Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11711382January 16, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The dipstick was completely dry before 5000 miles were up. I had to add some oil to the engine to avoid engine failure. I have reported this to Jim Ellis dealership in Kennesaw GA but I was told to drive the vehicle until it knocks or the knock sensor goes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711110January 15, 2026
STEERING
I am getting a clunking in the steering column.. I feel that my vehicle may be unsafe to drive.. Upon inspection it was brought to my attention that kia had known of a problem with a coupler in the steering that goes bad..they have extended the warranty.. But only for cars purchased in certain states. I feel that this problem should be covered...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711035January 14, 2026
ENGINE
While driving my 2016 Kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was Door Dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 Wolf Creek Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness for over an hour while multiple oncoming vehicles passed by, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be left on the roadside overnight. The following day, the vehicle would only start briefly when jump-started, ran for approximately 15 seconds, and shut off again. It could not move and was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. At the dealership, technicians jump-started the vehicle, performed diagnostics, added engine oil, cleared codes, reset adaptive values, and conducted a test drive. During that test drive, the engine seized again, and the vehicle had to be towed back. Kia approved a full engine replacement under its extended engine warranty, acknowledging engine failure consistent with known defects. However, after the engine replacement, the vehicle would not start at all. Kia stated oil intrusion from the failed engine damaged electronic components, leaving the vehicle non-operational. Kia denied coverage for the resulting damage and issued an estimated $6,000 repair bill for engine harness, injector sub-harness, and ECU replacement. The vehicle remains inoperable following an approved warranty repair. This incident involved sudden loss of propulsion while driving, occurred without warning, resulted in repeated engine seizure, and left the vehicle disabled in traffic at night. This appears consistent with known Kia engine defects and presents a serious safety concern that warrants investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710748January 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased this vehicle on [XXX], with approximately 170,150 miles. On [XXX], during a routine oil change at approximately 172,636 miles, it was discovered that the engine had no oil present. Shortly afterward, the oil warning light began flickering intermittently while driving. On November 4, 2025, at approximately 175,495 miles, a certified mechanic again confirmed that there was no oil present in the engine. At no point were there visible external oil leaks, indicating excessive internal oil consumption. This condition creates a serious safety risk, as sudden engine failure while driving could lead to loss of power, stalling, or accidents. Based on my experience and publicly known issues involving Kia engines, this appears to be a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this issue as a potential safety defect. 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
#11710752January 13, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle paint is bubbling and peeling
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710781January 13, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the engine had seized and to tow the vehicle to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was confirmed that the engine had failed. The contact was informed that since the vehicle had a branded title, it could not be repaired. The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The contact stated that back in October 2024, the vehicle had been in a hit-and-run accident. The insurance company had declared the vehicle a total loss. The contact kept the vehicle and registered it with the rebuilt title. The contact stated that the engine on the vehicle was the original engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that Kia Customer Care called and advised the contact that the manufacturer declined the request for the repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710570January 13, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Motor blew going down the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710617January 13, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint defect, this is a well documented issue with the snow white pearl paint color. need to get the vehicle repainted so it looks as good as it drives. there is the bubbling, flaking and in some spots down to the bare metal.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710466January 12, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the speedometer started malfunctioning, and the check engine warning light was flashing. There was an abnormal burning odor, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down for an hour. While attempting to restart the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were flashing, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was picked up by her daughter, and the vehicle was later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer later informed the contact that the warning lights had turned off. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the tires, the oil, and the oil filter needed to be replaced. The contact declined to pay for the parts replacement because the oil and the oil filter had been replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was ready for pick up. The contact stated that after a family member picked up the vehicle, the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact stated that the dealer had informed them that an arrangement had been made for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, no further update was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710148January 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
While driving during colder weather the car will show HEV (hybrid system) warning and tell you to shut it off. I was in a construction zone with no where to pull over when the car died and lost all propulsion and brakes. This seems to be a common problem on KIA Optima hybrids from 2012-2015.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709938January 9, 2026
ENGINE
Car is burning a lot of oil, took to dealer went through several tests and they claim burning 1.5 quarts was within limit for 1000 miles. Then started getting misfire codes and car went into limp mode a couple of times. They said to replace spark plugs because they were fouled and clean injection. Performed those requested actions, then 45k later getting misfire codes again, took to another dealer they said plugs are fould and clean injection again. Asked them to provide a permanent fix for the issue so the car does not keep fouling out the plugs and they said the only way to fix was to replace the motor. I asked, since you have no guaranteed fix why don't you replace the defective motor under warranty. They said because it is not locked up or throwing a specific code detecting a knock in the motor. So I said the motor will have to completely fail before a replacement would be approved they said yes (basically suggesting I somehow blow up the motor). This is wrong, a product under warranty from manufaturer and cannot be fixed without replacing the part should be covered. I do not know what my options are at this point, the milage warranty has run out and they will not do anything to fix it, just bandaids until it dies. the dealers would not put it in writing only verbally telling me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710029January 9, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
It started with the oil. I constantly have to add oil. when it first started that’s what I was doing just adding oil. Then it got worse the engine light started to come on and it no longer gives me the low oil warning. I took it to the dealership and it was there for about three weeks. They said that the car needed a system update, they updated it and i took it home after that. Its been about a year since then and my car is still having the same issue and getting worse. I had to change the spark plugs a few times since then i also have oil coming out the back pipe and it’s been doing this since before I took it to the dealership. I also had to spend money on a rental car while it was at the dealership.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709712January 8, 2026
ENGINE
While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power and entered limp mode. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle had very limited acceleration, creating a safety concern when driving in traffic. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System – range/performance). During inspection, the dealer found metal contamination in the engine oil and oil control valves and advised that the engine has internal damage and requires replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709740January 8, 2026
ENGINE
The engine on my 2013 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] ) failed catastrophically less than one mile after purchase. This vehicle is subject to Kia Safety Recall SC147, which addresses a manufacturing defect involving engine bearing wear caused by factory machining debris and identifies engine replacement as the remedy when failure occurs. A Kia dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed the failure was denied under warranty. I then requested that the dealership pursue recall compliance under Safety Recall SC147. After consultation with Kia Techline and a Kia service representative, the dealership declined to submit or pursue recall compliance for this engine failure. I am submitting this complaint for recall non-compliance and request that this matter be reviewed. 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
#11709571January 8, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My Kia OptimaLX had no check engine light not running any different no warning or light indicators turned on but car caught on fire while parked after only driving less than 5mins less than 1 mile from home. Entire front dash burned all the way to the gear shift. Every recall notice recieved was taken care of as soon as I was notified that there was a recall and they had the part to change it out. The engine was part of the recall and was replaced and a fuse module box was replaced 1 month or less from the time of the fire. Car is considered a total loss from insurance company.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709575January 8, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
I turned the car off, it had difficulty turning back on and the brake pedal got really hard. I had to wait about 30-45 minutes and then I was able to get the car started and brake pedal back to normal and no lights. Recently, I left the car on to run into a shop real quick and come back out. When I got back to the car, the power steering light, battery, and warning light?(amber triangle with ! In the center of it) were all on. I rev the engine and the issue went away for a quick second but then came back on. To avoid turning my car off and being stuck, I just shift to reverse and tried to leave. I’m backing out of the spot and now the backup camera is going in and out lights flashing on the dash and I’m trying to brake but the brake pedal isn’t registering and next thing you know, I’ve backed into a guard rail. On the way to drop my kids off at the babysitter, I was coming to a stop sign, and my car wouldn’t brake, i went through oncoming trafic and had to run off the road. KIA did a multi point inspection a few months apart from one another. One the car tested fine, then the second time they are saying a brake booster and no engine oil in the vehicle and that the car is basically trash. The oil light goes on and off and I can smell burning oil. I still owe 7 grand on this car and I just bought it last year and it was seamingly fine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709420January 7, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–35 MPH, the engine started knocking. The check engine warning light illuminated once the knock started in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact stated that there was an open recall associated with the VIN; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because the engine was knocking. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709503January 7, 2026
ENGINE
My 2013 Kia Optima SXL experienced engine knock and shutdown after completion of recall SC147 (KSDS software update). The recall did not repair the known Theta II rod bearing defect and now the engine is failing as detected by the software. Kia corporate and Kia of Merced (Merced, CA) are refusing repair, citing auction purchase and PI1803, despite the engine being covered under the Theta II engine warranty extension. The vehicle is unsafe to operate and shuts down unexpectedly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709524January 7, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied request to return car for refund
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709557January 7, 2026
ENGINE, STEERING
Engine seized
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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