Hi everyone!
I’m trying to figure out whether my car is behaving normally or if there might be a mechanical issue.
My current car is a 2008 Kia Ceed ED 1.6 petrol with a manual transmission, and my previous car was a 2007 first-generation Skoda Fabia 1.4 petrol (75 hp), also with a manual gearbox.
With the Fabia, I could pull away relatively easily. I could release the clutch smoothly, and the car would start moving without much trouble. I’m not saying it was effortless, but I never struggled nearly as much as I do with the Kia.
The Ceed feels completely different. The accelerator pedal seems extremely sensitive. I barely press it, and the engine RPM rises very quickly. However, the car seems unwilling to move unless I give it a decent amount of throttle. It feels like I can’t get the car moving properly without using the accelerator.
The strangest part is what happens when I try to find the clutch bite point.
For example, I press the accelerator and bring the engine up to around 2,000 RPM. Then I slowly release the clutch until I think I’ve reached the bite point. However, the car doesn’t really start moving at that point. I have to release the clutch just a few millimetres further before the car finally begins to creep forward.
As soon as the clutch starts engaging and the car begins to move, the engine RPM drops significantly, almost as if the engine is being heavily loaded or bogged down. The RPM rises very easily when the clutch is disengaged, but once the clutch starts engaging, the engine seems to struggle and the revs drop dramatically.
I understand that some RPM drop is normal when the clutch engages, because the engine is suddenly under load. However, in my case, it feels unusually pronounced and makes it difficult to pull away smoothly. I struggle to understand why the engine revs so freely with the clutch disengaged but seems to struggle so much as soon as I try to move the car.
I even let someone with more driving experience drive the Ceed. He said the car seemed fine and that it simply had a different manual gearbox and driving characteristics that I needed to get used to. According to him, there was nothing obviously wrong with it.
I understand that different cars have different clutch engagement points, gear ratios, throttle response, engine characteristics and vehicle weights. I’m not expecting the Kia to feel exactly like the Fabia. However, the difference is so significant that I’m struggling to understand whether this is normal.
I’ve searched YouTube for videos explaining this kind of behaviour, but I haven’t found anything that really describes what I’m experiencing. Most tutorials simply explain how to release the clutch and apply the accelerator, but I already understand the basic technique. The problem is how the car reacts when I try to pull away.
My questions are:
● Is the Kia Ceed ED 1.6 genuinely that different from a first-generation Skoda Fabia 1.4 when pulling away?
● Could the gear ratios or final drive ratio explain why the Ceed feels so much harder to get moving?
● Is it normal for the engine RPM to drop so dramatically when the clutch begins to engage, even when I’ve already brought the engine up to around 2,000 RPM?
● Could the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel or another component be causing this behaviour, even if an experienced driver says the car feels fine?
● Could the electronic throttle response make the accelerator feel unusually sensitive?
● Has anyone experienced something similar with a Kia Ceed ED or another car?
I’d really appreciate any technical explanations or advice from people who know these cars. I’m trying to understand whether this is simply a characteristic of the Ceed that I need to adapt to, or whether I should investigate a possible mechanical problem.
Thanks in advance!

I have a 2022 Kia EV6 Wind AWD with the Tech Package, and the lens cover on my front parking camera has developed a crack. Kia is claiming it isn't covered under warranty because the damage was supposedly caused by an impact or something striking the camera.

I'm curious if anyone else has had this issue and, more importantly, whether anyone has successfully gotten Kia to replace the camera under warranty.

From my perspective, there are several design issues with this camera:

1. No user-replaceable lens cover. If the lens cover cracks but the camera itself still works, why can't the cover be replaced separately?
2. Potentially inadequate material durability. The lens cover seems susceptible to cracking, even without obvious damage to the surrounding bumper.
3. No effective water drainage. A small crack might seem cosmetic, but water intrusion can turn it into a much bigger problem and potentially render the camera useless.
4. The camera isn't easily serviceable. Rather than replacing a relatively small damaged component, it appears that the entire camera assembly needs to be replaced.
5. Excessive labor to access the camera. Replacing it reportedly requires removing the front bumper, adding several hours of labor for what should be a relatively minor component.

I understand that warranties don't cover every type of physical damage. However, when a component is exposed to the elements, difficult to service, and apparently vulnerable to a relatively minor crack, I think it's fair to question whether the design is durable enough.

Has anyone had Kia cover this repair under warranty, either through the dealer or by escalating the claim to Kia corporate? If so, I'd love to hear what worked, how the dealer documented the damage, and whether you had to push back on the initial denial.

I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone whose camera lens cracked without any obvious impact damage.

Alternatively, has anyone fixed their camera?

I’ll be test driving tomorrow. Tell me about your 2024 experience please.

I’ll be going to a Kia dealership in Virginia I have been in communication with for a Kia sportage 2026 EX with a sun roof. Since this would be my first time buying a car, what things should I look out for? I have seen many people recommend not to pay the MSRP; does that mean I can negotiate the car against the price listed on the website?

I am concerned that the dealership won’t budge much during negotiation since I have a credit score in the 760’s, income in 60’s/year, and a 10 month credit history with high utilization for past two months with balance carried forward.

Would really appreciate some suggestions. Thank you so much.

Is this a good deal or should I spend the extra $3,000 on a gt line that's a year older and has 88,000mi?

Hello Reddit! My daughter drives a 2011 Kia Sportage LX. While her car was parked in a parking garage, some foolish "Kia Boy", came along and stuck a screw driver into her driver's side lock, ruining her door handle and lock. I have ordered the parts to replace her door handle and lock with no problem. However, I have ran into a huge issue when I found a piece of the plastic latch assembly (I think this is what it is called) is also broken. The specific part that is broken is the plastic clip that holds the end of the ball/cable into place inside the door handle area. The entire lock/lack actuator thingy is fine. I really just need this plastic part I have attached a photo with the part that is broken circled. I cannot find this plastic part for ANYWHERE, but I am sure it is just that I am not using the correct words. Can someone PLEASE help me identify this plastic latch thing? (I am literally just a girl) :(

I’m replacing my brakes soon and learned that the rear brakes have an EPB system. Is there a way to replace the rear pads and rotors without using a scan tool, or is one required for a 2022 Kia K5?

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Maintenance & Undercoating Highlights (EXCEPTIONAL) This car has one of the best service trails you will find on a used Kia: 39 Service Records: It features an extensive maintenance history spanning from its pre-delivery inspection through to 166,416 km in June 2026.

Annual Krown Rustproofing: The original owner had the vehicle undercoated with Krown Rustproofing almost every single year (Jan 2017, Dec 2017, Oct 2018, Sept 2019, Sept 2020, Nov 2021, Oct 2022, Oct 2023, Oct 2024, and Sept 2025). This explains why the body and frame remain in great condition for an Ontario, Canada vehicle.

Here are the records Dealer Service .PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vtbsX6zIra9e06lq5fN_lnhMiZIKNuxi/view?usp=sharing

CarFax .PDF

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1seBNbr-0dC3I6pdqNfM_AG3R_5Xe6dU0/view?usp=sharing

It has ALL of the software updates Kia offers on schedule and everything else. Transmisson fluid changes differential oil changes etc .My questions and worries. I really want this vehicle have never seen a vehicle with this kind of service history plus rust prevention every yr, i am in the snow belt and would keep it up.

Are these motors guaranteed to fail and or turn into a oil burning guzzling beast. HAS ANYONE not suffered these kind of defects?. All i have read is bad news, but afterall this is the internet and people compain and you might not nessesarily here any good things. Like i guess it lived out its life like a normal car?.

Do you think this woman is dumping this car at this point because it's guzzling oil?. I was going to send a mobile Tech to this car to do a pre purchase inspection. If i do what should i tell him to look for?

I have a 2005 pontiac vibe rusted out with the 1.8 motor. Between oil changes i have never seen a perceptible movement on the oil stick always full. About same mileage. It would be shocking to me to be adding a quart to the Sportage every couple weeks not to mention it would be expensive.

I know i would be elligible for a motor replacement. But then i am reading these fail too same circumstances. How can a new motor fail when Kia knows the issues?. If it is laid up in a shop i would have no way to get around.

Has anyone had a reliable normal experience?

Need some guidance, what should i do?. What to tell a mobile inspector to look for?....Thanks

Activated features on mine (based on Philippines)

Kia Rio JB 2011 Base Model

1. Power Lock

2. Power Window

3. Chime

4. Vehicle Speed Sensing Auto Lock

5. Theater Dim light (need to add circuitry if none)

Note: There are vacant slots for wiring. Download Carmin App for more schematics.

So, I guess another delay. This is getting exhausting.

Looking for the best KIA dealership seacoast NH. Best for honoring warranty items as well as competency of the mechanics in the garages. I am hearing horror stories left and right about dealers not honoring these cars while they are under warranty and I do not want to deal with that. I want a 2 year lease on a 2026 Sportage hybrid or PHEV.

Bonus points if sales was decent, but I'm more concerned with long term/maintenance experience.

- Bill Dube Kia Somersworth
- McFarland Kia N. Hampton
- Capital City Kia- Concord
- Bill Dodge Kia Saco Maine

All dealers across Pune are denying PDI for my KIA Syros. Each one of them tried convincing me that external PDI might tamper the software and can affect the car’s chip

So what y’ll think? Should I go ahead and book the car? Also the waiting period is almost 3 months. Not sure whether I am taking a right decision by going ahead with Syros.

Loved my 4Runner but wanted something better on gas without compromising that much on cargo room. Got a ‘26 Sorento Hybrid in Volcanic Sand. Kinda crazy to see my MPG be over 30 lol. Was looking at a sportage but liked the Sorento more.

So I bought a 2026 Sportage PHEV a month ago and love it. However, the rear floor mats do not fit at all! They’re huge, like they belong in a Telluride. I contacted the salesperson to replace them and he swears they are ALL like this and have been since at least 2021. I’m not believing it. Did anyone else have this experience?

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I'm not sure what to do. Thursday last week I brought my car (2018 Kia Forte) into a Kia dealership for an oil change and inspection. The inspection failed due to a day light out or something so they had to fix that.

I wasn't able to pick it up from the dealership until like 9pm so way after the dealership was closed and there was a strange noise coming from my car that wasn't there before. It kind of sounds like I'm driving over tiny bumps every second or so. It also only seems to happen at lower speeds like 30 mph. Once I get to around 45+ it seems to go away.

On Friday evening after work when the sound hadn't gone away, I called Kia to tell them about it and they said it sounded like a flap underneath came loose and to bring it in on Monday afternoon.

Fast forward to today, Monday afternoon, and I brought it in. I was sitting there for an hour and a half and they finally came out and said it was a loose flap underneath and they tightened it and it should be fine. I started driving home and it was good for, no exaggeration, like 3 minutes before it started again.

I probably should have turned right around and told them but I still have stuff I need to get done before work tomorrow. Also I'm very bad at being assertive and get kind of anxious in these situations. I dont know if I should call Kia again and tell them it's still happening or if it's too late since I didn't do it right away... anyone had this happen before?

Looking for advice or similar experiences from anyone who has dealt with extended warranty delays or California Lemon Law.

Vehicle: 2027 Kia Sportage Hybrid
Dealer: Winn Kia of Fremont (CA)

Timeline:

• Day 0: Bought the car on a Sunday evening.
• Day 4: A/C completely stopped blowing cold air.
• Day 5: Contacted dealership service department.
• Day 8: First service visit. Dealer diagnosed it as a blown fuse, and ordered the part since they didn't have it.
• Day 11: Followed up because I hadn't heard anything about the part; was told to bring the car back in on Day 15.
• Day 15: Brought vehicle in. Service said they tried the fuse and the A/C compressor issue blew the fuse again. They grounded the car and ordered a replacement compressor from Kia. Due to an active heat advisory, the car seemed unsafe/un-drivable without climate control, so I asked for a rental (paying from my credit card, will get reimbursed $45/day, rest from my pocket).
• Day 22 (Today): Car has been sitting at the dealership for over a week (7+ consecutive days, two visits total). Dealership says the compressor is on backorder with no ETA.

Questions:

1. Has anyone run into backordered A/C compressors on the newer Sportage Hybrids recently? How long did it take Kia to deliver?
2. Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Lemon Law), the 30-day cumulative out-of-service clock is ticking. At what point did you reach out to a lemon law attorney, did you wait until the full 30 days hit, or start consultations earlier?
3. Any other advice to save on time / money / frustration?

Any guidance on how to handle the dealer service director vs. corporate escalation would be appreciated.

Current status (Oct 12, 2026): Dealership is currently saying that they are waiting for Kia to ship the part (gave me a FedEx tracking code which says that FedEx is waiting for the shipment), and Kia Customer Care says that they are waiting for more information from the dealership.

If most of your driving is commuting, traffic, parking garages and running around town, which Kia would you want?

K4 for something simple and efficient? Niro for the hybrid? Maybe a Seltos if you still want the extra space?

What’s your pick?

How likely is someone with a 760+ credit score but with 50% credit utilization for past two months to get approved?

Can’t make me an EV optimized route from France to Denmark, what am I missing?
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I’ve got a 2013 Sorento that burns through hella oil because of whatever issue there is with them. Is there anything I can say/do to get Kia to prophylactically fix it or do I legit need to wait until it blows out. I’m at 115K miles so it seems like a ticking time bomb.

Hello everyone, I have a favor to ask anyone who owns a Kia ProCeed 1.6 T-GDi GT with the G4FJ engine type.

When I start the car and open the hood, I can hear a really weird ticking sound coming from the engine block. When I visited the service center, they said this is normal and refused to check it, claiming that every car with this engine does it.

I previously owned a Volkswagen Golf 5, but its engine was quiet and didn't make that noise. Obviously, this is a completely different engine, but I was wondering if anyone would be willing to record a quick video or audio clip of their engine at idle RPMs? I'd love to have a reference for how this engine is supposed to sound. I don't know anyone nearby with this car, so it's hard to compare, and on the internet, everyone only posts exhaust sound clips rather than the engine block sound.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Well, about 2 months ago I said good bye to my Sorento. It was time. 161k miles on it, lots of fun additions and also a lot of costly repairs. Got a fair offer on trade for it. Everyone has opinions on jeeps but I love mine! But don’t worry, I still have my old man car Kia Amanti (aka Montie) the jeep ended up being named Smokey. The Sorento was named Fuji. I have to say tho, seeing the dark grey jeep and Silver Amanti being side by side in the driveway, they’re a nice duo😎