Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11769506October 7, 2026
AIR BAGS
I own a 2013 Kia Optima SXL. While the vehicle was parked and there was no collision, crash, impact, or other event that should have caused the airbags to deploy, the airbags unexpectedly deployed on their own. The deployment caused damage to the vehicle, including damage to the windshield. The airbag also hit me while I was sitting in the passenger seat, my children were also in the back seat. All of our ears were ringing for 24hours, I went to the hospital to get a CT scan for the pain I felt in my face, ear and head. This occurred without the vehicle being involved in an accident. I have photographs and documentation of the vehicle and the damage and can provide additional information if needed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11769671October 7, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Despite documenting this catastrophic internal mechanical destruction, the authorized franchise dealer has issued a written directive instructing the driver to operate this structurally compromised vehicle on public roads for a 1,000-mile oil consumption test with explicit instructions not to add, check, or have anyone service the engine oil level. Operating an engine running dry with verified cylinder wall gouging and unstable timing chains creates an imminent, severe safety hazard for the occupants and other motorists, including sudden highway engine lockup, loss of power steering, or vehicle fires. The vehicle underwent Safety Recall Campaign SC147 in 2017, which carries a court-mandated Lifetime Warranty Extension on the block for core failures. The dealership is forcing an unsafe vehicle modification and dangerous roadway test to evade standard warranty coverage processing. A complete 11-invoice history proves this defect originally manifested and was logged by a technician at 96,738 miles while fully inside the standard factory coverage window.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769738October 7, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving and exiting a parking lot, the vehicle turned off, causing the vehicle to lose power. The contact stated that there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with an audible clicking sound coming from the starter motor. The vehicle was towed to a local authorized dealer. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and Kia Warranty Bulletin 2017-09.R4 as the possible causes for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but refused to accept or authorize the recall repair because the vehicle had a salvage title. The authorized dealer also declined to service the vehicle due to the salvage title. The failure mileage was 77,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769003October 5, 2026
PARKING BRAKE, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after leaving the vehicle parked for approximately 4 hours, the contact returned to the vehicle and the engine running even though the vehicle was turned off. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the traction control light, ABS, and the parking brake light were illuminated. The contact stopped, parked the vehicle, and restarted the vehicle, attempting to reset the vehicle; however, the lights remained illuminated. While the vehicle was at the residence a family member disconnected the battery and used water on the body of the vehicle closest to the steering wheel underneath the hood of the vehicle. The contact was advised by the family member not to drive the vehicle because of the overheating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769044October 5, 2026
STEERING
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact’s son stated that while driving 30 MPH, the steering wheel became inoperable. The contact stated that the steering wheel seized, and significant effort was required to control or turn the steering wheel. The contact’s son also became aware of an electrical burning odor during the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by telephone. The failure mileage was approximately 153,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769113October 5, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving normally on I-76 when suddenly, I couldn’t feel the gas working. Everything was fine with the car until then, but all of a sudden, I saw all the lights on the dashboard. I could slowly smell the smell of flames, and later, it caught fire! I was terrified for my life, and seeing that happen to my first car, which I had only had for three weeks, still haunts me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768350October 1, 2026
ENGINE
purchased this vehicle on June 18, 2024, as a second owner with 125,019 miles on the odometer. Within months of purchase, the engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with connecting rod bearing failure: engine knock, excessive oil burning (requiring oil top-ups every 2-3 weeks), and rough running. The check engine light illuminated with diagnostic code P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System warning). I took the vehicle to Kia Stonecrest dealership for diagnosis. Kia informed me that the engine failure is not covered under warranty because I am not the original owner. A independent mechanic at Lions Auto evaluated the engine and quoted $4,800 for full engine replacement. THE DEFECT: This vehicle is equipped with a Theta II 2.4L GDI engine identical to engines in 2011-2019 Kia Optimas and Kia Sorento models that were subject to multiple recalls (including NHTSA Recall 17V-224) and a $1.3 billion class action settlement. The defect is manufacturing debris left in the crankshaft oil passages during production, which restricts oil flow to connecting rod bearings, causing premature bearing wear, engine seizure, and potential engine fire. KIAS KNOWLEDGE AND RESPONSIBILITY: Kia had clear notice of this defect years before the 2020 model year was introduced. Despite this knowledge, Kia continued manufacturing 2020 and later Optimas with the identical Theta II 2.4L GDI engine without remedying the manufacturing process. The class action settlement litigation was filed in 2017 and covered model years through 2019; however, Kia’s decision to exclude 2020 models from coverage despite using the same defective engine creates an unjust gap in consumer protection. SAFETY CONCERN: Connecting rod bearing failure can cause sudden engine seizure while driving, resulting in loss of power steering and brake assist, creating an immediate crash hazard. The symptoms I experienced — engine knock and P1326 code — are documented precursors to catastrophic failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768078September 30, 2026
FIRERELATED
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 32 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and underneath the driver's side of the vehicle, and a bystander informed the contact to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted to a stop, and the contact quickly exited the vehicle. The smoke coming from the vehicle went from gray to black. The vehicle then completely became engulfed by flames. The Fire Department was contacted and arrived on scene to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. A Police report was filed; however, the information was not available. The vehicle was towed to a temporary impound lot. The failure mileage was approximately 185,700.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768086September 30, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
On XXX, Towbin Kia Service (Henderson, NV) officially diagnosed my 2019 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX], Mileage: 118,325) with a critical component failure: "LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IS LEAKING FROM TOP HAT" (Invoice #XXX). Despite documenting a severe, volatile raw fuel leak that presents an immediate fire and explosion hazard, the dealership refused to keep the vehicle. They explicitly released this active safety hazard back to me. The service department even arranged a third-party Lyft ride to transport my children and me to the dealership to pick up the leaking car and force us to drive it home. The vehicle is currently parked outside my residence, actively leaking raw fuel and filling the cabin with toxic gas fumes. It is entirely un-driveable and a public safety threat. Kia Corporate must immediately bypass standard dealership timelines, authorize a flatbed tow to retrieve this fire hazard, and directly provide an emergency corporate rental vehicle line (Enterprise/Hertz) for my family's safety today. 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
#11767635September 29, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while being driven on the interstate at highway speeds. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally beyond approximately 60 mph, the Check Engine Light began flashing rapidly, and the vehicle entered “Limp Home Mode.” This sudden loss of power occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an authorized Kia dealership service center. Diagnostic testing confirmed DTC P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System). The dealership performed the manufacturer’s Bearing Clearance Test (BCT), and the dealership paperwork documents a “NO PASS BCT” result. The dealership paperwork also documents that Service Campaign SC340 (Theta II 2.4L GDI ECM Software Upgrade) was performed on the vehicle. Despite the documented P1326 condition and the manufacturer’s “NO PASS BCT” result, the dealership is refusing to provide the engine replacement as a covered repair and has instead quoted approximately $9,000 for the engine replacement. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter because the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power at highway speeds, followed by a documented “NO PASS BCT” result from the manufacturer’s diagnostic procedure. The vehicle remains an unresolved safety concern. I am also requesting review of whether Kia is properly applying the applicable P1326/BCT engine-replacement procedure and associated coverage to this vehicle. The vehicle and all diagnostic and service paperwork are available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767775September 29, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while pulling into the driveway, the ABS warning light remained illuminated after the vehicle was powered off. The contact stated that the parking brake warning light unexpectedly illuminated while the vehicle was being operated. The contact stated that the brake lights illuminated while the vehicle was turned on or off. The contact's son inspected the vehicle and became aware that the rear of the vehicle near the brake pedal was extremely hot and that the area under the hood was extremely hot. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the failure could be associated with a light switch failure; however, the contact stated that the failure was not related to the light switch and that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed to determine the cause of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 231,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767428September 28, 2026
STEERING
Steering effort loss. Can’t drive vehicle as steering wheel is hard to move. EPS and Traction light came on. Could cause accident as I was driving and with no warning could not make turns unless using excessive force.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767467September 28, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 times windows different ones has stopped rolling up/down. 3 motors purchased and installed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767470September 28, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised to return for an oil consumption test. There was no oil leak found and the contact was informed that there was an internal oil leak.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11767056September 25, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I took my car to riverchase Kia to get a battery and to get the battery installed I have the invoice I was charged $762 and he also told me that he was doing some recalls on wiring and he told me he completed it well recently I was driving and the brakes gave out on me he was supposed to do a recall job on the he cu but he only put a fuse in and press complete on your system to let you all know that he completed the job but he did not complete the job he patched it up and I almost lost my life the Brits gave out on me I pressed the brakes down to the floor I pressed the the parking brake and I put the car in park while driving because it lost power of breaking and a warning came up popped up and it said it's a safety race warning do not drive do not drive no brakes do not drive and I almost ran into a building finally the car out down and I was able to stop but I can't drive the car because it's a safety risk the the brake fluid keeps coming out and the car keeps telling me warning do not drive and the brake warning light is on and when I check the brake fluid reservoir is no brake fluid in it it keeps running out and I feel like I'm at a dead end I don't have any transportation I can't drive my kids to school I can't do the things that I need to do in my normal life because I don't have any breaks and this dealership did not perform the job that they were supposed to perform he did not repair the he cu he just passed it up and I almost died
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766628September 24, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE, VISIBILITY/WIPER
On December 26, 2023, this vehicle received a complete engine assembly replacement at an authorized dealership under a manufacturer warranty repair order. Following the engine overhaul, the vehicle developed a severe, raw gasoline smell entering the passenger cabin through the climate control AC vents while sitting at an idle.The vehicle was brought back to Kia Store East on September 10, 2026, specifically to report this volatile safety issue. On September 17, 2026, the dealership technician explicitly duplicated and confirmed the raw fuel odor coming from the engine area in writing. Despite confirming the gasoline smell, the dealership is refusing to perform a manual high-pressure fuel system pressure-drop test to isolate the physical vapor leak. Instead, they have listed a high-pressure Fuel Pipe Assembly (Part # 35305 2GGA0) on a customer-pay estimate paired with an unrelated $1,819.12 timing cover oil seal repair.The dealership is claiming the failure is out of warranty and is holding the vehicle while forcing daily rental car fees onto me, refusing to isolate the active fuel leak unless I authorize the out-of-pocket repair. The vehicle currently sits un-repaired at the dealership as an active cabin fire and occupant chemical exposure hazard that the manufacturer and dealer refuse to properly diagnose or cover under repair workmanship guidelines.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766692September 24, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Soon after the failure, the engine caught fire; however, the fire dissipated independently. The insurance agent was contacted and arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle. The contact was initially informed that the vehicle was safe to drive; however, the engine failed to start after several attempts. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a mechanic discovered that the knock sensor was inoperable and had caused the fire. The contact was informed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and the vehicle was repaired under the recall. Nearly a month after the repair, the vehicle started consuming oil with the master warning light displayed. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer for an inspection; however, no fault was found with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was referred to the dealer. After another inspection, the dealer agreed to replace the engine; however, the failure recurred after the repair.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11766544September 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car was parked when my Kia Optima Panoramic sunroof exploded. It was between 8:00-8:30 a.m. Friday XXX. It sounded like an explosion. I was sleeping and the explosion woke me up. The sunroof was closed and the car was parked. We r not aware of anything coming in contact with the sunroof. Actually the sunroof exploded from inside the car. The broken glass was pointed upwards. I’m concerned that this is a serious hazard if it occurs while I was driving it would have caused a serious accident or even a death. I notified KIA Customer Care Center. XXX Case # XXX. I also sent them a letter concerning the event with photos. I have found information that other reported KIA panoramic sunroof failures and concerned that this may be part of a bigger problem. Customer Care rep [XXX] told me to take the car to a dealer. Cannot see me for 3 weeks and charge $209.99. Called customer care again talked to Risha, told me not to take to dealer and not pay anything. Then wait for someone to get back to me. That was XXX. If I haven’t had any contact from Kia I’m supposed to call back XXX. Still waiting. I am asking NHTSA to document this incident and review whether there is a safety- related defect or pattern involving panoramic sunroofs on KIA vehicles, including the 2019 KIA OPTIMA. Car is 7 years olds an 72,400 mi. The warranty is 5yrs -60,000. Please include this complaint in NHTSA’s records concerning the 2019 Kia Optima and Panoramic sunroof failures. I authorized NHTSA to share my complaint and identifying vehicle information with Kia if that is necessary to investigate the issue. 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
#11766255September 22, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code P1326 which indicates an abnormal engine and/or a catastrophic rod bearing failure. This problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealership along with a 3rd party auto repair shop. However, Kia is refusing to cover the inspection, diagnostic, or any repairs due to the vehicle not having any open recalls, having more than 100k miles and the model of my vehicle despite this being a well known and documented manufacturing defect issue to these engines. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765682September 20, 2026
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My energy in my car started messing up with only 150,000 miles it had a long knocking sound and it would not got over 20 miles while driving
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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