conditions
Higher safety relevance appears first. The order does not measure reliability.
2015 Kia Optima · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
2015 to 2017 Kia Rio · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
2015 Kia Sorento · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
2015 to 2016 Kia Sportage · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) module could malfunction and cause an electrical short, which could result in an engine compartment fire.
2018 to 2021 Kia Stinger · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
While driving, an engine compartment fire may occur in the area where the Anti-lock Brake Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) is located.
2020 to 2024 Kia Telluride · Driveline & parking brake
Driveshaft spline damage and possible rollaway in Park
A grinding noise or reduced drive power can precede the driveshaft problem covered by the Telluride rollaway recall.
2020 to 2022 Kia Telluride · Trailer wiring
Four-pin tow-hitch harness short and fire risk
Certain genuine Kia four-pin tow-hitch harnesses can short after moisture or debris contamination and create a fire risk.
2022 to 2024 Kia EV6 · Electrical & software
High-voltage battery fire risk
The high voltage battery cells may contain misaligned electrodes, which can lead to a fire while parked or driving.
2023 to 2024 Kia Seltos · Transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain defect may interrupt drive
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
2023 Kia Soul · Transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain defect may interrupt drive
The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
2020 to 2024 Kia Telluride · Body & structure
Seat component may not remain secure
The front power seat motor may overheat due to a stuck power seat slide knob, which can result in a fire while parked or driving.
2017 Kia Sportage · Brakes & vehicle control
Sportage HECU short circuit can cause an engine bay fire
NHTSA campaign 21V137000 lists the 2017 Kia Sportage for a condition in which sportage HECU short circuit can cause an engine bay fire.
2023 Kia Forte · Steering & suspension
Suspension component may fail
The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
2021 Kia Telluride · Airbags, seats & restraints
Telluride power seat motor can overheat and catch fire
NHTSA campaign 26V430000 lists the 2021 Kia Telluride for a condition in which telluride power seat motor can overheat and catch fire.
2022 to 2023 Kia Carnival · Body & structure
Trailer hitch may detach or fail
Water accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
2016 to 2022 Kia Sorento · Body & structure
Trailer hitch may detach or fail
Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
2017 to 2022 Kia Sportage · Body & structure
Trailer hitch may detach or fail
Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
2021 to 2023 Kia K5 · Safety restraints
Air bag may not deploy
The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.
2024 Kia Seltos · Safety restraints
Air bag system safety defect
Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
2017 to 2019 Kia Soul · Safety restraints
Air bag system safety defect
The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) cover may contact a memory chip on the printed circuit board and damage the electrical circuit.
2022 to 2024 Kia Carnival · Body & structure
Body or structural component may fail
The roof molding may loosen and detach.
2023 to 2025 Kia K5 · Body & structure
Body or structural component may fail
The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
2023 to 2024 Kia Sportage · Body & structure
Body or structural component may fail
The roof molding may loosen and detach.
2023 to 2025 Kia Telluride · Body & structure
Body or structural component may fail
The door belt molding trim can delaminate and detach from the vehicle.
2022 Kia EV6 · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
A software error in the Shifter Control Unit (SCU) may disengage the parking mechanism, which can allow the vehicle to rollaway.
2020 to 2021 Kia Rio · Brakes
Braking performance may be reduced
The brake master cylinder may have been manufactured with sharp edges that can damage the inner oil seal, resulting in reduced braking performance.
2022 Kia Carnival · Body & structure
Door may open or fail to latch
The remote controller assembly for the passenger-side power sliding door may malfunction, preventing the passenger-side sliding door from securely latching.
2016 to 2018 Kia Forte · Body & structure
Door may open or fail to latch
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
2016 to 2018 Kia Optima · Body & structure
Door may open or fail to latch
The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
2018 to 2019 Kia Rio · Body & structure
Door may open or fail to latch
The trunk latch may become damaged, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
2016 to 2017 Kia Rio · Body & structure
Door may open or fail to latch
The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
2019 Kia Optima · Driver assistance
Driver assistance system may not respond correctly
A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
2023 Kia EV6 · Transmission & drivetrain
Driveshaft may break and cause power loss
One of the drive shafts may have been improperly heat-treated, allowing it to break under load and resulting in a loss of drive power.
2016 Kia Optima · Transmission & drivetrain
Driveshaft may break and cause power loss
The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
2022 Kia EV6 · Electrical & electronic systems
EV6 ICCU damage can stop 12 volt charging and drive power
NHTSA campaign 24V867000 lists the 2022 Kia EV6 for a condition in which eV6 ICCU damage can stop 12 volt charging and drive power.
2026 Kia Carnival · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
2022 to 2024 Kia EV6 · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
The Integrated Charging Control Unit (ICCU) may become damaged and stop charging the 12-Volt battery, which can result in a loss of drive power.
2026 Kia K5 · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
2023 Kia Niro · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
The instrument cluster may fail to display any information when the vehicle is started.
2025 to 2026 Kia Sorento · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
2026 Kia Sportage · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
Due to a software error, the instrument panel display may fail.
2018 Kia Stinger · Electrical & software
Electrical or software fault may disable vehicle functions
The front wiring harness located in the engine and passenger compartment may get damaged from contacting a burr on the left fender body panel.
2015 Kia Forte · Engine & cooling
Engine defect may cause power loss or damage
An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
2018 to 2023 Kia Stinger · Engine & cooling
Engine defect may cause power loss or damage
The left turbocharger oil feed pipe and hose assembly may deteriorate and leak oil.
2021 to 2023 Kia Seltos · Engine & cooling
Engine may stall or the vehicle may lose power
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
2021 Kia Seltos · Engine & cooling
Engine may stall or the vehicle may lose power
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
2021 to 2023 Kia Soul · Engine & cooling
Engine may stall or the vehicle may lose power
The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
2020 to 2021 Kia Soul · Engine & cooling
Engine may stall or the vehicle may lose power
The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
2019 Kia Forte · Electrical & software
Exterior lights may not operate correctly
The headlights may not have been manufactured with the correct low beam aiming.
2025 Kia K5 · Electrical & software
Exterior lights may not operate correctly
A software error in the Power-net Domain Controller (PDC) may cause the parking lights to flicker.
2024 to 2025 Kia Sorento · Electrical & software
Exterior lights may not operate correctly
A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights.
2022 to 2026 Kia Carnival · Fuel system
Fuel leak and fire risk
Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.
2021 to 2024 Kia K5 · Fuel system
Fuel leak and fire risk
A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
2015 to 2017 Kia Optima · Fuel system
Fuel leak and fire risk
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
2018 to 2021 Kia Stinger · Fuel system
Fuel pump or delivery fault may cause a stall
The fuel control valve plunger may stick inside the high pressure fuel pump, causing over-pressurization and loss of drive power.
2017 to 2018 Kia Niro · Transmission & drivetrain
Hybrid propulsion system may lose power
The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance.
2017 to 2018 Kia Niro · Transmission & drivetrain
Hybrid propulsion system may lose power
The Main Relay within the Power Relay Assembly (PRA) may have inadequate connections between its contacts, causing increased electrical resistance, which can overheat the rear seats.
2017 to 2022 Kia Niro · Transmission & drivetrain
Powertrain defect may interrupt drive
Fluid may leak into the printed circuit board inside the hydraulic clutch actuator, which can result in an engine compartment fire.
2022 to 2023 Kia Sorento · Visibility & cameras
Rearview camera image may not display
The mounting clips for the rearview camera may break, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear properly on the display.
2023 to 2025 Kia Niro · Body & structure
Seat component may not remain secure
The floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat may become damaged, which can prevent the front air bags and seat belts from deploying properly or cause an unintended side curtain air bag deployment.
2021 to 2022 Kia Forte · Steering & suspension
Steering control may be reduced
A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
2021 to 2022 Kia Rio · Steering & suspension
Steering control may be reduced
A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
2015 to 2016 Kia Soul · Steering & suspension
Steering control may be reduced
The pinion plug may allow the pinion gear to separate from the steering gear assembly.
2020 Kia Stinger · Steering & suspension
Steering control may be reduced
A component within the Rack Mounted Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, possibly resulting in the steering locking or becoming difficult while driving.
Researching Kia vehicles
Read the method behind the match
These guides explain the checks that apply across several problem files. Use the vehicle pages for the exact record scope.
Check recalls by VIN
A VIN search checks the displayed NHTSA records for an unrepaired safety recall associated with one vehicle. A model search shows only the wider campaign population.
Read guide ↗When a car is unsafe
A warning light does not always mean the same thing, but weak brakes or smoke leave little room for experimentation. Damaged tires and certain recall instructions can do the same.
Read guide ↗Why symptoms overlap
“It makes a weird noise” is useful human language. Diagnosis begins when that language is tied to the exact vehicle and its operating conditions.
Read guide ↗Search phrases from the driver seat
Does one of these sound familiar?
Each phrase opens its underlying problem file. Compare the complete symptom pattern before drawing a conclusion.