Kia Optima Complaints
7,843 consumer complaints on file.
- #11465173May 18, 2022ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I started driving and the car just stopped working in the middle of the street. Many lights on the engine came on. I had to push the car into a street and it could've been so dangerous if I was on the busy road instead of a side street. We had the car towed and taken to a mechanic. We got the call and it turns out certain wires started leaking and it could've started an engine fire. No lights were on before until immediately it stopped working.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11465225May 18, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption. The contact indicated that on several occasions the engine oil light was displayed even though the engine oil had recently been changed. After taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the engine oil levels were extremely low and additional oil was needed. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred on multiple occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464772May 16, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine. The contact stated that after stopping at a traffic light and then attempting to make a right turn while accelerating, the engine started revving however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and several warning lights flashed before the vehicle stalled and lost motive power. The vehicle was towed. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the rod bearings had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer who confirmed the diagnosis. The contact became aware of an unknown recall however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,100.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464876May 16, 2022AIR BAGS, ENGINE
My car had turned off and everything else in the car turns on but i called the safety recall and they told me i had to 2 recalls on the car and i just got the car didnt know nothing about the recalls until somebody told me they said the air bag control unit and my engine control unit and kia told me my ecu isnt update so they couldnt repair anything and that my motor was locked and they told me i had to pay $6,000
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464894May 16, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
The paint on my car is just falling off. I cant even wash my car because its peeling off so easily.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464673May 15, 2022ENGINE
I was driving about 4 days ago and experienced engine failure. While driving 45-50mph, I felt my car start slowing down and saw that my dashboard lit up with all of the lights! I had just gotten off of the highway, but was in a high traffic area and I am grateful I was able to get into the right lane, then to the side of the rd where I immediately broke down!! My engine wouldn't turnover, and I had to wait for a tow. When the tow truck driver came, he performed a diagnostic, asked about my mileage and he informed me that my model car has a recall on engines. I did research immediately and I read that my year KIA is up for a VOLUNTARY recall on engine failure or engine seizure (2011-2014 models). My car is at a KIA dealership right now, but because my VIN is not registering with a recall, I'd have to pay $5500 for a new engine. My 2013 Optima engine fits the criteria of year and details written in these articles, but the VIN doesn't pop up...... how is this possible?? My engine is not fused, and the tech at the shop says my engine was turning over, but I know it didn't and even the tow truck driver tried to start the car before he hooked it up and it didn't turn over. I know my car experienced the engine failure that thousands of KIAs have a recall for. The faulty sensors don't alert you to an issue until it's too late! My engine light only lit up when my car was seconds away from becoming immobile. Also, I'm more concerned because if the company says it's certain years of cars, how do you backtrack and exclude certain VINs? My 2013 Optima should qualify for this repair. I just would like a more clear explanation of why my car does not qualify for the free engine replacement especially when I had a similar experience to many customers who did get the replacement according to their testimonials on many different forums including KIA USA? Thank you
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464618May 14, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My vehicle has developed a fuel leak at the same point of failure described on Feb 17, 2022 Manufacturer Recall NumberSC228, NHTSA Recall Number22V093, Recall StatusRecall Incomplete. The Community Kia dealership in Baytown, TX has had my vehicle since May 12, only 3 days now, and saying that it's not an active recall and doesn't have parts to repair my vehicle. I have had this leak verified by an independent mechanic, and the dealership has supplied a video to the Kia Techline support for warranty approval. I am not happy that it has been 3 months since Kia initially sent out this recall and still does not have a remedy. I am also unhappy that Kia is not supplying me with a rental vehicle while this warranty parts issue is resolved. My vehicle was towed to the dealership.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464311May 12, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint (SWP) on my car has been chipping for some time now and it’s been getting worse.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464149May 11, 2022SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
I was in a accident in December where I went to brake at a light and hydra planed forward. Into the car I front of me. Which my driving record I can’t understand how the is happened is this a reflection of the recall and Kia’s parts took since just a few weeks ago to come in to the collision center from being back ordered since mid December I have been in a out of pocket rental practically begging to get my 4000$ I paid to enterprise since So because of this lengthy time my inspection was up in march but I can’t get it inspected because the check engine light came in the very first day I brought it home. Went to turn on my ac being a warm day and no cool air I called the collision center they then decide to tell me they are waiting on three parts still the ac compressor a part for the bumper and the turbo sensor. Meanwhile since it is a insurance claim I cannot have them check the recall part. So I made a appointment with Fred beans Kia in langhorne pa for the recall and a oil change they had the car all day to tell me that I need the part and it will be ordered that was April 23. Meanwhile Iam still driving with expired inspection. I then noticed my car started to shake and make loud sound when started and is feeling like Iam going to stall out and it does. It feel safe me being a single woman I don’t want to get stuck I called bot the the collision center and the dealership inquiring about the parts ordered and now my car is running horribly one pointed the finger at the other leaving me worried scared frustrated and upset. Please help me.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464251May 11, 2022ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The motor in my vehicle failed. It put myself, passengers, and others traveling on the highway at risk because the car shut down immediately in the road. The problem was identified by an independent service center. The vehicle was inspected by police and state troopers. There weren’t any warning lights prior to the failure.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463998May 10, 2022ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. After stopping at a nearby service station and turning off the vehicle, the contact noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and noticed a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact indicated that there were no flames present during the incident. The vehicle was later towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine was damaged due to an electrical malfunction and needed to be replaced. No further information was available. The local dealer and manufacturer were contacted and notified the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The failure mileage was 110,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11464068May 10, 2022FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, SERVICE BRAKES, ENGINE
DEAN MCKRARY KIA HAD MY CAR FROM NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 12, 2021 WITH THE AGREEMENT TO REPAIR ALL EXISTING SERVICE RECALLS. THERE YET REMAIN SERVICE RECALL 21V331. THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT ALL RECALLS ISSUED WOULD BE REPAIRED. THEY DID NOT KEEP THEIR WORD.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463868May 9, 2022FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not 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
- #11463963May 9, 2022ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Engine overhead and stopped working in addition to it consuming massive amounts of oil without physically putting oil in. I've went to 2 dealerships who refuse to provide me with a new engine even though I'm covered under the engine extension warranty due to me having the knock sensor update done. I am now involving my attorney and will go to the news channels to inform how kia manufacturer has become a disgrace with not providing quality engines in their vehicles and don't want to be responsible for it. there's already a settlement going on for kia optimas and other cars they've made because of faulty engines. They can better believe I'm coming for them next with a lawsuit.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463586May 6, 2022Other/I am not sure
The driver side seat It goes off whenever sometimes for a few seconds other times a few minutes and this is when I'm driving
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463677May 6, 2022UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2018 KIA OPTIMA EX.ALL THE WINDOWS EXIBIT DISTORTION SO BAD ,AS TO INTERFERE WITH LINE OF SITE FROM THE DRIVER SEAT.THERE ARE RIPPLES IN THE GLASS FRONT REAR AND SIDES. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY SAID THEY COULD BUFF THEM OUT,I MADE A BET WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER HE COULD NOT AS THE PROBLEM WAS BETWEEN THE PLATES OF GLASS.THE DEALER REPLACED THE WINDSHIELDAND HE SAID HE WOULD REPLACE THE DRIVER SIDE WINDOW.BUT THAT WAS SERVERAL MONTHS AGO.I CAN NOT SEE OUT OF THE REAR WINDOW AT NITE.IF IT RAINS ALL VISIBILITY IS SCARY.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463170May 3, 2022STRUCTURE:BODY
Delamination of the Snow White Pearl Paint due to faulty factory primer appearing at multiple spots including front and rear pillars, hood and doors. Confirmed by 2 Auto Body Shops - Triangle Collision and Carolinas Collison. Rust has began appearing in said spots and the paint strips are getting worse overtime.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463204May 3, 2022FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
Low pressure fuel line start leaking, creating a fire hazard for me and my family. You can smell the fuel inside the cabin while you're driving. I did take the car to the dealership and they told me is not a recall on my car at this moment. No warning lights came on .
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463249May 3, 2022ENGINE
The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the husband was driving the vehicle a ticking noise was present coming from the engine compartment before suddenly smoke began to come from under the hood of the vehicle. The husband exited the vehicle and moments later flames were seen coming from under the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. A police and fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact indicated that prior to the incident occurring the vehicle had been serviced for a recall related to an engine failure and fire but the failure still occurred. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 144,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11463280May 3, 2022ENGINE
EXCESSIVE oil consumption. More than 1 quart every 1,000 miles. I am having to change my spark plugs about every 3 months to keep this car going. I've been to Kia twice and spent thousands of dollars. It has fixed nothing.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0