Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11555496November 16, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a general failure with the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 75,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555273November 15, 2023
AIR BAGS
Airbag / SRS light came on. Took vehicle to the dealer service center for diagnostics. They found the issue is the Air Bag - Clockspring Assembly / Spiral Cable: 51K1Z01 : BODY ELECT CONCERN. With the airbag light on none of the airbags will deploy in the event of an accident. So the clock spring assembly must be replaced and is currently not under any manufacturer warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11555172November 14, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
When driving down the highway car will beep a message on dashboad to pull the car over and turn engine off. the HEV light will be flashing. you can turn engine off and re start in a minute or so. the check engine light stays on and tells me to check hybrid system this willl ocur at random once a week or two times in a month. Kia dealership has not fixed the issue. I dont trust driving the car or safe when pulling off a busy highway. ON hand held obd did get a trouble code P0A37 Generator Temperature Sensor Hi Range .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554797November 13, 2023
STEERING
The following information was stated in the repair report to the Kia Dealership Service Dept.: 09:49 10NOV23 12:18 10NOV23 LINE OPCODE TECH TYPE HOURS LIST NET TOTAL A CUSTOMER STATES CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL WHEN TURNING WHEEL, STEERING DOES NOT SEEM AS RESPONSIVE SINCE NOISE STARTED...CLIENT INFORMED OF 200.00 STARTING DIAGNOSTIC CHARGE...CLIENT OUT OF WARRANTY FOR WTY006 WARRANTY EXTENSION FOR FLEX COUPLER.... IF IT IS POSSIBLE FLEX COUPLER CAUSING STEERING WHEEL ISSUE, CLIENT HAS PART ON PASSENGER FRONT SEAT KI REPLACED FLEX COUPLER 2046 CKI 400.00 400.00 PARTS: 0.00 LABOR: 400.00 OTHER: 0.00 TOTAL LINE A: 400.00
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554801November 13, 2023
ENGINE
my 2016 kia optima start at 60000 miles was using about a qt.ever 800-1000 miles under the 10yr. 100000 warranty they replaced the motor with about 80000 miles on it now with new motor now with about 80000 miles on 2nd.motor it doing the something they did all text now at 1000 miles I'm using about 3qt. after all the tests they say nothing they can do.was told after test was done if all checked out nothing they could do it did not pass they would replace motor when test started i was using 2-qt. every 1000 miles after they did there combustion cleaning i felled test and now use 3-qt. every 1000 mile now back 2 sq. 1 nothing they can do. ANY HELP WITH THIS MATTER WOULD BE GREAT!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554926November 13, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I purchased my 2020 kia optima 8/2022. On 10/21/23 I was on the freeway and the engine light started flashing, car made a knocking sound, went limp, speed dropped from 75 to 32 quickly while I was changing lanes, and Would not go over 32 mph. I made it home and started researching online and found out about the recalls. My car is not one since it's a 2020. I removed the car from my garage and parked it at end of my driveway and it's still sitting there as of today 11/13/23. I ordered a diagnostic reader and it stated code 1326 for engine. My car has done same things as the other recalled cars, same code, and same 2.4L Theta ll engine. I called Kia Corporate office on 11/13 (case #15978041) they stated my car is not one of the recalled cars, my warranty expired at 60k, and everything will have to be paid out of my pocket! I asked to speak to a supervisor and was given their voicemail. I called Kia here in Conway, Ark and they stated to bring car in for them to test it. Towing and testing would be at my expense. My insurance might cover towing and since I have extended warranty then they will need that information. I am not involving my insurance since alot of companies will not cover my vehicle due to the recent theft issue defect. They could drop my car to avoid possible liabilities. I should not have to involve my extended warranty since this is a Kia problem and I do not have money for a deductible for new engine. They knowingly put those same raggedy engines in the 2020 kia's, settled the recall case and now expect the consumer to come out of pocket for their fraud. Kia needs to come tow this car, provide me a rental, and replace the engine. They need to pay my car note and insurance for the months its not driveable, but thats legal issue I will address
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554959November 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Something is so wrong with my car, I can not see through the UVO screen no sound at all, can not detect my car key unless I put my key on dashboard. UVO works and dies instantly. Something in computer part of my KIA is BAD not operating normal. I take my car to KIA in Lithonia GA still NO HELP!! NO KIA DEALER WILL HELP ME UNLESS I PAY A HIGH DOLLAR! My 2015 Kia Optima EX needs help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554757November 12, 2023
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Driving 80 miles an hour several hours from home on a major interstate and my car shut off. Pulled over on side of interstate and check engine light came on and car won’t accelerate and is making a knocking noise
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554765November 12, 2023
STEERING, SUSPENSION
After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554624November 11, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
This pre-owned vehicle lost power at an intersection with my wife and child in the vehicle. Both of them were fearful and in tears. Several indicator lights suggested problems with the engine, HEV system , and battery. Upon returning home, I notified Carmax and scheduled the vehicle for service at a local Kia dealership. Although the mechanic told me that he knew there is a problem with the vehicle, Kia failed to diagnose or fix the problem(s), and could not assure me that the vehicle was safe to drive. Maxcare would not cover a rental car because no diagnosis was made. Kia also informed me of a previously undisclosed, long history of problems going back to 35 miles on the odometer. I requested a copy of Kia's vehicle history report and Kia refused to provide it. I also reported this safety concern to Kia Consumer Affairs, who provided no immediate solution, said they would contact the local Kia dealership, and referred me to an "ongoing" class action settlement at [XXX] , which indicated that the settlement had closed on 8/9/21. Because no other option was offered to me, I was forced to pick up the vehicle from Kia. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554474November 10, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a snow pearl white kia that the paint started chipping off and is continuing to do such all over the vehicle. There is an area on the hood with rust starting where the paint starting chipping first. I have contacted kia and the rep looked for recalls but there were non for paint. The warranty was only for 3 years on the paint but the issue didn't start happening till after that. I have seen other SWP colored kia's with the same issue and there is a forum on FB with many other kia owners having the same problem. The prominant color seems to be the white one's but others are affected as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554504November 10, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on my Kia is abnormally bubbling and flaking off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554510November 10, 2023
STEERING
This has happened several times to me! While driving the steering wheel locks up and I have to coast to a stop to turn off the engine to reset the wheel. It has happened going 60mph down the hwy with my 3 young kids in the backseat. Going 30mph and I have almost hit two cars because of this. If I couldn't stop in time and time hwy wasn't a straight road we would've died. The part I need for the car has been on a back order for over a year. Kia said its not that big of an issue but my life and my kids life is at risk every day!!! Please help!!! This can't only be happening to my car!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554566November 10, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All four windows are not operational and ceased function within 2 months of the initial rear window failing. Three of the windows are currently propped up by door stops and the driver window is stuck all the way down. I spoke to Kia Dealership and they are familiar with the problem. It happens a lot in warm climates. They can repair all 4 windows for a cost of $2000.00 to $2400. Kia vehicles are defective and dangerous because the power window regulators fail and cause the windows to fail. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Kia for this Issue. Michael Le Beau, et al. v. Kia America Inc., Case No. [XXX] filed in California. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554433November 9, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STEERING
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and drove to the residence, where the vehicle remained parked. The vehicle was not repaired. The Kia dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554104November 8, 2023
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was with my family on PA I-476. While traveling home in our 2014 Kia Optima the vehicle’s dash lights such as oil lamp, battery, etc popped on. As soon as I noticed the lights the vehicle had completely lost all drivability. Lights operable and possibly radio and accessories but I had to react so quickly as it was so unexpected. The vehicle completely lost its function and I was unable to operate it but in the capacity of steering and hardly able to break. Lost all power components. We are so thankful I was able to make a split second decision to dodge traffic while vehicle was decelerating, 18 wheelers going by 70+ mph (speed limit) and pulled off to one of the few shoulders. This scenario was so dangerous that if I didn’t believe in a higher being before, I do now! Most the lanes are sandwiched by concrete barriers and there happened to be a coned off area I was able to decisively pull over to. There was no warning this was happening. The vehicle was operating normally. The engine compartment was smoking and all I could think was to get my family away from traffic. The look on my wife and daughters face and the words my daughter asked me was life changing. The vehicle is at Kia dealership since Saturday night. It’s Wednesday and they cannot provide diagnostic yet but are charging me for a starter already? They began to inspect vehicle Monday.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554251November 8, 2023
ENGINE
The motor is knock and no acceleration . Burning oil to much. Get oil change but adding oil everyday.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11553985November 7, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and jerked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased from. The contact was advised that the vehicle would be towed to a Kia dealer for service. The vehicle was towed to the Kia dealer and diagnosed with failed spark plugs. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the Kia dealer and the contact was informed that the spark plugs were corroded due to oil consumption and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the engine needed a combustion cleaning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554019November 7, 2023
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and driving over a bump in the roadway, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. Additionally, the front end of the vehicle and the steering column vibrated significantly, and the vehicle was pulling to the right. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to steer the vehicle back into the lane. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer several times, and unknown repairs were completed; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who informed the contact that the failure could be related to the tie rod and to unknown bushings. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11554030November 7, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine failure & fuel leak. Also oil was burning extremely fast . I had taking it to the dealership while back ago for a recall and said it was fixed. Few months later gas started running out fast. A check light engine came on saying there was an evaporation leak. I did call the dealership to see what exactly they fixed, emailed them. They kept telling me they would call me back and never did. Wouldn’t get any emails back. I took it upon headquarters to let them know about the oil burning fast and emailed. And called them. Apparently there was nothing they can do and told me I have to call the dealership. I took the car to my mechanic because I trust him more than the actual dealership at this point. And I brought up concerns about my safety being in that car. No one heard me out or seemed to care. And now forward months later after check light engines on and the pcv valve getting changed, purge valve. The light stopped coming on after changing the purge valve got change which linked to the code that showed up. I started seeing online that Kia optima’s have so many engine problems , misfires etc. and now my Kia has an engine failure. I tried to contact Kia again by entering the info for a settlement and I was told there is nothing they can do about it. So now I’m left with $5,500 to finish paying off my loan for the car and can’t even drive the car anymore. I havnt felt safe In my car for months and no one would hear me out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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