Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11517679April 18, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
As i attempted to start my vehicle, it continuously made a clicking noise until i finally hit the gas and made it crank up. About halfway through my work commute, the forward collision warning came on with no visible forward threat on the road. All of a sudden the car slammed on its brakes without me even touching the break and continued to do so anytime I put my foot on the gas above 50mph. I tried to turn it off when I parked the car but it still acted like there was something in front of my car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517426April 17, 2023
ENGINE
The engine failed as I was driving and the car stopped accelerating and slowed to a stop on a busy road at night. I purchased the vehicle from Parkside Kia in Knoxville in December 2020. I was notified in March 2021 by my personal mechanic to take the car to Kia for high oil consumption rates and future engine failure but Kia told me nothing was wrong with it. I had the KSDS update in June 2022 after it went into creep mode/stopped accelerating on the highway when I was out of town in Asheville, NC, and the spark plugs went bad a few months later because of the same faulty oil consumption issue. Kia is manufacturing bad engines and putting their customer’s safety at risk. They ignore when asked and act like they don’t know anything about the engine settlements. They are playing dumb and not being forthcoming with information or safety notices. Parkside Kia in Knoxville sold me a lemon which was a safety risk from the moment they sold it to me in December 2020, after the recalls and updates were issued to the first owners. I never was notified and found out by an unsafe situation driving alone on a busy highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517223April 15, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Issue 1: I did not receive a recall notice for SC172. (NHTSA campaign 18V907000.) The recall began in January 2019. In July 2019 my car broke down with the exact same issue stated in the recall notice. I had to pay $1031.75 for the dealership to repair it. On April 13, 2023 I called Kia Corporate and requested reimbursement for my expense. They said that since the VIN wasn't on their recall list it was my responsibility to pay. I would like NHTSA's assistance in being reimbursed by KIA. I have the original repair documentation. Issue 2: I didn't receive recall notice my car's engine completely seized on 1/4/2023. All of the indicator lights on the dashboard lit up. This occurred on the highway during a heavy rainstorm. This could have caused a major accident, but was able to maneuver car off the highway. I never received any recalls (SC228, SC212, SC200, SC197, SC187, SC147, etc.) anyone of which could be the cause of the seizing. I will upload documents later.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517012April 14, 2023
ENGINE
After just purchasing this car from dealer. I was driving on Christmas Eve to my mother-in-law's. I noticed the car was smoking. I had checked the oil before we left been about a 45-40 minute drive. Went to pull off the road and it would had to be towed back to my house. I had both my children in the car and my fiance and the smoke was coming through the cabin. It had not been running correctly for a while and went to take it to the mechanics to find out that the engine had seized.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517096April 14, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
I own a 2013 Kia optima with 70k miles. I have searches so many forums regarding the defect with the PEARL WHITE paint. The paint began to peel all over my car as soon as I bought it with 16k miles a few years back. I’m concerned for myself and hundreds of other people with the same problems. The issue I am concerned with is when the paint begins to peel on my hood I would be concerned it could possibly block my vision while driving. Not to mention the hundreds of other people I’ve read about with the same problem, and now we are supposed to incure the costs of a complete paint job on a car which could cost thousands of dollars when this white Pearl paint is clearly the issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11517113April 14, 2023
STEERING
Steering coupler went bad. Steering wheel rattles, badly
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516844April 13, 2023
ENGINE
While driving down interstate highway 49/71, in the southbound lane of traffic, the engine failed. The vehicle began to shudder and shake and then stalled. There was barely enough time to pull off to the side of the road before it completely stalled. The dash did not display any warning symbols or anything to make me aware of any issue. There was a shuddering noise coming from under the hood that last about 45 seconds before the engine stalled. The vehicle has been taken to two mechanics and each one testified that the engine was blown and unworkable. A vehicle that is only eight years old should not have engine failure. Kia dealerships were notified only to state that there was no recall on this specific model and make it seem like engine failure is not relevant. The vehicle is just 50,000 miles out of warranty and still contains a lien. Engine failure such as this should be addressed please. Please note: No documents to upload - no repairs have been made and quotes for a new engine were all done verbally. Both mechanics stated that the engine cannot be re-built. They would have to replace the current engine with another, or new, Kia engine. The average cost for a new engine is around $4,200-$5,800.00.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516617April 12, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights randomly turn off while driving. To get them back on you have to switch on and off before they turn back on. Very dangerous for my 17 yr old daughter driving down a highway at night. The lights will also turn on in the middle of the night and if we happen to notice, we have to go to the car and turn the lights on and off to get them fixed. There are numerous reports on this when Google. I am not the only one. Really dangerous!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516637April 12, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
In early February, my Kia was broken into and attempted to be stolen. There has been a lot of word going around about how Kia’s are easy to steal. My car fell victim to the viral trend of Kia theft. The damage done to my car included a broken window and my whole steering column ripped apart. The anti-theft protection has now become a safety issue because of the lack of industry standards for theft protection. I am still unable to drive my car because of the part shortage. I have been unable to drive my car for months.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516456April 11, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I submitted a report on this already but haven't had any response and it's a huge safety concern. I see 388 others have reported issues with this vehicle as well and most seem to pertain to the engine like mine so not sure how many need to file before a recall or Kia is held accountable for making an engine that burns oil and locks while driving. I've received zero support from them and they are denying replacing engine which had an oil change 6 weeks prior and only 109k miles on it. With all the complaints and prior class action suit which requires them to cover engine up to 150k I'm very confused how they can deny this and how this vehicle with these engines are safe for the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516568April 11, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
.I recently have actually found out about the recall concerning my engine. Manufacture SC148. NHTSA recall 17V224m I called a dealership. When I asked them about the recalls this one was not mentioned. I wanted to ensure I was reading that properly. Can you explain what that means as far as the engine
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516328April 10, 2023
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Was driving down the interstate and engine cut off suddenly. Had to coast across several lane to pull over out of traffic. This was very dangerous. Had car towed home. Engine is locked up . Called Kia dealerships near me. Closest one is not accepting any engine replacement appointments at this time and don’t know when they can. Wouldn’t even give me a future appointment. Kia lawsuit website says my vin number is covered for engine replacement but I can’t get a dealer to even look at it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11516384April 10, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Chipped paint around my windshield and other areas of the car, such as the trunk and various other areas of the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515909April 7, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption with the check engine warning light constantly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local service center who diagnosed that the engine and catalytic converter were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 151,111.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515912April 7, 2023
ENGINE
Engine is rapidly burning oil. At a sudden stop or on an sharp incline I noticed the 'oil warning light' come on. I checked the dipstick and it was showing no oil. If the engine seized and stopped the vehicle on a highway this could be a safety issue. It appears others have had the same issue, yet Kia does not offer any help. It is listed as an issue with premature O-ring failure. Vehicle has under 59,000 miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515715April 6, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, WHEELS
The wheel fell off when I was driving the key axle completely broke the pipe off but I still don’t have it fixed I only had liability
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11515516April 5, 2023
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Turn Engine Off Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515618April 5, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
March 15, 2023 I Ania Covington as well as my mother Ramona Allen went to the Kia dealership in Southern Pines, NC at 10am to get a recall fixed on my car (fuel line), an oil change, air filters changed, as well as a valve gasket replacement (recall was free, everything else paid out of pocket). I received my car back at 4pm the same day, when I pulled off the lot not even a mile away my car was smoking from the exhaust pipes. I went back to ask them was it going to continue to do that, the mechanic as well as the advisor told me it’s just the old oil burning off. As I was driving home I began seeing smoke come from my engine as and still from the pipes I was still thinking it was the old oil burning off hence that’s what I was told. I decided to go to the gas station to get gas for the remaining of the week, and my car burst into flames while I was pumping gas. The fire had originated from my engine. I went back to the dealership the following day to show them pictures, the service manager(Thomas) told us to reach out to Kia corporate. It’s almost one month later, no one has been answering calls from me nor my mother. We went back to the dealership 3/31 the service manager took our information again and told us he’d reach out and still haven’t been informed on anything.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515667April 5, 2023
ENGINE
My 2014 Kia Optima engine started seizing on 03/25/2023. I called to the Kia dealership and explained to them what my car was doing was told they could not get to my car until Monday 04/03/2023. I had my insurance tow my car to Kia on Monday 04/03/2023. The service guy called me and said he couldn't start the car due to the engine being locked to update the KSDS system, and with that being said Kia would not cover the engine. I told him I never received that KSDS recall because, I was not the previous owner who had this car. He gave me an estimate for $5422.17. He said to reach out to Kia Headquarters and talk with them to see if they would approve for the engine to be replaced. I call Kia Headquarters and spoke with a lady and explained to her what my car was doing. She then stated that she would look over the claim and she put me on hold. She then came back to the phone and said unfortunately my engine would not be covered because the previous owner they sent the letter to about recalls never responded to the recall in reference to KSDS, I was not the previous owner. She also stated they only send the recall letter out once. She also stated when you buy a used car you buy all the issues that come with it. So that was her way of saying Kia still not replacing the engine. I purchased my car on 02/01/2021 from a used car dealership. I did not know anything about a recall on the KSDS. I'm trying to understand how I can be held accountable for something the previous owner did not do. Kia needs to be held responsible for these defective engines. Thank God my son and I were not out on the highway when the engine start seizing. How can Kia get away with this is beyond me? Something needs to be done about this ASAP before somebody gets killed in one of these Kia Optimas while driving and the engine locks up. Please investigate this!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11515384April 4, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It appears I have a defective oil pump in the car which I think is what caused the engine to go bad to begin with. I am requesting that KIA of Denham Springs be authorized by the main office of KIA to install a new oil pump in my car after the new motor is installed, otherwise the new motor will probably go bad and will result in Kia having to install another motor for the car. I hope you can step in and assist me in getting a new oil pump installed as this would be a safety issue of the car breaking down on the road and could result in myself or other passengers possibly stranded on the highway . A engine compartment fire could happen if the engine gets too hot due to the deflective oil pump no keeping all engine parts oiled properly by the defective Oil Pump. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's office look into this matter. Thanks for your assistance Tommie McMorris 985-969-8995 email: [email protected]
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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