Kia Warranty Options

To overcome its perception of selling cheap, unreliable vehicles, Kia borrowed a page from Hyundai, its sister company (Hyundai owns Kia), and offered an extensive manufacturer’s warranty program. Starting in 2000, all new Kias come with a basic bumper-to-bumper warranty that lasts five years or 60,000 miles. The company also includes a ten-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty, but this engine and transmission coverage only applies to the original purchaser and doesn’t transfer to any subsequent purchaser.

While Kia does offer robust warranty protection, it doesn’t last forever. And owners of used Kias have even fewer safeguards. An auto protection plan from Endurance Warranty can step in once Kia’s factory warranty expires.

• Read more about Kia warranties

  Owning an out-of-warranty Kia Rio, Soul, Sportage, Sorento, Forte, K5, or another Kia model doesn’t mean being responsible for repairs. An extended warranty (also called a vehicle service contract) can help cover the costs of breakdowns.

  Compare Kia warranty options:

  • Kia Extended Warranty Coverage Options, Discounts, And Terms

Kia Reliability

According to Consumer Reports, Kia ranks 9th among 22 automotive brands for predicted reliability. That puts the company’s models behind automakers like Subaru, Toyota, and Honda but ahead of Ford, Chevrolet, and Buick. Hyundai is in 10th place. Examining specific models provides more insights into Kia’s reliability.

• Read more about Kia reliability

  Two models stand out for reliability: the Kia Sportage and Spectra. Endurance’s internal data shows the nameplates are among the top five models for the lowest auto warranty claim rates. Looking at other J.D. Power research, most Kia Soul model years received “great” scores for quality and reliability. Only the 2010 and 2012 model years were listed as “average.”
  The popular Kia Sorento also does well with J.D. Power; most model years from the last decade rank high for reliability. At the same time, older examples have at least an average rating.

  Despite the brand’s overall good reliability rating, some Kia models were involved in a class action suit over defective engines. Owners of select 2010-2020 vehicles may be eligible for an extended engine warranty offered through the manufacturer.

  Break down Kia’s reliability record:

  • Kia Soul: Is It A Reliable Car?
  • Kia and Hyundai Recalls: Vehicles Catching Fire
  • 600k Recalls Announced for Chrysler, Hyundai, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz

Kia Maintenance Costs

RepairPal data reveals that Kia models, on average, have among the lowest maintenance costs among major automotive brands. The typical Kia owner spends $474 each year to keep their car running, which is only slightly more expensive than Honda ($428), Toyota ($441), and Hyundai ($468).*

• Read more about Kia maintenance costs

  For the most part, annual maintenance costs for specific models tend to stay close to the overall $474 brand average. This includes the Forte ($451), Rio ($434), Sedona ($495), Sportage ($462), and Soul ($437). However, the Spectra has unusually low upkeep costs of $381, while the Sorento is moderately above average at $533.*

  Maintenance costs add up. Typical shop bills include oil and filter changes ($135/service), tire rotations ($45/service), and air filter replacements ($150/service). What’s your budget for keeping your Kia in good working order?

  Understand Kia maintenance costs:

  • Kia Soul Maintenance 101: How to Keep Your Ride Healthy
  • How to Change the Oil in Your Kia Soul

Common Repairs for Kia Vehicles

While many Kia models earn strong reliability ratings, that doesn’t always mean a spotless repair record. Eventually, every car requires time in the shop; Kias are no exception. Understanding potential service work can prepare you for sometimes eye-opening repair bills.

• Read more about common Kia repairs

  Common Kia repairs and associated costs: *

  • Kia Soul—Rack and Pinion Replacement: $965 to $1,176
  • Kia Sportage—Exhaust Pipe Replacement: $1,041 to $1,086
  • Kia Telluride—Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement: $1,581 to $2,094
  • Kia Stinger—Brake Caliper Replacement: $2,942 to $2,999
  • Kia Forte—Exhaust Manifold Replacement: $5,810 to $5,894

  Find out what repairs Kias often need:

  • Kia Extended Car Warranty & Forte/Sorento Repairs

Kia Buyer’s Guides

If you’re considering buying a Kia vehicle, it helps to know as much as possible. Review this information for extra insight about your next vehicle.

• Everything To Know When Buying a Kia K5

*Repair prices are estimates from RepairPal and may vary by model, year, location, and repair shop. Always confirm current costs with your service provider or dealership.