Kia, once known for manufacturing cheap and lackluster vehicles, has come a long way in terms of reliability. Today, Kia is regarded among the most reliable car brands and is a great option for drivers looking for a low-maintenance vehicle. In this blog, we will take a closer look at Kia's reliability, including average annual repair costs and common breakdowns, as well as extended warranty coverage options to keep your Kia in top shape.
Are Kias Reliable?
The short answer is yes, Kia reliability is above average. While Kia earned a poor reputation when it entered the United States market nearly 20 years ago, much has changed. Today, the brand has an overall reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5.0 and ranks third out of 32 car brands surveyed.
One way to gauge a car's reliability is by looking at its ratings from trusted sources like J.D. Power and Consumer Reports. In the latest J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study, Kia ranked fifth overall among 32 brands, with an average score of 136 problems per 100 vehicles (lower scores are better). Kia also ranked third among non-premium brands, behind only Toyota and Chevrolet.
Reliability scores by looking at driver-reported data about brands’ average annual repair costs, the frequency of unexpected repairs, and the severity of needed repairs. Vehicles that earn a high reliability rating, like Kias, are not likely to have many mechanical issues.
Kia guarantees its cars’ reliability with one of the best new car warranties in the industry. While most car manufacturers offer a three-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a five-year powertrain warranty, Kia beats these numbers by a wide margin. The Kia warranty includes a five-year bumper-to-bumper warranty and a ten-year powertrain warranty.
Kia Factory Warranty
New vehicles from Kia come with the following factory warranty:
5 year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty
10 year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty
5 year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty
5 year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan
J.D. Power Kia
Kia has won several J.D. Power awards for various vehicles. For example, four 2020 model-year vehicles won the Highest Quality award that year: the Kia Soul, Forte, Sorento, and Sedona. Also, the 2016 Kia Soul won a J.D. Power Dependability award in 2019. This award considers problems reported in three-year-old used cars.
Most Reliable Kia Model
Based on data, the Kia Rio is the most reliable model and requires the least repair costs. The Kia brand is reliable, but only some models are identical. For comparison, the average repair cost across all car makes and models is $652 per year.
Kia Model Average Annual Kia Repair Cost
Kia Rio $434
Kia Soul $437
Kia Forte $451
Kia Sportage $462
Kia Optima $471
Kia Sedona $495
Kia Sorento $533
Kia K900 $697
Except for the Kia K900, each model mentioned above has an estimated annual repair cost below the industry average, sometimes by hundreds of dollars. No matter what car you purchase, you should budget for maintenance expenses, and with Kia, you can expect these expenses to be relatively low.
Kia Maintenance
While Kia’s reliability ratings are high, no car is entirely free of issues. Even the best-built and maintained vehicles can experience unexpected breakdowns. If you plan to purchase a Kia, make sure you’ll also be able to cover the following common repairs, as reported by users.
Kia Model(s) Common Repair Estimated Cost
Kia Sorento Headlight bulb replacement $82 to $90
Kia Sorento, Kia Sportage, Kia Optima Air conditioning compressor replacement $639 to $912
Kia Optima, Kia Spectra, Kia Sedona Alternator replacement $772.
Kia's commitment to safety is also reflected in the company's high safety ratings. Many Kia models have received top ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The company has also introduced advanced safety features, such as blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, and lane departure warning, on many of its models.
In conclusion, Kia has come a long way in terms of reliability and quality in recent years. The company's commitment to quality, advanced technologies, and generous warranty program have earned it high marks from industry experts and consumers alike. If you're in the market for a reliable and affordable car, Kia is definitely worth considering.
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