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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.
    • 1,160 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:06/04/2025

      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 bought a new Kia ******* recently, a Kia ********* There is a small luggage rack trim piece that has come off and is covered by warranty. The problem is I live 150 mi/3hr from the closest *** dealership. In my WY town, I have all other major brand dealerships (****, **, ******, etc). I called and said hey instead of me driving 3 hrs x4=12 hrs why don't we just have one of these other dealerships install this trim. But they don't want to do this. Kia America is insisting I drive 12 hrs and 600 miles to get this trim installed.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/19/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, 25281022, 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 1-800-333-4542(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:06/04/2025

      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 took my *** optima xs 2016 to a *** dealership at ****** IL, they refuse to replace my car's engine.I tried but my case was denied.I paid $5000 to a mechanic to fix the problem, it ran for a bit and start showing some signs that related to engine problems and oil pressure, the mechanic told me that it's a manufacturing deficit.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/14/2025

      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:05/30/2025

      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.
      My 2015 *** optima engine failed few weeks ago. *** in ************ IL. told me it is under warranty and they would submit the claim. They stated I needed to provide receipts for all oil changes dating back to 2015 when I purchased car. I used ********** for oil changes from ********* but they delete records after 2 years so I was unable to get receipts from them. My local mechanic gave me receipts dating back to 2019. Bank statements only go back 7 years so I could only get proof back to 2018 with bank statements as well. It is not possible to get receipts back to 2015 and I have no way to because of no one keeping records that far. I am the original owner and only owner of car. I have always gotten my oil changes when needed and never missed one. I maintained car as needed. If it was possible I would provide proof dating back to 2015. Please help me with this engine replacement.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/09/2025

      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:05/30/2025

      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.
      Subject: Fraud Complaint ************************* 1-543350977 My 2024 Kia ****** (****** miles) was totaled on 5/7/2025. ******* agreed to a $22,200 settlement. I got a buyout quote from *********** for an insurance claim, $20,969.16, valid until 6/21/2025, expecting $1,230.84 after payoff. On 5/30/2025, ******* said *********** gave a Letter of Guarantee for $21,700, leaving me with $500a $730.84 overpayment to **** *********** claims the quote is no good, inflating the value (market value: $18,000$19,000 per ************************ This violates 12 U.S.C. 5536 and M.G.L. Ch. 93A, Sec. 2 (unfair practices). Their customer service is unprofessionalMary Bel gave Case 1-543350977 but no follow-up; they refuse supervisors, lack email, leaving me empty-handed. BBB complaints show Kia ******** history of mismanaging payments and fees (e.g., $400 wear-and-use fee errors). This cuts my payout, limiting my down payment for a new car (rental ends 6/6/2025; I requested 6/10). I may need an attorney. Please: 1) Confirm the correct payoff ($20,969.16) so I get $1,230.84; 2) Explain the discrepancy and their service issues; 3) Act if fraud is found. UrgentArbella plans to pay soon. [******* M.R. *********

      Business Response

      Date: 06/14/2025

      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:05/29/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 son leased A *** **** he recently had new born baby and they also have a toddler, so he leased this UV9 to support his family. He only had this new car for maybe 3 weeks. The night his wife went into labor and was about 3 weeks after receiving this EV9. Which the car was hardly driven because she was 8 months pregnant About 4 hours after his second ***** was born, he went home to pick up his 2-year-old and take him to the hospital to meet his little brother.On the way back to the hospital the *** EV9 just stopped running, it was fully ********** son pulled over to the right on the busy Freeway with no power to the car, it just stopped running, could not make it to an exit.He called the police, they sent a tow truck, it took around one hour. He was sitting on the busy freeway with a 2-year-old in the car waiting for a tow, car could not move at all. Very scary night.Cost him $300 for the tow He reported this to ***, and they did not even show any concern. About two days later he received a letter for a call back saying on this model that the engine has problems, just stopping for no reason. *** knew about this dangerous problem and never told my son.What the heck, they knew about this issue and *** still lease him a car knowing about this this problem. *** put my family in danger and when he called them to report what happen they said yes there is an issue with the engine. *** said bring it in and we will fix it. It took 2 weeks and they still charge full month lease.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/29/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      We have a 2022 *** ******** finance through *** however,My husband has an engine problem , and because his warranty is expired they can not help us ,We bought this car in July of 2021 , and had this car regularly maintenance at the dealership,There have been several issues with this vehicle but ,the dealership fix then which is *****,***** *** ********** I have been on the phone with *** motor finance asking about if they can help .Also with *****,***** *** I feel that we was tooling advantage of because of ***** the dealership was doing all the maintenance we should have known before the car warranty went out not when it have ******* miles on it ,This car was leaking oil ,about six month ago ************** my husband had to drive to Autozone to get oil because it was smell of burning .That when ***** replaced something to keep the oil from burning ?? it cost ***** dollars but warranty cover ******** here we are a month later .*****,***** *** telling us that the engine is failing and we still have about ******* left to pay on this car . I believe either *** motor finance or ***** ,***** drop the ball on this car especially since they service the car for everything since we got it.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/28/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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 Sunday April 13th 2025 I attempted to update my 2021 *** Telluride's head unity software with ***s official September 2024 software update, which I had downloaded from **** website at **************, as I had done several times ********** strongly recommends installing the latest software updates, which they say include map data, new features, and bug fixes, improving overall driving *********************** update failed and disabled my head ******* car is out of warranty.I contacted *** of America ************* at ************ on April 18th and was told to contact a dealership. On April 23rd the dealership confirmed the head unit module needed to be replaced, charging me $450 for the diagnosis and saying a new unit would cost $1,560.I contacted *** ************* that same day and have been waiting for them to take action since then.I believe it is ***s responsibility to stand behind the software update it provided me with (encouraging me to install it) and resolve the issue immediately by either fixing the problem.The following functionality is missing from my car since the failed software update:Side mirrors adjustment Bluetooth audio for hands-free phone use AC in the rear Backup camera Surround View Monitor Instrument panel illumination retention (gets reset)Android ********** (music, radio)Automatically folding side mirrors Driver's seat "Easy Access""*** Connect" (remote engine start/stop, climate control, door lock/unlock, vehicle status monitoring; SOS emergency assistance, 911 Connect, find my car, geofence alerts)Automatic AC turn-on upon starting the car Drive mode retention across drives (gets reset instead)Door lock/unlock buttons on inside of driver's door (work inconsistently)Wireless phone charger Several of these features are safety-related. Moreover, many of them are premium features that are available in the trim I selected when I bought the car, for which I paid extra.Attached are printouts from ***'s update website.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/25/2025

      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 purchased a 2022 *** ******* from ***************** Via, which has since been bought out and is now Darlings *** of ************. I purchased my vehicle on July 7, 2024, with approximately ****** miles. In late January my check engine light came on. It was serviced on January ******* and within 10 miles of the dealership my check engine light came back on. I contacted the dealer and made arrangements for the vehicle to be looked at that Saturday January *******. I live approximately ******* miles from the dealership. 30 miles from home my vehicle begins to shake and the lights on the dash light up and is barely able to made it to the side of the road. We were able to turn it off and turn it back on and make it home. It was placed on a low bed the next day and brought to the dealer. It spent a week and a half at the dealer and left me with no vehicle because they did not have a loner This instance it spent a week and a half there with no loaner given, and me without my daily driver. March ******* my car stalled in the middle of an intersection. I immediately called *** and made them aware of the issue. Later that same day, my car would barely go 100 feet without continuously stalling. I dropped it off at the dealer on March *******. It spent 2 months at the dealer in which it was fixed 3 times before it left the dealership, which resulted in a new motor placed. I was told a loaner was returning the next day and would be available to me the following day. It was a week before I got a loaner car. My SUV is my daily driver, that I transport my 3 young children in car seats. I was given a small car that barely safely fit my children in. My car returned to me on May ******* and less 500 miles after it was returned, my check engine light turned back on, and my car had no antifreeze in it. I am done with ***'s lack of ability to fix my car and no longer feel that I can safely make it from home to work daily without it leaving me stranded.

      Business Response

      Date: 06/02/2025

      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:05/24/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      *** car engine had a 10 year warrenty - *** is not resolving issue that their warrenty obligates them to fix

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:05/22/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      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.
      We bought a new 2020 *** ****** in November 2019. Last November 2024, the engine started knocking. No warning lights at all. Discovered that there was no oil. Towed to *** dealership in *********, **. We paid for the engine to be replaced due to bad records for maintenance. We were told the replacement engine was new not rebuilt. Got the car back with a new warranty. At 4000 miles it was discovered that there was no oil. *** dealership did one 1000 mile consumption test, then a combustion cleaning and another 1000 mile consumption test. It failed both tests. *** replaced the engine. They took weeks to fix. There was no "courtesy vehicle" or rental provided except for the last few days. Once they removed the engine, we were told that the turbo fan was bad and needed replaced, and that it would cost us over $3000 since *** would not cover that. We decided not to fix at that time as we didn't have the funds. They went ahead and replaced the engine. I was told when I picked it up that if there were further consumption issues *** would not replace the engine because we didn't fix the turbo. I was told later that I could expect consumption issues until that turbo was fixed. My car is still smoking (which started with the second engine consumption issues). Reading the paperwork from the second engine replacement, the mechanic stated, "due to the previous engine replacement consuming so much oil, due to how low the oil level got, the turbo bearings have failed and caused the turbo to start consuming oil and having excessive play, turbo will need to be replaced." This clearly means that the first replacement caused turbo problems and therefore *** should replace the turbo. I was told that *** will not do that.

    Kia America Inc is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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