Kia motor problems may be caused by internal issues with the engine or neglected maintenance by the vehicle owner. Most Kia motor problems are significant issues that can keep the vehicle from operating safely.
All Kia motors are interference engines. This means that severe internal damage to the pistons and valves will occur if the timing belt breaks or slips. In order to prevent damage, the belt and tensioners must be replaced every 60,000 miles.
Bad Kia engine mounts can cause vibrations and may also cause the vehicle to shudder under acceleration. Badly worn mounts will not secure the engine sufficiently, causing it to move around too much and potentially creating fluid leaks.
If an emissions control module or sensor is faulty, a Check Engine light will appear. This is common on Kia cars; any repair facility can clear the code and make repairs if necessary.
If a Kia motor has low compression, characterized by poor engine performance, internal damage to the motor has occurred. Low compression means that the cylinders and engine are not performing as efficiently as possible. This is common if the timing belt snaps, or the engine was damaged while being operated with low oil.
Worn drive or serpentine belts can cause squeaking noises from under the hood of a Kia. These sounds can be fixed by having the belt and tensioners replaced.
