Kia Optima Complaints (2015)
1,022 consumer complaints on file.
- #11571354February 11, 2024ENGINE
I got my engine replaced, after using 100 miles on the car I checked my oil there was no oil in the car, every time I try to go over 45 miles the car hesitates to speed up. I am constantly checking the oil weekly, the engine still makes the knocking noise, never again will I buy a KIA vehicle again
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11570912February 8, 2024VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ENGINE
3 months prior to my car going into limp mode I had an incident where I was on the highway and had to come to a stop of major traffic and suddenly my car cut off out of nowhere. I got it to crank after putting it in park, but it was very scary being on the highway thank God it was traffic to where cars wasn't going so fast. Fast-forward to my recent incident to now my car's now in limp mode (MIL) same situation different times was getting on the highway and started to pick up speed to accelerate to 60mph my engine light started to blink Non-Stop and here I am again in a terrifying situation to where I have to get back off of the freeway and I also was on my way to work now having to call in and praying and hoping nothing happens to me while trying to get my car home now I've called I'm certain dealerships decided to go with a dealership to get my recalls done and the dealer basically told me he told his mechanics to hurry up and do my recalls that he could do and get my car out of their shop and also told me to get rid of my car basically refusing to do what he's supposed to do regardless but I truly believe I need a new engine and that's why the dealer rushed me out I just want to know how can I get my vehicle fixed with no problems and also without dealerships denying me. I would love to hear back from you all to know my next step in getting my vehicle recall done please and thank you
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11570004February 5, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY:MANAGEMENT SYSTEM/ENERGY CONTROL MODULE (BMS/BECM)
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle lost power and the check engine light was illuminated. The vehicle was parked at the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that a handheld diagnostic machine provided code: P1326 where the knock sensor needed to be replaced. On another occasion, while driving at 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact attempted to start the vehicle again but observed smoke and flames emanating from the engine compartment and exited the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 152,451.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11569665February 3, 2024ENGINE
Engine failure I am writing to express my serious concern regarding the defective and unsafe vehicle that I purchased from Kia Motors. It has come to my attention that Kia Motors is selling vehicles with known defects that can potentially cause harm or even death to its customers. I demand immediate action to rectify this situation and ensure the safety of all Kia vehicle owners. On [XXX], I visited a Kia Motors dealership to address a recall for the ksds engine on my vehicle. I was told the service was complete and I retrieved my vehicle. However, in December 2023, my vehicle suddenly stopped working in a busy intersection without any warning. I had my vehicle towed to a Kia Motors service center, where I was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. A month later, I discovered that the ksds recall repair had never been performed on my vehicle. I ask so what happened with the recall they said at the time they didn’t have an engine available they were on back order .but the failed to inform me of this and I was driving around in a safety hazard. They messed up and want me to be responsible for there mistakes. An apology is not enough Kia Motors is still selling vehicles with this dangerous defect and denying customers replacements. I demand that Kia Motors fixes the engine of my vehicle at no cost to me. Failure to do so will result in legal action. I implore Kia Motors to prioritize customer safety by taking immediate action. It is crucial that Kia Motors either fix my vehicle I expect a prompt response outlining the steps Kia Motors will take to rectify this situation and ensure customer safety. Sincerely, [XXX] [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
- #11569412February 2, 2024ENGINE
I heard a noise and pulled over to take a look at it and noticed fluid was leaking. Then the engine wouldn't start. I had the vehicle for about 2 weeks before this happened I had a mechanic diagnosis why it wouldn't start and he said he found a crack in the lower end of the engine crankshaft gridle and now yhw engine needs to be replaced.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11569464February 2, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 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 the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed the vehicle was smoking and on fire. The contact stated the vehicle was equipped with tinted windows, and when he opened the driver's front door, the contact noticed smoke and fire in the interior of the vehicle. The contact called the fire department. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact was treated for smoke inhalation. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The contact was informed by the dealer that there were no recalls for the vehicle. The contact stated that the dealer inspected the vehicle but did not provide the contact with a report. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- Yes
- Injuries:
- 1
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11569383February 1, 2024ENGINE
Only 77k miles, all recalls addressed. Engine stopped going about 45 mph, was able to coast into a gas station luckily. Towed to a Kia dealer where it's been for 3 months waiting to be diagnosed. Kia won't reimburse towing or rental until it's diagnosed. I paid $350 to get it diagnosed. They are saying it'll be another couple weeks before that even happens. I can't afford constant rental car. This has been a nightmare.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11568205January 27, 2024ENGINE
I have experienced several issues with my Kia. I have replaced catalytic converter (direct fit), and the valve covering gasket. However, the engine reports issues every other month. The dealership dismissed everything stating that the engine is fine. But wherever I take the car to get an oil change, they say I need to contact the dealership. I have been consistently managing my car maintenance but it does not help.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11568023January 26, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds and while the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11567782January 25, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 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 made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11567675January 24, 2024AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I OWNED MY 2015 OPTIMA SLX SINCE THEY HAVE IT REPLACED MY ENGINE IN KEARNY MESA DEALERSHIP I PAID OUT OF POCKET FROM REPAIRS LABORS THERE IS A DEFECTS ON DOOR PANELS AIRBAGS ELECTRICL WIRING HARNESS NEVER RECEIVED ANY CLAIM COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT FROM THOSE CLAIM ACCIDENTS THAT IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR IT IS UNLAWFUL UNCONSTITUTIONAL UNFAIR I DESERVE A RESTORATION OF MY PERSONAL VEHICLE I OWNED IT I LIVED IN IT.
- Crash:
- Yes
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11566173January 18, 2024ENGINE
When i was in the highway, the car starts shaking and the engine light turned on. Parked car in the nearest rest stop and I immediately smell smoke coming from engine
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11566361January 18, 2024ENGINE
The engine had less than 40K miles on it and a total engine failure occurred due to blown head gasket. They replaced the engine with another used engine and this one started smoking and nearly caught on fire, resulting in another total engine failure. They are now trying to install an engine with an unknown amount of mileage on it as the replacement engine.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11565563January 15, 2024STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint delamination on top surfaces of the vehicle.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11565302January 13, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I purchased my car in 2015 at 23k miles, now we're at 86k miles and I'm experiencing issues. How is there a recall for this car but no remedy yet when there is a high risk of fire? Shouldn't there be a resolution for this safety concern? I noticed my car in 2022 would smoke here and there when driving, and I would smell burning. I took it to my mechanic and he changed the head gasket, and the smoking stopped. There is residue on my engine from a leak from the oil. My mechanic at the time told me I might still smell burning oil just due to that. As time went on things were fine but a year later, the oil smell came back stronger. I notice it only on longer drives, so I do believe my car is leaking oil. Also, the amount of time I've changed my break lights this year and head lights. They dim so fast over time and eventually go out to where I have to replace them. There is 100% an electrical issue going on.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11565219January 12, 2024SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2015 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 made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11564524January 10, 2024ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HECU has been replaced by kia dealership but I paid although all recalls performed are free.
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11564542January 10, 2024ENGINE
Driving my car on a busy highway. Car completely stopped. Putting myself in extreme danger! Tried having the car jumped off and that did not work. I waited hours on a tow truck on this busy highway! Had the car towed to a mechanic and was told that the engine has blown. Called manufacturer and was told that my vehicle was a part of the class action lawsuit, but I failed to comply with the recall. Well, I am the second owner and HAD NO IDEA ABOUT THIS RECALL!
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11564484January 9, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
HECU has been replaced but has not been free
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0
- #11563443January 4, 2024ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While I was driving the car just stopped accelerating, the dash was still lit but the car went completely out would not turn over or restart,
- Crash:
- No
- Fire:
- No
- Injuries:
- 0
- Deaths:
- 0