Last updated: 2026-04-20

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good
KIA logo

KIA Reliability Ratings — Every Model Ranked

KIA offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years. Most KIA models fall within the "Good" range, making them a reasonable choice for buyers who prioritize dependability.

9 models tracked8 years of data153 total recalls6377 owner complaints$437–$573/yr repair costs

KIA Best Year Score Comparison

Each bar shows the best single model year score for that KIA model. Longer bars indicate higher peak reliability.

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

KIA Model Rankings

Scores below are averaged across all tracked model years. The “Best Year” column shows which year scored highest.

#VehicleBest YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaints / 10kMaint. RatingEst. Repair Cost
1KIA Carnival202583/100Excellent81.34
2KIA Sedona202182/100Excellent64$495/yr
3KIA Soul202477/100Good1017.64.5$437/yr
4KIA Sportage202574/100Good258.44$462/yr
5KIA K5202573/100Good1911.14
6KIA Forte202472/100Good116.63$451/yr
7KIA Sorento202470/100Good3918.54$533/yr
8KIA Telluride202566/100Good2725.93.5$573/yr
9KIA EV6202557/100Mixed848.91.5

KIA Models

KIA Carnival

KIA Carnival

2nd gen (2006–2012), facelifted 2011

83
ExcellentReliability score: 83 out of 100, rated Excellent

The KIA Carnival, covering model years 2022 to 2026, has an average reliability score of 83/100, categorized as excellent, with a reliability rating of 4/5. Common issues reported by owners include power sliding door malfunctions, electrical system failures, and power train problems, particularly affecting speed control and acceleration.

3 years trackedBest: 2025 (88/100)Worst: 2022 (80/100)
KIA Sedona
82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

The KIA Sedona, covering model years 2018 to 2021, exhibits an average reliability score of 82/100, indicating an excellent reliability rating. Common issues reported by owners include engine problems, particularly in earlier models, electrical system malfunctions, and structural concerns such as sliding door failures.

4 years trackedBest: 2021 (88/100)Worst: 2018 (78/100)
KIA Soul

KIA Soul

3rd gen (2020–present), facelifted 2023

77
GoodReliability score: 77 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Soul, spanning model years 2018 to 2025, holds an average reliability score of 77/100, categorized as "Good" according to Auto Reliability Index standards. Data indicates common issues with engine performance, particularly in earlier models, with a notable improvement in complaint rates by 2025, reaching a low of 1.8 complaints per 10,000 sold.

8 years trackedBest: 2024 (86/100)Worst: 2020 (70/100)
KIA Sportage

KIA Sportage

5th gen (2023–2023)

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Sportage, with an average reliability score of 73/100, is categorized as having good reliability, although specific model years like 2023 and 2026 show higher complaint rates and lower scores. Common issues reported by owners include engine and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier models, while the vehicle's estimated annual repair cost is $462, below the compact SUV average.

8 years trackedBest: 2025 (82/100)Worst: 2023 (67/100)
KIA K5

KIA K5

5th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2025

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia K5, spanning model years 2021 to 2026, shows a notable improvement in reliability, with scores increasing from 75/100 in 2021 to 100/100 in 2026. Initial years exhibit issues primarily with the electrical and fuel systems, while later models, particularly 2024 onward, demonstrate significantly fewer complaints and higher reliability scores, suggesting improvements in design and manufacturing.

5 years trackedBest: 2025 (79/100)Worst: 2022 (69/100)
KIA Forte

KIA Forte

3rd gen (2019–2024), facelifted 2021

72
GoodReliability score: 72 out of 100, rated Good

The KIA Forte, covering model years 2018 through 2024, maintains an average reliability score of 81/100, indicating excellent reliability overall, with a notable improvement in complaint rates from 13.1 per 10,000 sold in 2018 to 1.6 in 2024. Common issues reported include engine and electrical system problems, particularly in earlier years, while later models show reduced complaints and no recalls in 2024.

7 years trackedBest: 2024 (78/100)Worst: 2018 (66/100)
KIA Sorento

KIA Sorento

4th gen (2021–2023), facelifted 2024

70
GoodReliability score: 70 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Sorento, covering model years 2018 to 2026, presents an average reliability score of 81 out of 100, indicating an excellent reliability reputation. Common issues reported by owners include engine and powertrain problems, particularly in earlier models, with a noted improvement in complaint rates by 2026.

8 years trackedBest: 2024 (79/100)Worst: 2019 (64/100)
KIA Telluride

KIA Telluride

1st gen (2020–present), facelifted 2023

66
GoodReliability score: 66 out of 100, rated Good

The Kia Telluride, covering model years 2020 through 2025, holds an average reliability score of 71/100, classified as "Good," with a medium reliability rating of 3.5/5. Data indicates common issues such as windshield cracking and electrical system malfunctions, with annual repair costs estimated at $573.

6 years trackedBest: 2025 (78/100)Worst: 2020 (55/100)
KIA EV6

KIA EV6

1st gen (2022–2024), facelifted 2025

57
MixedReliability score: 57 out of 100, rated Mixed

The Kia EV6, covering model years 2022 through 2026, has an average reliability score of 75 out of 100, indicating a generally good reliability reputation. Data shows early models, particularly the 2022 version, have notable issues with the electrical system and power train, resulting in high complaint rates and multiple recalls, while later models, especially from 2025 onward, exhibit significant improvements with perfect scores and no reported issues.

4 years trackedBest: 2025 (69/100)Worst: 2022 (46/100)

Common KIA Problems

Top complaint categories across all KIA models, based on owner-reported issues to NHTSA.

ENGINE1098 complaints (19%)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM1052 complaints (19%)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER914 complaints (16%)
POWER TRAIN816 complaints (14%)
VISIBILITY/WIPER314 complaints (6%)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING225 complaints (4%)
STEERING222 complaints (4%)
STRUCTURE179 complaints (3%)

KIA by Category

Minivans

SUVs

See all SUVs

Sedans

See all Sedans

Frequently Asked Questions

Are KIA cars reliable?
KIA vehicles have an average reliability score of 72/100 ("Good") across 9 models and 8 years in our database. KIA offers generally reliable vehicles, though reliability varies across models and years.
What is the most reliable KIA?
Based on our data, the highest-scoring KIA model-year is the 2021 KIA Sedona at 88/100. Scores can change as new recalls and complaints are filed. See our full KIA reliability rankings for the latest data.
How much does it cost to maintain a KIA?
Annual repair costs for KIA models range from $437 to $573 based on independent reliability data. Costs vary significantly by model and year.
Which KIA models should I avoid?
Based on our data, these KIA models are statistical outliers within their model lines: 2021 Soul (72/100), 2020 Soul (70/100), 2018 Sportage (68/100), 2023 Sportage (67/100), 2018 Forte (66/100). These have higher recall counts or complaint volumes relative to their siblings.

Compare KIA vs Other Makes

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue