Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11446876January 10, 2022
STEERING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the steering wheel made clicking sounds whenever turned. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446801January 9, 2022
ENGINE
I was driving my 2015 optima on 1-5-22 on a 4 lane road going up a hill the car stalled dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Car would not start I was stuck in heavy traffic. I had to have it towed to my house. This vehicle had a recall repair done in 2017 for this same issue. The dealership replaced the engine. I have not taken it to the dealership. Mileage at failure 173,000.Milage at first failure 57,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446808January 9, 2022
ENGINE
The engine on my 2015 Kia Optima failed as I was entering a freeway at night time. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the car on the dashboard and it had been running fine for about 15 minutes prior to completely shutting off without warning. When my car was taken into the dealership in Carson, CA, it was inspected and I was advised by the technician that this issue was a recalled one. He stated that he had seen this issue in many cars but could not begin to fix it until it was reviewed by their corporate office. Days later, the corporate office advised that they would not cover fixing this recalled issue and had passed the problem on to the extended warranty company. Then, the inspector from the extended warranty marked the engine's inspection as inconclusive. Kia and their extended warranty partner say that we must pay them $1100 to take the engine apart and take pictures of it. Before the engine failure, there were no indicator lights from the car advising there was maintenance required. The oil has been changed on time and frequently throughout ownership and the records were in the glove box for the various inspectors to view. The brakes have been changed regularly and the battery had to be replaced one time within the first year of purchasing this vehicle. Besides that, there had been nothing to indicate something of this magnitude would happen to this vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446593January 7, 2022
ENGINE
Wife dropped car off to have oil change done at local mechanic shop we have done business with for years on 1/3/21 during her lunch. Wife picked car up after completion of oil change and drove back to her work approximately 1 mile away. Child seat was in the Optima so when I got off work I went and changed cars with her so I could pick up grandchild. When started it had a ticking sound and about 3/4 of a mile later it started shaking and making a loud rattling sound. I drove another 1/4 mile to home and parked it. No check engine light came on. My immediate thought was that the oil plug might have been left out. I checked the oil and it was full. I called mechanic and asked if it had any issues or sound and start up and he responded that it did not. He told me to bring back over and he would look at. He checked oil and it was full. He drained and replaced filter and oil again to see if that might possibly remedy. It did not fix or help issue. We talked and decided to leave it there for him to look into. At 5:31PM he called me back and stated there were several recalls on Kia. We decided for him to not tear into engine in case this was covered. Bought car 3 months ago from a local dealer and engine only has roughly 116K miles. Calling Kia customer service to see if this is covered due to so many engine issues from 2011-2016 models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446307January 5, 2022
ENGINE
The vehicle’s (2015 Kia Optima Hybrid) engine died suddenly in the middle of a busy intersection (I had the green light). It alerted suddenly that the hybrid battery could not charge the engine (first time this type alert has ever come up); the engine made a loud, metallic scraping sound and then died. The car stopped instantly after the sound and my safety, as the only person in the vehicle, was put in danger of getting hit by other vehicles driving through the intersection. I was honked at and had a near miss from the vehicle immediately behind me. The car was towed to a Kia dealer, has been inspected and is in the process of total engine replacement. The vehicle has just under 69,000 miles and has been out of commission at the dealer since November 27, 2021.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446382January 5, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
#1Headlights & break lights going out often. Bulbs can’t be replaced anymore due to wiring burnt ( 1 headlight ) Took it in and they didn’t even look at it. Have do Documents to back that up #2 Engine light coming on, diagnostic testing indicated spark plugs need to be replaced . Had to do this two times with oil on plugs Took it in and they NEVER look at the spark plugs #3 car burning excessive amount of oil anywhere from 1 quart a week to 3 1/2 quarts after driving 600 miles. Took it into the shop for oil consumption testing only to be told that their warranty would not cover it and it needs a new engine. I have a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on my car! and at the present time I only have 88496 miles on my car I have documentation to back up my claim, I have been a loyal Kia owner for 18 years and they have absolutely treated me horrible in regards to this saying that it was lack of maintenance and they never checked the issues that led up to their findings. They indicated that there was sludge in my engine but could never prove or show me anything that they did to document the sludge and trying to blame it on me. This car is a safety hazard as I am aware of mini other Kia optima’s dad have either caught fire or repaired to have their motors replaced due to the same issues. Anything you can do to help me with this issue ! I’m 60 years old and know how to take care of my car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446160January 4, 2022
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had locked up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445952January 3, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
All my paint on my WHITE Kia is coming off. So many white Kia’s are having This problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445968January 3, 2022
ENGINE, SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle's speed decreased as the RPM's increased with the engine and battery warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost all power and was pushed to the side of the road as it failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a starter which was replaced. The vehicle failed to start, and the failure was then diagnosed as a seized engine. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who confirmed the engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the manufacturer did not approve the repairs for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as the previous recalls were not completed. The contact stated that he found out about the recall from an Auto Zone employee. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446053January 3, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The paint has started to peel above the doors in all 4 corners and is now peeling on the passenger side of the hood.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11446056January 3, 2022
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the rear driver’s side window inadvertently fell. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and pulled up the window manually. She then inserted a piece of paper in the upper right corner of the window to keep it in place. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The front and rear driver’s side windows and the rear passenger’s side window also inadvertently fell. The contact inserted pieces of paper in the upper right corner of each window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445757December 31, 2021
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
A year ago, the paint started falling off of the roof rails on my 2013 Kia Optima. It is continuing to peel away. The color I have is Snow White Pearl. I have contacted my dealership and have been told that there is only a 3 year, 36,000 mile warranty on the paint and since I am outside of those parameters, there is nothing they can do for me. I have also taken it to a body shop to find out about repainting the areas and get an estimate for having the work done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445658December 30, 2021
ENGINE
Granddaughter driving car, when car starting running erratic. Made it home and I check it and car was knocking and would not run over 30 mph. Engine light was flashing, changed oil myself and found medal particular in oil and filter. Motor is no longer safe to drive. Only has 122,000 miles. Engine was running fine up till this point.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445663December 30, 2021
ENGINE
In Sept the car oil light came on. The car was out of oil. Took it to shop and they could not find a leak. The car was filled with oil. Less than 1,000 miles later in Oct the same situation occurred again. The car was inspected an no leak was found but the oil was gone. In Dec after going 2 500 miles the same situation occurred again and another shop inspected and could not find out why. In all 3 situations the driver had to pull over immediately and be stranded until oil came.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445419December 29, 2021
ENGINE
I am writing because my vehicle was a waiting list for months since September 2020 in Mobile, AL at Dean McCrary Kia. I called daily to check the status of my vehicle. I took extended lunch breaks to check on my status of the waiting list. The customer service representatives told me my name remained in the same place for weeks on the waiting list, each time I inquired, due to them having only one technician. The staff was extremely rude. Kia of Mobile would not allow me to leave/park my car on their lot of the Mobile, Alabama location. They stated that I should keep my car at home and when they were ready to repair my vehicle, they would call me. Months went by. No call. In the year 2021, I had my car towed to Kia of Daphne in Daphne, AL. Trevor was the service manager. He was very pleasant and helpful in explaining everything. My car sat on their lot for about a month and a half until it was repaired. I had to pay nearly $6,000 for repair out of pocket. I postponed paying other bills because I thought that I would have my reimbursement check by now. This experience has truly left a mark and nasty taste in my mouth regarding Kia. I need assistance with getting my reimbursement back. I would like to point out that it was not my fault that my car sat on a waiting list for months. It would be still sitting if I have not taken to right precautions. Kia changed their policy several times to avoid refunding customers. Customer service representation keeps telling me of a deadline. This entire situation is causing me to suffer headaches and high blood pressure. I paid a large amount of money. I need my money back to pay other bills. I have been a loyal customer of Kia for a while. This situation is making me feel dishonored as a customer. I have no drama in my life only but this with Kia. Last year, I spoke with the Regional Manager, Billie, thinking that things would move faster. I had been leaving messages for him since November 2020. At first when I reached out to
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445202December 28, 2021
ENGINE
Car was being driven and out of nowhere engine seized up without my prior warning lights, sounds, or issues. I took it to an independent reputable shop who confirmed the seizure which they admitted was a known problem with these theta Kia engines. Thankfully I was not On a heavily trafficked road so no accidents were caused.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445216December 28, 2021
ENGINE
On November 24th, 2021 I was merging onto a busy expressway when everything on my dashboard started flashing and the car shut down. There was absolutely no warning that the engine had no oil. No smell , no engine knocking sounds, no oil low light, no check engine light prior too it happening. It was towed to the nearest mechanic and they confirmed the engine was locked up. There was absolutely no oil in the reservoir per the mechanic. The oil was changed by Big O Tires on September 4th, 2021 and wasn't due for an oil change until December 4th, 2021. I searched my VIN and realized there was an engine recall on my 2015 KIA OPTIMA. I contacted three different dealerships near me to see who could look at it. I had it towed to the dealership and it was confirmed that the engine was locked up. It was apart of the recall- however KIA consumer affairs' denied replacing my engine for free. They stated that I hadn't had the product improvements completed on the engine since the recall was issued. I was never contacted by anyone from KIA of the recall on the engine. They had an old address on file which is possibly why I never knew. Kia Consumer Affairs said there was absolutely nothing they could do. The rules are very cut and dry- no exceptions. Kia dealership offered to replace my engine for $7,705. I declined.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445244December 28, 2021
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would suddenly shut off without warning. The contact indicated that on several occasions, it was discovered that the engine oil level was extremely low although oil had recently been added to the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445295December 28, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed while at a fuel station, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was being pressed. During the failure, the RPM's suddenly increased although the accelerator pedal was not being depressed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted four times before the vehicle operated as normal. On a second occasion, the failure had reoccurred while driving approximately 35 MPH while slowing to approach a stoplight. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no information was available. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 46,900
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11445028December 27, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, POWER TRAIN
While driving the car on the highway, when I try accelerating, the car suddenly acts as if it's in neutral and the engine roars without engaging a higher or lower gear and the car start losing power/speed. It takes like three to five seconds to engage a gear again; I have to lift my foot from the pedal a little bit and wait for it to lock on a higher or a lower gear for me to accelerate again.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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