Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (29.6% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 2.4× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
4 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 2 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 45 · 29.6% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Air Bags | 34 · 22.4% | Recalled | Recall 18V363000 |
| Power Train | 17 · 11.2% | Recalled | Recall 16V070000 |
| Electrical System | 16 · 10.5% | No official action | — |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 16 · 10.5% | Recalled | Recall 23V652000 |
| Service Brakes | 11 · 7.2% | Recalled | Recall 23V652000 |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 152 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V363000 · 2018 · reported 06/01/2018
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V070000 · 2016 · reported 02/05/2016
If enough transmission fluid leaks out, the transmission may not function properly and the vehicle may stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 23V652000 · 2023 · reported 09/25/2023
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · Park outside · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
“tHEY SAID MY CAR MAY CATCH ON FIRE DUE A FUSE. tHIS HAS BEEN SINCE sEP AND IT IT IS NOW ALMOST mAY. tHIS COULD…”NHTSA complaint 11585192 — filed 04/25/2024 · ENGINE
“My daughters Kia Forte, started making a ticking noise. Them more she has driven the car, the worse the ticking has become. Looking on line…”NHTSA complaint 11530906 — filed 07/07/2023 · ENGINE
“I have a 2011 Kia forte had 130,000 plus miles when I bought it. I've had the car for 1 year first 2 months motor…”NHTSA complaint 11524573 — filed 05/31/2023 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 45 of 152 NHTSA complaints (29.6%), followed by air bags (34), power train (17), electrical system (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
152 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 28 involved a crash, 11 involved a fire, and 34 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V363000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
4 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
