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A white Kia Sorento on display during an auto show

The Most Complained About Kia SUVs

Kia SUVs are basically all the rage right now––especially when you consider the Kia Telluride and its massive popularity. Other popular models like the Kia Sorento are common sights as well. But not every consumer experience with these Kia SUVs is positive. In fact, there are hundreds of complaints filed on CarComplaints.com for various Kia …

Kia SUVs are basically all the rage right now––especially when you consider the Kia Telluride and its massive popularity. Other popular models like the Kia Sorento are common sights as well. But not every consumer experience with these Kia SUVs is positive. In fact, there are hundreds of complaints filed on CarComplaints.com for various Kia SUV problems. These are the most complained about Kia SUVs.

The Kia Sportage

This is a benchmark vehicle for Kia, and one of the first seen on the market in America. The Kia Sportage crossover SUV is also in third place on this list of most complained about Kia SUVs. Overall, the Sportage shows 251 complaints on file with CarComplaints.com.

A new Kia Sportage on display at an auto show
A Kia Sportage on display | Sjoerd van der Wal/Getty Images

The worst model year for the Kia Sportage crossover SUV is 2012. The 2012 model year also has the most complaints overall. Kia SUV problems for the Sportage are issues with the engine. The most-reported problem of the engine sitting off while driving occurs most often in the 2012 model year of the Kia Sportage, as well.

It looks like the 2012 model year might be a Kia Sportage to avoid in general. The newer model years show very few complaints. So, if you are looking at the Kia Sportage crossover SUV, it may be wise to stick to models within the last three years. In fact, the 2020 models are very affordable and worth checking out.

The Kia Soul

The Kia Soul is a subcompact crossover SUV that has grown in popularity since its 2008 market debut. It is a lively and spacious mover of people and stuff that is also second on the list of the most complained about Kia SUVs. In total, the Kia Soul has 265 complaints filed on CarComplaints.com.

The worst Kia Soul model year is 2015. This model year also experiences engine problems. However, the 2014 model year has even more complaints about the Kia Soul subcompact crossover SUV.

a green Kia Soul at speed on the highway
Kia Soul | Kia

Overall, the most-reported problem is Kia SUV problems with the 2015 Kia Soul. This model year deals with engine failure. The Kia Soul subcompact crossover SUV 2015 model year engine can cost around $2,700 to fix, according to CarComplaints.com.

The Kia Sorento

The Kia Sorento crossover SUV is widely popular for its value and space for a family. It is also by far the number one spot for the most complained about Kia SUVs. The Kia Sorento has 813 complaints logged on CarComplaints.com.

The worst model year for the Sorento is 2012. This model, like all of the other Kia SUV problems that made this list, has issues with the engine. The model year with the most complaints is the 2011 Kia Sorento crossover SUV.

2017 Kia Sorento driving through a snowy and icy mountain road with evergreen trees and rocks in the background
2017 Kia Sorento | Kia

However, the most-reported problem actually doesn’t pertain to the engine. The 2011 Kia Sorento crossover SUV claims the most common complaints. According to Sorento owners, there are issues with opening the doors from the exterior.

Kia SUV problems

Despite awards from J.D. Power, engine problems seem to be a trend with both Kia cars and SUVs. Many of the most complained about Kia SUVs deal with engine problems. It’s certainly notable that a high volume of Kia SUV problems has to do with engine issues that cost up to $8,000 to repair.

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