Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11681060August 16, 2025
ENGINE
While driving my 2014 Kia optima on the freeway the vehicle lost power completely and the car stopped almost causing me to be rear ended. I have reached out to Kia in Dublin since the vehicle should be covered under SC147 the vehicle has been at KIA since May and Kia is refusing to do repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681111August 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint peeling
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680824August 15, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was a burning odor inside the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle with engine seizure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), but due to the vehicle having a branded title, the recall repair was not performed. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681001August 15, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2020 Kia Optima. My vehicle has experienced repeated low-pressure fuel pump failures, causing hard starting, loss of power, and stalling risk. These issues first appeared in July 2023 and have recurred despite multiple repairs. The dealership has replaced the upper portion of the fuel pump three times (July 10, 2023; March 1, 2025; June 9, 2025) for the same issue, but the problem persists. Most recently, in August 2025, the vehicle again exhibited difficulty starting and loss of power. Diagnostic code P123300 was found, indicating the pump is not generating enough pressure. The dealership confirmed the entire fuel pump assembly needs replacement. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle has gone into limp mode three times while driving — twice previously on the freeway, and again on [XXX]. On that date, I experienced sudden loss of power while driving, but I had a scheduled oil change on July 29, 2025 so I waited until then to bring the car in. At that visit, the dealership claimed the problem was only an old code P0456 and that my car needed a software update. However, the very next day, my vehicle went into limp mode yet again, creating another hazardous driving situation. My check engine light has repeatedly illuminated, and each failure matches the conditions described in Kia’s extended warranty program (WTY028) for low-pressure fuel pump failures on my model year. The warranty extension letter (WTY028) for my vehicle states that “repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure” are covered for 15 years/150,000 miles. It does not state that only the upper portion of the pump is covered. However, my dealership (Sands Kia Surprise) insists that Kia will only cover the upper portion, even though my issue requires replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly to correct the failure. This repeated failure creates a dangerous driving condition and appears to be part of a larger defect affecting this model’s fuel delivery system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680605August 14, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
My motor bearing is knocking very loud I was refused service upon arrival dealer was making my service very complicated asking me to go dig up old receipts and various other things that was not actually caused for and I was at risk by driving the car there until it shut off due to engine failures when the car has fire risk and could possibly explode and they have confirmed it’s the engine but have not done any maintenance to my engine the check engine light flashes heavy non stop as well was even denied a loaner car still until today
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680441August 13, 2025
ENGINE
The engine is starting to fail causing issues such as being able to accelerate. When driving on the freeway it caused a safety issue it began slowing down on the interstate. The vehicle has been inspected by mechanics. No warnings prior to problem. They appeared day before due for an oil change. The car also burns oil really fast sometimes causing car to smoke. I have a GDI turbo engine and have been told that the engine i have has been recalled a few times on different models cars.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11680071August 12, 2025
ENGINE
My car lost power on [xxx]..Called a tow truck to come and pick it up. cone to found out my engine was blown. Taking it to a kia dealership on 09/12/2025 to get a diagnostic test done on it. I have all my paperwork. 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
#11680291August 12, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Well my paint is peeling everywhere I only had car 4 years, I can barely wash it because the car wash takes more paint off, I seen Hyundai do a paint recall or something like that so I'm wondering if it's the same for Kia.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679889August 11, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure due to piston rings failure, causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the ignition coil, cylinder #1, and spark plugs were replaced. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679734August 11, 2025
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Optima EX (VIN [XXX] , 2.4L I4 DI) suffered sudden engine bearing failure and complete engine seizure after approximately three months of use. After inspection, the Kia Scottsdale dealership confirmed that my vehicle’s VIN was eligible under the engine replacement warranty and submitted a request for assistance.However, Kia America denied the request. This defect is identical in nature to the known dangerous defect covered under Kia Safety Recall SC147 (NHTSA 17V-224) and related recalls for earlier Optima model years, involving connecting rod bearing wear leading to engine seizure. In my case, the defect caused a total loss of motive power, posing a serious crash risk. Kia Motors America has refused to repair or replace the engine, claiming my vehicle is ineligible due to being purchased from an auto auction (Sierra Auction) and having multiple prior owners. This refusal ignores that the defect is a safety-related manufacturing flaw identical to those already acknowledged by Kia and subject to federal recalls. I request NHTSA investigate Kia’s refusal to extend the same safety remedies to my VIN and consider whether the scope of SC147 and related recalls should be expanded to include vehicles with the same defect pattern. Supporting documentation available upon request. 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
#11679718August 10, 2025
ENGINE
Every since I bought my car back in 2020 I have to keep getting a oil change because my light keep coming on I was told by a mechanic the my Kia have a oil consumption problem
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679318August 8, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
White paint coming off
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679456August 8, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The clear protective coat has failed over the white paint. I was originally unbothered. However, now I've learned it is a known issue in this and other makes/models. I am fearful the areas where paint has chipped, are now showing wear and rust. I've learned rust can weaken the body and affect the safety/structure. What can be done to correct this? This is my first report, if I should begin elsewhere, please advise. Thank you in advance for any help. I would simply like to have a reasonably safe vehicle and dont want to be negligent in not reporting/caring for the issues.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679028August 7, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having the vehicle for a month, while driving approximately 30-40 MPH on a residential street, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 MPH and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had a Salvaged Title but should still be covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679119August 7, 2025
ENGINE
Hello, I have been a KIA owner for a very long time. I am dissatisfied with the corporation regarding my current experience. My vehicle qualified for the engine recall. Over several months I have been bringing my car into KIA Valley regarding concerns of the performance of my car which is connected with the recall. Every time I have brought in my car , the code has not popped up yet. I followed up with a phone call to KIA customer service. Over the phone I was told that the code needs to be popped up. In order for that to happen, that would require my car to seize or the engine catch on fire. The FACT THAT THIS COMPANY IS WILLING TO PUT LIVES AT RISK, is alarming. A few weeks ago at 10:00PM at night my car seized on the on ramp of freeway. Took car to dealer. I was informed the code did not pop up and the KIA dealer filled my car with more oil.A week later, my engine completely seized and oil was everywhere. I WAS IN FEAR OF MY ENGINE CATCHING ON FIRE. I got out of my car and called a tow truck. I was informed by the service dealership that the code popped up. Meaning I now qualify for a new engine. The following day I received a phone call that CORPORATE IS KICKING IT BACK AND DEMANDING AN ABUNDANCE of receipts. Receipts dating back even several years, to try to prove its neglect on my end, for the company to avoid cost. When clearly this is due to the recall per the service dealer. I recently went to the dealer to bring several receipts showing the care for my KIA. IT IS STILL NOT GOOD ENOUGH FOR CORPORATE. Receipts even included documentation from other mechanic businesses that did not want to work on my car because their finding with my engine appeared to be linked to the recall. They told me it was unsafe to drive and take it to the dealer. Over the past 8 months because KIA CORPORATE has made it difficult. I am seeking help.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679143August 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The car is a 2015 model and as shown in the pictures, the paint on the tail is damaged. This is a defect of the manufacturer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679164August 7, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am the owner of a 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo in Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. At approximately 100,000 miles, I observed bubbling and peeling of the paint—no collision or exterior impact occurred to trigger this. The peeling area has since enlarged, exposing the underlying primer or bare metal, which is visible in an attached photo. I contacted Kia around 115,000 miles when I fully realized the paint failure. Kia declined to offer any repair or goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is no longer under warranty. However, this is a widely reported defect affecting many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the Snow White Pearl paint. Numerous owners have experienced similar peeling and flaking without misuse or accidents. This is clearly a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion, rather than normal deterioration. It compromises both the vehicle’s aesthetics and resale value, and it may lead to rust or more serious long-term problems. There are pending class-action lawsuits in Canada for identical issues with SWP paint. Yet, U.S. owners are left to manage this defective condition on their own, without support from Kia. I respectfully request the NHTSA open an investigation into this paint failure issue involving Kia vehicles painted in Snow White Pearl, including the 2019 Optima, and consider issuing a recall or a mandatory repair campaign.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678832August 6, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The engine in my 2020 Kia Optima S (2.4L GDI Theta II) has been experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and loss of power, consistent with known issues in earlier model years of this engine. This component is still in my vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The issue puts my safety at risk due to unpredictable power loss while driving and the potential for engine seizure or fire, especially during high-speed travel. I’ve had to top off oil multiple times between regular oil changes, and the vehicle showed signs of low oil without any dashboard warning. No KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software was ever installed on the vehicle. I have not yet had a full diagnosis from the dealer, but I have opened a case with Kia Consumer Affairs, who informed me that I do not qualify for recall repair based on the vehicle’s manufacture date — despite the engine matching those in previous lawsuits and recalls. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I can provide receipts for oil purchases and logs documenting how often I’ve had to refill the oil. I am also filing a claim with my third-party powertrain warranty provider. Symptoms first appeared at approximately 85000 miles Engine knocking/ticking noise Oil light flashing briefly or low oil found without warning Needing to add 1–2 quarts of oil between oil changes Rough acceleration or loss of power This issue is widespread, has been previously acknowledged in other model years, and should be formally investigated in the 2020 Optima as well. I am concerned for the long-term safety and reliability of this vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678894August 6, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint on my car slowly began to peel away on the hood and side panels, eventually exposing almost the entire hood to be bare (Kia was notified and I was denied any sort of help). I had the hood and panels painted out of pocket, shortly after the side rear passenger door has begun with the exact same issue Eventually, my car is going to be missing all paint and just primer. This needs to be addressed in a class action settlement! Otherwise my car is immaculate condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678456August 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated she had noticed that the vehicle required more oil between oil changes. Additionally, the contact had noticed that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light would only illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where no oil leak was found, and the contact was advised to constantly check the engine oil level. The contact stated that upon checking the oil level recently, five quarts of oil needed to be added to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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