Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11673613July 15, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
PEARL WHITE PAINT ON MY 2014 IS CHIPPING OFF ON THE TRUNK, HOOD AND ROOF
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673283July 14, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a general inquiry on Kia white paint. My paint is chipping off all over my car. They told me it's inherent to white paint. Is this true or are the trying to get away without addressing the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11673169July 13, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1) Rear passenger window failed a couple months ago. I believe it was regulator, not 100% sure. Cost me a couple hundred to fix. Now, few months later, the driver side rear window has failed. I rarely use the windows so I believe the failing parts are Kia known manufacturing defect. The dealer acknowledged that it’s a known problem with the vehicles like mine and even suggested the other one is going to fail soon. Now it has. If the dealership is aware then it’s likely a Kia flaw. If it’s a know manufacturing flaw, shouldn’t Kia should be fixing them instead of making customers spend upwards of $1k+ to fix both windows? 2) cruise control cuts off or doesn’t set and menus won’t go back to speedometer. While trying to set cruise control, it gets into the menu and won’t go back to the speedometer. Sometimes I have to pull over and stop to get the cruise control to work again. It gets stuck in the menu and can’t see the speedometer. Might get stuck on the trip screen, or the range. This has been happening since about 75k miles. It also doesn’t work with the pedal to set sometimes. Messing with it while driving can be a real hazard and sometimes I need to have cruise control to work. It’s deforming more than just inconvenient
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672753July 11, 2025
ENGINE
Engine failed despite maintenance and repairs. The car is part of the active class action for Kia Engine Defects. The KSDS software was never installed as we were never notified about the recall by kia. As a result, Kia denied coverage under the engine defect class action settlement. We need this vehicle repaired or compensation for replacement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672507July 10, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my 2015 Kia Optima is severely peeling off, especially on the trunk, hood, and driver-side pillar. The passenger side also has some peeling. This is not a minor cosmetic issue — it significantly affects the vehicle’s appearance and long-term durability. Many other owners of this model have reported the same issue, indicating a widespread paint defect. I contacted Kia through several official channels and received no response. I believe this is a manufacturer defect and should be addressed as a broader consumer issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672508July 10, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Purchased car about 4 months ago, before warranty ran out, the shop looked at it told me it was fine, it wouldn't accelerate. Few weeks later same issue but all my oil was gone, they found 11 things wrong with the vehicle, told me warranty wouldn't take care of it unless the engine blow up. The salesman Scottie Mitchell told me check Kia for recalls, called Kia 3 recalls, they were trying to finance another car higher, back wanted to know why the dealership didn't know about recalls, Kia place did call a Robert. One of the owners did know about recalls, why dealership didn't pass them on. They trying to sell me a higher vehicle to keep cover the cost of the one I got 1st
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672156July 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
My car started having electrical issues, started smoking and stopped completely while driving, now it won’t turn on / start
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672225July 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The car is literally burning through oil so bad every other week I am putting more in, the electrical system continues to fail and shorts, the motor sounds like it is ticking now due to the oil consumption.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672313July 9, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2016 Kia Optima EX with VIN [XXX] . The engine failed at 85,763 miles due to a rod bearing seizure. This matches the known defect in Kia’s 2.4L GDI engines, which has been the subject of recalls and service campaigns in the past. Despite being covered under Kia’s extended engine warranty, Kia America denied my engine replacement claim. They cited "vehicle reconditioning" and "multiple ownership" as reasons — neither of which are valid grounds to void warranty coverage, especially for a known defect. A certified Kia dealership (Mark Kia in Scottsdale, AZ) approved my vehicle for warranty replacement, and submitted the request. Kia corporate denied it. This creates a serious safety concern and shows that Kia may be wrongfully avoiding responsibility for this defect. Please investigate. 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
#11672345July 9, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (Theta II 2.4L GDI) failed due to rod bearing wear, causing sudden power loss on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, once at 50 mph in 2018 and again at 70 mph in 2025, and had to be pulled over quickly to avoid collision. Additional issues: all four windows failed at different times, leaving them stuck open and creating safety risks in weather or emergencies. The trunk latch failed, causing unsecured cargo risk. ABS, TPMS, and traction control warning lights illuminated repeatedly, indicating possible loss of critical safety systems. A loose wiring harness caused the turn signal bulb to burn out repeatedly, reducing visibility and signaling. The dealership performed the KSDS software update after I reported engine trouble but did not resolve the issue. The engine soon failed completely while driving. Other issues, such as the fuse box blowing fuses from a standard USB charger have also been documented by a Kia dealership but not always fully repaired. The most recent engine failure and electrical defects are being inspected by a Kia dealership, and Kia Consumer Affairs is reviewing the warranty claim. Prior to the engine failure, I smelled burning oil and topped it off monthly due to excessive consumption. The oil level light and check engine light only appeared during limp mode right before the failure. These repeated safety-critical defects, particularly sudden engine failure at highway speed, created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road. At the time of this report, I am in the process of seeking warranty coverage for the catastrophic engine failure through Kia. The failure behavior (limp mode, flashing check engine light, and rod knock) is consistent with the safety defect described in the Theta II engine settlement. I am concerned that despite this being a known issue, there may be delays or denials in honoring the safety-related warranty repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671879July 8, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The car makes a raddled noise when turn on and the car turns off when I press the brakes
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672075July 8, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
Factory Paint Defect Inherent, known to KIA models 2015 Optima Snow White Pearl Paint SWP. (including 2013 thru 2017 all share the same identical paint code). Citrus KIA in California inspected my vehicle and confirmed the paint damages are a known inherent factory paint defect. This is a nation wide issue, thousands of owners continue reporting this inherent paint defect on their Optima SWP. Basically this is an issue with all car manuacture's with white paint. Toyota and Hyundai accepted responsibility for this same factory paint defect and is repairing their customers vehicles. Class Actions Lawsuits have been filed against KIA and Hyandai for this known factory paint defect with severe safety concerns. This paint defect expanded into the layered glass of the windshield causing the adhesive to bubble. Insufficient adhesive could detach it during a crash or break while driving. The large chunks of paint continuing to fall off even while driving could impair visability to myself and other drivers. Citrus KIA inspected my vehicle and confirmed the damages to my vehicle are caused by this known factory paint defect. Wrote me an estimate reopened my case originally report 6/2024. Corporate KIA closed my case with the explanation 3/36k paint warrant expired. This is not a paint warranty issue. This is damages caused to my vehicle and thousands of others with this same inherent factory paint defect known to KIA. It is the manufactures responsibility to make this right. This inherent defect continues to rapidly spread through out our vehicles, causing further damages. These untreated areas now have rust subject to corrision which will lead to integrity of the body structure. Please recall this inherent factory paint defect. It's over whelming how many owners continue reporting this to their dealers, posting pictures of their ruined vehicles. We need help. Please recall SWP of Optima 2013 thru 17 with no limitations how old or amount of miles. Thank you
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672098July 8, 2025
STEERING
Steering clunks left & right, feels like steering coupler or clock spring is broken or out of wack, steering column rattles on bumpy r thoughtoads
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672115July 8, 2025
ENGINE
I own a 2015 Kia Optima (VIN:[XXX]) with a 2.4L GDI engine. The engine has failed — a local repair shop diagnosed it as a “jumped timing” issue, which matches the well-documented Theta II engine defect. I never received recall notice or notice of the required KSDS update. Kia has denied me coverage, stating the update was not done before failure. I now have a vehicle that is undriveable and potentially unsafe. Kia confirmed there is no extended warranty or coverage for rod bearing failure — despite widespread issues — and they ignored my open fire-risk recall (NHTSA 21V331000) in their denial. I am requesting that NHTSA review why my VIN is excluded despite the same failure symptoms, and ask that Kia be required to expand recall eligibility or offer a goodwill resolution. 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
#11671686July 7, 2025
ENGINE
In December 2024 I experienced a major engine issue where while we were driving the car went from 75mph to losing all power and not allowing us to drive more than 20mph we took it to a shop in mt Juliet Tennessee where they proceeded to tell us that an error code of P0325 and that our engine had seized. They suggested I get it towed to Kia which I did. We towed it to Kia of Murfreesboro tn and they took about a month to tell us that the engine had seized and that due to car fax and sludge we couldnt get the engine replaced under the extended warranty however, when speaking with customer service at Kia over the phone, they promised me that my car and its engine are still covered under that warranty due to the class action lawsuit, and that my engine would be replaced at no cost to me. It is now been six months and I still have no answers, and everybody keeps telling me that due to lack of maintenance even though we are the only owners of the car and have kept up on the maintenance they are not honoring the extended warranty. My car currently is 120,000 miles extended warranty goes to 150,000 miles. I would like my car engine replaced. I don’t know what to do this point anymore.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671759July 7, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine is failing and using over 3 quarts of oil every 700-100 miles. Spark Plugs have become oil fouled and replaced all 4 spark plugs June 11th, 2024 and replaced all 4 spark plugs again January 12th, 2025. Today July 7th, 2025 Check Engine light came back on with Engine Misfire code P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire, changing spark plugs again today. My safety is put at risk because oil consumption is a know issue with Kia GDI Engines. At any moment my car can run out of oil if it is not check every other week causing my engine to completely fail or a spark plug become Oil fouled and a spark plug needing to be replaced. In July of 2024 when this happened I was on the highway going 70 mph and my car just completed shut down. I could have been seriously injured had I not been able to pull over and only been 5 miles away from my home. I called Kia today to start an Oil Consumption test, stated I am the 2nd owner and while this is a known issue I will pay for and Upper Engine Clean which is only a band aid. This problem has been confirmed with Kia that the GDI Engines are consuming oil. I have also replaced all Engine Coolant, Coolant Temperature Senor, Thermostat as well as the PCV Valve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671304July 5, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
While I was drive these warning lights came on as you in the picture there are no signs of a crash. I have took my car in for service at Kia of Bradley for them to reset my system on 7/01/2025 and they have came back on and they would not go off. I feel like this is a recall on my Kia Optima 2019.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671213July 4, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 3 July 2025, while driving the car suddenly lost power and started smoking under the hood. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and an engine fire started a minute later. The fire department put out the fire. The safety of myself and my child were at risk. We were driving at 40 miles per hour when the car lost power and caught fire. There were no warning lights. The car was towed to an independent repair shop to be evaluated, but results have not yet been gathered. There are known issues and recalls associated with 2014 Kia optima and with its engine losing power and catching fire, but my VIN was not included in the recalls when it should have been. This could have resulted in injury or the loss of life. At a minimum it has caused a loss of financial stability for my family due to Kia failing to produce and maintain safe vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671015July 3, 2025
ENGINE
The 2.4L Theta II engine in my 2018 Kia Optima is failing, exhibiting excessive oil consumption, with oil loss documented at over 1 quart per 1,000 miles, leading to secondary failures in the catalytic converter, clogged with oil carbon and breaking into pieces that may damage the cylinder walls, and the spark plugs, which are fouled with carbon, causing misfires. The engine and related components remain intact and un-repaired, pending Kia’s required 3,000-mile consumption test. Safety of drivers have been put at significant risk. The excessive oil consumption and potential engine seizure threaten sudden loss of power, especially on freeways where car fails to accelerate to city and highway speeds, increasing the chance of a collision. The clogged catalytic converter poses a fire hazard, (reported by NHTSA investigations into Theta II) where oil leaks or debris can ignite on hot surfaces. Risk is heightened during the mandated 3,000-mile test as well. Problem has been confirmed by both a dealer and an independent service center as recent at 1 July, '25, documenting oil loss and new engine recommendation. Symptoms began with noticeable oil loss during oil changes, starting at least 1 quart per interval on May 10, 2023 (mileage 43,374), with the loss increasing over time. Misfires and RPM loss during acceleration first appeared after the oil valve gasket replacement in late May 2025, and freeway pickup issues became apparent around mid-June 2025. The full engine failure was confirmed by Spitzer on July 01, 2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671023July 3, 2025
AIR BAGS
Occupant airbag sensor doesn't recognize whether someone is sitting or not. The occupant airbag sensor light goes on and off whether there is a passenger sitting on the seat or not. Kia has extended warranty on this issue however it doesn't let customer know about this part is defected. I was doing my research how to fix the issue and learn that kia had extended warranty for 15 years from the first day of service. the warranty currently expired right now. if I knew there was a warranty, I would go to dealer to fix the issue the day that my wife bought the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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