Kia Optima Complaints
7,843 consumer complaints on file.
- #11581052April 4, 2024ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
ON [XXX], AROUND 11:30 A.M., I WAS DRIVING [XXX] ON [XXX], GOING ABOUT 78 MPH, JUST PASSED [XXX], WHEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR, THEN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS. THERE WAS A FULL FLEDGE FIRE UNDER MY HOOD. THE GUY DRIVING NEXT TO ME, KINDA GESTURED FOR ME TO PULL OVER, ALTHOUGH I WAS ALREADY THINKING I NEEDED TO PULL OVER, THE SHOCK OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT. I PULLED OVER AND SO DID THAT GUY, HE HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT TO NO AVAIL. 5 MINS AFTER I GOT OUT, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND I AM THANKFUL FOR THAT GUY, BECAUSE I FROZE FOR A MINUTE AND COULDN'T THINK OF WHAT TO DO, I PULLED OVER JUST IN TIME. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND IT TOOK THEM AWHILE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, THE CAR WAS BURNT TO A CRISP, A 100% LOSS. A POLICE OFFICER TOOK MY NAME & PHONE NUMBER AND ARRANGED FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD TO ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE TO PICK ME UP FROM THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE I [XXX] AND HAD TO CALL OFF WORK. THE CAR WAS TOWED BY PROFESSIONAL TOWING TAMPA LOCATED - PHONE# 813-242-0610 EXT. 5 EMAIL - [email protected] | WEBSITE - www.professionaltowingtampa.com I SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE TOW YARD AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THEM THE TITLE TO THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND SUGGESTED I PAY THE TOWING FEE RIGHT AWAY BEING THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE INCREASES EVERY DAY. ON [XXX], I BROUGHT THEM THE TITLE TO THE CAR AND PAID THE, I BELIEVE, $285 TOWING & STORAGE FEE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11581205April 4, 2024ENGINE
2019 Optima EX excessive oil consumption. Oil changed every 3000 miles, but is always empty within 1000miles. Car has 101,000 miles. Took to Kia dealership due to loss of power on acceleration and stalling and excessive oil consumption, they said I have multiple misfires on cylinder 1, excessive sludge buildup under cap and again no oil present. I was advised the engine needed replaced and that somehow this is a me problem and not a Kia problem. Spoke with Kia support and because it’s 1,000 miles over warranty they will not do anything even though they are aware of excessive oil consumption issue in these motors
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580864April 3, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2019 Kia Optima whose paint is peeling off rapidly. The paint began peeling in a tiny spot that I thought was a chip from a rock but has now grown to several spots peeling all over. I first noticed this in 2020 I visited my dealer on January 2024 to no avail. Not only was their technician rude, but he also said the paint was not covered under KIA’s bumper to bumper warranty. I have bought the extended bumper to bumper warranty at the dealer. I’ve owned several cars in my life and have never had this problem with any of them. I currently own a 2003 Toyota whose paint is in much better condition than my 2019 Kia. I believe this is a factory defect with this paint color and would like you to further investigate and help to restore my KIA so that the peeling stops. I’m attaching several photos for your review. The color is Snow White Pearl.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580884April 3, 2024SERVICE 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580918April 3, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was driving in downtown Gilbert when I pulled up to a red light. My car would not inch forward when taking foot off brake. I then had to put my foot all the way down to get my car to drive. When taking a turn my car would run perfectly until I stopped. Then we pull up to parking garage and the car just stops without while in drive so I put it in park and then turn it off and then back on and it works again. I had the alternator, battery and starter checked and they were all good no issues so why am I having electrical problems with my vehicle Kia needs to fix this.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580971April 3, 2024ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle began to make abnormally loud sounds prior to pulling over to the side of the roadway, where the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was unavailable.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580993April 3, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have filed a complaint already with 2 agencies and I am continually being transferred from one site to another ! This is my very last complaint, before I file a complaint with my State Senator. ------------------- September 25, 2023 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: [XXX] HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. NHTSA Campaign Number: [XXX] Manufacturer Kia America, Inc. Components SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC Potential Number of Units Affected 1,730,192 Summary Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving. Remedy Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Some owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is [XXX]. Notes 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
- #11581031April 3, 2024ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a dangerous recall on my vehicle put out by the maker of the vehicle and I called to schedule service for the vehicle . However no one is servicing my vehicle and they have no timeline on when they can remedy the issue . But I find it a serious matter that a symptom of this recall is a fire while driving or a fire while parked randomly . I need this remedied or car replaced asap to avoid damages or injuries !
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580595April 2, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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 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 when starting the vehicle, the check engine and several other warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was overheating, and the contact was concerned about a possible fire. The contact had driven the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to duplicate the failure. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated that she waited about 30 minutes and restarted the vehicle and drove back to her residence. The manufacturer was not made aware. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580598April 2, 2024ENGINE
Something’s wrong with a fuse that can catch fire and kia is taking forever to resolve the issue. my check engine light pops on and off now
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580611April 2, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. 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. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580630April 2, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Burning smell occasionally no warning light...maybe HECU?
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580723April 2, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My concerns is for the safety of my family as well as myself. I feel this recall is dangerous and it can happen at any given time. I believe that the manufactures of this vehicle had plenty of time to have this issue fixed. I really don't feel safe driving it, especially with my family.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580383April 1, 2024SERVICE 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580449April 1, 2024ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled smoke in the interior of the vehicle. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580502April 1, 2024SERVICE 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 contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580505April 1, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that after driving at various speeds, there was a burning odor present inside the vehicle. 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 failure and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580531April 1, 2024POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH, the passenger side drive shaft fractured. The vehicle stalled and was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was pushed to the side of the road and then towed to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580310March 31, 2024ENGINE
The vehicle engine stalled on me twice to where I almost crashed with my fiancé which is 7 months pregnant with my daughter
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11580248March 30, 2024UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car had a smell of gas fumes. I have not gotten it inspected but I haven’t driven it after. There could be a gas leak. Not sure what the issue is but it caused an issue
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0