Kia Sonet Infotainment System Ghost Bug: Causes, Fix 2025

Many Kia Sonet owners in India are reporting a strange and frustrating problem with their vehicle’s infotainment system — it starts operating on its own, changing screens or activating random functions without any driver input. This issue, often referred to as the “ghost touch” or “ghost bug”, has been appearing in both early and recent Sonet models.

Below is a detailed look at what’s causing this problem, what Kia Motors is offering under warranty, and what owners can expect to pay for repairs if their vehicle is out of warranty.

What Is the Kia Sonet Infotainment Ghost Bug?

The “ghost bug” affects the 8-inch and 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment systems found in various Kia Sonet variants. Owners have reported that the display randomly switches between menus, adjusts settings, or restarts without any input. In some cases, the system even plays music or changes volume on its own.

This behavior is caused by a malfunctioning touchscreen unit — either due to:

A hardware fault in the touch panel or display controller,
A wiring or grounding issue, or
A software glitch in the infotainment system’s firmware.

While the issue does not impact the car’s safety systems, it can be distracting and annoying for drivers.

Kia’s Response and Warranty Replacement Policy

Kia India has acknowledged the infotainment issue in certain Sonet models. The company has been offering free replacement of the faulty head unit under warranty for affected vehicles.

Key Warranty Points

Warranty coverage: 2 years or 3 years, depending on the vehicle’s warranty plan.
Eligibility: The infotainment replacement is free only if the vehicle is within the warranty period and the issue is verified by an authorized Kia service center.
Replacement time: It typically takes 1–2 weeks for the replacement unit to arrive and be installed.

If your Sonet is still under warranty, it is strongly recommended to visit your nearest Kia service center as soon as the issue appears. The service advisors will inspect the unit, document the fault, and initiate a warranty claim.

Repair and Replacement Costs After Warranty Expiry

If your Kia Sonet’s warranty has expired, the repair or replacement cost can vary widely.

Repair Option	Description	Approximate Cost (INR)
Kia Authorized Replacement	Full head-unit replacement at Kia service center	₹30,000 – ₹40,000
Third-Party Repair	Touch panel or board repair by experienced technicians outside Kia network	₹8,000 – ₹10,000
Used/Refurbished Unit	Replacement with a used or reconditioned unit from auto parts market	₹12,000 – ₹20,000

While third-party repairs are cheaper, it’s important to ensure the service provider specializes in automotive infotainment systems. Poor-quality repairs can lead to short circuits, display flickering, or warranty denial in future.

Tips to Prevent or Manage the Issue

Avoid moisture exposure: Keep the dashboard area dry. Moisture can affect the touchscreen’s capacitive sensors.
Don’t use non-OEM screen protectors: Some screen films interfere with the touchscreen’s sensitivity.
Perform periodic software updates: Ask the Kia service center to check for firmware updates during your routine service visits.
Restart the system occasionally: A simple power cycle (turning the car off and back on) can temporarily clear glitches.
Use a stylus or gentle touch: Avoid pressing the screen too hard; it can worsen an existing hardware fault.

Owner Experiences and Feedback

Several Kia Sonet owners have shared that the infotainment ghost bug appeared even in low-mileage vehicles. In most cases, Kia’s free warranty replacement has resolved the issue permanently. However, for owners whose warranties have lapsed, the high replacement cost remains a concern.

Those who opted for outside repairs often report mixed results — while some had success with third-party specialists, others faced recurring issues within months.

Conclusion

The Kia Sonet infotainment ghost bug is an inconvenience that has affected many users, but Kia’s response under warranty has been proactive. If your Sonet is still within its 2- or 3-year warranty, you can expect a free infotainment unit replacement.
For vehicles out of warranty, the official replacement may cost ₹30,000–₹40,000, while third-party repairs can bring the cost down to around ₹8,000.

If you’re a Kia Sonet owner experiencing this issue, don’t ignore it — visit your nearest service center to document the fault and seek assistance before your warranty period expires.