Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11445039December 27, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for several weeks. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and approaching a traffic light, after depressing the brake pedal the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,115.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445086December 27, 2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION: OIL COOLER
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and checked the oil level of the vehicle with the assistance of her son. The contact stated that her son noticed that the vehicle did not have oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys who had previously refilled the oil and the oil was refilled; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The dealer also advised the contact to not open the oil cap per the manufacturer's instructions. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that oil was leaking in the engine compartment and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000. Consumer stated mechanic put new oil valve gasket. Paid 300+ to put new gasket.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445112December 27, 2021
STEERING
Steering has a notchy feel. Binds releases and binds
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445123December 27, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car caught on fire under the hood about 15 minutes after I drove and parked it. It was not running at the time the fire started. We tried to put it out with 2 fire extinguishers but were not able to. By the time the fire department arrived my car was completely engulfed in flames. It burnt to the ground and was a total loss!
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445143December 27, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All four of my window regulators/and or motors have died within months of each other. First it was my back two, now my front two have gone and don’t stay up. I don’t have children nor frequent passengers. I find it mind boggling that all four of my windows have to be repaired. It is completely unsafe that my windows just drop at any given moment, especially if it’s pouring raining or even at night when it’s locked my personal stuff isn’t safe inside.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444715December 22, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint is bubbling and chipping. When I call the dealer I get voicemails or a sales rep telling me its not covered despite the warranty manual stating it is.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444776December 22, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
A few months ago the paint on my car begin to bubble, chip, and peel away. The paint color is Snow white and I have been informed of and read a lot about de-lamination occurring in the pearl and snow white paint of some Kia models. The car has not been involved any accidents and is in great condition aside from the unknown cause of the paint chipping.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444578December 21, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine recall completed. Two weeks after..Engine light on due to a Crack in the emissions system..
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444524December 21, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine stopped while driving. Would not start afterwards after researching I see it happens to those years and certain models were recalled wondering if mine possibly got missed in that recall, based off the recall seems exactly what happened to mine has plenty oil keep maintained well and only drive back and forth to work.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444369December 20, 2021
ENGINE
I had got on the freeway when I got to my destination I got off the freeway and was waiting for the green light my car started shakeing and shut off. I was able to turn it back on
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444428December 20, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My paint stated chipping ang peeling about 3 years ago, I did not think much of it until I saw several people who also have pearl snow white paint having the same issues. I ordered touch up paint and a clear coat to try and stop it in the areas that it is peeling. I have had someone rear end me but this is not where the issues with the paint are. It is on my hood, doors, sides etc. I have always parked in a garage or covered parking and have no hail damage etc
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444511December 20, 2021
ENGINE
I as driving on the highway and all of a sudden the car would not accelerate. The engine light, oil light, air bag lights etc. all turned on. The speed quickly dropped but I was able to to move into the safety lane. The card finally stalled and would would not start. I tried turning it back on, but the engine would not crank. The lights, radio, AC would still turn on, but the engine would not start. I have maintained it's scheduled maintenance and I was under miles until it's next oil change considering I had just changed it a month ago. I took it to get checked and was advised there was no oil and the engine was seized. I never received a warning the oil pressure was low. My car is over the 10 years and/or 100,000 k warranty as it was purchased 8/2011.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444347December 19, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
First my driver side back window wouldn’t roll up or down. It just sags and falls down everytime I drive so I duck taped it until I could afford to get it fixed. Now a month later, the passenger back seat is doing this exact same thing. There is over 100 articles of people talking about this exact problem with 2016-2017 Kia Optimas and I read apparently Kia is even aware as they sent out an alert to dealerships about it or something along those lines? Well that’s all great and dandy but what about the people who already have the car and are dealing with the problems? I have 2 kids under 2 and it’s a tough financial time. Even with the duct tape, it doesn’t always hold and the window will fall down on the highway and my son starts screaming crying cause its loud and the hard wind hits his face. This should be resolved. It shouldn’t take more than like 5 people complaining about the same thing for it to be deeply looked into and fixed. There’s well over 100 people talking about online like I said.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444118December 17, 2021
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When accelerating in traffic car will completely shut off for about two seconds. This kicks off the traction control and power steering is lost. This did not start happening untill the engine was replaced in June 2021.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444186December 17, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the low-beam headlight was not providing proper illumination while driving, making it difficult to see the roadway. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 176,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444039December 16, 2021
AIR BAGS
This car have a Warranty Extension for OCS Sensor Mat. Warranty extension dated June 2016 Airbag light was first turned on in August 2020 Went to the dealer and said it was related to seat buckle and got it fixed Airbag light again turned on in August 2021 Went to the dealer and said it was related to clock spring and that the driver seat needs to be replaced, which would take time and did not get repaired In November 2021, the airbag light got turned off by itself I am very concerned whether the air bag for my car is really working.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11444058December 16, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Several weeks ago, we had trouble opening and closing the trunk of our 2017 KIA Optima. Then a few weeks ago, the trunk of our KIA Optima closed and would not open at all. Because of the pandemic, we didn't contact KIA. But today, 16 Dec. 2021, as my wife was driving north in heavy traffic on US Highway 25 in Albuquerque, NM, the trunk suddenly opened and blocked her view of the cars behind her. Luckily she was in the right lane and was able to exit the highway. Otherwise there might have been a serious accident. We bought the car in 2017 from Fiesta KIA in Albuquerque, NM (505-999-2745). They have been unresponsive.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443817December 14, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY
Out of no where the paint began peeling in large flakes while going down the road. At first it was small pieces then progressively began to be larger pieces. When I washed it, even more came off on multiple locations on the vehicle. Noticed blistering all over after further review.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443571December 13, 2021
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During the week of November 14th, 2021, I noticed my vehicle begin to noticeably vibrate and generate an unfamiliar sound near the engine compartment. The vibration and sound was accompanied by a "check engine" light illuminating. I immediately scheduled an appointment at my local dealership and was provided a date of November 29, 2021. On November 29, 2021, I dropped off my vehicle at the dealership and learned of NHTSA Recall Number "21V844." The service representative and his technician believe the vibration and sound are a result of the recall. To date, my vehicle remains at the dealership and the matter is unresolved. The service representative has advised me that Techline / KIA Corp. is determining whether my vehicle's engine issue is due to the recall or not. It has been two weeks that the vehicle has been at the service center. As per the recall notice I received in the mail, the inspection for the recall should have been completed in a matter of hours. I reasonably believe that Techline / KIA Corp is searching for an excuse to not remedy my vehicle's engine issue, and are jeopardizing the safety of myself and my family. I have a newborn and kindergartener that I have in the car daily and am concern for their safety if the engine issue does not get fixed. I am a military veteran and active police officer. I appreciate any assistance you may provide and thank you in advance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11443512December 12, 2021
ENGINE, STEERING
We would like to know what Kia is planning to do to address the fact that Kia built a car without the basic immobilizer circuit making it very easy to steal. Over the last few months, local and national news reports, as well as many social media sites, have reported on this security flaw which likely emboldens others to attempt a theft of a Kia and/or Hyundai. As I do not live in Milwaulkee, I would like to know how the company will fix this problem for the rest of us. It will not be restricted to just one city. There are numerous articles by victims that have detailed how their car theft cost them thousands of dollars in insurance deductibles, rental cars, and repairs. Many of the articles explain how thieves as young as 12 years old are able to still these cars in under a minute in broad daylight and driving recklessly creating a serious safety hazzard. Please advise what Kia will do to negate this serious security flaw.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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