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Business Profile

Auto Manufacturers

Kia America Inc

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Auto Manufacturers.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Kia America Inc's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Kia America Inc has 8 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 2,024 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 1,072 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/22/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      2 MONTHS AFTER I BoUGHT CAR, ENGINE LIGHT CAME OFF..AND WILL ONLY BE OFF IF I WOUL RELEASE GAS CAP SEVERL TIMES ETC..IN FEB 2025 THE DEALER SAID ITS 02 SENSOR I HAD IT REPLACED, 2 WEEKS LATER ITS EXACLY SAME..I HAVE READ THE ***** AND CATALITIC CONVERTER AND EMISSION EXHAUST AND 02 SENSOR ALL FAILES..I NEED A NEW REPLACEMENT CAR, AS THIS IS A LEMON CAR..BIUGHT OIN JULY 2024 ..ALSO THEY MADE EMISSION TESTS /WINDOW STICKER FOR 2 YEARS???? BC TEHY PROBAB;Y NEW IT HAS ISSUES??? IT IS ALL VERY WEIRD.. now car is every other week to a delareship and i m not even given a loaner..am i supposed tp pay 25k for a car 6 months old and have so many issues..this is uinacceptable..now tie i nee dto get there again and tehy dont even want to give me a loaner I NEED A NEW CAR OK..I VE NEVER HAD SO MANY PROBLEMS WITH A CAR EVER..I NEED A NEW CAR AS I WAS EVEN TOLD I HAVE TO LET CAR THERE WHO KNOWS HOW LONG..HOW WILL I DRIVE TO WORK..I DID NOT BUY A CAR TO BE ST SERVICE NONSTOP EACH WEEK

      Business Response

      Date: 03/28/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will notify your case manager requesting they follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/28/2025

      WHEN U COINTACT ME AND SOLVE SOMETHING GET BACK HERE , DEPENDING IF U SOLVE THE ** WE WILL TALK ******* FAR NOTHING HAS BEEN SOLVED

      Business Response

      Date: 04/03/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will notify your case manager requesting they follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/20/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unresolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Brought a 2021 *** ****** less than a year ago and the engine has already failed. *** refuses to take ownership of the issue. *** refuses to replace the engine. Which has left me stuck with paying for a car that doesnt work.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 05/30/2025

      Good afternoon, 
      I am rejecting the response because it seems unfit. After making my complaint and having my case escalated with *** on April 10th of 2025 I was contacted by a case manager named ******* that worked with *** escalation department. She told me that my engine was approved for replacement free of charge that all I had to do was bring my car back to the service location that first diagnosed my engine problem. The service manager for this particular location refused to do the work so I was advised by ******* to bring the car to another location have it re-diagnosed so the engine could be replaced. I then have to tow my car to another state because that is the closest dealer they want me to pay another $320 to have the car re-diagnose now my car has been sitting for weeks with storage fees. *** stopped talking to me about my case once they receive the letter from the state attorney saying they were working with me. I asked the state to send *** a letter stating that they are not working with me so they could continue the process of replacing my engine. I was shut out. No one spoke to me and now magically my engines not being replaced. This is ridiculous. This is bad business. Im still paying for a car thats been sitting for months on top of paying to get around. I want reimbursement for all the fees, any fees that are occurring right now to be waived and for my engine to be replaced as stated as before. Ive asked the case manager for the *** escalation department for everything in writing and nothing was ever sent to me. Im very concerned about this. I feel so taken advantage of .

      Business Response

      Date: 06/02/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will notify your case manager requesting they follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/09/2025

      I have not been contacted at all . I honestly need a whole new vehicle.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 06/09/2025

      Good afternoon,
      I am rejecting the response because it seems unfit. After making my complaint and having my case escalated with *** on April 10th of 2025 I was contacted by a case manager named ******* that worked with *** escalation department. She told me that my engine was approved for replacement free of charge that all I had to do was bring my car back to the service location that first diagnosed my engine problem. The service manager for this particular location refused to do the work so I was advised by ******* to bring the car to another location have it re-diagnosed so the engine could be replaced. I then have to tow my car to another state because that is the closest dealer they want me to pay another $320 to have the car re-diagnose now my car has been sitting for weeks with storage fees. *** stopped talking to me about my case once they receive the letter from the state attorney saying they were working with me. I asked the state to send *** a letter stating that they are not working with me so they could continue the process of replacing my engine. I was shut out. No one spoke to me and now magically my engines not being replaced. This is ridiculous. This is bad business. Im still paying for a car thats been sitting for months on top of paying to get around. I want reimbursement for all the fees, any fees that are occurring right now to be waived and for my engine to be replaced as stated as before. Ive asked the case manager for the *** escalation department for everything in writing and nothing was ever sent to me. Im very concerned about this. I feel so taken advantage of .

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/19/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      *** has had my car for almost two months without repairing it, and they are unfairly charging me for a repair that should be covered under the powertrain warranty. I contacted multiple *** dealerships in **********, and they all confirmed that the vacuum pump is covered. However, the dealership still insists on charging me.Additionally, they previously claimed that my camshaft issue wasnt covered under warranty. But when I asked to pick up my car, they suddenly found the warranty coverage for the camshaftyet still refused to cover the vacuum pump. On top of that, they charged me around $200 for a diagnostic fee, which they never disclosed when I dropped off the car.I believe I have been lied to and taken advantage of. Not only has my car been held up for nearly two months, but Ive also had to spend extra money on **** and transportation. This situation is completely unacceptable.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/19/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I financed the Kia ***** ******************************* 2018 and successfully paid it off on 04/19/2024 I was issued a NO LEIN LETTER from ***********, and I requested the Title for the vehicle I fully paid. upon calling a month later I was told that the Title was sent to my Old Address Besides confirming my new address with Kia ******* and never receiving my Title, called again on 02/24/2025 for a duplicate Title at my current updated address and was told the Title will arrive within 10 business days via *****. never received it again, called today about 3 times and was kept on switching to numerous people and finally was told that I have to submit a written request via regular **** mail to obtain my Title. I am so frustrated due to some mechanical work on this vehicle and spending over $5000.00 and can't sell my vehicle without the Title. Please help me get through this issue. And each time I called they gave me a different and outrages answers. Thank you

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/18/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am reaching out in frustration and desperation regarding a Lemon Law issue with **** Our 2024 ******************* has been a nightmaresuffering severe mechanical failures, excessive repair delays, and a complete lack of accountability from *** and its ************** June 2024, my wife and I purchased this vehicle from *** ***** *** in *******, putting down 30% of the $41,715 cost. We expected reliability, but instead, it has disrupted our lives, drained our finances, and caused immense emotional distress.Ongoing ********************* Delays:- July 26, 2024: With under ***** miles, the engine failed. **** *** confirmed a critical issue requiring a full engine replacement, initially estimating three weeks. Instead, our vehicle was out of service for 4.5 months.- October 3, 2024: My wife was falsely told the car was ready for pickup, leading to unnecessary stress and lost work hours.- December 12, 2024: After months of no meaningful updates, the vehicle was finally returned, but- December 19, 2024: A new electrical issue surfaced with the memory seat switch.- February 23, 2025: An engine overheating warning appeared due to a radiator hose not being secured, forcing an emergency stop and yet another **************************** Toll:- We made every loan and insurance payment while the car sat in the shop for nearly five months.- We had to rent a separate vehicle for a Christmas road trip ($700 extra cost) due to safety concerns. - We've been in the Arizona Lemon Law buyback process for over five months with no resolution while still dealing with a defective ******* has left us in limbo, and we can no longer endure this financial and emotional burden. We need immediate intervention to force *** to repurchase this vehicle. Please hold *** accountable before this situation worsens.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate with our specialized legal team follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/18/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      *** optima 2019 the engine ceased 3/16/25 only had ****** miles want new engine

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/18/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Resolved
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On October 26, 2024, while driving, my vehicle unexpectedly broke down. Subsequently, I learned that my *** ** is subject to recalls concerning the fuel pump, gas tank, and airbags. Upon inspection by a mechanic at ************, I was informed that my vehicle has a swollen gas tank, rendering it eligible for ********* primary concern lies with the decision made by *************** to offer a buyback of my vehicle, rather than proceeding with necessary repairs. The proposed buyback terms present a considerable financial burden for me as a single mother of two. I believe it is unjust that I must face long-term financial consequences due to the company's failure to deliver a safe and reliable product. I purchased this vehicle in good faith and have consistently met my payment obligations, only to find myself in this challenging ************* has presented two options for resolution 1. Option #1: I would still owe $10,000 on the defective vehicle.2. Option #2: While this option would pay off the car and provide $1500 in rentals reimburse towards a replacement, it does not sufficiently address my financial circumstances.Both options would impose significant financial strain on me. I am unable to afford payments on a new vehicle while also settling the outstanding $10,000. Furthermore, since my initial purchase, my financial situation has changed,:- July 14, 2022: Purchased the vehicle.- October 26, 2024: Vehicle broke down.- October 28, 2024: Vehicle towed to *************- November 7, 2024: Informed of the diagnosis and that *** would be buying back . Despite 153 calls and 67 voicemails to the case manager, I have not received any follow-up. *********** continues to call for payment, threatening repossession if I do not comply.Given the ongoing stress and inadequate customer service I have experienced, it is unlikely that I would consider purchasing another *** vehicle in the future.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have created your case, 25094410,  and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

      Customer Answer

      Date: 03/24/2025


      Better Business Bureau:

      I have reviewed the response made by the business in reference to complaint ID ********, and find that this resolution would be satisfactory to me.  I will wait for the business to perform this action and, if it does, will consider this complaint resolved.

      Regards,

      ****** *****

        

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/18/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      my *** 2021 K5 was fully paid off at end of Nov 2024. it take between 30 to 60 days for it to come off your credit report. it has been almost 4 months and my credit report still states i owe over $7000. i have called 3 times to ask why it is still showing on credit report. none of their operators even attempted to resolve the issue. all they said was i do not owe any money. this is affecting my credit. my credit score still thinks i owe over $7000. calling their service department is a waste of time as i cannot get any of them to help me. i want them to fix this today. no excuse why it is still showing up and affecting my credit report

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. Kia America is a separate entity from *********** America, and, as such, we do not have any access to your financial information. Your complaint is on file here at Kia America and we have forwarded a copy to the Kia ******* America ************* team so they can follow-up with you. You may also contact Kia ******* America directly by phone at ************ for any financial inquiries or concerns regarding your loan or lease.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/17/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I have a 2019 *** K900 which is still under warranty. I brought it in to have the window sweep, the piece of rubber at the bottom of the window, replaced because it was cracking. I was told by *** that the cracking was caused by the environment and therefore they would not replace it.

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:03/17/2025

      Type:Order Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am filing this complaint against *** ******* America for illegal repossession, deceptive lending practices, fraudulent loan inflation, failure to disclose a totaled vehicle, and refusal to provide proper documentation related to my auto loan. These actions caused severe financial distress, led to an unnecessary bankruptcy, and resulted in the loss of my transportation, employment, and personal property.I am filing this complaint against *** ******* America for illegal repossession, deceptive lending practices, fraudulent loan inflation, failure to disclose a totaled vehicle, and refusal to provide proper documentation related to my auto loan. These actions caused severe financial distress, led to an unnecessary bankruptcy, and resulted in the loss of my transportation, employment, and personal property.Key ******************* 1.Illegal Vehicle Repossession Without Proper Notice *** ******* repossessed my vehicle without sending a required legal repossession ********* written default notice or intent to repossess was ever sent to me, though *** had my updated address.The car was taken from my new address, proving they knew my location but failed to provide proper ********** ******* did not notify local law enforcement, violating repossession regulations.2.Failure to Disclose the Vehicles Totaled Status in Bankruptcy *** ******* was legally obligated to disclose that the vehicle was totaled before my final bankruptcy hearing but did not do so.They attempted to coerce me into accepting ownership of the totaled vehicle.3.Fraudulent Loan ***************************** of Vehicle Value *** ******* inflated the vehicles value, leading to overpriced loan payments and inflated bankruptcy repayment terms.This led to an unfair financial burden, forcing me into bankruptcy under misleading loan conditions.4.Coercion to Sign Ownership Documents for a Totaled Car 5.Failure to Cover Vehicle *************** Personal Belongings

      Business Response

      Date: 03/24/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. Kia America is a separate entity from *********** America, and, as such, we do not have any access to your financial information. Your complaint is on file here at Kia America and we have forwarded a copy to the Kia ******* America ************* team so they can follow-up with you. You may also contact Kia ******* America directly by phone at ************ for any financial inquiries or concerns regarding your loan or lease.


    Kia America Inc is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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