Quality has improved sharply over the past several years for Kia Motors, the Korean automaker that is partly owned by Hyundai. Yet, there are a handful of problems which have dogged owners over the years, some of which have led to recalls or have cost consumers hundreds of dollars in repairs.
Nearly 140,000 Kia Sorento, Sportage, Sedona, Amanti and Rondo vehicles built for model years 2006 and 2007 were recalled for lamp switch failure whereby the brake lights would remain illuminated after the driver disengaged her foot from brake pedal.
Build quality of the Sedona does not match the industry leaders, but scattered problems with older models under the hood are worth noting including a hesitating transmission, onboard computer failure, as well as difficulty removing the alternator which requires unbolting the generator first and prying it loose.
Owners have complained that various models produced over the past five to ten years have experienced engine stalling and also engine shut down while driving.
Owners of model years 1996 to 2004 Kias have claimed that the automaker overstated horsepower claims which has led to a class action suit and a multimillion dollar settlement.
Widespread complaints about the Sephia brake system has led Kia to settle with thousands of owners to fix the problem even if it's no longer covered under the owner's warranty.
