Kia Optima Complaints (2017)

306 consumer complaints on file.

#11534919July 27, 2023
ENGINE
Have lost 4 qts of oil in the last month. Brought it to the mechanic and they couldn’t find any leaks. They said the only way I’m losing oil, is that the car is burning through it. They’ve seen the same issue with these cars. Only 65,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11534208July 24, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
On 6 June 2022 I was driving Eastbound Interstate 80 passing Fairfield, CA. Traffic was moderate, average traffic speed 65. The Kia’s Adaptive Cruise was enabled and set to the maximum amount of safe distance. I recall the car directly in front of me changed lanes to pass a truck towing a trailer. I remember the Kia began to accelerate and I couldn’t turn the wheel. Next memory was opening my eyes to the dust smoke of deployed air bags. I lost consciousness likely due to the sudden impact and air bags deployed. I was taken to a Fairfield hospital by ambulance where I spent 4 days. A slurry of tests ruled out loss of consciousness as the cause. No stroke, heart attack or seizure occurred. I was treated for bruised ribs due to the airbag. No doubt to me that this collision could have been catastrophic to this driver and others driving nearby. Witness reported that I sped up and clipped the truck/trailer while attempting to pass. What I believe happened: 1) the Adaptive Cruise accelerated when it determined there was room but failed to see the trailer and 2) the steering was unresponsive when I attempted to avoid a collision. The reaction time between car accelerating and getting knocked out had to be a mere three or four seconds. The vehicle was totaled, The insurance company, Mercury Insurance, released the vehicle
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11533907July 23, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
KIA states they are unable to provide the vehicle with the anti theft software update due to the vehicle having a remote start. I asked if they can remove the remote start. KIAs are not safe with only using the Club steering wheel lock. Theives are drilling a hole through the keyhole or cutting them off. My car is now worth less & auto insurance is becoming more difficult. Please make them do something! These cars are still getting stolen nonstop every single day!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11530790July 7, 2023
POWER TRAIN
On Friday 6/23/2023 on my way home from work, one of the clutches went out on my DCT Transmission without any warning. I was at a stop light in front of all of the cars in a busy section and wasn’t able to go. I was able to get it to a safer location, but new something was wrong with my transmission. My mechanic was able to tell me that I’ve lost the 1st & 3rd gear. We drove around a few blocks with his diagnostics computer hooked into my car. My car isn’t safe to drive due to the faulty DCT Transmission Kia had installed into this model.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11528550June 23, 2023
ENGINE
I only had the car 2 years. In the last two years, I have been getting my oil changed every 3 months. The oil goes out fast. I'm a local driver so I don't go too many places. When I brake or stop, my oil light blinks, when I'm completely out. This month (June 2023) it's staying on. When the temperature gage rises half way the oil light comes on and stays on. I just recently put oil in, so it's not empty or low. Nor is it overfill. I was told it's the GDI Engine. Honestly, idk where the oil is going and why it's running out so fast. And I just learned today a friend of mines KIA is starting to do the same.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11525683June 6, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and seized before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where an unknown software update was performed, and the anti-theft software was updated. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that every two days he had to add 1-quart of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11523756May 24, 2023
ENGINE
I have the oil problem that everyone else has. I drive everyday for work and every week I have to put oil in my car. I am coming up on 100,000 miles. My car hesitates and this is the second battery I have had to put in it in three years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520970May 8, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the contact attempted to accelerate to change lanes however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that the vehicle started to decelerate and sputtered as if the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway and towed to the dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the entire engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had been consuming approximately one quart of engine oil every 500 miles. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 167,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11521073May 8, 2023
ENGINE
To whom this may concern, I have had my car for several years now and the oil consumption is outrageous. I burn 5 quarts of oil every 2-3 weeks. Every time I had taken my car to get oil changes I am told that my specific engine has always been an oil guzzler. Well fast forward to last week. I was driving my car to work when the engine light came on and my car no longer wanted to accelerate. I pulled over and turned the car off. I changed out the battery considering maybe this was the issue. This did not fix the issue. I ended up towing my vehicle to the Kia Dealership in Hurst. I was told that I had 2 broken cylinders and my engine is not replaceable. My question to the service tech was how would my cylinders just break? I was given no answers but a number to call. This number ended up being Kia Consumers who don’t call me or answer the line. I have had the knock sensor replaced which should cover me for any extended warranty that is said to be in place but I am pulled in circles. I need help getting my car through the motions.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11520100May 2, 2023
AIR BAGS, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I took my car into the local Kia dealership after my engine failed while driving down the highway. I was approved for the engine replacement due to the recall. However after my engine was replaced, and still in the shop, the side curtain airbag module gave an error due to low voltage. Now I'm out $1200 for an item that should not fail within the first 6 years. I have had vehicles 3 times as old that did not have safety sensors or features failing. As Kia obviously has issues with airbag modules I believe my vehicle year and model should be included in this recall. Anytime there are multiple complaints for a failing safety feature on a vehicle less than 10 years old, the manufacturers should have an indepth investigation by an independent agency. These recalls should not be so narrow focused when there are many other models and years that have the same issues. Putting the responsibility on consumers to file complaints and beg for recalls to be issued seems like a backward system that is a burden to those that can't affoard to wait to MAYBE be reimbursed IF their car gets included in a recall later. When searching complaints for Kia airbags, there are several models/years that are not covered under current recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11519168April 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since this car did not come equipped with the Anti Theft Immobiliing System, due to recent events like increased theft of Kias and Hyundais ill equipped, an software upgrade was developed by each of the companies. When the dealer performed the anti theft software upgrade to my car, I was not informed at the time of the repair that this software upgrade disables the use of my Kia Remote Starting System. I was told Kia is working on a fix. So, in essence, we need a fix to fix a fix, simply because Kia and Hyundai decided in a cost saving measure to manufacture select years and models that are not equipped with the engine immobilizer key recognition system. I have heard talk of a possible recall for these affected vehicles by the NHTSA. Additionally, my car just manifested an issue today with an illuminated Oil Pressure Indicator Light on the instrument cluster. I have plenty of oil on the dipstick. Could this be more of the same with respect to previous years engine failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11518826April 25, 2023
ENGINE
This is how I am feeling and the reason for being an unhappy customer. I shouldn't have to keep buying gallons of oil to put in my car every other day. Oil change was done on Sept 6th along with spark plugs put in due to oil consumption. Took my car again to Kia on Sept 21th because there was no oil in my vehicle, so they put oil in. Then on Sunday Oct 2nd I had to spend $44 on a gallon of oil because there was no oil in it once again. It’s a recall and should be fixed regardless if it doesn't shut off while I'm driving, hearing the knocking noise, and or the check engine light comes on. First I was told to bring it or call if the check engine light comes on and stays on now I am told it has to come on and stay blinking. I can be on the highway with my family or infant grandchild and my car shuts off what if I cause and accident, kill someone, or myself or family dies in my car. Would you rather have a lawsuit or fix the problem before that happens. I have talked to other mechanics that have went through it with their customers and they fixed the issue with the Kia's before it gets to this point. Still has of now every two weeks I am buying $44 worth of oil to put in my car. Even from the advisor that I have been dealing with at Kia named Beau stated that my spark plugs issue was from the oil, and he always stated oh its getting close to the motor going out. Now my car is hesitating and its doing the same thing as it was before the new spark plugs except the check engine light isn’t on. I can’t afford to keep putting oil in it and constantly getting oil changes. Just from the receipt the Kia Manufactured attached isn’t the only time that I have been to Kia or contacted the manufactured company regarding this. It took me to take it to a different shop when I can’t stating to Kia the issue than finally they said it’s a recall on the car. It’s also a recall on the fuel pump and I advised them and still didn’t order the part or fix that as well. Still having issues now
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517796April 19, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began to violently shake with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine and the engine oil pressure warning lights flashed but disappeared. The contact veered to the side of the road and towed the vehicle to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515166April 3, 2023
ENGINE
My car has an oil consumption problem with more that a quart every 1000 miles. It has around 94000 miles on it now. Took it to dealers and they say its normal with Kias. Have not pulled it apart because I do not have the money.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512948March 21, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car went into limp mode (three times since July 2022) and slowed down on the freeway from 70mph to 20mph without prior warning, putting my life at risk. Dash reads “check hybrid system”. Kia’s had my car for a week without allowing me a loaner or answers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11512720March 20, 2023
ENGINE
I took my car in for a recall, Kia let me leave with an unsafe vehicle. Everything in the recall is happening to my car and it is extremely unsafe. These things were happening before I went in for the recall and after I left from having the recall checked. "Abnormal knocking noise from engine," "illumination of oil pressure warning light." The HEV warning light comes on and tells me to turn off my car immediately which has happened many times in unsafe conditions i.e. being in the middle of the highway in the rain. The check engine light came on but it comes on, then is off, then comes back on. There is a recall for the engine, oil is leaking into the engine on to the hot exhaust which can cause fire to the engine. This started happening not long after getting the car, this is why I brought it in for the recall. I made the appointment right away but the closest appointment was in about 2 months. It continued to happen after they "checked" the recall. The oil pressure light illuminates, the traction control light illuminates, and then 5-10 seconds later a warning comes across the dashboard saying "Check Hybrid system. Turn off engine. HEV!" Now I am being told I would have to bring my car in today, let the car sit at Kia for 4-6 weeks until they can diagnose it, and they will not give me a loaner car. I cannot be without a car for 4-6 weeks, this isn't my fault, and I cannot go pay for a rental car for 4-6 weeks. They are saying I cannot make an appointment for this, which makes no sense to me because I initially made an appointment to get the recall checked. My safety, the safety of my three children, and other passengers has been put at risk because I am driving and all the sudden these lights come on, the car starts dinging, and tells me to turn off the engine. This constantly happens when I am on roads where I can't just pull over quickly. I have been on the highway a few times and this has happened. Couldnt get over immediately and the car was barely moving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511909March 15, 2023
ENGINE
My car is consuming oil crazily and way too often. I just bought this car from a dealership 4 months ago and it is getting worse and worse. Losing power. I’m scared to drive it on the highway due to stories from other people and their kias. I have no choice but to drive it because I have to work. I need help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511882March 14, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Cruise control does not maintain a steady speed and constantly fluctuates 10+- miles an hour! The dealer refuses to fix and says they cannot reproduce the symptom. I used a tracker and saw the dealer drive it around the block, never attempting to put it on the freeway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511883March 14, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle will shake during acceleration. It comes without warning and will cause the check engine light to flash and stay on for about a minute. It goes away on its own. However, there do not seem to be any stored codes, according to my personal OBDII scanner. The dealer refuses to take it in because there is no check engine light. However, this has happened in several occasions and could lead to an accident. The dealer appears to be waiting for the warranty period to run out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11511029March 9, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, black smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe and the vehicle was jerking. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact added engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where oil was found on unknown sensors and on the coils. The contact was informed that an oil change was needed, and the filter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was 110,569.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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