Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11714744February 1, 2026
ENGINE, EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The engine is a problem and all I’m ever told us “ this vehicle is know to have engine problems. This is dangerous to have in the road. Kia is aware of this. Why sale the vehicle knowing this and not disclosing this info to the consumer upon purchase. There is no truth in lending. It’s plain sight robbery. What if I’m far from home and stranded because vehicle set fire or broke down in hazardous condition weather. I constantly needing oil changes because of this engine. The dealership is aware. They tell me to trade it in or get rid of it because it’s going to go for a fact. I’ve never missed oil changes. I put oil every time the oil indicator light comes on. Now for the 3rd time the check engine light is on. 2 times for misfire code. The vehicle engine holds sludge no matter how much you get oil changes. The mechanic told me this year make and model is known for this very fact. I want my money back. Kelly blue book don’t give enough. I was scammed into this car but I managed to pay it off. A car the sales person scammed me and wouldn’t take the vehicle back. I complained to the general manager. They always act like he wasn’t available. They kept claiming new ones started. After almost a year of those games I had to move and the case never got solved. But even when I complained their maintenance person stole my rims. They told me prove it. Just all bad experience. I just want my money. Even if they gave me another engine. It’s still going to be the same problem. A bad engine. 2016 Kia optima’s should not have been continuously sold with them knowing it has bad engines. Even the headlights don’t work. Very dim. Car smells like burning fumes when driving. Please please help. This isn’t fair lending practice. People trust them and they are dishonest sellers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714650January 31, 2026
ENGINE
My 2016 Kia Optima experienced a sudden catastrophic engine failure in July 2025. The failure is consistent with widely reported Theta II engine rod bearing defects that cause engine seizure and stalling. The vehicle did not receive the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update prior to my ownership, and I was never notified of this critical safety-related update. The engine failure occurred without warning and could have resulted in loss of power while driving, creating a serious safety risk. This vehicle model year has a documented history of engine defects and class action settlements related to premature engine failure. I believe this represents an ongoing safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA review this failure as part of its investigation into Kia Optima engine defects.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714482January 30, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and vibrating abnormally while starting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic out of fear of the vehicle stalling on the highway. Prior to the engine failure, the contact became aware that there were oil spots where the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic sealed two holes in the oil pan and replaced the spark plugs that were fouled by engine oil. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs were covered in oil again. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an oil consumption test was performed; however, the vehicle failed the oil consumption test. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle, but suggested that the engine needed to be disassembled to check for engine wear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,185.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714265January 29, 2026
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and several other warning lights were illuminated. The contact raised the hood, and there was a burning odor coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the place of employment. A mobile mechanic arrived at the place of employment and used a handheld code reader to diagnose the vehicle, but no DTC was retrieved, and no cause for the failure was determined. The starter was replaced; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased six months prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714274January 29, 2026
ENGINE
After getting the vehicle back from the auto shop for repair in the fuel injector because my car wasn't starting after I purchase it from a third party. anyways after I got the vehicle back my temperature gauge was sky rocket getting high and higher and my temperature blinker with the red light on the dashboard with the boiling hot water icon temperature and I took it in the shop and it stated on the invoice
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714319January 29, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure one day after undergoing a manufacturer emissions/service campaign at an authorized dealership. Prior to service, the vehicle operated normally with no warning lights, knocking, or drivability issues. After the failure, the dealership denied coverage and declined to inspect the engine oil. The vehicle was towed for an independent inspection, which found metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal mechanical engine failure. The sudden failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of engine function. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center and the vehicle remains available for inspection. No warning lamps or symptoms were present prior to the failure.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713970January 28, 2026
ENGINE
I’ve been told by multiple Kia dealerships that my Kia needs a new engine however I am barely outside of their class action lawsuit so they are not willing to settle with me. They recently within the last two months came out with two recalls that did not fix the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714024January 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted into park; however, the message to shift to park was displayed. In addition, the contact stated that there was a delay while shifting gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to several dealers, and the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed by one dealer that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact researched and determined that the failure was related to the TCM failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11714078January 28, 2026
STEERING
The vehicle is currently experiencing failure consistent with a U.S safety call {Technical Service Bulletin) related to the steering column. A diagnostic scan has confirmed error code C1259 (angle sensor signal error) that match those referenced in the recall documentation. The vehicle was taken to a local authorized Kia dealership in Ponce, Puerto Rico, where we were informed that no recall appears in their system and that the recall “only applies to the mainland United States”. This response is concerning, as Puerto Rico is a US territory, and this defect directly impacts driver safety and vehicle control. Given that this involves steering system failure, I consider this a critical safety concern.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713294January 26, 2026
ENGINE
I took my vehicle to the dealership in Chantilly, VA on May 17, 2025. On July 24, 2025, I discovered that my vehicle had no oil, despite being approximately 4,000 miles away from my next scheduled oil change. I have video documentation confirming that there was no oil in the vehicle. The car was towed back to the dealership; however, no corrective action was taken. The dealership offered to perform a test, which I declined, as this issue did not exist before servicing my vehicle at their location. Additionally, no explanation or guidance regarding the oil was provided to me. I was only advised to pay for another oil change, or a 205 dollars to diagnose the car. Subsequently, I took the vehicle to Fairfax Auto Shop, where a dye test was conducted to check for oil leaks. While no leaks were found, they advised that the vehicle has an oil consumption issue. They recommended that I monitor and top off the oil every 1,000 miles and return for oil changes every 2–3 months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713208January 25, 2026
ENGINE
I've had car for not very long and rid bearings now all of a sudden went out and engine is bad at this point and don't understand why my vehicle wouldn't be included in all the different recalls for 2015 optima because it's one of the years of theta 2 engine being recalled and mine says 0 recalls why is that?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713215January 25, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Engine has been burning oil for at least a year now. Cause ignition coil/spark plug failure and have replaced all 4 coils and plugs 3 times now within a year. Engine will randomly start to sputter after about 3-5 months of replacement. Adding a quart of oil every 1-2 weeks. No leaks and no smoke, just money down the drain.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11713230January 25, 2026
STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Yesterday, [XXX], My 2015 kia optima engines reved up wothout me pushing the gas & within seconds later a loud noise and metal fell from under the hood. After pulling over, popping the hood on the passenger side and under the engine a fire had started. My daughter was seated in the back passenger side her door had locked, thankfully the passenger door was left opened bc within minutes the entire car was filled with smoke and engulfed in flames. Prior to this the steering wheel would jerk even while at a red light. This car just did have 100,000 miles & no knowledge this prior. Thank god i was able to get my daughter out of this vehicle & this didnt end in a tragedy due to negligence if this was a prior known fact. 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
#11713252January 25, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint is bubbling and falling off in spots. This is ruining our trade-in value. The dealer says it always happens to white vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712399January 21, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I received a recall notice for my 2013 Kia Optima, VIN #: [XXX] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the closest safe location at the time. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. No injuries occurred, and the fire department was not called because the fire stopped once the vehicle was turned off. I believe this incident is related to a known safety defect and recall involving Kia Optima engine fires. I have contacted Kia multiple times regarding this issue, and there have been delays in addressing or repairing the vehicle. 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
#11712126January 20, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
**This complaint isn't directly related to the safety of the car** However, due to outstanding number of similar cases i've witness online. I would like to formally make a complaint for the defective White paint on my Kia vehicle. Like many other "white" Kia and Hyundai vehicles, the white paint is bubbling and peeling from multiple areas of my vehicle all at once. I have always taken care of and hand washed my car, so i know the paint isn't peeling because of user/owner damage. Road debris would also only cause paint damage on the front bumper and/or hood, which doesn't explain the bubbling and peeling happening on all the other parts of my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712145January 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact is calling on behalf of her grandson for a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while he was driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal sound and stalled. The contact stated he restarted the vehicle and was able to shift to drive (D), but the vehicle again stalled. The contact stated that he observed that white smoke was coming from under the hood. The contact stated that he pulled over and stopped the vehicle, opened the hood, and saw that smoke and flames had formed under the engine. The contact stated that he called the fire department. The fire was extinguished using foam. The vehicle was towed back to the contact's residence. The contact had not called a dealer or the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact had researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that her grandson had not received a recall letter from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 158,006.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712167January 20, 2026
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, there was sputtering sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was running rough. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a cylinder misfire and burned spark plug, and that there was oil inside the cylinder and on the spark plug. The contact was informed that the parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred months later. The vehicle was taken back to the same independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with oil consumption, oil intrusion into the firing chamber, and that another spark plug needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711783January 18, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car has a engine light on an I was told it has a recall on it It a FUEL SENDING UNIT-N and a FUEL PUMP LOCK RING -N.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711673January 17, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I’ve gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I’ve spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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