Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11665441June 7, 2025
POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2020 Kia Optima LX 2.4, LESS THAN 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to Theta II engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. KIA NEEDS TO COVER THE 2020 OPTIMA UNDER LIFETIME WARRANTY PROTECTION otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665298June 6, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint on the exterior body of the car is peeling-off in various places. The paint often peels completely off the hood in large sheets while in motion, and flies up and sticks to the windshield obstructing the driver's view while moving.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665157June 5, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated after the vehicle was started and warmed up, the engine made an abnormal loud knocking sound. The vehicle was towed to Chavez Automotive, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. Additionally, the dealer was contacted for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed due to the vehicle having a Salvage Title. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665181June 5, 2025
ENGINE
Engine stalled out while driving lyft. Got passenger to their destination safely, however lyft is my only source of income big risk to stall out on a highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664990June 5, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased a 2017 Kia Optima from Deal Makers Auto Sales in Georgia in February 2024. The vehicle broke down within 3 months. I later found out it had four open safety recalls that were never disclosed at the time of sale. This is dangerous and deceptive, and the dealership refused to take responsibility or make repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664783June 4, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle independently decelerated to approximately 60 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was flashing. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that a knock sensor was installed to monitor the engine performance. The manufacturer was not yet contacted regarding the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000. The VIN was not available.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664857June 4, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the internal bearings had failed, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664974June 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
There is already the theta 2 campaign on my Kia optima but Kia is not upholding their warranty for a new engine. Kia customer care told me that untill my car actually throws a rod then they will not fix it. So I could be doing 80 down the freeway and jeopardize not only my safety but everyone else's for them to uphold their lifetime warranty? Also upon doing further investigation and I don't know how many cars this pertains to but the fuse box in my 2018 actually belongs to a 2016 which if you look it up yes they are comparable but don't offer all the same functions or power that my 2018 needs to run I fully believe Kia knew this when they were being built on the factory line because it just so happens that there is about 6 different versions to the pcb relay that can fit from a 2016 to a 2020 k5 but for some odd reason every car got something different why?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664504June 3, 2025
STEERING
Randomly when turning, my steering will jolt in the opposite direction and lose power steering. The red power steering light does come on at this moment where I have to pull over, turn the car off, and restart and the symptoms clear itself up. In addition, there is there is, randomly, grinding noises (and I can feel it in the steering) when turning. When this occurs, relocating the steering column by changing the position (via tilt and telescopic) seems to help clear it up for awhile. I have almost jolted to oncoming traffic when turning and a few instances. I have had it serviced to check steering points at tires, axel, cv joints, and my mechanics can't seem to find the fault there. Even after doing alignments, it helped for a little bit but the same problems came back. They believe it to be a steering column issue. They believe that it is getting caught when turning and causing the issues. This has been occurring for about 6-8 months now. The power steering losing power happens maybe once or twice a week to once every two weeks. The grinding and vibration in the steering column while turning happens a few times a week to maybe just once a week. Its occurrence worsens when it rains. I am reporting this because I have read other reports of people have the same experience as myself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664564June 3, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Bought car 2020, engine failed and was consuming oil like it was fuel after 50-60K miles in 2022, Serra Kia Misdiagnosed and charged me $900 for ignition coil and combustion chamber cleaning that was not needed nor refunded when I was denied replacement due to me NOT letting engine lock up(Service manager basically told me to do so to be approved) or a P1326 code, charged +\-$8,000 for engine to be replaced. Horrible experience, engine was fine at first, then shortly after the SHORT mileage warranty they give, the engine started having minor non catastrophic issues here and there. Finally, around the same amount of time(last October 2024) and almost the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES on the engine, its doing EXACTLY what it was when i took it to KIA for the engine. One random day, on my way to work, i got to a red light and when i went to go at green the engine hesitated and i noticed a MASSIVE smoke cloud behind me and coming from my engine. It was consuming oil yet again the same way. Reached out to KCC(Kia Customer Care) and provided them a 4 page personally written letter by myself explaining the full story and my experience. However they merely closed my case without any explanation or reason for doing so. So as i stated to them i would do if i needed to, I've reached out to the BBB and now you. I'm hoping to get justice, whats right, and what should have happened in the first place. My money back and or my engine repaired and no more charges to me. 2022 first engine failure(Denied and paid for engine) Oct 2024 Engine failure AGAIN. (added copy of letter sent plus proof of service manager influencing me to lock the motor up to get covered the first time)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664354June 2, 2025
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664430June 2, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving on the freeway when I noticed smoke coming out of my hood. I immediately exited the freeway, pulled over, popped the hood open, and my engine was on fire. There were no warning lamps on my dash. I don’t know which components were involved and inspection of the components after was not possible, because everything under the hood burned by the time firefighters responded.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664182June 1, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this car off the show room floor in 2019 with only 10 miles on it. At some point in 2022 my car was slow to accelerate. I received the recall letter September 16,2022. no appointments until 08/09/2023. It didn't help .It was still stalling two weeks after. I have talked to the manager numerous occasions. He said it sounds like the transmission. The parts manager told me he will keep it overnight so his mechanics can drive it the following morning. That didn't happen. This car is a safety hazard. I can't pull out in front of anyone due to the car stalling. My family like to have lost our lives this weekend 05/31/2025 due to the car failing to accelerate(stalling). I have filed complaints with KIA head quarters twice. They keep telling me that if there's no warning lights on they can't identify the problem. On 01/06/2025, the manager and parts manager agreed to keep my car for a couple of days. I paid for my oil change/tire rotation and they sent me on my way. the bottom line is this car will be the death of me. God forbid!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664106May 31, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
by the time i’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. there is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663844May 30, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My engine locked ,
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663849May 30, 2025
AIR BAGS
The airbag light is on indicating an error within the system
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663979May 30, 2025
ENGINE
Original owner, received in mail that this vehicle was recalled for engine issues. Provided a lifetime warranty for engine. Noticed my vehicle began consuming oil more than normal. I constantly have to put oil in the car 2-3/ week. The shops say it doesn’t need an oil change the oil is burning fast. Never notice any leaks bit my vehicle began to not pick up speed and shop said the oil is burning and possible engine is getting ready to go. Called dealership and they said they won’t replace u less the engine is totally blown and I need to have all type documents showing I’ve been doing maintenance although this is a known issue. Constant oil changes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663584May 29, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI (VIN: [XXX] ) with a blown engine, which is covered under Kia’s extended engine warranty. I contacted Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO, where the last service was performed, and requested the free engine replacement under warranty. They acknowledged that the car is covered, but refused to perform the repair because the vehicle is not yet registered. I explained that I have the title in my name and proof of ownership, but cannot register the car in Missouri because it does not run and must pass safety and emissions inspection to be registered. Despite showing them the title and explaining the situation, they continue to deny warranty service. I believe this is unfair and against Kia’s warranty policy, which requires proof of ownership—not necessarily registration. I’m requesting the dealership to honor the warranty and perform the repair, as the issue is known and covered by Kia’s engine recall campaign. I am not seeking financial compensation—just proper and fair warranty service for a defect Kia already acknowledges 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
#11663374May 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the oil control valve, resulting in damages to the engine. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11663406May 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
All 4 of the window regulator motors blew in my windows at the same time, only about 9 years into the vehicle's life. The little plastic pulleys that move the cables degrade over time and then ruin the rest of the window motor when they break, and since they decided not to make this an easily repairable part it requires the entire window regulator assembly which is half of the door to be replaced, not just this plastic part. I had to replace all 4 of them out of my own money, KIA REFUSED to replace something that is completely 100% their fault and it cost me over $3,500 to repair all four windows that went out pretty much at the same time. It's insane silly that anyone's windows can just break at anytime and be stuck in the down position. I can't just put up trash bags and then not be able to see a thing while I wait to get it fixed if it happens again. I was lucky enough to be in a position to get it looked at quickly, but it is absolutely insane that KIA would refuse to cover such a defect. There is already a class-action lawsuit over this I believe but they haven't even attempted to remedy the situation. Not everyone has time to wait for a lawsuit to settle. There should absolutely be some kind of recall/extended warranty on their windows. My engine blew at 57,400 miles only a few months later which is separate and was replaced but it's just insane that I was promised a car but got a piece of trash that consistently breaks while all I can get is a replacement engine with the same exact problem and no confirmation that the same thing won't just happen again while they continue to use the same defective engine over 10 model years. I want them to fix their issues not slap a band-aid over them and hope for the best. This company has been knowingly selling cars built to end up in a landfill within 10 years and they don't care.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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