Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11693506October 15, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased the 2017 Optima Hybrid from Huntington Beach Hyundai on [XXX]. I made sure to double check with the dealer if the engine and hybrid battery were in good condition, in which the salesman reassured me everything is good. The car was driving okay for a while, and I had oil change and tires/alignment changed recently. Just barely 4 months in after I owned the car, the incident happened on the night of [XXX]. I was driving on the highway near the Getty going roughly 70 mph up the mountain roads while all of a sudden the "check hybrid system" warning came on in the car. The car immediately went into limp mode, and I did everything I could to slow the car to a complete stop, and stop on the freeway shoulder safely. It was a traumatizing experience to me, as this is a major safety issue with the vehicle, and other cars were travelling really fast in LA mountain areas. I had the car towed to a auto repair shop the next day, the mechanics did a deep inspection and informed me the hybrid inverter has failed. I paid $2,177 to replace the hybrid inverter with the mechanic. The mechanic also informed me while they were test driving they heard a knocking sound from the engine. I did a look up and found out there is a class settlement and safety campaigns on the engine for 2017 Optima Hybrid due to the faulty factory rod bearings, and the 150K miles extended warranty from Kia should apply to replace my faulty engine free of charge. I will be getting my car towed to Car Pros Kia in Huntington Beach on October 15th, 2025, and request the dealer to replace my engine per Kia's extended warranty. I am filing the complaint because the car is having problems after problems in barely 4 months of ownership, in which I believe I have purchased a lemon, or Huntington Beach Hyundai knowingly hid the facts the components were faulty. I have also filed a case with Kia corporate. Attached is the repair invoice for the hybrid inverter. 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
#11693339October 14, 2025
STEERING
There is an issue with our 2013 Kia optima steering coupler system. There is currently a TSB, but no recall and repair not covered. It seems to be a very common problem and I feel it should be recalled so repairs will be covered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693463October 14, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All recalls were not done false input information they never fixed engine bearing recall I’m getting a consultant to handle all the false information being provided by Kia Federico in woodriver
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693147October 13, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Trunk latch broke leaving it impossible for someone in the trunk to get out and very difficult for someone on the outside to open the trunk
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692583October 10, 2025
ENGINE
I experienced a sudden engine failure on the highway due to the known Theta II engine defect. The engine completely shut down in the middle of traffic, nearly causing a serious accident. I never received any notice from Kia regarding the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update or any engine recall programs. When I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, they told me they would not cover the engine replacement because the KSDS update was not installed prior to the failure. Kia admitted that the notice was sent to the previous owner, not to me, even though I am the current registered owner of the vehicle. I was never given the opportunity to install the software update or address the defect before this dangerous failure occurred. Kia representatives also stated that KSDS “was not a recall, only part of a class action lawsuit,” and therefore they are not obligated to cover the engine. This is misleading. The underlying Theta II engine defect was subject to NHTSA investigations and multiple recall campaigns. The sudden engine shutdown on a public highway created an immediate safety risk for me and other drivers. I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying coverage for a federally recognized engine defect due to their own failure to notify the current owner. I am requesting that NHTSA review Kia’s handling of this defect and their use of KSDS as a barrier to coverage. Their failure to notify current owners has resulted in dangerous, potentially life-threatening vehicle failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692397October 9, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, FIRERELATED
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in Kia Safety Recalls SC147, SC200, and SC201. On XXX, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition covered by the above recalls, which state that affected engines may seize, stall, or ignite. I have been in contact with both a Kia dealership and Kia Consumer Affairs for close to a month without any resolution. The dealership has confirmed that my car requires a complete engine replacement, but Kia has refused to address the recall issue, claiming that other unrelated recalls were not performed. When I previously contacted dealerships to schedule recall repairs, I was told that parts were not available, which prevented me from completing them. In addition to the engine failure, the fire also caused my starter to fail. I was forced to purchase a replacement starter out of pocket, which has added to my financial hardship. I believe I am owed compensation for this expense, as it was a direct result of the safety defect. This situation has caused me severe financial strain, as I relied on my vehicle for work and currently have no income due to its inoperability. Kia has not provided a timeline for repairs, towing coverage, or written confirmation that they remain obligated to remedy this federally mandated safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia’s refusal to fulfill its recall obligations and intervene to ensure that my vehicle is repaired or replaced in compliance with federal recall requirements. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Make/Model: 2012 Kia Optima •VIN: XXXX •Recalls involved: SC147, SC200, SC201 •Incident: Engine fire, vehicle no longer drivable; starter also failed due to fire Please advise on next steps. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692431October 9, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is consuming a large amount of oil. Oil is gunking up spark plugs causing them to be replaced every 10-12 months. Have to add oil 3-5 times per month. This is our 2nd Kia optima and the first (2011) with seized engine in which Kia paid for replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692042October 8, 2025
ENGINE
9/25/2025 - our vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of a busy roadway creating a hazard. We had it towed to [XXX] Kia of Greenville. 9/26/2025 we were advised that the engine had seized with no symptoms and no warning lights. The technician said that it would be covered under the vehicles extended warranty due to the known defect/class action on the Theta II GDI engine documented here: [XXX] 10/2/2025 we were advised the car would NOT be covered under the warranty due to some conflict on a CarFax report. according to CarFax, the vehicle has 82k with 15 maintenance records. This was not a case of neglect by the owner, it is a known defect that Kia is not willing to fix. 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
#11691908October 7, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to Downtown Auto Care, where an oil consumption test was initiated. The mechanic added 5 quarts of oil to the engine and advised the contact to return after 3,000 miles. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light illuminated after 2,275 miles. The vehicle was urgently taken to Valvoline, where 3 quarts of oil were added to the engine. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,072.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691928October 7, 2025
ENGINE
I’ve had my car for 6 months and it constantly burns oil I’ve had 4 oil changes because it Is completely disappearing but my mechanics can not find any leaks. Then I changed all my spark plugs and two were completely burnt and they were changed a month ago and now one of them went again and this time is completely covered in oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691564October 6, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, STRUCTURE:BODY
[XXX] , [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Date: October 5, 2025 Kia America, Inc. Consumer Affairs Department [XXX] Subject: Request for Goodwill Repair – Defective Paint on 2014 Kia Optima LX Dear Kia Consumer Affairs Team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 Kia Optima LX. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e.g., the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Model: 2014 Kia Optima LX •VIN: [XXX] •Mileage: 187,000 miles •Color: silver After researching this issue, I learned that many other Kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain Kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that Kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] Email: [XXX] 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
#11691385October 4, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my 2015 Kia optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence.My car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed.So I had it towed to the Kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it.Then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,and something dollars to have my car diagnostic done.Whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for diagnostic test to be done she replies yes,but I’m thinking they are just trying to make money off customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691181October 3, 2025
ENGINE
Engine sludge and failure. Engine part failure p0010 began happening within 1 year of Kia engine replacement. It is available for inspection. This creates a problem with acceleration in the vehicle, putting my family's and my safety at risk. This problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The check engine light is one. This part failure and engine sludge (despite consistent maintenance) has caused engine failure again, just 3 years after replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691183October 3, 2025
VISIBILITY/WIPER
All window regulators failed before 100K miles. This does not allow for windows to open in case of emergency, This problem has been personally confirmed by dealer and also in service bulletin SA418. This is a common problem in this car make/model/year. This component has been known to the manufacturer for defect. No warning lights, just instant lack of window use.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11691126October 3, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The turbo system on the car burns oil at a rapid rate. Had to pay $4000 to replace and still continues to give me problems and check engine light. Violates lemon law. Had replaced in September but was giving me problems well before and finally took it to the dealer for repair
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690964October 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated and then turned off independently. The contact slowed down, and after arriving at the destination, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was potential engine failure and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine); however, the KSDS software update was not performed prior to the engine failure, which disqualified the vehicle from the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle did not qualify for the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690860October 1, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, POWER TRAIN
Oil is burning too fast... Car has had an issue like this in the past and the problem resulted in a blown engine... Re-call was found by dealer and honored and endinge re-placed.. Car is now expierenceing this problem again... Second, steering wheel is locking when turnning fully left... Third, car smells extremely strong like gasoline when car is warming up...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690475September 30, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2019 Kia Optima EX - 59,000 miles - car miss fires and shakes on start. After a few seconds the car calms down and I can drive. Very dangerous since the fuel can stop flowing and the car can stall at any speed. Very dangerous!! Looks like several Kia's from 2019-2023 have been recalled for the same issue - High Pressure Fuel Pump - if my car is having the same issue at 59,000 miles why is this car not recalled, Very Dangerous! The Kia K5 which took over for the Optima is on the list why not the Optima EX.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690579September 30, 2025
ENGINE
2013 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] , Recall 23V-652) caught fire on [XXX] in Rossville, GA. I had just parked in my garage when smoke came from the engine. I pushed it outside and a coworker helped extinguish it. There was no warning signs. Also didn’t receive recall until a few days after the fire . Even though the letter said final notice this was the first letter I received. No injuries or property damage, but the car is beyond repair. Kia case #[XXX] (rep Ashley). Inspector came Sept 2 but no response since. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690314September 29, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have a 2016 KIA Optima SX Turbo with 33,500 miles that the windows one by one are failing due to a defective regulator drum gear. This very flimsy gear fails and the window will not roll up. I have had 3 out of 4 fail in the last month. The only way to keep the window up is to shimmy them. This creates a huge safety risk in the event of an accident and also can impact the collision safety system including airbags. KIA is aware of this situation as outlined in their Technical Service Bulletin dated March 2021. I believe it's bulletin MC-10189544-0011. I've contacted the dealer who doesn't think there is a recall on this issue. This issue creates a safety issue that after only 33,500 miles should not exist.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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