Last updated: 2026-07-26
Infiniti vs KIA: Reliability Compared
Infiniti
1 models tracked
KIA
10 models tracked
Comparing Infiniti and KIA on reliability? This page compares their scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs across every model we track.
Infiniti currently leads with an average score of 75/100 compared to 73/100. Scroll down for the full breakdown.
Is Infiniti More Reliable Than KIA?
| Metric | Infiniti | KIA |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Reliability Score | 75/100 | 73/100 |
| Models Tracked | 1 | 10 |
| Avg Recalls per Model | 13 | 17 |
| Avg Complaints per Model | 182 | 691 |
| Avg Annual Repair Cost | $639/yr | $492/yr |
Infiniti vs KIA: The Verdict
The numbers favor Infiniti here, but KIA isn't far behind. We scored 11 models between the two makes: Infiniti at 75/100 and KIA at 73/100, based on recalls, complaint severity, repair costs, and issue diversity.
On the cost front, KIA is cheaper to maintain at $492/year versus $639/year. Over 5 years, that's roughly $735 in savings. For buyers watching long-term costs, KIA's lower maintenance bill is a real differentiator.
Where Infiniti and KIA Differ Most
Our reliability score is built from four weighted components. Here's how each make performs in each area:
| Component | Weight | Infiniti | KIA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complaint Severity Owner complaints weighted by component severity | 35% | 68/100Good | 63/100Good |
| Repair Costs Annual maintenance and repair expenses | 30% | 70/100Good | 73/100Good |
| Recall Impact Safety recalls weighted by severity (park-it, park-outside) | 20% | 84/100Excellent | 77/100Good |
| Issue Diversity How many different systems have reported problems | 15% | 84/100Excellent | 83/100Excellent |
Infiniti's advantage in recall impact (+7 points) is the main driver of the overall score difference between these makes.
Infiniti vs KIA: Strengths and Weaknesses
Infiniti
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (75/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Reasonable maintenance costs ($639/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
KIA
Strengths
- Strong overall reliability (73/100 average)
- Minimal recall impact — fewer safety-critical recalls
- Focused issue profile — problems concentrated in fewer areas
- Very affordable maintenance ($492/year avg)
- Reliability trending upward in recent model years
- 9 of 10 models rated Good or Excellent
- Below-average repair frequency
Weaknesses
- 145 fire-related complaints across lineup
- Above-average repair severity when issues occur
Which Make Is Cheaper to Maintain: Infiniti or KIA?
Based on independent repair cost data, KIA is cheaper to maintain at an average of $492/year compared to $639/year for Infiniti. That's a difference of $147/year, which adds up significantly over the life of the vehicle.
KIA Repair Cost Range
$437 – $573/yr
Average: $492/yr
Infiniti vs KIA Reliability by Vehicle Type
How the two makes compare within each vehicle category they both compete in:
| Category | Infiniti | KIA | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs(1 vs 7 models) | 75/100 | 72/100 | Infiniti |
Infiniti wins 1 out of 1 shared categories.
Common Problems: Infiniti vs KIA
Top complaint categories from NHTSA owner reports, showing what drivers report most frequently for each make:
| Component | Infiniti | KIA |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 13%18 | 21%1,275 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 20%27 | 18%1,122 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 18%24 | 16%974 |
| POWER TRAIN | 23%32 | 15%895 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2%3 | 5%320 |
| STEERING | 1%2 | 4%228 |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | — | 4%227 |
| STRUCTURE | — | 3%183 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8%11 | 3%166 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 3%4 | 1%84 |
Percentage of total complaints. Raw complaint count shown below. Based on NHTSA owner reports across all tracked model years.
Infiniti vs KIA Complaint Severity: Crashes, Fires, and Injuries
Across all tracked models, Infiniti owners reported 5 crash-related, 1 fire-related, and 8 injury-related complaints to NHTSA. KIA owners reported 315 crash-related, 145 fire-related, and 307 injury-related complaints. Infiniti has fewer severe incident reports overall. These counts reflect owner-reported incidents and don't establish causation — but they're a useful signal for comparing safety profiles.
Infiniti
5
Crash reports
1
Fire reports
8
Injury reports
KIA
315
Crash reports
145
Fire reports
307
Injury reports
Every Infiniti and KIA Model Ranked
All tracked models ranked by average reliability score. Click any model for detailed year-by-year data.
Infiniti Models
KIA Models
Infiniti vs KIA Reliability Trend by Year
Average reliability score for each model year, showing how quality has trended over time:
Infiniti's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100, up from earlier years. KIA's reliability is improving — recent model years average 79/100.
Interestingly, both Infiniti and KIA show improving reliability trends recently.
| Model Year | Infiniti | KIA | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 82/100(1) | 78/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2025 | 76/100(1) | 79/100(8) | KIA |
| 2024 | 73/100(1) | 75/100(8) | KIA |
| 2023 | 72/100(1) | 70/100(9) | Infiniti |
| 2022 | 73/100(1) | 70/100(9) | Infiniti |
| 2021 | 81/100(1) | 71/100(8) | Infiniti |
| 2020 | 74/100(1) | 71/100(6) | Infiniti |
| 2019 | 71/100(1) | 72/100(5) | KIA |
| 2018 | 72/100(1) | 71/100(5) | Infiniti |
Number in parentheses = models tracked for that year. Scores are averages across all tracked models.
The Bottom Line: Infiniti or KIA?
Infiniti comes out ahead on the numbers, though both makes can serve you well if you pick the right model.
If you want the single most reliable option: the KIA Carnival leads both lineups with a score of 83/100.
Budget-conscious buyers should note that KIA costs less to maintain — $492/year vs $639/year.
All scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data combined with independent repair cost databases. Check individual model pages for year-specific reliability data before making a final decision.
Infiniti vs KIA: Common Questions
Is Infiniti more reliable than KIA?
Which is cheaper to maintain, Infiniti or KIA?
Which make has more recalls, Infiniti or KIA?
What are the most reliable models from Infiniti and KIA?
What are the most common problems with Infiniti and KIA vehicles?
How many Infiniti and KIA models does Auto Reliability Index track?
Which make has fewer owner complaints, Infiniti or KIA?
Are Infiniti and KIA getting more or less reliable?
Which is better for a first-time car buyer, Infiniti or KIA?
Which make has fewer safety-related complaints, Infiniti or KIA?
Comparing Infiniti vs KIA? Run a VIN check on any specific vehicle before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.