Kia models we see most
| Model | US model years | Worth knowing |
|---|---|---|
| Optima | 2001-2020 | 2011-2014 Optimas are in engine recall 17V224000; 2001-2004 salt-state Optimas were recalled (09V183000) for front subframe corrosion. |
| Sorento | 2003-present | 2012-2014 Sorentos share engine recall 17V224000, and 2011-2019 GDI Sorentos were in the Theta II class settlement. |
| Sportage | 1995-present | 2008-2009 Sportages were recalled (16V815000): salty water can reach the ABS control unit and short it, a fire risk. |
| Sedona | 2002-2021 | 2006-2012 Sedonas in salt states, Illinois included, were recalled (16V387000) because front lower control arms can break from corrosion. |
| Spectra | 2000-2009 | 2004-2007 Spectras in salt states were recalled (11V256000) because fuel tank straps can rust apart and drop the tank. |
| Rio | 2001-2023 | Kia's smallest US car for two decades; light curb weight means scrap value leans heavily on parts and completeness. |
Known Kia problems that end up at the scrapyard
Bearing failures in 2.0 and 2.4 GDI engines
Recall 17V224000 covers about 618,000 2011-2014 Optimas, 2012-2014 Sorentos and 2011-2013 Sportages because machining errors can cause premature bearing wear and engine seizure. A 2019 settlement went wider, to 2011-2019 Optimas, Sorentos and Sportages, with lifetime short-block coverage that stays with the car. Ask a Kia dealer before junking a seized one. source
Keyed Kias without immobilizers
Chicago sued Kia and Hyundai in 2023 over models built without push-button ignitions and engine immobilizers, after thefts popularized on social media surged in the city. Kia said it was working to make those theft methods harder. A recovered Kia with a destroyed ignition, broken glass and a trashed interior is often cheaper to sell than repair. source
Broken front control arms on 2006-2012 Sedona
Recall 16V387000 covers about 98,000 Sedona minivans sold or registered in salt states including Illinois. Salt water can corrode the front lower control arms until they break, which can cause loss of control. A minivan that clunks over bumps or pulls hard should be checked by VIN and inspected before the next school run. source
How Kias end up junked in Chicago
A Kia from the 2010s usually reaches the end of its road for one of three reasons. Its engine has spun a bearing, its body has rotted underneath, or it was stolen and came back in rough shape.
Engine first. The 2.0 and 2.4-liter GDI four-cylinders in the Optima, Sorento and Sportage were recalled for bearing wear, and the 2019 class settlement added lifetime short-block coverage that follows the car to its next owner. That’s worth a phone call to a dealer before you give up on an engine. When the answer is no, a seized engine in a car with 150,000 miles usually ends its life.
The thefts were a Chicago problem in particular. The city’s lawsuit described models sold between 2011 and 2022 without engine immobilizers and a surge in thefts after social media videos showed how to take them. A recovered Kia may come back with a broken steering column and ignition. Those parts can be replaced, but with glass, trim and electrical damage on top, the math rarely works on an older car.
Salt-state recalls on older Kias
Kia’s recalls limited to road-salt states name Illinois for 2001-2004 Optima front subframes, 2004-2007 Spectra fuel tank straps and 2006-2012 Sedona front control arms. Separately, 2008-2009 Sportages were recalled because salty water could short the ABS control unit. If your Kia is from those years, check the VIN at NHTSA and read our guide to rust damage from road salt.
Papers and keys to gather
Keys and fobs (or a note that the ignition was destroyed), any police report number if the car was stolen, and a word on what papers you hold. Illinois rules decide which papers work for a scrap sale, and we confirm on the call. Take your I-PASS and parking permits out of the car. More brands are on our makes we buy list.
Selling a junk Kia: questions
My Optima's engine seized. Is it worth checking with Kia first?
Yes. The Theta II settlement gave lifetime short-block coverage that transfers to later owners, so an eligible 2011-2019 Optima, Sorento or Sportage may get an engine repair at no cost. If the dealer says it isn't covered, we'll make an offer on the car with the seized engine.
How do I remove my Kia from Kia Connect or UVO?
Sign in to your Kia owner account or the Kia app and remove the vehicle, cancelling any paid Kia Connect plan. Then go into the head unit settings and erase phones, contacts and saved addresses before we tow it.