Kia Optima Complaints

7,843 consumer complaints on file.

#11537177August 8, 2023
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving from arquette, I to St. Ignace, I on Saturday, August 6, 2023 when I was passing a slower moving car on -28 Eastbound, when the engine stalled and had to be towed to idas Muffler Shop at 2192 US Hwy 41 W., arquette, i, 49855. Upon further evaluation it was discovered that the engine had seized and is frozen up. There is currently a recall for engine seizures, Reference Number 17V224000, and Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537214August 8, 2023
STEERING
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and driving a bump in the roadway, the steering wheel vibrated briefly before returning to normal functionality, which had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related it to TSB: CHA-060, but the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537251August 8, 2023
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
I'm reporting these issue pertaining to the engine within the first 3 weeks AFTER the engine replacement recall was serviced and completed. The vehicle was exhibiting the same defects and major health and safety hazards as before the new engine. Intermittent engine failure, even worse, while i was trying entering the hwy at speeds of 45-50 miles it jerked very violently and loss total power while vehicles were behind me nearly rear ended. Prior to this I reached out multiple times to have it serviced at again. The original service department didn't respond, so I called other service departments and was told it needed to be serviced by the original dealership/service department that replaced the engine. I had the vehicle in normal working conditions a few days before it began exhibiting the same problems as before the engine replacement. It was in operable condition but still stalling and refusing to crank unless primed, until it ultimately just would not crank at all and is back in the same condition it was before the new engine but it is not locked up currently. The time frame and Milage between first experiencing the issues to now, March 2023-64745 Started shuddering, loss of power while driving, but would crank right back up without issues. Happened a few times, charged up battery thinking is was am electrical issue. April 2023 More frequently the issues occurred, still same severity levels. May 2023 Began happening every time at an idle, whether I was at a fast food in drive through placing an order, or to wash the car. Every time at an idle this would happen, and would take a few times of trying to start the vehicle and after about 5 seconds of cranking it would catch and work. I began placing the vehicle in neutral while at idle and it would assist In the stalling out sometimes. After a few days of this it refused to crank due to the engine locking up. Milage at this time was 68048. Aug 2023-New engine, drove about 2k miles-70207 current
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537254August 8, 2023
FIRERELATED
The contact's fiance owned a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her fiance was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's fiance went outside to push the vehicle from behind while the contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact's fiance then noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood and pulled the contact out of the vehicle. The vehicle was then engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The police and fire department arrived on the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard; however, the insurance company was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
Yes
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537307August 8, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Headlights will randomly turn off when driving. I then have to quickly turn the headlight switch from auto to off to on to get them to come back on. There are numerous complaints online regarding this very same problem with Kia Optimas and other Kia vehicles. This is extremely dangerous.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536979August 7, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ENGINE
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that smoke was coming from underneath the hood and an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that he pulled over, stopped, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had previously had a software upgrade for the knock sensor performed; however, the dealer stated that the engine had already suffered engine block damage and the vehicle did not qualify for an engine replacement. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,769.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11537034August 7, 2023
ENGINE
Excessive oil consumption, 1.5 quarts or more per ever 1,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536785August 6, 2023
ENGINE
engine oil leaks that may cause the vehicle to stall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536805August 6, 2023
STEERING, AIR BAGS, ENGINE
Every since I purchased this car in 2013 I have had nothing but trouble out of it I have called the Kia company numberous times and they never respond all I asked them to do is replace the car I trusted in Kia I love my car but it is severely dangerous please help me before it gets me and my family hurt
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536627August 5, 2023
AIR BAGS
A straight line crack about 4 inches long appeared suddenly on my dash. The crack is directly over the dash mounted airbag. The car has been parked in my garage since I bought it new in 2016. In addition, my work location has an employee garage so it is hardly parked out in direct sun. It is in mint condition. I took the vehicle to the local KIA dealer and they said it was not covered by the warranty. My concern is that the crack may impede the deployment of the airbag in a critical situation. I feel it should be investigated because there are a lot of exact same complains on the internet concerning a crack at the same location.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536439August 4, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle from the dealer and driving 40 MPH to the residence, she heard abnormal gurgitation sounds coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle at the residence, she noticed that a significant amount of gasoline was leaking out of the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month but was not repaired. 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 169,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536558August 4, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Pearl white paint is peeling and chipping. I have photos, paint Samples and Receipts from having to repair to prevent rust.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536294August 3, 2023
STEERING
MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING has failed. We hear a clunking sound whenever we turn the steering wheel. The wheel heavily vibrates while driving when hitting a slight bump, pothole, or when turning. Worried that this will affect the steering and won't be able to control the vehicle now that the coupling has failed. Dealership and a separate car repair place has confirmed and reproduced the issue. No warning messages or lights. Kia is refusing the replace this since it has been more than 10 years since the vehicle was first serviced. Was never notified about this issue when they first reported the TSB in mid-2016. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2017/MC-10109834-9999.pdf
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11536027August 2, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his granddaughter was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that his granddaughter was not aware of any warning lights being illuminated. The contact stated that he had the vehicle towed to his residence. The contact stated that the vehicle had not been diagnosed by a dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535896August 1, 2023
ENGINE
Engine pinging Hesitates when pulling out at times
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535907August 1, 2023
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car won’t crank. Starter is not working. Ask if warranty or recall. Let’s see if they accept warranty for starter replacement. My car towed to Kia of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska where the car parked there right now. Please contact Kia at Lincoln and I better hope warranty are accepted and diagnostic are free too. Thank you!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535923August 1, 2023
WHEELS, STEERING
Unknown
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535740August 1, 2023
ENGINE
MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON JUNE 22ND 2023 AND THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE ROAD. FORTUNATELY IT DID NOT RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT. THE ENGINE SEIZED UP AND THERE WAS NO ADVANCED WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AAA TO BRYAN GAMBLE AUTO AND DIESEL WERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535558July 31, 2023
ENGINE
I saw low battery due to fire risk or overheated cause of oil change. I don't know what's wrong with my car. Engine knocking bad if warranty coverage accepts. I hope safety recalls will be approved. Please help me!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11535595July 31, 2023
STRUCTURE:BODY
My paint is bubbling up and wanting to chip off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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