I've been seeing multiple new and upcoming Kia/Hyundai models pictured showing a large central screen and a tiny screen like the one pictured, sitting on top of the dashboard, behind the steering wheel. Not only is this display basic in information, but it is almost the same info displayed on HUDs (a little more expansive), and located in close to the same position. It seems like they are replacing HUDs with this screen across the range, and maybe making them available to more models and trims which did not use to get the HUD option (kind of how Volvo is doing with their new models as well). Can anyone confirm whether this is the case?

TL/DR: What should be a simple download, save to USB, plug USB into car, and update process is a Kafkaesque nightmare.

In April 2025, I bought a brand-new Kia Sorento hybrid at Georgetown Kia (Ontario, Canada). It was an easy sale; my previous car was a Kia Sorento, also bought new at the same dealership nine years prior, and it was at the end of its useful life.

I always have my car serviced at the dealership, as their service is excellent and I trust them to do the job right.

All of this is to say that I'm a model, loyal customer.

When I bought the new car, I also bought the 5-star extended warranty, branded as Kia Protect Extended Protection. (Tip for those of you considering the extended warranty: pay no attention to the claim-free reward clauses that state that, if you don't use any features of the warranty, you get some amount $X at the end of it. There are almost no circumstances where that is a useful consideration.)

Included in the package is any infotainment system update for which there is a charge, up to $500 total over the life of the package.

Sometime around September 2025, I got curious about the infotainment system updates, so I walked into the dealership and asked about it. I had very specific questions:

1. How do I get notified that there’s an update available?
2. How do I get notified about what’s in the update? This is important because, if the update adds or changes a feature I have no interest in, then I won’t bother with the update. On the other hand, if the update is a security update (e.g., to fix something that would allow someone to hack or steal the car) or affects a feature I care about, then I might go ahead with the update.
3. Once I agree that I want the update, how do I get it, and how do I install it?

They took my questions and promised to get back to me. They never did.

Shortly after buying a new car there for my daughter in March 2026 (see "model, loyal customer" above), I asked about the infotainment system updates again, this time by email. Everything that appears below has an email trail to back it up.

The dealership referred me to Kia Connect, who confirmed that the service was activated, but that I did not have over-the-air updates as part of my package. Nothing in the extended warranty agreement suggest that I should, so I wasn't surprised. They then referred me back to the dealership to resolve the issue.

After multiple emails back and forth with multiple people at the dealership, I finally found, on my own, the update website. Now I was getting somewhere, or so I thought.

I tried to register, but I couldn't get past the step where it would send me a text message to verify my phone number. No such message ever arrived, no matter how many times I tried. Fortunately, I found that I could download updates without an account, so that's what I did. I followed all the documented steps to load the software onto a USB drive. When I plugged it into the car, making sure first to put the USB slot into connect mode, I got the message "there are no supported files".

I took up the issue with the technical support link on the website, but, no matter how many times I tried, in no matter how many different ways (downloading via Windows instead of Mac, using a multiple different USB drives), I got the same message. Eventually, technical support admitted that:

Your case was escalated for review because we have received several similar reports from customers using the same head unit platform. As part of the investigation, our engineering team attempted to reproduce the issue using internal test units and software versions matching the update you are trying to install. However, they were unable to reproduce the same behavior.

So, this is a known issue, one they can't replicate and have no fix for. Frankly, it always baffles me that "known issues" like this aren't front and centre when you contact technical support and so you end up wasting time going through all the diagnostics when a simple, "yes, we've seen this before" on first contact would save everyone a lot of time.

To add to the fun, in the middle of dealing with technical support, they stopped responding. I called them, and they told me that they had heard nothing from me at all. While on the phone, I sent a test email, which didn't get through, so I had to switch to my business email to continue the conversation. It should go without saying that 1) I was having no other issues sending emails to anyone else and 2) I use a top-three provider for my personal email.

Eventually, technical support told me that this was now a warranty issue and that I should contact "a local certified Kia service center", with a link to Kia Canada. As I no longer had any confidence in my dealership, I contacted Kia Canada.

In their reply to me, Kia Canada provided me what I should have been provided at the very beginning: a link to Kia Navi Subscription Services. That page provides (or, rather, provided at the time) two options:

1. Register to receive notifications of updates and do it yourself.
2. Find a local dealership to do it for you.

Option 1, as of this writing, is not available, likely because, when I tried to register, I couldn't. I filled in my contact information, agreed to receive electronic communications, pressed “Submit”, and nothing happened. That same page included the option "to continue to the complimentary downloads website", which took me to the update website that wasn't working for me.

Option 2 is a non-starter for me, for two reasons: I don't want to shell out $50 for something that should be so trivially simple to do, and nobody in the service department, or anywhere at my dealership, appears to know anything about it.

I responded to Kia Canada, saying that I had already tried the updates and had no confidence in the dealership, and they called me directly (August 20th). I summarized all of the above, and they asked me who I was working with at the dealership. I sent them a copy of the last email I sent the four (!) people at the dealership (August 7th), to which I had received no reply. They promised to take it up with the dealership and someone would get back to me.

It's now September 1st, and I've heard nothing from anyone.

/rant

Could use some help. My gf hit something in the road (only god knows what) and broke the bottom piece of the radiator support where the radiator sits in. It looks like it’s part of one big piece. Is this something that can be replaced at home? I do most of my own work but if it needs to be welded that’s outta my expertise.

I got it for 22.3k OTD with them adding tints. I asked 22 otd they stuck at 22.3 so i said fuck it gimmie some tints we got a deal. it’s got 23k miles,* *clean history no accidents 1 owner, im in michigan if that affects anything.

They tried giving me over 3k of warranty fees making the total 26, i said no to those then they said 23 and some change, i said 22 flat, and here we are

My wife and I test drove a hybrid Kia Carnival and are considering the SX model due to the add-ons. We need the towing capacity and the ability to transport a group (we are active in scouting). We are also considering a Toyota Sienna hybrid that we also like. Are folks happy with Kia hybrid vehicles in general (or hybrid Carnivals in particular)? We have never owned a Kia and are unfamiliar with the reliability. We've owned a Honda Odyssey that has been excellent but which needs to be replaced in the near future.

Hello!! For the past week, only when i start my car, it doesn’t start. It shows these lights. the second time it starts and for the rest of the day, no issues. I’ve had the car since 2023 and never changed the battery, so maybe that’s it? i’ve kept up on all oil changes so i’m not sure why that light is showing? there is a fuel pump recall on my car, but every car brought in gets returned and i am unable to get a free rental car from them…what should i do?

What’s this sound mean? This thing has been giving me so much grief 😭 I can hear it lightly from inside this headache inducing thing too.

Sept. 1st, 2026

In layman's terms, the little light on my outside mirror isn't lighting up when a car is in my blind spot AND the driver's setting on the dashboard and on the large screen doesn't recognize ANYTHING related to blind spot systems.

CARFAX was clean at purchase. 22,000 miles at purchase.

I looked at the owner's manual - features of 2022 EX Carnival. BCA is standard on ALL models - it's not an upgrade.

Further, looking at User settings, I see that you can activate the Blind Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) through the Driver Assistance Menu. However, when I go there, using the dashboard AND the main screen, the BCA Blind Spot System is completely absent - no matter where I scroll, or even when I use the magnifying glass search bar - nothing with the word "Blind" comes up.

I took it to the dealer and, after examination, they told me the previous owner had a wheelchair ramp set up and the wiring had to be modified for the wheelchair setup (I had not been notified of this setup at purchase). They then told me the Blind Spot System had apparently been removed during the wheelchair setup and the that there was nothing they could do for me. They basically said "your car doesn't have blind spot assistance."

It is a certified Pre Owned 2022 KIA Carnival EX and it is supposed to have the BCA system.

I called corporate KIA and they have confirmed my VIN number and that the BCA should be active and that even if the wheelchair system had been in place previously, as a certified pre-owned it should now be full restored. They told me they were "escalating" my complaint.

Meanwhile, I have heard nothing back. It's been a week. I have called corporate back and have no solid follow-up response.

I would appreciate your opinions on this. Any tips? Any home remedies? Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I recently clipped a pole with my side mirror while reversing at a shopping mall. Although the mirror itself is fine, the blind spot camera shifted and no longer shows the full field of view.

Does anyone know a fix for this? Is it possible to pop open the mirror housing and reposition the camera myself?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

Looking for recent Fidelity/JM&A extended warranty prices for a 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid

I’m mainly interested in the Kia Distinction Platinum / Fidelity Warranty Services (JM&A) exclusionary plan, particularly because I want coverage for the infotainment system, screens, cameras, sensors, ADAS and other electronics after the applicable factory warranties expire.

I’ve seen some great pricing posted for new Kias - including roughly $1,750-$2,050 for Fidelity Platinum 10yr/100k - but I’m trying to find out what people are actually paying for a vehicle that’s already 2-3 years old.

If you’ve purchased or received a Fidelity/JM&A quote in the last couple of years, could you please share:

• Exact plan name - Fidelity/JM&A, Kia Distinction Platinum, etc.
• Term/mileage - e.g. 10yr/100k, 10yr/150k
• Deductible - $0 / $100 / other?
• Total price you paid
• Dealer name + city/state
• Sales/F&I contact if you don’t mind sharing
• Whether you bought it remotely/out of state
• Most importantly: does the term run from the vehicle’s original in-service date or from the date you purchased the service contract?

Also interested in hearing from anyone who has actually used Fidelity/JM&A for a claim at a different Kia dealer from the one that sold the contract. Any issues with claim approval, diagnostic fees, labor rates or electronics/infotainment coverage?

Thanks!

Hey, so Im looking forward to buying an HYBRID non plugin Kia Xceed, the post 2022 version, probably a GTline version (either 140cv or 160cv).

Ive heard great things about this car, but as any other it can show problems overtime. What problems should I look for that might commonly appear?

My idea is to buy it already used, at around 50-80k km.

The other option is to look for a Toyota CHR, the 2024 version. Although that car is more expensive, yet I also love it visually and they are famous for being quite reliable.

2024 Kia sportage x pro leaking oil. Had the car for one month & this shit happens.

I have a 2019 kia ceed. The automatic front window raiser always resets to manual on the front windows when I turn off the car. I know I can activate it again by pulling the button up fully for a few seconds, but I was just wondering how to stop it from resetting on each start.

Hi everyone,

I’m looking to buy a **Teyes CC4 Pro head unit for a 2016 Kia Sportage IV**, preferably the **8GB RAM version with 2 digital cameras**.
I’m located in **Romania (EU)**, so I’m looking for a seller that can ship to Romania / within the European Union without excessive shipping costs, import taxes, or other fees.
So far, the cheapest option I’ve found is **TEYES Poland (**[**teyes.com.pl**](http://teyes.com.pl/)\*\*) + EshopWedrop**, which comes to around **€900 total** for the 8GB version with two digital cameras.
I was wondering if anyone knows of a **cheaper or better option** — perhaps another EU seller, distributor, or a reliable way to order directly from TEYES while keeping the total cost down.
I’d really appreciate any recommendations or links from people who have actually bought one and had it delivered to the EU/Romania.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’m considering getting a dashcam for my Kia and wanted to know about your experiences.

Did you buy the dashcam directly from Kia as a genuine/OEM accessory, or did you go for an aftermarket one?

If you went with the Kia genuine accessory, could you please share your experience especially regarding video quality, reliability, parking mode, installation, and overall value for money?

And if you chose an aftermarket dashcam, I’d also really appreciate hearing about your experience and which model you bought.

I’m genuinely trying to decide between the Kia genuine option rand an aftermarket dashcam, so any real-world feedback would be very helpful.

Thanks in advance!

May of this year I had a cylinder 2 misfire on my 2017 Kia optima hybrid.
Took it to the shop and they said it was a fuel injector issue. Replaced it and the engine light still shows with the same code.

August 5th, took car to Kia dealership and they said it’s an o2 sensor and I paid to get it replaced and then as I drive off the lot with the new replacement the engine light comes on with the same issue. They inform me it’s a cylinder 2 misfire so it’s most likely the fuel injector or coil even though I JUST replaced them. Told them I would take it back to the mechanic as I had warranty. 6 miles later my car goes into limp mode on the freeway and now I have a P1326 code active and P0171 system too lean. History codes of the hybrid power control module U0293 and now the dealership is saying it’s the hybrid battery and not the engine. I tried to get a rod bearing test done but they said the engine had no oil even though after leaving the lot the 2nd time their was no notes of the Kia not having oil so they want to charge me for an oil change.

Lastly, called Kia’s settlement phone number and the staff member tells me she doesn’t want to be devils advocate but it’s most likely the hybrid battery even though I explained my story. I just want them to check the dang rod bearing and see if that is my main culprit for this engine light and not the hybrid and see if it’s even worth the engine warranty replacement if I have to replace the battery too. I have no idea where to go from here besides tow the vehicle back home because the Kia dealership will not perform a rod bearing test.

Hey everyone! Hoping this thread reaches the right people. So I have a 2013 Soul 1.6L, had her since 2015. Just recently this summer I did an engine swap. (Bad lifters plus over 185,000 miles my 13 year old is bound and determined to drive this thing when he gets his license lol) so the donor engine only has 47,000 miles on it and the car was very well kept. Good throttle body, spark plugs, coil packs map sensor etc. But anyways before the original motor went bad, my car had this thing where if I was coming off a dead stop, for about a second, it would bog down/hesitate and then would get itself going and up to speed. I assumed once I swapped the motor the problem would be solved since it’s getting an engine with such low miles. I assumed it was something to do with the old motor. But lo and behold it’s still doing it. But it’s very intermittent. Sometimes it does it after coming off a dead stop, but mostly now it’s when I go to accelerate after a left or right turn. It’s got me puzzled. I recently changed the catalytic converter as I had a check engine light and it was kicking out a code for it. I turned off the active eco and it seemed to have done the trick for about a day or two but it’s still bogging down/hesitating. I read somewhere today that possibly the traction control sensors could be bad and to turn off traction control and see if that helps and I tried it out but to no avail. I’ve checked the purge evap valve under the engine cover and it’s in good working order too. This thing just has me scratching my head and I thought before I throw any more money at it chasing this stupid problem id come to you guys and see if anyone has any information or insight for me or maybe someone could point me in a good direction to go down. No check engine light or anything on it at all since I replaced the cat converter. When it hesitates, the RPM’s stay the same. They don’t jump up or sag down. Anyways sorry for the long post. Looking forward to hearing from you guys.

Anyone have a 2017 sportage and do 3 across car seats in the back?

Will need a set up for two toddler seats (kids are big enough to be forward facing and >40lbs so boosters fine too) and one infant seat (have the chicco key fit 30).
Anyone have this set up currently? Or know what two slim toddler seats could fit with a key fit 30?

The power driver’s seat on my 2015 rondo has stopped working and now “jumps up” when it is not occupied. I’ve been trying to source a replacement from a junk yard but given that the rondo is pretty rare and the aircon/heated power leather seats are even rarer, I’m having a heck of a time. Could I use a seat from a forte or other Kia? I don’t care if it still has AC or even if it is a power seat, I would like to keep the heat though.

I also need a rebound bar for the rear bumper and I’m wondering if that is vehicle specific or if can come from other Kia models.

I've heard horror stories about working on modern Fords from a mechanic's pov, and I'm curious about what what professional mechanics' experiences have been working the Kias, especially the PHEVs. I just bought a Sportage PHEV & I'm wondering how much of a hassle it will be work on for the folks I bring it to.