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
140 Engines Rated
42 Generations
42,404 NHTSA Complaints
Engine Ratings Overview
55 recommended 27 caution 58 avoid

Compact Sedan

7 models
Amanti
1 generation · 1 engine
2004-2009
1 avoid
Forte
3 generations · 10 engines
2010-20132014-20182019-2025
5 recommended 5 avoid
K4
1 generation · 2 engines
2025
2 caution
Rio
4 generations · 8 engines
2001-20052006-20112012-20172018-2023
2 recommended 2 caution 4 avoid
Rondo
1 generation · 2 engines
2007-2010
1 caution 1 avoid
Sephia
1 generation · 1 engine
2000-2001
1 avoid
Spectra
1 generation · 3 engines
2004-2009
1 recommended 2 avoid

Compact SUV

5 models
EV6
1 generation · 1 engine
2022-2025
1 avoid
Niro
2 generations · 4 engines
2017-20222023-2025
2 recommended 1 caution 1 avoid
Seltos
1 generation · 4 engines
2021-2025
1 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
Soul
3 generations · 13 engines
2010-20132014-20192020-2025
4 recommended 1 caution 8 avoid
Sportage
4 generations · 14 engines
2005-20102011-20162017-20222023-2025
5 recommended 5 caution 4 avoid

Midsize Sedan

3 models
Cadenza
1 generation · 2 engines
2014-2020
1 recommended 1 avoid
K5
1 generation · 4 engines
2021-2025
1 recommended 2 caution 1 avoid
Optima
4 generations · 19 engines
2001-20062007-20102011-20152016-2020
9 recommended 2 caution 8 avoid

Midsize SUV

2 models
Borrego
1 generation · 1 engine
2009-2011
1 caution
Sorento
4 generations · 26 engines
2003-20092011-20152016-20202021-2025
12 recommended 3 caution 11 avoid

Minivan

2 models
Carnival
1 generation · 3 engines
2022-2025
1 recommended 2 caution
Sedona
3 generations · 11 engines
2002-20052006-20142015-2021
6 recommended 1 caution 4 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

Full-Size Sedan

1 model
K900
1 generation · 4 engines
2015-2020
3 recommended 1 caution

Sports Car

1 model
Stinger
1 generation · 4 engines
2018-2023
2 recommended 2 avoid
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