Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11700692November 20, 2025
ENGINE
Out of the blue I get a code for a misfire on cylinder one. Got in to head to work as normal and it was stalling and shaking so bad that I am scared to drive it. The next day the check engine light was on when I started it to seek out the issue. Car was manufactured in September 2019 but is the 2020 model year. I was told by a license mechanic this is related to an internal Kia engine issue. I contacted 800 333 4KIA to see if this was a known issue that they had a solution to. Of course I was told to self repair that my VIN is not covered under the recall. Can you tell me how Kia assumes that engine issues with the 2019s model year would have been fixed before the 2020 models were assembled? Sounds like my dream car is now my nightmare. 3rd White Kia Optima but I am likely leaving the Kia family if this requires a new engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700454November 19, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving, the vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise from the engine. Within one block the vehicle began smoking heavily from under the hood. I pulled over, opened the hood, and flames were visible. This is a 2016 Kia Optima with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Approximately one year ago the original engine seized and was replaced by a Kia dealer under the Theta II engine recall (SC172/SC147) and class-action settlement. This is the second catastrophic failure of a Theta II engine in this vehicle. The replacement engine has now failed in the exact same manner as the thousands of other documented cases — rod bearing failure leading to knocking, overheating, and engine compartment fire. The dealership (Fowler Kia of Windsor, CO) inspected the vehicle and quoted over $6,000 in repairs (melted engine wiring harness, ECM connector, battery cables, airbox, intake boot, etc.) while claiming the fire was “unknown cause/not the engine,” despite the clear knocking immediately preceding the fire. Kia Consumer Affairs has an open case but has not yet resolved coverage. This is a known, ongoing safety defect covered under multiple NHTSA investigations (PE21004, EA22002) and Kia recalls. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle and am requesting immediate investigation and inclusion in any expanded recall or remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700463November 19, 2025
ENGINE
Red oil light came on along with check engine light took to shop got oil change and they test pressure all is good but oil light and engine light still on replaced oil pressure sensor switch and variable valve solenoid lights still on took to kia dealership they said say thing as first shop replaced oil pressure sensor switch again because they said the aftermarket one doesn't work on my car so bought part from dealer changed it light still on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700094November 18, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint defect causing paint chipping on vehicle due to lack of proper layering of paint on vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699731November 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Vehicle: 2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo – Approx. 114,155 miles** This complaint concerns ongoing systemic defects affecting the electrical, braking, and engine management systems of the referenced vehicle. Despite multiple documented repair attempts, the failures persist, creating continuous and significant safety hazards. The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical system malfunctions, including multiple battery failures (three replacements within one year), sustained low-voltage conditions, and intermittent lighting loss. Notably, the headlights and exterior lighting have shut off unexpectedly during extended highway operation. The brake control system is also compromised. The electronic emergency brake has engaged spontaneously while the vehicle was in motion, causing abrupt deceleration without driver input. Additionally, the vehicle exhibits continuous fuel vapor and engine performance defects. The purge valve has been replaced four times, yet the failure recurs. The vehicle frequently hesitates upon acceleration, exhibits delayed throttle response, and jerks during takeoff, creating hazardous conditions when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Given the repeated nature of these defects and the lack of resolution through standard repairs, I believe the vehicle may contain inherent design or manufacturing defects affecting the electrical charging system, ECU, fuel vapor management components, and electronic braking controls. I request that NHTSA conduct an investigation into these safety-related defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699816November 17, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hill. As soon as I was able I checked my oil which and there was nothing on the dipstick. I put in 3 quarts of oil. I brought it into my usual dealership for service and let them know about the oil issue and issues with power when driving. They failed to address the root cause of the issue, they performed an oil change, engine light turned off, and they started an oil consumption test. But when I drove off the lot the issue with the power continued, and the check engine light came on again. I took my Kia to another dealership to address the car's power issue and the first oil consumption test was not completed because it was unsafe to drive. When I brought my car in, the check engine light was not on, even though there were significant power issues. The dealership was able to confirm my concern, including loss of power and evidence of oil overconsumption. They replaced my turbocharger under warranty. I then underwent a 2nd oil consumption test that indicated overconsumption at a level of 1.5 quarts per 1000 miles. Then they performed a combustion chamber cleaning per Kia guidelines and a 3rd oil consumption test. They 3rd oil consumption results indicated overconsumption at a level of 0.75 quarts per 1000 miles. Although the dealership acknowledged this is still overconsumption, it was not to a level that required Kia to replace my motor. Meanwhile, after all these tests my car is close to out of warranty, at 98.6k miles. I called Kia customer care and their "resolution" to my case was the deny me a new engine and they would not provide me anything in writing. My car's overconsumption of oil and other signs of engine failure match the complaints found in class action settlements related to other Kia models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699955November 17, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
During a drive after startup, vehicle flashed the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) error and put the car into limp mode. Car will idle fine, but the issue is intermittent upon acceleration. Error code is p1775 Electric Oil Pump Hall IC Sensor Failure. Took it to a mechanic and they had performed a test on the sensor and pump and found no issues after stress testing and checking cabling. Issue occurred at mechanic when they tried to move the vehicle and suggest replacing the electric oil pump and sensor even though they found no issue the parts themselves without tearing down the mechanism. Car is undrivable because of this issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699628November 16, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2017 Kia Optima with a major internal engine defect. Starting shortly after purchase, the car lost power and consumed fuel unusually quickly. Over time, the engine began burning excessive oil and now produces a loud knocking sound (bearing knock), indicating internal bearing failure. These symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine defects (bearing wear / piston ring failure). The defect is a serious safety concern: because of weak bearings and high oil consumption, the engine could stall, seize, or catch fire. The dealership has refused to repair or replace the engine. I am reporting this as a safety defect and request NHTSA investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699630November 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is cracking and peeling off by the back window on the roof creating rust areas.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699647November 16, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I just recently purchased my 2019 Kia optima sx turbo. After purchase, I immediately began experiencing issues with the braking system and the forward collision warning light coming on. The cruise control stopped working as well. I googled and saw that there was a recall on the forward collision warning system but the local Kia dealership to me says there is not one. I almost had a head on collision in this car with my granddaughter coming from daycare as I completely lost brakes. I have put so much money into purchasing this car believing it to be a good car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699361November 14, 2025
SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop at the red traffic light, another vehicle, driving off a highway ramp at an undisclosed speed, crashed into the rear-end of the vehicle. An unknown red warning light was flashing. The air bags did not deploy. The seat belts failed to restrain the contact as needed, causing the contact to hit her forehead against the steering wheel, which propelled the contact's head back to the headrest, and then the contact hit her forehead against the steering wheel for a second time. The contact was able to exit the vehicle but felt dizzy and off balance. A police officer filed a report and informed the contact that the vehicle was safe to drive. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the nearby hospital, where the contact received medical assistance. The vehicle was later driven to the residence, where it remained parked. The contact sustained a concussion, bruises on the forehead, neck, and lower back back pain, a worsening of the contact's generative bone disease condition. The contact might undergo a back surgery. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic two months later. Both the mechanic and the insurance company confirmed that the vehicle was totaled. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle operated as designed during the incident. The contact was referred to the owner's manual. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11699168November 13, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way to get to safety. In researching online this is a common problem and there is a part in the lock mechanism that gets stuck so the door does not unlock and cannot open. It appears it has been reported several times on the year of my car and other years but nothing has been done. There is no warning that this will happen, you just lock the doors and then it doesn't unlock.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699235November 13, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My oil pressure sensor failed and is leaking oil into the electrical wire harness and all over the engine including intake and exhaust pipes which is a fire risk. It is the exact same issue as another recall affecting 2011 to 2014 kia models/years: 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) that involves replacing the oil pressure switch in certain 2011-2014 models if a leak is found. Additionally, a 2022 Technical Service Bulletin (MC-10210268-0001) extended the warranty for the oil pressure switch replacement to 15 years/150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. The recall addressed potential oil leaks, and the warranty extension covers the switch itself. 2019 safety recall (RCONL-19V101-0000) What it covered: The recall was for certain 2011-2014 Kia models and involved inspecting and potentially replacing the Oil Pressure Switch (OPS) and the oil pan if an oil leak was detected. Unfortunately at this time the dealership is claiming that this recall does not include my specific vehicle by Vin and I will have to cover the repair outside of warranty/recall to make the vehicle function properly/eliminate the oil leak/fire risk. It would be great if other kia optima owners could be protected and covered by the recall I mentioned above.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698745November 11, 2025
ENGINE
My engine blew up and started smoking while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698751November 11, 2025
ENGINE
I recently had the engine replaced less than a year ago due to an engine recall on this model car, today 11/11/2025 the engine caught fire. We’ve kept up with oil changes on time and I had no alerts in the vehicle on the dash claiming the engine was hot.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698800November 11, 2025
ENGINE
June 26th 2025 my Kia optima 2012 EX quit on interstate 65 in Alabama was towed to dealership 10 days later was requested that I turn in maintenance records which I did. 10 days after that I was contacted and I was told that they could not read some of the records i so resubmitted. No official diagnosis was told they just informed me that the motor would be replaced. They've since removes it from the dealership to a third location. Spoke with Kia consumer affairs in a three-way call to the dealership we were hung up on three times. Trying to find out where the car had been towed to. The car is now at Monrovia towing in Alabama at $40 a day. I have takwn good care of this Kia it falls under all the criteria there were no lights no warning signs it just shut down. Not only was the dealership evasive about their decision or the decision they made me feel as if I had done something wrong when I've only had the car 3 years taken very good care of it had the oil change by fiance the records and receipts of purchase oil. Devastating. Lengthy and financially crippling. I was lead to believe early on that it was a done deal to replace the engine . They accused of fraud in regards to the records. Untrue. This has caused so much stress and anxiety in my life. I am now without transportation. I have a special needs daughter and this car was a lifeline for us. I did nothing wrong I loved this car . I'm now having to let the car go because the towing company is going to auction the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698296November 8, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698245November 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving on this day [XXX] all of a sudden my car started to shut down and I couldn’t give my vehicle any gas really. I got a hybrid system warning, and my red brake light came on, and I got indicator for me to check the brake. My brakes felt like they were grinding and hitting the ground. I managed to get my Kia into the dealership where the service manager, Jose looked at my car briefly. Of a visual inspection he said that the brake pads looked good, but your brakes are hitting the ground. He charged me a diagnosis. I told him to check to see if there are any recalls active, he said I do see a recall, but this doesn’t have anything to do with your car. The next day I heard from the service manager told me I have an update. I have attached the diagnosis of my car. This is what they say needs to be repaired in my vehicle. I asked my service advisor questions about how related the recalled part was to the issue. You can see the conversation in the pictures. At this point, I created a case with you all when he started to argue over terminology. I had a conversation on the phone with Jose and my service advisor later where they then told me that there is no recall that is showing up. I said I need to look over this because I saw a recall there. I verified this and messaged the advisor back. There were no further conversation conversations over the phone. Everything was done over messages and you can see them below. I was being threatened to be charged storage fees. And they said that they performed the recall, but the car was not confirmed to be in drivable condition. I did not go by to pick the car up. I called corporate numerous times. I was told on one day any additional information from text messages is not needed. Until Alicia gave me the email and said to please send over the info. I called the corporate office, the corporate office did not do anything to solve the situation. My car is still not drivable condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698251November 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clear coat is delaminating and the Paint is peeling off in multiple areas of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697872November 6, 2025
ENGINE
Car stop accelerating when I went to get my oil change the shop reported my engine eating up my oil found out kia have a recall on engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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