Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11661093May 15, 2025
ENGINE
The check engine light came on in the car. Upon having it checked at a local automotive shop, we discovered that the thermostat assembly is malfunctioning. This can cause the engine to overheat and shut off at any time which of course would be a severe danger. Additionally, a bad thermostat assembly in Kia vehicles can lead to engine overheating or overcooling, potentially causing engine damage and even a fire risk. Upon searching, this appears to be a common issue with the 2016 Kia Optima.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660972May 14, 2025
ENGINE
This vehicle has an active recall: SC218 / DTC P1326 – ECU UPDATE / ENGINE REPAIR. I brought it to Martin Kia in Newark, Delaware, but they refused to perform the recall stating that since the vehicle is owned by a used car dealer, the recall is not applicable. They also provided a written statement saying that the extended warranty does not apply because I am a dealer, and that they will not perform any recall work until the vehicle is owned by a “customer.” However, federal law requires all safety recalls to be completed free of charge, regardless of the vehicle’s current ownership status or whether it is owned by a dealership. This is a safety issue and refusal to perform recall work puts future drivers at risk. I have attached the letter they gave me for your reference. I kindly request your urgent review of this case and enforcement action to ensure the dealership complies with federal recall obligations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661082May 14, 2025
ENGINE
My car has less than 50,000 miles on it. I was driving at around 40 miles per hour and my engine suddenly stalled. My car was towed to the nearest repair facility and a diagnostics was completed on it revealing a seized engine. My car has been well maintained and has never been in a repair shop for any type of major repairs. This engine failure came as a complete surprise as the car gave no indication that there was a problem. Kia Motor Company has recalls on other cars with the same make, model, year and engine size as mine that have had the same exact issue as what mine has presently. However, when I look up my VIN on their website my car only shows 1 recall which is unrelated to the issue I am currently experiencing. I would like to understand why my car is not included in this recall, when my car has had, at this point, the same exact thing happen as these other cars of the same make, model, year and engine size?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660698May 13, 2025
ENGINE
UNKNOWN, Engine excessively burns oil and is now seized. Kia used the same engine in this car as they did in the 2016-19 Models which were recalled for engine failure, however mine was not included. 2.4 Theda Engine.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660558May 12, 2025
ENGINE
I am the current legal owner of a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), which has an open safety recall under campaign number SC218Y3 (DTC P1326 – Knock Sensor Detection System / ECU Update / Possible Engine Repair). I attempted to schedule the recall repair with Martin Kia in Newark, Delaware. However, the service department refused to perform the recall service on the basis that I purchased the vehicle from an auction and do not have prior service records. This denial is a clear violation of federal recall regulations. As stated by NHTSA, all safety recall repairs must be completed free of charge regardless of ownership history or how the vehicle was purchased. I am now left with a potentially dangerous vehicle that Kia refuses to service, despite an active recall on file. This situation is unacceptable and puts me, as well as other road users, at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s non-compliance and ensure they are held accountable for refusing to fulfill their legal obligations regarding this recall. I am willing to provide proof of ownership and any supporting documentation. Thank you Best regards My Contact Info: [XXX] [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
#11660146May 10, 2025
STEERING
The plastic coupling for the steering is broken in my 2018 Kia optima the same Issue that the 2011-2014 issue optima’s have my car has this same issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660178May 10, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving in the rain on the highway and engine light started flashing!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11660200May 10, 2025
ENGINE
Burning oil prematurely causing engine to go and need replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659671May 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that there was a burning odor coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that while driving 5 - 10 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and lost all power. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The ABS, check engine, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 133,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659714May 8, 2025
ENGINE
Vehicle engine shut down without warning while driving on the interstate on April 27,2025. I had the vehicle towed and come to find out a "campaign" was issued for the vehicles engine in July of 2018. I purchased the car used in March of 2021 and was not aware of the "campaign" in which the vehicles engine was defective and could possibly cause a fire. I have reached out to KIA to see if they could help me in resolving the issue with the engine, but have yet to hear back from them.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659448May 7, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was turning on and off. The contact stated that the catalytic converter and battery were damaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact contacted Putnam Kia Service (2 California Dr Suite D, Burlingame, CA 94010), Hilltop Ford (3280 Auto Plaza, Richmond, CA 94806) and Oakland Kia (2500 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612), but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the rings and seals needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the walls were scored in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659612May 7, 2025
ENGINE
Having issues with my engine, it’s throwing the code saying that my glow relay is stuck on and has something to do with the knock sensor, which is on a recall on 2015 Kia Optima, but my VIN number doesn’t seem to be one that’s on the recall list, but my engine is doing the same thing that the other ones are being recalled for.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659098May 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I own a 2019 kia that is garage low milage 35,757 when not driving. the paint had a spot of paint missing on the hood and i ordered touchup paint to protect and before it arrived i noticed a larger spot. I drove to town and a large spot flaked. I call the dealer and they said they didn't handle that. I called kia customer service and they said would write a work order and i haven't heard any thing from them. i have gone to computer to see if any recalls and none. there are a lot of complaints from owners but no help from Kia . I read an article from Kia that they had stopped using the pearl white paint due to so many complaints. This need to be address and something done. I took to a reputable body shop today and received estimate and it was not just my hood found spots on right fender and trunk with estimate of almost $4,000.00 . I can not make Kia repaint my car and i can not leave it to rust nor can i afford a new car. Canada did recalls on this matter the United States needs to stand up for the people of the United States.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658894May 5, 2025
ENGINE
Subject: Recall Denial Due to Salvage Title – 2012 Kia Optima (VIN:[XXX]) Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a complaint regarding Kia Motors’ refusal to perform a recall repair on my 2012 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX]) due to the vehicle having a rebuilt title. My vehicle is equipped with the 2.4L GDI Theta II engine, which has been recalled for known safety defects including risk of engine seizure and fire. I brought my car to a local Kia dealership for the recall repair, but they refused service based solely on the vehicle having a branded (salvage) title. I then contacted Kia Consumer Affairs and was again told that the recall does not apply to salvage vehicles—even though the engine defect clearly stems from poor design and is unrelated to any prior accident or title status. I am concerned that Kia is ignoring its obligations under federal recall law and putting drivers like myself at risk. Denying a recall based solely on a salvage title—especially when the defect has nothing to do with the car’s condition—undermines public safety. I respectfully ask the NHTSA to investigate Kia’s refusal and consider whether policies like this should be permitted under federal recall enforcement standards. Sincerely, [XXX] [XXX] [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
#11658753May 4, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Have a shake during accelerating 35-40 mph and then again at 70 mph. There is an axle, recall on 2016 kia optima. for certain months, my is not included. how is the recall determined. Have not had it checked out yet. It seems to be getting worst, will check soon.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658778May 4, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
Car cuts off while driving almost causing a accident. The brakes randomly stop working while driving also. The code says P1777 relating to the transmission/ hybrid system. Kia dealerships are charging customers to diagnosis their vehicles. Eventhough they already know this is a common problem with the hybrid cars. Also the 12v battery and hybrid battery needs to be replaced every 2 years, which is costly. The tech also advised that Hybrids are the worst cars and I should sale my car. This is unfair to customers and a waste of money. Please make this a recall and extend all warranties past 150k. This is a huge safety problem and could cause deaths in the future.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658416May 2, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a friend was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC); as the probable cause for the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 67,999.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658585May 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving and as I was going to make a left turn, the steering wheel forced itself to the right and locked. And the whole car completely shut down. So I had to slam on my brakes as they were also locking on me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658090May 1, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY
The snow pearl white is paint is just peeling off just peeling off there’s 34,000 miles on it I noticed a small look like a chip last week. I went to wash it today and it’s just peeling off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658158May 1, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, an abnormal engine oil consumption was noticed. The check engine oil warning light illuminated abnormally often, shortly after an oil change had been performed. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with defective piston oil rings. The vehicle was not repaired due to the warranty being deemed invalid. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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