Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11573900February 25, 2024
ENGINE
When I was coming home from work my car lost power and didn’t accelerate anymore when I was on the freeway. I almost didn’t make it to the shoulder when trying to pull over. Every single light I could imagine came on when I was trying to pull over, It said check hybrid system, BSP system failed, etc. All the lights came on at once. My car didn’t start, so I had to wait on the side of the freeway at 4am for a ride and a tow. Kia told me that I need service records to prove that I was up on my maintenance and that the reason my engine failed was at no fault of my own, But I am up on maintenance. That same dealership had my car in February 2023 and said my car was in perfect condition and up on maintenance, I just needed a new transmission. Now just a year later, Suddenly my engine failed and they are saying it might be because I didn’t get oil changes. There are recalls on Kia engines made in 2016 but for some reason my car isn’t included in the recall even though I know I took car of my car and that engine just wasn’t good.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573755February 24, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I was doing 65 on the hwy when Forward collision started so sound off and slowing down car when there was no other car around me this happened on several occasions
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573771February 24, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) can start a fire, I was informed not to park the car in a garage or near other cars, also it can also catch fire while driving the car!! I was notified months ago of this problem !! I called a KIA dealer that got me no where !! KIA recall #SC284TF
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573686February 23, 2024
ENGINE
My vehicle is constantly running out of oil within a 30 day period and I constantly getting an oil change. I was advised to get an oil consumption test at the dealer and was out of oil in 3 weeks. I was told that I have a warranty, however, it's only if the rod bearings are an issue. I think my engine should be replaced without paying a $300 diagnostic fee that might get refunded without an exact time frame.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573724February 23, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I drive with my lights on auto. Occasionally the lights go out for no apparent reason. Both inside and headlights. I then have to hold the high beam switch on until I can turn lights on and off or use directional. Sometimes using the directional will cause lights to go out as well. This can happen several days in a row or maybe once or twice a week. I have noticed a few times the box appearing in my dashboard saying lights were off. I had done nothing for them to go out. If a cop sees this happen I am sure to get pulled over. This has been going on for a year=3 trips to 2 different dealers. I brought my car to two different dealers and they both said without it happening when they have it they cannot do anything. I do not understand how a few years ago they fixed something incorrectly and I had to go back for a different part. Apparently this can't be done for this. So, I just risk my life every time I drive at night!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573526February 23, 2024
ENGINE
Our. Vehicle is under 90,000 miles and the engine is going out on it This is under 10 years on the vehicle and an engine shouldn’t be going out so soon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573598February 23, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact became aware of a burning odor inside the vehicle while driving. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,401. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573169February 21, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I need an immobilizer installed on my car so I will be able to get insurance. Please recall these vehicles. This problem is because something wasn't installed on the car that it needs. PLEASE help us.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573237February 21, 2024
ENGINE
Kia will not replace engine that has failed. They say combustion issue led to valve meltdown. Engine is my responsibility though part of settlement. Kia corporations case manager says Engine is only good for 100,000 miles
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572883February 20, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572903February 20, 2024
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION, LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
On March 2022 Forward Collision Warning System, Blind Spot Warning System, ABS braking System and other systems associated with a bad passenger rear wheel sensor not working. On March 17, 2022 rear passenger wheel sensor repaired under warranty by local Kia Dealer. In September 2023 same issue with the above warning systems occurs with only another 2,000 miles on car after previous repair. Local Kia dealer states both rear wheel sensors need to be replaced. Kia dealer states vehicle is no longer under warranty and will cost in excess of $800 to repair. After checking similar complaints online, I believe there is an inherit defect with this type of vehicle's wheel sensors and a recall is needed to enforce Kia to stand by their product and ensure the safety of the vehicle and their customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11573059February 20, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While driving doesn't matter the speed, my car doesn't accelerate and jerks, it had does these many times and I take it into the shop, at least 3 times now, and they can't find anything. Since it doesn't do it when they test drive it, they don't know what is wrong. But it is very annoying, since there are times I have been on a highway and my car doesn't speed up.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572828February 19, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Every time after I get an oil change I’m constantly having to put oil in it because it goes dry every 2 days and my check engine light stays on before and after oil change, randomly shaking soon as I turn the car on then the oil light comes on every time I go over a speed bump! The car slams on breaks when it wants and has even did it when in fast traffic on the highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572619February 18, 2024
ENGINE
My complaint does not immediately involve an additional incident but rather I am concerned with the time it is taking to find a solution for the Recall Number 23V652000. It has been 5 months since the initial notification, and I have not heard of any solution to date. Apparently, KIA Motors is still in the process of developing a part to address the fire issue, but given the nature and inconvenience of the Recall, I am hoping the NHTSA has an update regarding this matter. While I have contacted my Congressional Representative, they in turn gave me your information, so I am following up with you. Sincerely, [XXX] Owner of 2013 KIA Optima09 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
#11572379February 16, 2024
ENGINE, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo booster sensor and turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572051February 15, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while decelerating at slow speeds and then sitting with the vehicle idling, the vehicle stalled. The steering wheel suddenly seized, and several warning lights were illuminated. The ABS, Malfunction Lamp, Oil Lamp, Battery Malfunction warning lights and other unknown warning lights were illuminated, and unknown messages were displayed. During the first occurrence, the contact was able to place the vehicle in the park for several minutes and shifted into drive and drove forward. The failure recurred the second time while shifting vehicle into park. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to turn off. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact was able to turn off the vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 78,800. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572052February 15, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. There was smoke detected, and the vehicle burst into flames and exploded. There were no reported injuries, crashes, or air bag deployments. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The DOT was on the scene. Another motorist assisted the occupants with exiting the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a police department tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572106February 15, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Since 08/07/21 I’ve been having intermittent issues with my oil light and engine light coming on. I have had all repairs recommended by the Mark KIA Scottsdale, AZ dealership yet my oil consumption has increased significantly and the oil light continues to come on: On 02/14/24 I took my car to a local auto repair shop to get a second opinion due to the oil light coming off and on; they found the engine oil very low and only 1 quart came out when doing the oil change; they also recommended injection induction service which I’ve had done twice previously with the KIA dealership
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11572180February 15, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic who diagnosed that the camshaft sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The camshaft sensor was replaced but the failure persisted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11571812February 14, 2024
ENGINE
Known recall since Sept 2023, but Kia has not provided any dealerships with parts to repair (we have tried multiple dealerships within a 2 hour radius). Only recommendation is to "Park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until you have the recall performed" which is an unacceptable option for 6 months. Now check engine light is on and still no indication as to when it can be fixed. Kia is not offering a loaner or rental until issue resolved.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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