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Business Profile

Auto Manufacturers

Kia America Inc

This business is NOT BBB Accredited.

Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Auto Manufacturers.

Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Kia America Inc's headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see

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Kia America Inc has 8 locations, listed below.

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    Customer Complaints Summary

    • 2,031 total complaints in the last 3 years.
    • 966 complaints closed in the last 12 months.

    If you've experienced an issue

    Submit a Complaint

    The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

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    Complaint status

    Complaint type

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/12/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Bought a used 2012 *** ********* The previous owner took care of it very well as per oil change receipts. This sportage has a few recalls. For unknown reasons known to me the previous owner did not take the vehicle in to have the recalls taken care off. Nor was I aware of recalls. 6 month or so into ownership the engine started making a crazy sound. Took it to the dealer and they had originally told me on the phone that this particular issue is well documented and a voluntary recall as the engines are sub par. They did mention that this one had couple other outstanding recalls. The service department contacted *** warranty which refuses to rebuild the engine which failed due to poor quality as this vehicle never had the first recall done. I contacted *** customer care that plainly explained to me that they will not do anything even though the engine is known to be bad. They declared that it is a new owners responsibility to find out any national recalls. I do disagree in this matter as I am under the impression that it is their responsibility to contact new owners if a recall is outstanding when a new owner purchases and insures the vehicle. They also state that I had plenty of time to have the first recall taken care of which activates a life long warranty on the motor. Again I stress that I have not owned the *** for very long and that this is a known issue that *** is sweeping under the rug. The service department estimates the repair to be between 8000 to 9000 which the car is not worse.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/11/2025

      Type:Billing Issues
      Status:
      Unanswered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I am writing to file a formal complaint against Hollywood **** located at ***************************************, due to their failure to process a lease payoff for my trade-in vehicle, which has resulted in significant distress and potential damage to my credit report.On July 6 2025, I returned my leased 2023 ***** Sele ct Hatchback to ************* as part of a trade-in transaction to lease a 2025 ******************** At that time, I signed all necessary paperwork under the assumption that Hollywood *** would promptly pay off the balance owed to ************************ as part of the deal.However, more than a month has passed, and *************** has informed me that they have not received any payoff payment or related documentation. The lease remains active in my name, and I am still being held responsible for it. As a result, I have received repeated calls and payment demands from *****, and I have been warned that my credit may be negatively affected if this matter is not resolved.What makes the situation even worse is that I have made numerous attempts to contact Hollywood **** but my calls are either ignored or disconnected, and I have received no response from any representative, including the sales manager.I am respectfully requesting the BBBs assistance in mediating this issue and holding Hollywood *** accountable. My requested resolution is that:1. ************* immediately sends the required lease payoff to *************************2. They provide me with written confirmation of the payoff and the confirmation number.3. They issue a formal apology for the lack of communication and inconvenience caused.This situation has created undue stress, wasted time, and puts my financial reputation at risk. I appreciate your prompt assistance in helping me resolve this matter.Sincerely,***** de la ******* Leon *********

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/10/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I have a 2011 Kia ******* that has had recalls issued for the engine. And multiple lawsuits for these issues. They refuse to replace the engine due to the mileage. But is still under the years. This has been an issue that *** is well aware of and thousands of cars have been effected by this.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/17/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/10/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      1. bought a " dealer certified **** which should come with *** warrantee on 6/7/25. Still no *** warantee- *** states dealership has not submitted paperwork.2. On day of sale, no hard copies of sale of goods, finance arrangements, extended warrants (purchased without my consent), etc... all was done on a blank white screen where I was told to sign my name and initial with a computer mouse. Requested a hard copy to read before signing blank screen, was told "there are no hard copies" by finance director. 3. One of the 'paperless" documents was for binding arbitration. I told Finance Director I never sign binding arbitration- he told me I would be thrown out by manager if I did not sign.4. I have gone into dealership 3 times to ask for hard copies of documents. F.D. states "my printer is not working, give me your email (which he already has). Didn't send anything.5. After I filed a complaint with *** Corporate, I still don't have the *** warantee- but their *** must have called and told the Finance Director (F.D.) to email me all documents related to the sale.6. I received one small trifold brochure about *** extended warrant, with no mention of what was/was not covered, no details of policy or policy number, etc...7. So frustrated I searched on-line and found the Consumer Bill of Rights when buying a car. None of the Rights were provided by this dealer.8. I only got one fob for the car, and it didn't even unlock the door. They told me they would order another- there didn't know the cost. I think all cars are supposed to come with two fobs. Their comment "you're lucky to have one" later on I received an unidentified text message "fob $560 ". ????Re: money disputed (below)- $4,000 for extended warrantee purchased without consent, same with the $1500 charged for 4 paint treatments I didn't authorize and they would not remove, and $500 for a second key fob. The *** Warrantee need to be inplace through 2030 since it's a certified vehicle.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/24/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/09/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I never received notice of any of the three recalls that were placed on my 2024 Kia ********** I learned that the *** Dealership in Van **** had mistakenly not included the ** Box for my address. I suspect return letters must have been received by **** Yet no attempt was made to place us on notice of these recalls, two of which were safety-related. We have two young kids, ages 3 and 1.5. I was told that the recalls would be fixed in 2-3 hours. In person, they said that the repairs would take 5+ hours. She asked for a ride home, but the dealership refused. She asked for **** reimbursement, but the dealership again refused. 2 hours later, we received a call that the car was ready to be picked up. In other words, it was not the 5+ hour time frame previously represented, meaning we could have avoided this **** altogether had the dealership provided accurate information. I took time out of my work day to drive my wife back to the dealership. It was then that we were informed for the first time that they only fixed 2 out of the 3 recalls. They informed us that they were waiting for parts. At no point in time did the dealership tell us that they were waiting for parts. Had they done so, we would have waited to drop the vehicle off when they could fix all three recalls at the same time. The next day, my wife called to ask for a status on when the parts would arrive. We were told that they have the parts in stock (1 day later). My wife scheduled another appointment to fix the last recall. When my wife arrived at the dealership at the time of her appointment, it was closed; the dealership had changed locations. I was assigned an escalating manager named *********. I first received contact from her on June 10, 2025. I have emailed, called and left several voicemails. No response have been received.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/23/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/09/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Engine replacement should be covered by **** The car is only six years old and was leaking oil internally into the engine. I don't believe that I should be responsible for the repair.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/23/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/08/2025

      Type:Product Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      On June5,2025, my 2023 *** K5 (VIN:*****************) (Purchased 1/19/2023) suffered a catastrophic fuel tank implosion while traveling at highway speed, putting me, my passengers, and other motorists in grave danger. Despite complying with ***s April2024 recall inspection, the defect remained unresolved.Since then:*** repeatedly sent sensitive communications to the wrong email address, despite my corrections.They never contacted me by phone regarding the dangerous defect.They requested I sign an Authorization to Release Loan/Lease Information, demanding access to my lender recordsincluding SSN and payment historybefore providing a buyout offer. I ********** date, I have incurred over $39,200 in costs, including the original purchase price, loan payoff, injuries, maintenance, and insurance.I believe *** should:1. Buy back the vehicle for the full purchase price.2. Pay off the ************************* loan.3. Reimburse all related expenses.4. Provide a formal buyout offer prior to requesting access to personal financial data.A fair outcome that would satisfy me would be A fast, fair resolution that addresses the dangerous defect, reimburses all costs, and protects both myself and future consumers from this ********** will find the following attachments included with this complaint:1. A copy of the April 2024 recall letter issued by ***.2. The service appointment record showing my compliance with the recall inspection.3. ***s email miscommunication, where correspondence was sent to an incorrect email address (missing the s in my last name).4. A copy of ***s Authorization to Release Loan/Lease Information form, which they requested I sign before providing any formal buyout offer.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/23/2025

      Hello,

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

       

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/08/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I received a call to bring my Kia ******** in for a recall and made an appointment. Despite bringing the car in early in the morning, I was still asked the purpose of my visit. Later that day, I received a text stating the part needed to be ordered and that I'd have to bring the car back in again. It's completely unacceptable that the part wasn't already ordered, especially since I called after making the appointment to confirm availability. When I picked up my car, I was told they would contact me within three business days once the parts arrived, but they never did!!To make matters worse, after waiting three weeks, I called them directly to inquire about the parts. They then informed me the parts were in and instructed me to drive there the same day, as online appointments weren't available for recall. I complied, only to be told upon arrival that a technician was not available and that I would need to return the following Tuesday.This entire experience has been incredibly frustrating and a complete waste of my time. The disorganization, lack of communication, and multiple failed attempts to service my vehicle are a testament to exceptionally poor customer service.Having dealt with several dealerships, this is by far the worst and most disorganized experience I have ever encountered

      Business Response

      Date: 07/22/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/08/2025

      Type:Order Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      Contact was made with the business immediately following the death of my mother, as I found out she leased a vehicle. She was current in all payments, but her death was one full business day prior to the expiration of the lease and her protection plan. The business is refusing to close out the account, despite returning full possession, and the business taking possession, of the vehicle and signing a durable power of attorney.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/22/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. Kia America is a separate entity from *********** America, and, as such, we do not have any access to your financial information. Your complaint is on file here at Kia America and we have forwarded a copy to the Kia ******* America ************* team so they can follow-up with you. You may also contact Kia ******* America directly by phone at ************ for any financial inquiries or concerns regarding your loan or lease.

    • Initial Complaint

      Date:07/07/2025

      Type:Service or Repair Issues
      Status:
      Answered
      Resolved:
      The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.
      Unresolved:
      The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.
      Answered:
      The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.
      Unanswered:
      The business failed to respond to the dispute.
      Unpursuable:
      BBB is unable to locate the business.
      I purchased a brand new 2025 *** K4 on June 7. By June 15, it broke down on the side of the road with a Transmission Control System Error and would not accelerate at all. I had to have the car towed to *** of ***********, where they claimed a faulty sensor was the issue. It took seven full days just to replace that one sensor.I got the vehicle back on June 23only to have it break down again 11 minutes later, in the exact same way, with the same error code. I was stranded again and had the car towed back to the same dealership the very same day.On June 27, I was told they now needed to replace the entire transmission and axle, since the axle had seized due to the transmission failure. Thats two major repairs on a car thats barely three weeks old. This is no longer a new carthis is a refurbished vehicle. When I bought a new car, I did not expect three major failures and weeks of service visits.Since then, Ive been in a rental vehicle for nearly three out of the four weeks Ive owned the car. I opened a case with *** Consumer Affairs, emailing three times during the week of June 2327 with no response. I called on July 2 out of frustration and learned my case had not even been assigned a caseworkera complete failure on their part. Only today, July 7, was I finally assigned a caseworker, but Ive been told I wont hear back until July 10.Why isnt follow-up immediate after assigning a caseworker? Why is it so impossible to speak with a supervisor or even get someone reliable on the phone? Ive been misled, ignored, and left without a vehicle. And now Im left with a car I do not feel safe driving, and a company that clearly doesnt prioritize its *************, both corporately and at the dealership level, shows an alarming lack of urgency, accountability, and basic communication. I will post this experience wherever *** or *** of *********** is mentioned. Please think twice before purchasing from this brand.

      Business Response

      Date: 07/11/2025

      Hello, 

      Thank you for your inquiry. We have located your case, ********, and will have an associate follow up with you regarding your concern. Alternatively, if you would like to contact us at your convenience, you may speak directly to a customer care representative by contacting us directly at **************(4Kia). Our normal hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 6:00 pm Pacific.

    Kia America Inc is NOT a BBB Accredited Business.

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