At the shop, Kia lighting issues have a recognizable signature. 1,473 documented complaints across 84 year-model entries from 2005 to 2025 is consistent with what we see come in. Complaint volume is spread across the lineup rather than parked on one bad year. That's the signature of a platform or supplier issue, not a single-year flub. 20 fire reports on the federal record — not common in this category but documented and worth weight. Across the 590 complaints reporting odometer mileage, the median failure lands at about 73,220 miles. Repair cost runs around $250 on average — relatively low for an aggregated category. Check the headlight assemblies in daylight for moisture or hazing. Sealed-beam swaps are cheap; matrix LED replacements run four figures.
Kia lighting problems
1,473 owner complaints filed with NHTSA against Kia vehicles for lighting issues. 6 active recall campaigns. See lighting across all makes →
Worst-affected Kia model-years for lighting Top 25 by complaint volume
Active recalls — Kia lighting 8 on file
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Kia Forte vehicles equipped with LED headlights
If the headlights are not properly aimed, the driver may have reduced visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia America, Inc
Parking lights that fail to illuminate properly can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia America, Inc
Inoperable high beam headlights may reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Sedona vehicles
A turn signal activating in the opposite direction of what was intended by the driver increases the risk of a crash.
Huyndai-Kia is recalling 139,844 my 2006-2007- sedona, sportage, sorento and my rondo and amanti vehicles
Any of these malfunctions, alone or in combination, may lead to a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 K900 vehicles manufactured December 18, 2013 to January 11, 2016 and equipped with LED headlights
Loss of headlight illumination may reduce visibility and increase the risk of a crash.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2011 Sportage vehicles manufactured March 7, 2011, to June 8, 2011
Whenever the brake switch is not working, the brake lights will not illuminate, reducing the ability to warn other motorists of the driver's intentions of stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
Common questions
How many Kia lighting complaints are on file with NHTSA?
1,473 complaints across 84 model-year entries from 2005 to 2025. 6 active recall campaigns cover lighting issues across the Kia lineup.
Which Kia model has the most lighting complaints?
The 2020 Kia Telluride leads with 171 complaints in this category. Next: 2017 Sorento (92) and 2014 Soul (87).
What does it cost to fix Kia lighting problems?
Independent shops average $250 for lighting repairs across the Kia lineup. Dealer pricing tends to run twenty to forty percent higher. Specific cost depends on the failure mode and parts availability.
Are there Kia lighting recalls?
Yes — 8 active recall campaigns cover lighting on Kia vehicles. Recall fixes are free regardless of mileage or warranty status. The list below shows current campaigns with their NHTSA numbers.