Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11765197September 18, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Gas smell from under the hood. When taken to the dealership it was diagnosed as the high pressure fuel line. NOTE: The high and low fuel lines have recalls that impact this vehicle make, model, and year BUT not this VIN.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11765377September 18, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start due to the battery being drained from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) remaining on while the vehicle was turned off. After recharging the battery, the HECU made a buzzing sound while the battery was no longer charging. Additionally, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving, and the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. A burning odor was inside the vehicle. The contact was concerned about a fire risk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and determined that the HECU had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer requested maintenance records for the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764663September 16, 2026
ENGINE
Basically the engine secede up while driving from one place to another. Causing Me to suddenly just stop in traffic almost causing an accident . Now the car won’t start with a new starter and battery. I have no light on the dash, it currently sits at 124,000 miles on it. It’s a grate car I just need the problem fixed
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764326September 15, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil. The contact stated that a quart of oil was added every 600 miles. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the engine with a rebuilt engine under an unknown recall seven years prior. The dealer was informed of the recent failure and informed the contact that the manufacturer approved an engine replacement if the engine failed. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764331September 15, 2026
ENGINE
The oil consumption in my 2020 Kia optima is low so fast and needs to be replaced frequently. The engine is always hesitant and bucking. The car when you press the gas shakes and doesn't take off properly i have brought this up to the dealership multiple times to be told nothing is wrong. When sitting at a light idle the car shakes and the RPM's drop and rev up. When you in reverse in the car and hit the gas the whole car shakes so bed the engine feels like its go to fall out. When you drive and press the gas the engine revs all the way before the car actually finds where it needs to be. There is something wrong with the 2020 Kia Optima Engine all though nothing will be done about it even with all these complaints!!!! This has been going on for years with this car and I maintain my car had all services done...Kia doesn't want to fix the problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11764464September 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicles Low-Pressure Fuel Feed Tube disconnected from the engine and sprayed fuel over the top. The vehicle was running and the engine was hot but luckily there was no fire and no was injured, but if this had happened any sooner it could have been much worse. There is currently a recall for this part on my exact model car and year, but my VIN does not show the recall. The part was inspected by a mechanic who informed me this should be covered by the recall based on everything listed in the safety recall campaign. The vehicles check engine light came on just before the temperature gauge light up. after pulling over there was a clear gasoline smell in the vehicle and upon inspection the feed tube was no longer connected to the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762651September 8, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
This car is registered under my sons name, [XXX]. I helped him buy the car as we paid cash for it ( Money was provided by my ex-wife). We bought it on XXX and was sold as-is but then the seller said theres no problem with it. A week after we bought it as my son was driving it on [XXX] it drove it suddenly loss power then it stop. He was in the middle lane in a 45 mph road. He said it started to run again after a few minutes after a several minutes of turning it off. After that the car randomly kept giving error messages regarding the Hybrid system, losing power and telling driver to stop car and turning it off while driving on the freeway. We called the seller (Jalal) about the issue and he recommended for us to take it to his mechanic nearby. We took it to his mechanic and he did some test on it. We dont really know everything he did but a day or two later it started giving the same error message and a few days after it give another warning to stop and turn off the engine as it lost power again. After that we got in touch with the seller (Jalal) again to let him know that we were still having the same problem. In XXX we agreed again to his recommendation to take the car to his mechanic ( who knows about Hybrid issues) in Mt. View to have it repaired. We agreed to pay $750 and seller agreed to pay the balance of $500. The mechanic had it for about a week before we picked up the car. Mechanic did not speak english. We drove it home with no problem but after a few days the problem came back again. It didnt happened everyday but randomly. It losses power all of a sudden and gives warning to turn off car immediately while driving. We did a little bit of research on the car and found out that it had a recall in 2018 about the Hybrid Propulsion System. This recall causes the car to loose power and warns you to stop. Also it was noted by our car insurance agency that it still has the recall open. 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
#11762688September 8, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and Kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle having 180,000 miles, despite this being a well-documented manufacturing defect inherent to these engines. Prior to the failure, the check engine light started flashing. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762756September 8, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing or scooter-like sound. The vehicle became undrivable and had to be parked. I am concerned about a potential safety defect involving sudden loss of power while driving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762830September 8, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be repaired under an unknown recall for an engine software update and key fob replacement; however, the dealer failed to honor the recall repair and recommended purchasing a new vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. The VIN and License plate number were unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762544September 7, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-652 / Kia SC284TF involving the HECU fuse. The dealership replaced the HECU multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally. The same day I picked the vehicle up after the recall repair, the vehicle began dying while I was driving. I also noticed a burning smell. I returned the vehicle to Rockwall Kia. Their August 31, 2026 repair order documents my complaint and states that the vehicle would die while driving and that this problem “DID NOT BEGIN UNTIL AFTER RECALL COMPLETED.” The repair order instructs the technician to inspect whether the recall was completed properly and diagnose the concern. I am concerned because the HECU recall involves an electrical short/overcurrent condition and Kia's recall documentation specifically identifies burning/melting smell and smoke as warning symptoms. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether the post-recall stalling and burning smell could be related to the HECU recall repair or indicate a continuing safety problem. 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
#11761317September 1, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred. The "Service In" message flashed on and off on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11761103August 31, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on " Check brake system " then the car slows down to 10mph immediately. While pressing on the brakes they squeaking, very badly. I have to turn the car off and back on until the flashing " Check brake system" turns off. This happens every 5 to 10 minutes while driving multiple times a day, everyday. This could have caused an accident on multiple occasions. When the warning light comes on, the car immediately goes down to 10mph making it impossible to pullover in time. The car is currently at the dealership for inspection, they're the only ones that i had inspect the car. However reading the Kia forms online alot of other customers are having this same issue. This issue started happening about two months ago. And has progressively gotten worse.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760844August 31, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. Known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. Problem continues to happen. Lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. Anytime the fuse blows
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760756August 30, 2026
ENGINE
I have a 2020 Optima, apparently there is a recall for the older models, yet mine is experiencing the exact same issues. Over oil consumption leading to engine failure. I have been in a rental for a month and a half due to fighting with Kia to correct the issue all while they drag their feet. Smells like another class action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760787August 30, 2026
AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front. They had to cut the car off because it was smoking like it was gonna catch a fire. I’ve been had this sign on my car the steering wheel with an! It says that the car is hot before the car accident I had driven to [XXX] back to my house in the car motor was just shaking up under even though the car was off about 1015 minutes a hour late I had to wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11760519August 28, 2026
ENGINE
The component was the engine. The engine has since been replaced. The safety of myself or others was not in immediate danger before the engine seized. Luckily my mechanics employee was test driving for other issues at the time. My mechanic said it was likely due to the recalls that have been issued from KIA. Unfortunately the engine was seized so the dealership I had the car towed to was unable to inspect the motor for the recall because of the engine seizing. The vehicle was not inspected by any of the listed entities. There were no warning lamps messages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure/seizure of the engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760053August 27, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am also experiencing an electrical problem with the vehicle. The air conditioning and heating system will not turn on or operate properly. I was informed that the problem is related to the vehicle's electrical system/wiring. These problems have continued and require repeated attention. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, particularly the continued oil loss and the electrical malfunction. I am reporting these issues so they can be documented and investigated to determine whether other 2020 Kia Optima owners are experiencing similar problems.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760054August 27, 2026
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving, the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V014000 (Air Bags); however, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced failure described in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 82,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11760064August 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Both front door lock actuators failed within a one month period. It is a safety issue because the actuator is failing in a way that can prevent the door from opening, closing, properly latching and locking. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have taken it to a mechanic to confirm the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Optima