Kia Optima Complaints (2015)

1,022 consumer complaints on file.

#11615440September 19, 2024
STEERING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the steering seized. The contact stated that the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615278September 18, 2024
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613568September 9, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
On or about 13 May 2024 my family and I traveling. During the travel the vehicle displayed “Hybrid System Stop and Do Not Drive”. We took it in to Kia during the time that they had the vehicle, they informed us that it needed an ECU update (recall). When services were finished, we picked up the vehicle and was made to pay for services that were part of the recall. When we left the dealership, the lights on the dashboard appeared 1. Engine, 2. HEV. We called the dealership back and informed them what happened. They told us to take the vehicle back to them. After checking it, they informed us that due to the update that was done to the vehicle it triggered faults in the battery. They informed us we would have to replace the Hybrid Battery that would cost us about $13,000. We stated to them our vehicle wasn’t having battery issues when we initially turned the vehicle in for service. They refused to assist and stated it wasn’t there responsibility even though it was given to us with these faults. We left the dealership and after driving for a few minutes, the warning sign came on and the car began to smell like smoke. I contacted KIA Corporate and informed them that the vehicle displayed a message on the dashboard and smoke. The gentleman I spoke to informed me not to drive the vehicle and park it away from other vehicles and to get the vehicle to KIA to check services. We took it to a different KIA for services. They informed us that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced and the cost. I explained to them the recall issue and that the vehicle was given to us with the issues that started to occur after the update. They said it wasn’t their responsibility and that they weren’t going to fix the damages or issues that were caused by another dealership. I called KIA Corporate and informed them of the situation and how the dealership refused to make repairs although they knew the hybrid battery issues were triggered from the recall updates/repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613317September 8, 2024
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine may be blown not sure what all is affected. Engine died while driving. Trying to start makes a loud knocking in engine compartment.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11613078September 6, 2024
AIR BAGS
Possible clock spring failure. Symptoms - Air bag light remains on and lost functionality on left side of steering wheel. Not covered under recall, but 2016 year is covered. My vehicle appears to have a mix of 2015 & 2016 parts (specifically front brakes). No aftermarket changes to brakes or steering clock spring.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612591September 4, 2024
ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving uphill at 20 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11612100September 2, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On May 11, 2024, we took our 2015 Kia Optima to Hutchinson Kia Service Center 3931 River Pl, Macon, Ga. due to brakes not working. When you apply brakes the vehicle would not stopped you would have to apply the emergency brakes for a complete stop. On that day, I was told no one was there to check my brakes due it was a Saturday and would need to schedule another appointment when they could do a brake diagnostic. The next appointment was June 4,2024, on that day we had the vehicle towed due to brakes. Today is September 2, 2024 and our vehicle is still there. On July 12, 2024, we were contacted staying vehicle was repaired and the problem wa a pin hole in the right brake line. We picked up the vehicle proceeded home at the first traffic stop same problem happen with the brakes.We returned immediately back to Kia Service center, explaining the same problem still exists. After vehicle being there for 2 more weeks, Nick with Kia Hutchinson Kia called stated there was a problem with ABS system and vehicle would be ready on August 21,2024. Well the still have my vehicle and no updates. When you call they put on hold and never comeback. If you go over the Service Manager is always out and no one can give you and update
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611272August 27, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
For the past month or two my vehicle hesitates to start on the first try. I can smell an odor at times when this occurs. Most recently it seems to occur more frequently when the outside temperature is warmer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11610779August 26, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint is coming off in chunks anywhere from an inch to 5 inches at a time. Not from rock chips.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609866August 21, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
Hi I have a 2015 Kia optima white(pearl). Like many other white Kia’s on the road, my paint is continuously simply flaking off. This problem is being ignored by Kia which is very frustrating. How is it that Kia is able to avoid this problem when several Kia’s are having the same problem but because our cars are “ out of warranty” for the useless first 3 years paint warranty they claim to have it’s ok. It’s outrageous a 2015 shouldn’t be having paint problems that insane to even think about.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11609618August 20, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. Additionally, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle turned off unintendedly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under the Technical Service Bulletin NHTSA ID: 10252085 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling); with a similar failure description. The failure mileage was approximately 92,394.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606753August 6, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer where a diagnostic test was performed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure and the vehicle was repaired by the dealer under Warranty. The contact stated that several months after the repair was performed, the contact noticed a fuel odor coming from the vehicle after a visit to the gas station. The next day upon inspection of the vehicle, the contact's husband discovered a puddle of fuel underneath the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and requested that the vehicle be towed to the dealer for an inspection. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline; Engine) which the contact linked to the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 178,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606492August 5, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while at a complete stop, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The vehicle would resume normal operation upon restart of the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11604513July 25, 2024
ENGINE
I have a 2015 Kia Optima never had any problems. Last Sunday it starting rattling from the engine, changed the oil the following Saturday and drove it to see if it made it any better. Within 20 mins the noise in the engine from knocking was so bad, my car was trying to die on me at red lights. Luckily, I was able to make it home. Checked the oil that was just changed and drove maybe 25 mins is full of metal shavings. Called Kia and they are trying to say that because a recall wasn't completed before I owned it that I am not eligible for a engine replacement, even though when i bought this used car from a Kia dealer they should have seen and completed this recall. Now I have a car with a bad engine that I still owe 5K that I can't even drive to trade it in.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603933July 23, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving on the expressway onto the exit ramp going about 75 mph when my car suddenly slowed down even though my foot was on the pedal as i kept trying to drive, it was slowing down. The temp gauge was exactly in the middle and the rpm was at 0. The mph was at 60 mph even though it was slowing down it didnt change on the reader. When i realized the mph on the reader was not changing all the service lights came out on the dash. So I idled to a stop on the side of the road when I got out of the car I realized there was smoke coming from the hood and it had a really awful smell of something burning. I know the engine didnt over heat because the coolant reservoir is full and the upper radiator hose had pressure. Ive been having an issue with burning oil so I topped it off with a qt of oil. I left the car off for about 2 hours and then tried to start it and the engine would not start , the break pedal became hard to push down but the burning smell got worse. So i decided to turn the car off again. Meanwhile im still stuck on the side of the road. I watched a couple of youtube videos and there are many people having the same issue with the radiator fan, or a leak in a pipe or hose, or some sort of sensor.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603950July 23, 2024
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
While driving on freeway lights, flicker and car just dies. Steering goes out and lose control of vehicle. Then will randomly start up again
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603343July 19, 2024
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Engine locked in while driving on road No power an won’t start
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11603025July 17, 2024
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:INTERNAL:BEARINGS/BUSHINGS
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence and then to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with a wheel bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11602299July 15, 2024
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
Driving down highway car engine shut off. Brakes are vacuum assist so brake pedal was hard and not very responsive while trying to stop car. Engine would not restart having to be towed. No warning lights, no strange noises. Just shut off. Engine possibly siezed. Looking in a kia forum this seems to be a recurring problem. I know there were Engine recalls in previous model years may need to be included for this year as well. Engine oil good, coolant level good.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11600737July 10, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Window regular has been replaced 2 times in 2 years.Having problems again with the same drivers side window. Costing over $600.Window keep getting off track want go up and or down. COULDN'T drve rain pouring in .Regulator replaced year 2022, 2023 now awaiting a appointment for another replacement
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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