Kia Optima Complaints (2014)

622 consumer complaints on file.

#11492597November 7, 2022
STEERING
The contact's daughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that an abnormal clicking sound was coming from the steering wheel while turning in either direction. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the steering wheel coupler was defective and needed to be replaced. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the issue and both informed the contact that there were no recalls on the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11491730November 1, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I was making a right hand turn and I noticed my turn signal was flashing very fast. So I pulled over once I had the opportunity to. I turned on my signal and checked to see if they were working and found my rear to be out. Went to the parts store purchased new bulbs and drove home. My husband changed the bulbs on both sides and it still did the same thing I checked the bulbs and they were the correct ones so we swapped it and still not working. Has a electrical issue in the tail light assembly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490198October 20, 2022
ENGINE
Engine speed slowed. Engine knock noticed. Engine wouldn't remain running.Took it to mechanic. Checked NHTSA website for reals and TSBs. None found. He retrieved DTC P0014 Camshaft Position B - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1). He recommended replacing the Timing Chain, Tensioners, Guides AND the Camshaft Phasers. During this process, he discovered that the crank turned only with great difficulty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489498October 17, 2022
ENGINE
While driving at highway speeds approximately (70mph), engine began knocking. Knocking sound got louder when accelerating. Suspecting a rod bearing failure, I pulled over and had the car towed to Greenway Kia in Antioch,TN. I am right waiting for them to analyze the engine. The car did not have an illuminated engine light. This engine was not recalled for a knock sensor to be installed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486928September 28, 2022
ENGINE
Engine is making like a rattling noise and I am going through an excessive amount of oil in between oil changes that are done regularly ask about any oil leaks and was told I do not have any oil leaks that my car is just burning that much oil at my last oil change service
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485473September 20, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Engine light on car will not accelerate past 60 mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11485371September 19, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving around hand 35 miles per hour, I felt like the vehicles emergency brake came on. I had warning lights for AUTO HOLD, CHECK BRAKES, STABILITY CONTROL, E- BRALE, vehicle self diagshows electronic brake system Check ABS/ESC condition. Breaks feel tighter and car doesn't brake as before plus you could feel the stability system not working. This has occurred 6 times in the last 2 weeks
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11484604September 15, 2022
ENGINE
My engine locked up while I was driving. I turned onto my street, luckily close to my home and the car stopped accelerating. I pulled over and turned the car off and it would not turn back on. My car is now undriveable, and it only has 105,000 miles on it. This could have put my safety at risk, imagine if I were going 50mph rather than 10-15mph. I had a mechanic take a look at it and he could not get the crank shaft to turn. Through his assessment, he said I will need a replaced or repaired engine. He offered me get another opinion, but he was pretty certain on the issue. Prior to this, the check engine light came on for less than a day back in June. I contacted my dealership and since it went off, nothing progressed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483076September 6, 2022
ENGINE
Almost wrecked when the engine bearings seized prematurely in there expected life span. I would like to submit for my car to be fixed. Please help me with this process. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11482053August 30, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The contact stated that the dealer stated that the vehicle would not receive the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) until parts for 20V100000 was available, and the repair was completed. The contact stated that the vehicle was leaking fuel and emitting a fuel odor within the cabin of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The approximate failure mileage was 103,748. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481457August 26, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
The White paint is chipping on the hood and roof of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11481086August 24, 2022
ENGINE
Engine knocking bottom end.yes it’s available for inspection.Engine could have locked up on freeway and caused an accident.Machanic checked out an said rod bearing failure.Yes vehicle has been inspected.No warning lights or symptoms just got off the interstate and vehicle was doing fine then all of a sudden motor started knocking with no warning. Towed vehicle a hour and a half back home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11480524August 22, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his son was driving 45 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact’s son was able to pull over safely. The contact attempted to jump start the vehicle however, the vehicle would not start. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 97,484.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11478893August 11, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have paint issues my paint. It’s actually peeling off my car it has been for a few years already, Kia refuses to do anything about it
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11478392August 9, 2022
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving down the interstate for my work commute apx 70 mph when HEV warning light engaged and vehicle went into limp mode. Had vehicle towed to dealership after running several tests determined the engine was knocking and needed replaced. After 2 months reman engine placed in vehicle. Vehicle function apx 6 months when the exact same problem occured on the highway traveling apx 60 mph. Vehicle is still in dealership. Thankfully, both times I was able to coast to the shoulder and avoid a collision. There is something wrong with these vehicles that need to be fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11477811August 5, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a recall notice for my vehicle on April 15, 2022 disclosing that the defect is a low pressure fuel tube that can cause a fire in my engine. Kia said they did not have a remedy for this problem but would send another letter when they one. I went to the dealership in June and they scheduled an appointment for my car to be serviced. When I arrived on 6/7/22 for my appointment they said "did I read the letter?" They still did not have a remedy for this dangerous problem. As of 8/5/22 there has been no communication from Kia. Is there any assistance available to replace this part? Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11477437August 3, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while stopped at a light, she saw smoke coming from the front of the vehicle when the vehicle started to spark and then caught fire. No warning lights illuminated. The origin of the fire was unknown. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it had not yet been diagnosed. A police report was filed. No injuries were sustained. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11476899August 1, 2022
STEERING, STRUCTURE:BODY
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel would jerk and shake. In addition, the steering wheel would vibrate whenever the contact would drive over rough roads. The vibration would omit a loud vibrating noise as well. The vehicle's driver seat would move out of position independently. The contact also mentioned that whenever they attempted to move the seat it failed to adjust accordingly. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated the steering column needed to be replaced along with other parts in connection to the steering. The contact stated that many bolts and screws had detached, as well, that needed to be replaced as well. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,170.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11477032August 1, 2022
ENGINE
My vehicles check oil light never fully came on. It came on when I turned on a highway ramp for a second. When I got into my car and turned it on it made a horrible sound. It was sputtering. I took it to my mechanic and he said my engine was done. I needed to rebuild my engine. I had to pay $4000 to fix my engine. The infuriating part is that I went to the KIA dealership to see what my options were and they tried to sell me a new car. I've had the car repaired for less than six months now. I made sure to change the oil earlier than I was supposed to. It hasn't even been a month since changing the oil and I noticed the oil light came on again when turning. I just checked my oil level and there is absolutely NO OIL. I don't understand how this is possible. I am calling KIA tomorrow to complain. If I hadn't noticed the flicker then I would've damaged my engine again after just replacing it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11475723July 25, 2022
ENGINE
This vehicle only has 112000 miles on it and has had all maintenance as required yet the rod bearings have failed resulting in a knocking rod. There is a product improvement going on at the moment leading to repairs of these issues and a lifetime warranty on the rod bearings that I was not notified of resulting in a rod knock and a car that cannot be driven. Kia has refused to look further into the issue or repair it. Thankfully I was not on the highway when my car broke down as it couldn’t even make it up a small hill and I came very close to a collision because of it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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