Kia launched in the U.S. in the early 1990s with a focus on affordability and little else. However, since those humble beginnings, Kia has steadily ascended through the ranks of the automotive industry and is now mentioned in the same breath as Honda and Toyota.
But are Kia vehicles as reliable as their rivals? Whether you’re shopping for a new car or a used car, understanding Kia’s reliability ratings, warranty coverage, and ownership experience can help you make an informed decision.
How Reliable are Kia Vehicles?
- What To Know About Kia Reliability
- Are Kias as Reliable as Toyotas?
- Most Reliable Kias
- Least Reliable Kias
- Major Kia Recalls
- Do Kias Come with a Good Warranty?
- More on Kia reliability
What To Know About Kia Reliability
Kia cars have earned significantly higher reliability scores over the past few years. Independent rankings from J.D. Power, Consumer Reports, and RepairPal.com consistently rank Kia among the best in the automotive industry in terms of customer satisfaction, low maintenance costs, and overall dependability.
RepairPal gives Kia a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, making the brand one of the top producers of reliable vehicles. Additionally, Consumer Reports gives high marks to recent model years of the Kia Sportage, Kia Sorento, and Kia Telluride.
Are Kias as Reliable as Toyotas?
The answer is, it depends. But being compared to the likes of Toyota, Honda, and other top car brands known for building reliable cars shows how far Kia has come.
Consumer Reports recently placed Kia above Toyota for dependability, durability, and repair costs. In that report, Kia landed seventh in the rankings, two spots ahead of Toyota.
Meanwhile, J.D. Power’s three-year dependability study still finds Toyota ahead of Kia in its rankings. However, in both reports, Kia outperformed brands such as Nissan, Hyundai, and Tesla in dependability and repair costs.
Those results show that Kias are reliable and worthy of consideration as your next new vehicle.
Most Reliable Kias
If you’re looking for the most reliable car in the Kia lineup, look no further than the Kia Sportage (2026 model pictured). It’s one of the most dependable compact crossovers on the market, with Consumer Reports predicting above-average reliability.
The Telluride midsize SUV has also become a flagship for Kia’s reliability. Late-model Tellurides are highly rated by J.D. Power for quality and reliability. Other Kia models with solid rankings for dependability, durability, and maintenance costs include the Kia Forte hatchback, Kia Sorento crossover, and Kia Niro hybrid.
It should be noted that routine maintenance, such as regular oil changes, can contribute to a vehicle’s long-term reliability. Whether you’re shopping for a used Kia or a used car in general, the best car to buy is typically the one with the most comprehensive service records. Before buying a used car, a pre-purchase inspection at a Kia dealership or an independent mechanic is also recommended.
Least Reliable Kias
While newer Kia models tout good reliability, some used Kia models from earlier generations have mixed reliability scores.
For example, Kia Optima sedans produced between 2011 and 2014 have a documented history of engine failures. Early examples of the Kia Sedona minivan also suffered from mechanical issues exacerbated by expensive repair costs. The budget-friendly Kia Rio also scores poorly for reliability and durability.
Major Kia Recalls
Kia recalled more than 1.7 million vehicles in 2023 due to a faulty hydraulic electronic control unit that could spark an engine fire. The Kia Optima and Kia Sorento were included in the recall.
Nearly 500,000 Kia Tellurides were recalled in 2024 because of a faulty power seat motor that could result in a vehicle fire.
Do Kias Come with a Good Warranty?
New Kia models come with one of the best warranties of any car brand. Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty on its new cars, which is better than what you’ll find with some luxury automotive brands, including Lexus. Kia’s warranty also includes 5 years or 60,000 miles of factory-backed limited basic coverage.
More on Kia reliability
For a more in-depth look at the model history and reliability of Kia's most popular cars, check out our individual buying guides:
