Are Kias reliable?
Newer Kias (Cadenza, Carnival, EV6, EV9, Forte, Forte Koup, K4, K5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Stinger, and Telluride) do not share one complaint pattern. 8 of the 14 models average fewer owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. Forte, Niro, and Sportage average more owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. K5, Soul, and Telluride are about the same in the newer years as in the older ones. Carnival, EV6, EV9, Forte Koup, and K4 do not cover enough model years for that comparison.
19
2012–2026
Data as of 2026-10-16.
Record by model
The table gives each model up to three years with the fewest complaints per year, and the year with the most, each counted from complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left off that list. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market cars on this page. A model with more cars on the road produces more filings. How we count.
Complaints per year
Each bar is the median of the models with complaints on file for that year, not weighted by how many of those cars were sold. A year with no complaint file is left blank.
Recalls by model year
A campaign that covers more than one model is counted on each.
What owners file about
Frequently asked questions
Are Kias reliable?
Newer Kias (Cadenza, Carnival, EV6, EV9, Forte, Forte Koup, K4, K5, K900, Niro, Optima, Rio, Sedona, Seltos, Sorento, Soul, Sportage, Stinger, and Telluride) do not share one complaint pattern. 8 of the 14 models average fewer owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. Forte, Niro, and Sportage average more owner complaints per year in the newer years than in the older years. K5, Soul, and Telluride are about the same in the newer years as in the older ones. Carnival, EV6, EV9, Forte Koup, and K4 do not cover enough model years for that comparison.