Compare Kia alternator repair quotes from specialist garages

Kia was founded initially as a bicycle manufacturer in 1944 - a humble beginning for what is now one of the world's largest car makers. At the 2023 Autocar Awards, Kia was named 'Best Manufacturer', a prestigious accolade bestowed by one of the leading automotive publications. It also earned 'Car Brand of the Year' at the 2022 Which? Awards and 'Manufacturer of the Year' at the 2022 Top Gear Awards.

Like many car brands, Kia has forged some connections in Hollywood, partnering with Twentieth Century Fox in 2016 to create the Sorento X-Car, inspired by Wolverine, to promote the film X Men: Days of Future Past.

The alternator plays a simple but crucial role in keeping your car's battery charged, which means it is also indirectly responsible for starting the vehicle and keeping various components running. It is like a small generator; the engine spins, and the alternator turns this movement into electricity.

Here are five signs your alternator is faulty.

Common reasons for car alternator repair include a failing voltage regulator (which ensures the battery receives the charge at the correct voltage) and worn brushes (which maintain electrical contact with the alternator). An alternator specialist can advise you on the cause of the problem and how best to fix it.

Rather than repairing the component, a total car alternator replacement may be required, which is a straightforward job that most mechanics can do. However, when considering an alternator repair vs replacement, the latter only occurs when multiple parts fail, and the repair cost would be close to that of fitting a new component.

Find out how much it costs to replace an alternator in this guide.