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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

    • 2,033 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 1,157 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:07/28/2022

      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 own a 2012 *** ********* The engine locked up due to a defect which *** corporate is aware of and has admitted to. I took my vehicle to a local *** ********** where they performed an inspection to see if my vehicle qualifies for the engine replacement. They denied my replacement due to the fact that I did not have a sensor update performed before the engine died (this sensor does not prevent the defective engine from locking up, this is a software update, not a mechanical issue). I bought my vehicle pre-owned, I have never received any notification, recall or information from *** about my vehicle. *** is claiming they sent me a letter informing me of this software update, they did not. I was not aware of any of the issues until my car died on the side of the road and I had it towed to a mechanic who referred me to the local *** ********** because of the nationwide problems with my model vehicle as well as other ***s. When my claim was denied I contacted corporate, they were very rude and disrespectful. The supervisor would not let me speak and talked over me. *** has admitted that these engines are defective and are robbing people of their hard earned money based on a notification that was never received. When I asked for a copy of that notification I was told they would send generic letter, nothing with my VIN, name, address or information pertaining to my vehicle. Any other documentation is corporate confidential and I would have to file a lawsuit to receive a copy of what they claim they have sent?!? How is this company getting away with creating a hardship for thousands of Americans? This has effected my job, my finances, my income, and most importantly my family. And its all based on a letter I never received from a company that cannot provide said letter. A corporation that effects so many lives in such a negative manner should not be allowed to operate without doing what is right by the consumer.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/29/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of your concern and hope your issue has already been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/28/2022

      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 need to share my absolutely horrendous experience with my 2017 *** **** and the ****************** Ive had the single worst time with any vehicle Ive ever owned and any car company Ive dealt with, and these guys need to be put on blast for their absolutely horrible quality vehicles, which are designed to last ******* miles and then implode, and the companys absolutely callous and aloof attitude towards their buyers. NEVER BUY A **** Theyre low cost because theyre designed to fail the moment the warranty expires. This is planned obsolescence at its extreme.TLDR. Bought a brand new *** **** in September of 17 for over $17,000. Serviced it carefully and properly. The car recently experienced total engine failure at 106k miles and 4 years of age due to a known defect, with early symptoms starting at 83k miles, which is when I began bringing the car in for repeat repairs. At this time, Ive been quoted $10,000 in repairs by the dealership, more than the value of the car, and *** wont cover a DIME. They DID keep my car in the shop for 5 months, starting after the issues appeared at 83k, and they WERE able to keep the car running long enough to expire the powertrain warranty. So, when the engine exploded on the highway, at 106k miles, being 4.5 years old, *** claimed zero liability. Not ONLY has *** has denied me any sort of coverage, but they have shown absolutely no concern as a car company, dragging their feet at every corner, with zero concern for the customer, and just generally trying to do the absolute minimum possible. This was my first ever brand new car, and I was left with a total brick after just over 4 years and 100k miles. ********* terrible, awful, disgusting treatment in every regard. Absolutely nothing positive to say about *** ********************** handling of this whatsoever, and I will never spend another ***** with them.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/28/2022

      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.
      There has been an ongoing issue nationwide with the *** ******** engines. I have been dealing with a burning oil issue and engine issue for months. I spent over ****** a free months ago on the oil issue that is still no better today. The engine, *** is fully aware that there is an issue with the engine however will not state is is a recall as then they will be accountable to replace it. I have been told this by both my local dealership and the warranty company. Two weeks ago my Sorento broke down out of state. It had to be towed back to MA. I was told by the dealership that there are about 12 cars with the same issue in front of mine. It will be several weeks before I can expect any type of resolution. I am without a car and *** will not pay for a rental until the adjuster comes out. This is very disheartening as I am a single mother on a very fixed income. I cannot afford to rent a car and I absolutely need transportation asap. They say it is an issue with the piston in the engine. I really need my car prioritized or need a rental paid for by **** I should also be reimbursed for the issue of which I was charged $800+.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/29/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of your concern and hope your issue has already been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/29/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of your concern and hope your issue has already been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/27/2022

      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 leased a brand new 2021 Kia ** in March of 2021. In May the engine light went on and I brought to a local KIA *********** They have had my car for 2 months and it has not been repaired and they don't have parts and have no idea when they will have parts. They advised wiring was melting and parts are needed! I have contacted **** KIA ******** the KIA ********** I leased the car from, and management at the KIA ********** that has my vehicle with no resolution. I am paying $535 plus insurance a month for my lease contract in which I am not benefiting from what I contracted for. The KIA ********** that now has my car is not returning my phone calls or texts, my husband and I have both called and texted. I am beyond frustrated, angry, and feel violated by the contract. My car is obviously a lemon but fell just outside one year of lease. I just my vehicle back repaired that I fully intended to buy at the end of the lease, which is almost 2 years out or a comparable vehicle in it's place.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of your concern and hope your issue has already been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/27/2022

      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 2022 *** **** It had a limb fall on it. It is in the body awaiting a windshield. Called multiple *** places they state no windshield in ** and they do not know when they will become available. Offers no other support. Customers needing parts should be given priority

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ******** and believe your issue has been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/26/2022

      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.
      My (pearl) ***** 2013 *** ****** is peeling paint from its front hood and A-pillars. This has been happening since I first bought it in 2018. My car had 55K miles on it and has never been in an accident. I have taken it to the *** dealership of ******* with no success. THEY LIED TO ME! Each time, I was told that my car had been previously painted by someone else, and that business did a bad paint job. I have been to ************** 3 different times about this concern.There are MANY, MANY sites and now several class action suites pending against *** for this problem. I want my car repainted.https://m.facebook.com/DefectiveKiaPaint/photos/a.112101813622800/147796620053319/?type=3#Case #: ********

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and believe your issue has been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/25/2022

      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.
      In September 2021 I needed to have my car repaired, making an insurance claim. I was told, by **** that the part was back ordered and would take several months. I was advised that I could rent a vehicle and could submit a claim for reimbursement. My car was finally repaired December 2021. I made my claim a few days later and to date, 25 July 2022, I have yet to receive reimbursement. I have called at least a dozen times over the months and have been given several promises. Finally, in June 2022, I signed a release to cut a check that should have been processed 4-6 weeks later and I have yet to receive any reimbursement check or hear back from anyone, its been almost a year!

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and believe your issue has been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/24/2022

      Type:Product 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.
      Friday, July 1, we were on a trip to ********. Our *** ********* 2022, which had ****** miles, ********** belt broke. We called the closest dealership in *****, a hour away, and was told it would be two weeks before they were able to fix it. We also called the *** ******** service with very little help for our situation. After dealing with *** for a hour, in over 100 degree temperature, we decided to call a tow truck in the nearest town and tow it to an automotive shop that was able to get it in and fix it the next day. Evidently, *** ********** belts are back ordered. We called *** to recoup the money we spent and after waiting on several phone call attempts, we were told to call *************** which told us that we needed to call back to *** ******** service again. Finally, we were able to get a ******** service rep that understood and sent us an email with a link to send our receipts in for the repair. But the link did not work. When we replied back they wanted the claims number and representative we worked with. We sent an email back with claims number ******** with the representative name ******** on July 16, 2022. We have not heard back and we have not received an email link to send our receipts for the claim. This experience has been frustrating with new vehicle. **************** barely understands what is being asked or directs back us to the dealership and the ********** belt should not be breaking after so few miles on a new vehicle. VIN *****************

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of your concern and hope your issue has already been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/24/2022

      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.
      Kia ********************** has failed to provided repairs to my vehicle. My vehicle has been at the dealership for over 3 months now with still no resolution. See attached letter for full details/dates of problem.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and believe your issue has been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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:07/23/2022

      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.
      Brand new car bought end of April 2022, been in shop since middle of May 2022. Less than **** miles on vehicle and no one with *** is even trying to help. Will not give and ETA for replacement parts and will not respond to Case emails. ***** is most unhelpful person I have ever dealt with. No wonder *** has such BBB rating. F*** your company.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/25/2024

      Thank you for your inquiry. We are sorry to hear of your concern and hope your issue has already been resolved. If you are still in need of further assistance, please 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.

    Kia America Inc is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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