THE WEEKLY DRIVER

AUTOMOTIVE NEWS, CAR REVIEWS, AND PODCAST

Reliability Database

Kia

Engine Reliability & Known Problems

Based on 38,832 NHTSA complaints. Updated August 2026.

23 Models
160 Engines Rated
50 Generations
38,832 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
46 recommended 50 caution 64 avoid

Compact Sedan

4 models
Forte
3 generations · 12 engines
2010-20132014-20182019-2025
5 recommended 3 caution 4 avoid
K4
1 generation · 2 engines
2025
1 recommended 1 caution
Sephia
1 generation · 2 engines
2000-2001
2 avoid
Spectra
5 generations · 10 engines
20002001200220032004-2009
2 recommended 4 caution 4 avoid

Full-Size Sedan

3 models
Amanti
1 generation · 3 engines
2004-2009
1 caution 2 avoid
Cadenza
1 generation · 2 engines
2014-2020
1 recommended 1 avoid
K900
1 generation · 4 engines
2015-2020
2 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid

Compact SUV

3 models
EV6
1 generation · 1 engine
2022-2025
1 caution
Niro
2 generations · 4 engines
2017-20222023-2025
3 recommended 1 avoid
Sportage
7 generations · 20 engines
2000200120022005-20102011-20162017-20222023-2025
4 recommended 8 caution 8 avoid

Midsize Sedan

3 models
K5
1 generation · 4 engines
2021-2025
1 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
Optima
4 generations · 19 engines
2001-20062007-20102011-20152016-2020
5 recommended 4 caution 10 avoid
Stinger
1 generation · 4 engines
2018-2023
2 recommended 2 caution

Midsize SUV

2 models
Borrego
1 generation · 3 engines
2009-2011
2 recommended 1 caution
Sorento
4 generations · 23 engines
2003-20092011-20152016-20202021-2025
6 recommended 6 caution 11 avoid

Minivan

2 models
Carnival
2 generations · 5 engines
2022-20252026
3 recommended 2 caution
Sedona
3 generations · 10 engines
2002-20052006-20142015-2021
4 recommended 1 caution 5 avoid

Full-Size SUV

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

Compact

2 models
Rondo
1 generation · 4 engines
2007-2010
4 caution
Soul
3 generations · 11 engines
2010-20132014-20192020-2025
2 recommended 2 caution 7 avoid

Subcompact

1 model
Rio
4 generations · 10 engines
2001-20052006-20112012-20172018-2023
2 recommended 4 caution 4 avoid

Subcompact SUV

1 model
Seltos
1 generation · 4 engines
2021-2025
1 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
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