Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11542800September 5, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STEERING
This will be my Second Review about this dealer's service department. I'm not reviewing the service technicians but I'm reviewing the customer service, porters and advisors. I had my vehicle towed there on the 23rd of August after waiting a full month for my appointment. I have called to check on any updates to see have my 2014 Kia has been looked at. 1st time they didn't even know my vehicle was there even after confirming with a service representative. 2nd time I was told when my vehicle was assigned to an advisor someone would contact me. Today I called and spoke with [XXX] and he put me on hold to speak with an advisor. After 15min Of silence. I thought maybe I was forgotten about by mistake. I called back and [XXX] who stated this was him name when I called back was very RUDE. He stated I put you on hold to someone who would speak to you and hung up on me. This is when I called back to speak directly to a supervisor in the service department. I been on hold over 16min as I write this review. No hold music just silence. My 1st encounter here for a recall I was told to pull in lane and leave keys in car. I waited as porters took other vehicles and mine sat blocking lanes. To my amazement I listened to them saying what assholes people where for leaving their cars, when an advisor took the keys. This is an great establishment with a lot of History to have its name tarnished by bad apples. 22min on hold and one has cared to even speak to me. Please pay attention to hold times at to of screen. 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
#11542523September 4, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is chipping off in large pieces. We hand wash this vehicle and the paint will just chip right off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542227September 2, 2023
ENGINE
My car simply “just quit” leaving me stranded on the road. I called my nearest Kia dealer who said it would be at least 6 weeks until they could see it. Apparently according to a quick search, these cars are blowing engines rather regularly. Why wasn’t there a recall before engines were blown? Since my car is no longer covered under warranty, I’m expecting a hefty bill even though there’s an obvious defect. Kia will not return my calls.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542271September 2, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle had oil change & filter service done on April 27, 2023 for the purpose of hoping the service would rectify an Oil Pressure Sensor Light illuminated on the dashboard. It did not. Sensor was subsequently replaced by the dealer. Vehicle taken into the dealership today (September 2, 2023) for Pennsylvania State Inspection and Emissions, along with another oil change service. Dealer technician in the course of performing the oil change, noticed after he put the new oil plug washer and bolt back in place, a minute crack in the oil pan, itself. He took a picture of it, that I will include with this complaint. Unfortunately, the definition of the photo leaves a bit to be desired. The dealer service writer suggested that too much force (pneumatic socket driver) was employed when tightening the oil pan bolt. I stopped at the location where the April 27, 2023 was done. The General Manager assured me they use a power torgue ratchet and not a pneumatic socket driver. He went under the car and detected a minute leak and said he would forward his report to their Quality Control Department. He asked me if I could bring the car back on Tuesday or Wednesday, September 5th or 6th for a re-inspection. I said I would do that. He did mention there is a possible Class Action Suit that might be filed over Kia/Hyundai Oil Pans and Bolts. It cites the use of poor materials used in the pan construction. Reports range from leaks to the oil bolt plug falling out due to expansion/contraction under duress. Don't know where or when any Class Action will manifest itself, but this oil change facility needs to step up and replace the oil pan, since they were the last ones to do a change before today.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542272September 2, 2023
POWER TRAIN
Vehicles has most recently developed a "whizzing" type sound coming from the transmission just before it shifts into the next gear. It is most discernible when it shifts out of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. I don't profess to know if modern transmissions have "Bands" that are adjustable or not. Clearly, it is a sound that has never been present. There's been enough wrong with this Kia, so why not transmission issues as well. I was at my dealer today for PA State Inspection & Emissions along with an oil change (a problem arose out of the oil change that I just sent into the NHTSA) and they have me coming in on September 12th for a diagnostic look.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11542002September 1, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and it’s been problem after problem. Not to mention only a month after buying it was stolen. Due to no immobilizer So I’m sure a lot of the issues are also a result of the dumb theif who decided to damage my car. Also my cruise control doesn’t work a lot of the time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541974August 31, 2023
ENGINE
Just had oil changed on June 30th, 2023. However, for the second time now after about 1.5 month after the oil change the oil light is flashing on and off at either takeoff or breaking. Checked oil stick and it say it’s full then check again it’s spotty as if there’s no oil in the engine. Took cap off engine and it was smoking and smelling burnt. Oil on the stick was definitely darker than normal as well. What is the cause of this?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541989August 31, 2023
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Oil started leaking from the car and checking underneath it looked as though it was leaking from the plug so i replaced the plug, which did not fix the issue, and accidentally forgot to put the gasket back on. took it to the local shop was given a gasket and an oil change. the car started leaking oil worse than before so i took the car back. The oil pan had a little over an inch long crack on the corner/edge where the oil pan plug is. Mechanic told me he’d never seen or heard of a steel oil pan cracking before. $400 for a new oil pan made from below par steel.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541797August 31, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
The concern is more of a cosmetic issue than mechanical. The paint or primer has a defect which is causing my vehicle to peel from the paint throughout the panels. Kia did decline the roof pillar when it first started but then the hood & left rear door is peeling. I paid out of pocket to have it repaired but other panels started to peel which it will not stop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541841August 31, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that she had been adding engine oil to the vehicle every 400 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the vehicle had to experience catastrophic engine failure to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541864August 31, 2023
ENGINE
My Kia has a weird sound coming from the engine when it is on parked on when I'm driving and I have the break on. I took it to 2 mechanics, and they both told me that it was the bearings wearing of from the engine and that the motor is working harder than it should and using the motor oil more than it should. Both mechanics told me that it would need a new motor soon but to make it last longer to monitor the motor oil to ensure it always has some. Both mechanics also say that my kia should have a recall, but when I look at my vin, there is no recall for the bearing wear of the engine. It is unacceptable that my kia has a recall for the bearing wear of the engine but not specified for my car and now I have to be worried that my car will break down or worse cause an accident. The recall is 17v224000 SC147
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541900August 31, 2023
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving the car and my engine shut off completely it will no start back up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541964August 31, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My 2016 Kia Optima has been consuming oil every 1.5months. I have multiple times had to replace my oil because my oil light kept coming on. I’ve checked it every single time and it is barely anything there. I have my breaks mess up and not work as properly with my safety and others being comprised. I have brought this up to my Kia dealership but they have just brushed it off and charged me for an oil change. I have seen and heard many cases like mine and it has happened worse to them to the point where the car stops in the middle of the highway. My car has been checked by others and they have all noticed the same thing - the oil levels extremely low only after 1 and a half months or way prior to when my next oil change should be made. Having this happen is expensive and life threatening when the brakes don’t work as they should or when my could possibly bust. I have received no help and would like to make this known .
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541660August 30, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON THE 57 FREEWAY AND MY CAR STOP RUNNING AND I PULLED ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR CATCH ON FIRE. EVERYTHING STARTED IN THE ENGINE. I CALLED KIA AND MADE A COMPLAINT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT HELP ME.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541785August 30, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
While driving down the highway the cars Hybrid warning system came on causing the car to lose all breaks and lose power. The component of the vehicle that failed is the HECU. Kia already did a recall for this but did not include the hybrids for the recall. This is very unsafe losing all breaking power, driving 65 mph down the highway with my children in the car! There was absolutely no warning, no check engine lights nothing. I had it towed to the dealership and upon them driving it, it also cut completely out and did it to the person at the dealership. This is going to cause someone to lose their life and when you call Kia, it’s the same run around that your year wasn’t included in the recall yet there was a whole lawsuit about this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541341August 29, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION
Car is burning to much oil and have to change oil every three thousand miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11541193August 28, 2023
ENGINE
I’ve had my 2015 Kia optima since 7/11/23. My dipstick showed oil full. I drove it 977 miles from 7/11/23 until August 23 2023. My oil went from full mark on dip stick to low. My vehicle I purchased had 66,892. I should think it shouldn’t be losing a quart oil in a little over a month. I had to add a quart of oil. This is unacceptable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540862August 26, 2023
ENGINE
This 2.4ltr engine burns 1 quart per 1000 miles! 53769 miles, Kia claims not under warranty and wants over 600 dollars for an engine flush! KIA OF PORT CHARLOTTE FL. They filled my oil too much! It is at least a half a quart above full! They also filled the Kia with 5-30, I do understand that from book and temp. Ranges. Found PCV valve partially defective and replaced that... Can you help me understand why I have no warranty under 54,000 miles and why engine is not covered under 100,000 miles? Also, is this defect acceptable to the NTSB? It has caused multiple accidents due too engine failure and seizing Sincerely, [XXX] 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
#11540915August 26, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
Both rear windows, independently and at different times, have needed to have the gear inside the door panel that rolls the windows up and down replaced due to spontaneous stripping and total failure. The dealer has replaced the offending parts, which are sold only as part of a much larger / very large component panel, i.e. it is not possible to replace only the small plastic stripped-out gear. My safety was at risk both times because the window would not go up, resulting in my inability to lock and secure my car. If I had small children who ride in the back seat (I don't, but surely others who have this car do), I would not be able to secure their safety inside the vehicle. The problem has been inspected, confirmed, and repaired by the dealer. It is a known recurring problem by the manufacturer Kia, but they refuse to issue a recall. The first time it happened the car was still under warranty so there was no charge to me. With the second window the car was no longer under warranty and I had to pay the full cost of the repair. There were no warnings of pending failure; the windows were rolled down and just failed to roll up. I wish to state for the record that although this is a 2016 model and therefore is now 7 years old (in 2023), it has only 14,000 actual miles on it, i.e. I drive the car only around town for errands, etc. From 2017 (when we purchased the car) through mid-2020, I drove it 18 miles per week to my part-time job very near my home. I retired in mid-2020 and drive the car even less now. Furthermore, I've had riders in the back seat probably less than a dozen times in 7 years, my point being that the rear windows are rarely used. Mostly they have been used by me as the driver when I want to release built-up heat from the car when it has been sitting all day in the NC summer sun and I'm going out once or twice a week to drive it somewhere (like the grocery store). This failure should not be happening with a car with so little usage on it!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11540683August 25, 2023
ENGINE
Knock sensors
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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