Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11492554November 7, 2022
ENGINE
My engine has died while driving on two occasions. The first time the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road and I turned the ignition off and it cranked right up. No more issues for approximately two months. The next time I was driving and the engine died I pulled over to the side of the road, turned the ignition off and tried to crank it but nothing happened. All the lights were on but the engine wouldn't turn over at all, no clicking noise, absolutely nothing. I was so confused because all lights were on but nothing happened when I turned the key. I had it towed to Pep Boys who said I had complete engine failure. What? No warning, no check engine lights, no running hot, I maintained my car religiously. I heard there was a recall on the Theta engines but I can't find anything on 2015 engines. If the engines have a recall up to 2014 and my engine did the same exact thing then my engine repair and/or replacement should be covered under a warranty also. This is dangerous. I was traveling at speeds between 75 -80mph when the engine died. This needs to be addressed but I can't seem to find anyone that cares enough to help me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492597November 7, 2022
STEERING
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while turning in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the steering wheel coupler was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the issue and both informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492658November 7, 2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
REAR LED TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLIES filling with water ! which could cause a short or electrical fire that could effect the driving of vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492493November 6, 2022
ENGINE
While driving vehicle it started making noise and then loss of power
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492522November 6, 2022
ENGINE
Engine rod bearings are now making a knocking sound. It is available for inspection when driving down the high my car lost power engine light started to flash and then a loud knocking noise started.I was in the highway with my three children when the car lost power cause me and my family to be out in harms way of being hit from behind. The vehicle has been inspected by a mechanic who stated the engine will need to be repairs due to the rod bearings. No warning lights were on until the car all the sudden lost power and started knocking. I then had to have it towed 150 miles just to get it home
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492374November 5, 2022
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oil indicator light then the car would shut down while driving. I couldn’t get it to accelerate. Mechanic said Kia’s and Hyundais have been having those issues. I have needed oil changes every 3 weeks to keep in functioning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492271November 4, 2022
ENGINE
New engine installed in 2018. New turbo installed in 2020. Started to loose oil daily. Checked it daily to add oil. The week before engine failure it had no power. Took to a mechanic who replaced the air filter and the sparkplugs. The next day, 10 miles form my house the oil light came on and then the engine light came on and died. I pulled over to the side of the highway. Diagnosis: Needs new engine and Turbo.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492065November 3, 2022
AIR BAGS
Air bag light malfunction
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492088November 3, 2022
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492125November 3, 2022
STEERING
The steering wheel flex coupler is defective. There is a loud clicking sound when turning the steering wheel. Kia currently does not offer free repair since out of warranty. I am hoping they will instead offer a recall. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492156November 3, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown Driver’s window does not operate either up or down.. Making a noise when I tried to put the window down in order to open it. Only 23,700 mileage on my 2016 Optima This is a safety issue and my VIN number needs to be placed on the recall list. There has been a gear breakage issue on 2016 optima I cannot afford to repair this, being a senior citizen on fixed income
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492188November 3, 2022
ENGINE, STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY
1. The vehicle has been smoking and constantly burning all the oil. 2. Paint has been pealing all over the car. 3. Electronic parking brakes not working at all now and vehicle will not pass inspection. 4. Electronic steering assist not working tripping the warning light on the dash.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11492002November 2, 2022
ENGINE
I took my car in for an oil change and it was extremely low on oil, I found out that Kia has a class action law suit for excessive oil consumption. I had the test performed at a Kia dealership and it does in fact have the oil consumption issue, it was down 2 quarts within 1000 miles. Kia is saying that they will not cover it or perform the necessary fix that is required (replace the engine or at least perform the combustion cleaning procedure). This in my mind is a safety hazard and Kia should back their product of a known issue. My wife drives this car and if the engine locks up she could be stranded or injured if it happens on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491721November 1, 2022
ENGINE
Blown engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491730November 1, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I was making a right hand turn and I noticed my turn signal was flashing very fast. So I pulled over once I had the opportunity to. I turned on my signal and checked to see if they were working and found my rear to be out. Went to the parts store purchased new bulbs and drove home. My husband changed the bulbs on both sides and it still did the same thing I checked the bulbs and they were the correct ones so we swapped it and still not working. Has a electrical issue in the tail light assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491678October 31, 2022
ENGINE
The engine stopped running while driving down the Hwy. this could have caused a major accident. This has not been inspected by the manufacturer yet. There were warnings or indications that anything was wrong.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491496October 30, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2013 KIA Optima in Snow White Pearl "SWP" has delaminating and pealing paint issues all over the body of the car. Mainly in the front bumper, hood and A pillars of the car. It extends to every single panel of the car even obscure out of the way areas. Only the paint is affected. The body underneath shows no sing of denting from a hard hit of any type. The paint simply delaminates on its own.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491508October 30, 2022
ENGINE
The oil is leaking into the engine, was taken to a kia dealer for repair $542.45 unsuccessful , I am putting oil in my car every 3 weeks. Purchased the car in April and over $2500 spent. The oil is still going into the engine, no leaks on the ground. Was told to deal with it and wait until my engine pops by Thomas kia of highland indiana
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491532October 30, 2022
ENGINE
Leak and/or cracked oil pan around the drain plug. Due to past issues regarding the crankshaft bearings I fear the oil consumption could assist in the issue. Also fear the oil leaking neak the exhaust and catalytic converter could ignite a fire beneath the vehicle. Vehicle has not been inspected by a dealership yet. And there have been no dash lights to indicate the problem. It was found while trying to investigate oil spots on ground beneath vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490969October 26, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the driveway of her home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The sparks plugs were replaced but the failure persisted. On another occasion, the contact noticed that oil was leaking from under the vehicle again, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was oil cylinder #3 spark plug. The spark plug and PCV valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the contact would receive a call back. The failure mileage was 93,226.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Optima