Safety score
22/100
Above-average recall-severity risk Lower recall-severity risk than 4% of makes we track.

Kia scores 22 out of 100 (grade D) for recall severity, which ranks it 50 of 52 makes and busier than most brands. The score is the recall-weighted average of its models, so the brands with the most do-not-drive and critical-safety recalls sit at the bottom. How the score works.

In total, NHTSA lists 156 Kia recall campaigns across 22 models for the 2010-2026 model years. The single largest affected 1,730,192 vehicles. The system recalled most often is the electrical system.

A high recall count usually tracks how many cars a brand sells and how long its models have been on the road, not how dangerous they are. The safety score below adjusts for that by weighing how serious and recent each recall is. The table further down breaks every Kia model out so you can see which ones drive the count.

Kia recalls by year

Kia recalls by affected system

How Kia compares

Makes ranked by recall-severity score (higher is better). Kia is highlighted.

RankMakeScoreRecalls
#47 Rivian D 28 22
#48 Hyundai D 26 198
#49 Saab D 24 5
#50 Kia D 22 156
#51 Mercury F 18 16
#52 Genesis F 11 32

All Kia models

ModelScoreRecallsLargest recallYears
Sorento D 27 40 1,730,192 2010-2026
Sportage F 13 21 1,730,192 2010-2026
Forte F 10 18 1,730,192 2010-2023
Optima D 29 18 1,730,192 2010-2019
Soul D 23 18 1,730,192 2010-2023
Telluride F 16 16 462,869 2020-2025
Sedona B 60 14 980,377 2010-2020
K5 D 20 9 250,547 2021-2026
EV9 F 14 8 42,677 2024-2026
Carnival F 7 7 141,032 2022-2026
Niro B 79 7 121,411 2017-2025
Stinger F 14 7 36,248 2018-2023
Cadenza F 6 6 1,730,192 2014-2020
Niro EV F 16 6 80,255 2020-2025
Rio F 6 5 1,730,192 2012-2022
EV6 D 24 4 62,872 2022-2024
K900 F 5 4 1,730,192 2015-2020
Seltos F 12 4 147,249 2021-2024
K4 D 20 3 42,677 2025-2026
Niro PHEV F 10 3 121,411 2018-2025
Borrego F 3 2 1,730,192 2010-2019
Rondo F 5 2 1,730,192 2010-2011

Recent Kia recalls

  • Carnival Apr 10, 2026 · 141,032 vehicles · NHTSA 26V232000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Carnival vehicles. Fuel may leak at the pipe connection between the fuel pipe and fuel rail.

  • K4 Mar 6, 2026 · 14,870 vehicles · NHTSA 26V135000

    Kia America, Inc (Kia) is recalling certain 2027 Kia Telluride and 2026 Kia K4 vehicles. The rear center seat belt anchor buckle in the 2026 K4 and the third-row center seat belt anchor buckle in the …

  • Telluride Feb 23, 2026 · 85,515 vehicles · NHTSA 26V105000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride vehicles, equipped with power front seat(s). Due to a manufacturing error, the driver and passenger seat back frame assemblies may fail to p…

  • Carnival Jan 26, 2026 · 42,677 vehicles · NHTSA 26V046000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Kia K4, 2025-2026 Sorento, Sorento Hybrid, Sorento Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV), 2026 Sportage, Sportage Hybrid, Sportage PHEV, K5, EV9, Carnival, …

  • Sportage Dec 17, 2025 · 5,046 vehicles · NHTSA 25V874000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 Sportage Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) and 2024-2025 Sportage vehicles equipped with a 4.2" screen and a Genuine Kia tow hitch harness accessory…

  • K5 Nov 17, 2025 · 250,547 vehicles · NHTSA 25V794000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tan…

  • Sorento Oct 30, 2025 · 45 vehicles · NHTSA 25V745000

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2025 Telluride and 2026 Sorento vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with an incorrect spare tire which, when installed, can impair the anti-lock braking s…

  • Sorento Sep 25, 2025 · 39,536 vehicles · NHTSA 25V649000

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Sorento vehicles. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) blower motor wiring harness may be inadequate, which can result in a fire…

Common questions about Kia recalls

How many recalls does Kia have?
NHTSA has 156 Kia recall campaigns on record across 22 models for the 2010 to 2026 model years. The most common areas are the electrical system, service brakes, and power train.
Which Kia has the most recalls?
The Kia Sorento has the most recall campaigns of any Kia model in our records. A model with more recalls is often just the brand's best-seller, on the road in larger numbers and for more years.
Is Kia reliable when it comes to recalls?
Kia scores 22 out of 100 for recall severity, ranking 50 of 52 makes we track. The score looks at how serious the recalls are, such as do-not-drive warnings and critical safety systems, rather than the raw count.
How do I check a Kia for recalls?
Open the model you want from the list below to see its full recall history, or enter your 17-digit VIN on the recall check page to see the open recalls for one specific Kia. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

Recalls for other makes

Recall data comes from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. For sourcing and how the safety score is built, see the methodology and data sources. This page is a reference, not legal or safety advice.