Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11675946July 24, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
PAINT ON MY KIA OPTIMA HAS BEEN PEAL LIKE THE PAINT JOB WAS BAD IT WAS NEVER PAINT IT HAS ORGINAL PAINT FROM WHEN IT WAS FIRST OPERATED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675671July 23, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving home one day, the engine shut off while in traffic. The engine light had started to blink right before. The battery, starter, and oil levels were fine. A mechanic later confirmed the engine was locked. I see there are articles stating there were engine recalls for 2011-2014 Kia optima’s, but my 2014 Kia Optima EX was denied. Please help. I love my Kia. Thanks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675773July 23, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is peeling off in large pieces despite there being no damage. We have the pearl white color.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675639July 23, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Complaint Message – 2016 Kia Optima Engine Failure Without Oil Light Warning I am the owner of a 2016 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated at any point to warn me. I am aware that Kia previously recalled earlier model years (2011–2014) for similar engine issues under Recall SC147 and others, related to the Theta II engine and oil pressure-related failures. Many owners reported the exact same symptom — catastrophic engine failure without oil light warnings — that I am now experiencing in my 2016 Optima. Although my model year is not included in the existing recall, the failure pattern appears identical. I believe this presents a significant safety issue that should be investigated. A critical warning system (oil pressure light) failed to function properly, which directly led to engine damage. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated by NHTSA and Kia for potential expansion of the recall or warranty coverage to include the 2016 Optima. I have already contacted Kia and am pursuing further review through the dealership and customer support. Please note that other 2016 Optima owners have reported similar complaints online and in forums, and this issue may affect a broader number of vehicles than currently acknowledged. 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
#11675298July 22, 2025
STEERING
The steering coupler for this vehicle is a cheap part that wears out easily. After just 110,000 miles my steering wheel now has a significant amount of "play" and makes a loud clicking sound while driving, even without moving the steering wheel, due to the amount of "play" in the steering. This is an expensive repair due to having to disassemble the steering column all because the cheap part wears out prematurely. This is a known problem for KIA Optimas and results in very expensive repairs for a very cheap part.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675447July 22, 2025
ENGINE
I’m experiencing severe oil consumption and spark plug fouling, which are known problems with the GDI engine. This is affecting driveability and may indicate piston ring or valve seal failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674955July 21, 2025
ENGINE
The car stalled out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675005July 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:INSTRUMENT PANEL:SPEEDOMETER/ODOMETER
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 56,276. and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 114,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675096July 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact's daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high systems temperature switching to hybrid mode message was displayed. The contact stated that there was a two-hour delay for a full charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the fluids in the vehicle needed to be changed. The vehicle wasn’t repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer to remove all the items located in the trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the battery fan assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674879July 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I previously submitted a report regarding engine failure in my Kia 2017, Optima. I’d like to update the complaint with new details. Upon mechanical inspection, it was confirmed that the engine bears Hyundai branding and has sustained internal damage including broken pistons and valve failure. These issues appear consistent with the known oil ring defect affecting Hyundai-manufactured engines used in Kia vehicles. Symptoms included: Engine knocking and rough idling Sudden loss of oil and reduced performance Full engine failure requiring replacement I believe my vehicle may have been missed in the recall or settlement programs and request this update be added to my case. I’m willing to provide repair estimates, diagnostic reports, and photos upon request. Thank you for investigating this issue further
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674420July 18, 2025
ENGINE
Engine issue, it’s knocking loud and misfires. Engine light flashing and Car went into limp mode , will not go over 60 mph . I have changed the spark plugs, knock sensor, and had an oil change nothing has fixed my issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674425July 18, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2018 Kia Optima LX began using excessive oil (>3 quarts/1000 miles) just over 100K miles. I researched and found that the Theta II engine in my car is known for this. When I took my car to dealership (Stokes Hodges Kia, North Augusta, SC), with the check engine light on, they told me me plugs were fouled (they were just replaced 1 yr prior), cylinder 3 misfiring, and that I needed to pay a few thousand dollars to have repaired. When I asked them to guarantee the soaking process they recommended, they responded that they couldn't, that it "only worked 80% of the time." I have the KSDS download since 2019 and asked them to follow the guidelines of their TSB ENG 222 for the class action lawsuit and start a 1000 mile oil consumption test. they refused, basically telling me the only way to get a new engine from Kia, since my car is over 100K miles, is to drive it until the engine seizes. I expressed my fear for personal safety, but they wouldn't help me. I am original owner and have all services, etc documented. I called Kia customer affairs, then was told only local dealership could help. they stuck me in a loop between them without helping. Please help me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674496July 18, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that during the second failure, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the person who the contact purchased the vehicle from who was a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674521July 18, 2025
ENGINE
The engine seized and is out of commission on 7/16/25.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674547July 18, 2025
ENGINE
My Kia optima fe 2017 has been consuming a lot of motor oil it takes a quart every 2 to 3 weeks and of if I drive it more than average it needs motor oil sooner
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674588July 18, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact notified the insurance company; however, no claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674164July 17, 2025
ENGINE
I own a Kia optima LX 4.0 engine when I called I was told that this car has an open recall for engine rod bearing defect my engine locked up on me 2 mts ago and has not ran since I just finalized my payments on this car and received the title...I took very good care of this car and it was well maintained...it only has 104,000 miles on it.i called and was told this open recall could be fixed with no problem however when I took it to Kia dealership here in gso NC they refused to repair it..I've spent almost 200.00 in towing fees for nothiing..I'm so unhappy with the response I've gotten with this company since I have had such a wonderful experience with my car I hope maybe I can get a response from your company for its the only car I have and my daily living activities have been altered by lack of transportation..thank you..I was told to call attorney general to see what could come about however Im hoping I can get a response from your office
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674268July 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674037July 16, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673608July 15, 2025
ENGINE
Kia is aware of the engine oil consumption causing misfires, failed emissions test, blowing a rod and engine lock up. THEIR SOLUTION WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT STATE ONCE THE CAR IS LOCKED UP OR ROD HAS BLOWN THROUGH THE ENGINE THEN THEY WILL FIX IT. I HAVE HAD TO ADD OIL AT LEAST 3 TIMES EVERY 3000 MILES AND CONTINUE TO REPLACE THE OIL FILTER AS WELL. THE SPARK PLUGS HAVE BEEN REPLACED MUTLIPLE TIMES ALSO TO HELP WITH THIS ISSUE. KIA ADVISED THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT FALL UNDER THIS RECALL EVEN THOUGH MY VEHICHLE IS HAVING THE SAME ISSUES AS THE RECALL STATES. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL AND THEY SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO GET AWAY WITH SELLING DEFECTIVE VEHICLES AND NOT REPAIRING THE ISSUES THEY KNEW THEY HAD PRIOR TO SELLING THE VEHICLES. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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