Model	Starting price	J.D. Power reliability rating	Most common problems	Years to avoid
Sorento	$30,090	77/100	Engine failure, faulty doors, headlight bulbs burning out, noisy A/C compressor, faulty timing chain, malfunctioning ignition coil, and bad crankshaft pulley bolt	2006, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2016
Optima	$24,355	83/100	Transmission problems, defective throttle position switch (TPS), malfunctioning door latch, weak alternator, engine malfunction/failure, steering complications, faulty and leaky low pressure fuel hose	2011
Soul	$19,790	87/100	Cruise control surge, engine noise, malfunction, and failure	2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2020
Sportage	$25,990	88/100	Exterior accessories problems, HVAC issues, engine problems, transmission troubles, and faulty fuel systems	2008, 2009, 2011, 2012, 2013
Forte	$19,690	87/100	Speakers not working, engine problems and failure, exterior lighting malfunction, leaky interiors, malfunctioning transmission, and faulty stop lamp switch	2010, 2012, 2014, 2017

Most common Kia Sorento problems

Average annual repair cost: $533

CarComplaints.com complaints: 989

The Kia Sorento has experienced the most problems in the Kia brand, especially:

Engine failure

Doors that won’t open from the outside

Noisy start-up caused by faulty timing belt

Bad crankshaft pulley bolt

Vibrations caused by a failing AC compressor

Oil leaks

The most common: The 2016 model year has received the most complaints for engine failure caused by a leaky head gasket or faulty ignition coil. So, if you drive a 2016 Kia Sorento, make it a habit to regularly check your head gasket for leaks.

Most common Kia Optima problems

Average annual repair cost: $471

CarComplaints.com complaints: 686

Kia Optima drivers have commonly reported a variety of engine malfunctions likely due to worn-out bearings or a defective throttle position switch (TPS):

Seizing

Hesitation

Stumbling

Misfires

Power loss

Complete failure

Transmission problems in older Optimas: Kia Optimas are also plagued by transmission issues around 67,000 miles due to outdated transmission software. Take your Optima to a mechanic to have your software updated if you’re experiencing jerking and lurching when downshifting.

Other Kia Optima problems:

Stuck door latches that won’t open from the inside or outside

A weak alternator and dying battery

A stiff steering wheel that vibrates aggressively

Most common Kia Soul problems

Average annual repair cost: $437

CarComplaints.com complaints: 375

The Kia Soul has a laundry list of engine issues and other common problems:

Clicking while turning

Knocking and ticking noises when accelerating

Small engine fires

Faulty brake pedals

Steering problems

Luckily, you can anticipate when to expect the Kia Soul’s most major engine problems:

10,000 miles: The Soul’s engine may exhibit no-start conditions

70,000–80,000 miles: The engine may completely lose power.

Most common Kia Sportage problems

Average annual repair cost: $462

CarComplaints.com complaints: 305

Several drivers reported the engine in their 2012 Kia Sportage died while driving at high speeds. Kia recalled the units with the bad engines reporting that the problem was caused by an oil pan leak.

Other common Kia Sportage problems:

Leaky fuel tanks

Noisy A/C compressors

Faulty key fobs

Dropping out of gear

Difficulty switching between gears

Getting stuck in park

Most common Kia Forte problems

Average annual repair cost: $451

CarComplaints.com complaints: 234

Bad ignition coils are the most common cause of engine problems in the Kia Forte, leading to:

Abnormal knocking sounds

Excessive

engine stalling

Shaking

Idling

Misfiring

Complete failure

The Forte also suffers from common transmission problems with no solution other than complete transmission replacement:

Scraping noises

Rough shifting

Inability to shift altogether

Debris in transmission fluid

Complete transmission failure.

Key Takeaway Engine failure is the worst and most common problem plaguing Kia vehicles.

Kia cars are some of the most reliable on the market

Despite these common problems,

Kia is one of the most reliable automakers

on the market on par with Toyota based on research from RepairPal:

Reliability ranking: 4.0/5.0

Car brand ranking: 3rd out of 32

Average annual repair costs: $474

Expert tip: Your Kia’s

check engine light

is the most common sign that your specific model is experiencing one of the common problems mentioned above. Take your car to a mechanic immediately to remedy the issue.

MORE:

Are Kias expensive to maintain?

The least reliable Kia model: 2016 Kia Sorento

Average annual repair cost: $533

NHTSA complaints: 482

Most common problem: Engine failure

Pros: The 2016 Kia Sorento SUV seems to be a great family car with plenty of interior features to enjoy.

Cons: It has received the most complaints of any Kia model to date. The NHTSA reports 74 complaints alone for engine failure due to a faulty ignition coil or leaking head gasket.

The most reliable Kia model: 2016 Kia Sportage

Average annual repair costs: $462

NHTSA complaints: 50

Most common problem: Transmission issues

Pros: The 2016 Sportage started at $23,000 and can be found for much less these days.

Cons: This model is still prone to potential transmission issues, but those can easily be corrected with a quick transmission software update.

MORE: The best used Kia to buy

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