THE WEEKLY DRIVER

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, CAR REVIEWS, AND PODCAST

Reliability Database

Kia

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 42,404 NHTSA complaints. Updated April 2026.

23 Models
97 Engines Rated
42 Generations
42,404 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
45 recommended 16 caution 36 avoid

Compact Sedan

7 models
Amanti
1 generation · 0 engines
2004-2009
Forte
3 generations · 7 engines
2010-20132014-20182019-2025
4 recommended 3 avoid
K4
1 generation · 1 engine
2025
1 caution
Rio
4 generations · 4 engines
2001-20052006-20112012-20172018-2023
2 recommended 2 avoid
Rondo
1 generation · 1 engine
2007-2010
1 caution
Sephia
1 generation · 0 engines
2000-2001
Spectra
1 generation · 2 engines
2004-2009
1 recommended 1 avoid

Compact SUV

5 models
EV6
1 generation · 0 engines
2022-2025
Niro
2 generations · 2 engines
2017-20222023-2025
1 caution 1 avoid
Seltos
1 generation · 3 engines
2021-2025
1 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid
Soul
3 generations · 10 engines
2010-20132014-20192020-2025
3 recommended 1 caution 6 avoid
Sportage
4 generations · 10 engines
2005-20102011-20162017-20222023-2025
4 recommended 3 caution 3 avoid

Midsize Sedan

3 models
Cadenza
1 generation · 1 engine
2014-2020
1 avoid
K5
1 generation · 3 engines
2021-2025
2 caution 1 avoid
Optima
4 generations · 14 engines
2001-20062007-20102011-20152016-2020
9 recommended 1 caution 4 avoid

Midsize SUV

2 models
Borrego
1 generation · 0 engines
2009-2011
Sorento
4 generations · 22 engines
2003-20092011-20152016-20202021-2025
11 recommended 3 caution 8 avoid

Minivan

2 models
Carnival
1 generation · 2 engines
2022-2025
2 caution
Sedona
3 generations · 8 engines
2002-20052006-20142015-2021
6 recommended 2 avoid

Full-Size SUV

2 models
EV9
1 generation · 0 engines
2024-2025
Telluride
1 generation · 1 engine
2020-2025
1 avoid

Full-Size Sedan

1 model
K900
1 generation · 3 engines
2015-2020
3 recommended

Sports Car

1 model
Stinger
1 generation · 3 engines
2018-2023
1 recommended 2 avoid
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