Come on has been in the automotive business since the mid-1940s, producing everything from regular sedans to three-row hybrid SUVs. The Hyundai branch is known for building some of the most reliable vehicles on the market and offering a longer new vehicle warranty than most other brands. And if you have to pay out-of-pocket for a Kia, it will cost you an average of $474 per year. The South Korean automaker earned a RepairPal reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking third out of 32 brands.
However, like any other car manufacturer, Kia vehicles are by no means perfect. Some Kia vehicles are plagued with more mechanical and electrical problems than you might be willing to put up with. So, just as you need to know the most reliable Kia models built to stand the test of time, you also need to know the ones to stay away from.
10 Buy: 2021 Kia Forte
The 2021 Kia Forte is a reasonably priced compact sedan with reliable and fuel-efficient engines. The 2021 Forte gets its power from a 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 or a 201-hp 1.6-liter turbo inline-4. It comes with a CVT that does a good job of emulating a conventional 6-speed automatic.
The 2021 Forte earns a JD Power reliability rating of 87 out of 100, making it one of the most reliable model years A well-used 2021 Forte could be yours for just $17,890.
9 Stay away from: 2009 Kia Borrego
First off, the 2009 Kia Borrego is a very spacious and capable SUV, with seven-seat capacity and a best-in-class towing capacity of 7,500 pounds. But the three-row SUV was one of Kia’s biggest missteps, thanks to its unreliable engine, brakes and transmission.
Owners of the 2009 Borrego complain of difficulty shifting gears and stopping the engine. Kia has also issued two recalls for the 2009 Borrego due to faulty brake pedals and brake lights.
8 Buy: 2019 Kia Cadenza
The Kia Cadenza is a reliable alternative to semi-luxury brands like Lincoln and Buick. In addition to its high build quality, the Cadenza is also generous with passenger space and interior technologies.
The 2019 Cadenza is powered by a 3.3-liter V6 engine that is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission to produce 290 hp and 253 lb-ft of torque. There are currently no reports of 2019 Cadenza owners experiencing engine or transmission failure. You can find a clean 2019 Cadenza for $27,340 on the used car market.
7 Stay away from: 2011 Kia Sorento
The Kia Sorento received an initial remake for 2011 after a one-year hiatus, but somehow it turned out to be the worst model year ever. You’ll be better off with the Nissan Xterra or Toyota 4Runner than the 2011 Sorento if you want to spend more time off pavement.
According to some 2011 Sorento owners, if their engine does manage to start, it will shut down without warning on the road. You may also have to contend with excessive transmission jerking and noise when shifting. As if that weren’t enough, the 2011 Sorento is also prone to paint bubbles and splatters.
6 Buy: 2020 Kia Rio
The 2020 Rio may not be the most powerful vehicle in Kia’s lineup, but rest assured that it will stand the test of time. According to a study by The Driver Adviser, a considerable number of Kia Rios have clocked up 268,433 miles and show no signs of stopping anytime soon.
The 2020 Rio’s sole engine is a 1.6-liter multi-point direct injection 4-cylinder rated at 120 hp and 112 lb-ft of torque. Interestingly, Kia also offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty for the 2020 Rio.
5 Stay away from: 2013 Kia Optima
If there’s one Kia Optima to avoid, it’s the 2013 model year, with more than 8 recalls and 1,000 complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Whether you’re running the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, you’ll likely experience excessive oil consumption, oil sludge, unwanted acceleration, and engine misfires.
The 2013 Optima’s steering also sticks, and high-speed lane changes should be avoided when this happens to prevent the wheel from locking up. The Optima is also susceptible to paint chipping and peeling around the windshield, hood and rear area.
4 Buy: 2021 Kia Soul
The Kia Soul is a reliable and affordable means of transport with high levels of practicality. Most versions of the 2021 Kia Soul get their motivation from a 147-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 engine. A 1.6-liter engine is also available with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Engines aren’t perfect, but you can rely on them to go the distance. In fact, a comprehensive study by The Driver Adviser shows that the Soul is the longest-lasting Kia vehicle, with an average expected mileage of 260,000. You can get a 2021 Soul for just $21,105.
3 Stay away from: 2009 Kia Spectra
The 2009 Kia Spectra looks pretty sporty and sharp, but if you want proper performance, look away from the Spectra5 sedan and hatchback. The Spectra’s 138-hp 2.0-liter inline-four lacks the gusto and refinement of the Honda and Toyota.
The Spectra’s airbag, engine and steering wheel are the main issues. There are also reports that the brakes won’t disengage the cruise control unless you hit it really hard. With all these issues, it’s no surprise that JD Power considers the 2009 Spectra to be average in terms of reliability and build quality.
2 Buy: 2021 Kia Telluride
Although the Kia Telluride is fairly new to the market, it does everything right, from reliability to technology. The three-row SUV comes with a 3.8-liter V6 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The V6 produces 291 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque.
As Kia’s largest SUV, the Telluride’s build quality is surprisingly solid. With proper maintenance, your Telluride should go 150,000 miles without giving you a headache. The average price of a used 2021 Telluride is $44,002.
1 Stay away from: 2021 Kia Seltos
Getting in and out of the 2021 Kia Seltos’ second-row seats is easier than most cars in the segment, but the cabin isn’t as well insulated from external noise as it should be. The 146-hp 2.0-liter inline-4 and 175-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter inline-4 engines are suitable for the needs of a compact SUV.
However, they burn oil excessively, which makes them more expensive than the Nissan Kicks and Hyundai Kona. Kia issued a recall for the 2021 Seltos because the piston oil rings of the 2.0-liter inline-4 engine were not properly heat treated and this can cause engine damage.
Sources: Car Complaints, JD Power, Kelley Blue Book, NHTSA, The Driver Adviser and US Car News
