Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11591584May 30, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked and attempting to enter it, she became aware of a strong unknown smell. The contact re-exited the vehicle, and immediately noticed smoke coming from the front side. After this, the vehicle caught on fire. The fire was emanating from the underneath of the vehicle. The fire department was notified and extinguished the fire. The contact was unaware of a police report or a fire department report being filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11591222May 29, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed; however, the diagnostic result was not provided. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11591281May 29, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated the engine was previously replaced under an unstated NHTSA recall. The contact stated that five months after the repair, the malfunction indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the replaced engine was defective and affected the high hybrid battery. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to replace the engine and the high hybrid battery; however, the vehicle remained at the local dealer because parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11591392May 29, 2024
ENGINE
I was driving down the highway on my way to work and all of a sudden I lost power. The car was still on but it wouldn't go very fast and started smoking. Then a knocking noise started. I had to get it towed home. Car is not running. KIA refuses to take responsibility even though there is a known issue with this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590685May 25, 2024
ENGINE
Oil consumption is absurd. 5 quarts in 2k miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590600May 24, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Hybrid Warning light came on. This was the third time this has happened. The first time Kia said it was the Air Box and I paid $600 to repair. The second time the shop mistakenly cleared the codes before determining the cause. The third time they say it is the Wiring Harness and will cost $4,550 to report if they have the harness. This vehicle has recall for the connecting rod in the engine which I suspect is the real issue due to clicking noise it makes just before the lights come on, but each time I take it in I am told it is something else. Since it is the Wiring Harness this time it could be a fire hazard especiall on a Hybrid with Lithium batteries, I am not going to repair it as it has left me on the road too many times and I am sure it has the connecting rod issue. I hope nobody else has this issue and unfortunately Kia does not seem interested in repairing it, it was in the shop for 6 weeks before they diagnosed it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590637May 24, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after taking the vehicle for several routine oil changes, the contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming and excessive amount of oil. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. However, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. The VIN was not provided.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590643May 24, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the ABS, check engine warning light remained illuminated with a burning odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590651May 24, 2024
ENGINE
The contact called on behalf of an insurer who owned a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the client was on the highway driving at an undisclosed speed, he was flagged down to be told their vehicle was releasing smoke. The client noticed an open flame coming from the undercarriage and was able to veer the vehicle to the shoulder prior to ejecting himself from the vehicle before it was engulfed in flames. The client sustained minor injuries to their knee and finger while exiting the vehicle. No other injuries or passengers were reported. The fire was extinguished by the Fire Department. A fire report was filed. A police report was not filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 192,910.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11590338May 23, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid battery system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a short circuit fuse and a failed hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the battery and the fuse needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to assist with fifty percent of the repair cost for the replacement of the hybrid battery. The failure mileage was approximately 132,165. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590383May 23, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact inspected the dipstick and discovered that the engine oil level was low. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590137May 22, 2024
ENGINE
Vehicle uses about 4 quarts of oil every 1000 miles. I have to get oil changes every 1500 miles and add oil every 1000 miles. The car is not reliable and oil light comes on every 1000-1500 miles after oil change. Today the emissions light came on and I could not drive over 60 mph, after taking it to mechanic it was over 3.5 quarts low of oil but no oil light came on. The mechanic put 3.5 quarts of oil in and I had to pay for oil and labor, also to put the car on the computer to see the issue. I will never buy a Kia again. There should be a recall on this 2016 Kia Optima.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590203May 22, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact’s sister owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that engine oil needed to be added every 2-3 weeks. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle received an unknown repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with valve cover gasket failure. The valve cover gasket was replaced however, the failure persisted. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was an oil leak as well as there was excessive oil consumption. The independent mechanic stated that the engine might need to be replaced; however, a diagnostic result was not confirmed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590232May 22, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her husband was driving at approximately 65 MPH on a hill, the vehicle started losing automotive power and suddenly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to be restarted and smoke was noticed emanating from the front area, near the engine compartment. The vehicle was towed to the contact residence. The contact indicated that while an independent mechanic tried to start the vehicle, he became aware that the vehicle was being overloaded and subsequently fire flames began to be noticed. The mechanic disconnected the alternator and informed the contact it was a manufacturing failure. The local dealer was contacted, however; they stated that it would not be repaired since it was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590233May 22, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590239May 22, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my car is peeling off in sheets it is not adhering to the body. There is no way that I believe I can have it repainted because they would have to take all the existing paint off because even if they paint it over it it's not stuck to the body. There is no recall and I really think there should be. My paint is the white pearl paint like everyone else's who's peeling off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590045May 22, 2024
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway, and my oil pan storage plug fell out of my car. All of the oil leaked out of the engine causing my engine to seize up while I was driving. The dealership says my vehicle is out of warranty, and will not replace it, and that it will cost me $12,000 for a new engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11590078May 22, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589935May 21, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 231,054.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11589938May 21, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Kia sent out a safety recall notice (23V652). The letter clearly states the remedy is now available for my vehicle; that an engine compartment fire while parked or driving is the primary risk of the default; and that the recall service will take approximately 1-2 hours. I called two dealerships. Both said Kia won't send them the parts until an inspection has occurred - potentially resulting in requiring two different appointments prior to this safety recall being addressed - contrary to the verbatim language in the safety recall. I called Kia's customer service line and they confirmed that although the letter is written as described above, they won't provide parts to service centers until an inspection has been performed. I filed a complaint with them but know it won't matter unless someone with more authority gets involved. Considering this is a genuine life-safety issue - with the risk being a fire to the engine compartment - and the language in the recall notice - that the remedy is now available and the service will take 1-2 hours (no implication of multiple visits/appointments) - I think this is absolutely unacceptable. Someone needs to ensure Kia prioritizes human lives above cost when it comes to safety recalls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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