2015 KIA Optima

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/31/2019· ENGINE

  DRIVING ON FREEWAY THE CAR SHUT OFF WILL NOT START, INDICATING LIGHT AREN'T REPORTING ANY PROBLEMS

• 12/30/2021· 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.

• 12/29/2025· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE

  The car is experiencing the same problem reported on technical service bulletin SA187 (Blind spot detection (BSD) system logic improvement (SA 187)) BUT KIA states my VIN number is not listed under the service bulletin and therefore I have to pay $189 to get a software upgrade done. The "Check BSD system" illuminated in the instrument cluster has been cleared twice by my mechanic and still comes back after a few days. To me this issue should have been made a recall because of its criticality... the BSD system is a core safety feature of cars and reduces accidents substantially. There was no way for me to know my car has this problem unless it is made a recall. I have NOT had any accident related to this issue but i had to pick an incident date to complete this complaint. I have called KIA customer service at 1-800-333-4542 twice to find out whether the VIN number should be included in the service bulletin and the answer was no and whether i should report this to NHTSA with the possibility that certain VIN numbers were left out of the service bulletin in error. No answer as to what to do to investigate this was given by KIA. That's why i'm reporting this on here. The service bulletin has been attached to this complaint. My question to NHTSA is whether certain vehicles were left out of the service bulletin in error and whether the manufacturer is liable for the repair at no cost to the consumer. If NHTSA finds out the manufacturer is liable will you notify them to pay on a case per case basis or will you make this service bulletin a recall? Again this is SAFETY HAZARD that can cause crashes and accidents. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/29/2021· 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

• 12/28/2024· ENGINE

  As I was driving in the fwy I hear noise and exit to check what was wrong. No lights or warning of what the issue might be. Turned off the car open the hood of the car and saw nothing wrong with it I turned it back on and the noise went away. About 2 week after I was exiting the fwy and the engine light turned on. Engine start making noises

• 12/28/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while her son was driving approximately 60 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was informed by her son that the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that while her son was pulling the vehicle over to the side of the highway the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that her son attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact then had the vehicle towed to a dealer. The vehicle had not been diagnosed and had not been repaired by the dealer. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

• 12/28/2022· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Severe chipping of the paint

• 12/28/2021· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  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

• 12/28/2021· 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.

• 12/28/2021· 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.

• 12/28/2017· ENGINE

  VEHICLE SUDDENLY STOPPED WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY FROM MISSISSIPPI TO PENNSYLVANIA, WHEN VEHICLE STOPPED THERE WAS NOT ANY OIL IN THE CAR. MY SON HAD IT TOWED TO NEAREST WALMART, PURCHASED 3 QUARTS, AND CONTINUED. FOUR HOURS DOWN THE ROAD VEHICLE STOPPED WHILE I WAS DRIVING.HEI WAS CLOSE TO BIRMINGHAM AROUND 11 AT NIGHT. HE STAYED ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY UNTIL MORNING CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND TOOK TO RIVERSIDE KIA WHERE AN ENGINE ANALYSIS WAS DONE. HE TOLD MY SON THE IS OWNER NEGLIGIENCE. HE TOLD HIM ACCORDING THE MILES ON THE VEHICLE HE SHOULD HAVE HAD AT LEAST 9 OIL CHANGES, BUT THERE WHERE ONLY 3 RECEIPTS IN THE CAR. PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENCE HIS VEHICLE HAD BEEN BROKEN INTO. HE WAS ABLE TO LOCATE OTHER RECEIPTS. HE HAD THE OIL CHANGED 3 WEEKS BEFORE THIS (OCT 29, 2016)

• 12/28/2016· STEERING

  VEHICLE VEERS BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT. YOU HAVE TO CONSTANTLY KEEP CORRECTING THE WHEEL. MADE APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER AND THEY MADE SOME ADJUSTMENTS BUT WAS NO BETTER. I TOOK IT BACK AND THEY SAID THAT'S ALL THEY CAN DO.

• 12/27/2024· FIRERELATEDFire

  The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima SX Turbo. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, smoke was emitting from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact pulled over to the side and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were visible. No warning lights were illuminated, and the temperature gauge was normal. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact pulled over in front of Robertson's Tire, the employees used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire and called the Fire department. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the fire and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a KIA dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle, but the contact did not remember the cause of the fire. However, the dealer stated KIA was at fault. The manufacturer advised the contact that a field inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The field inspector has inspected the vehicle. However, the contact was awaiting the results. The contact notified her insurance company and was waiting on KIA's decision. The failure mileage was 160,000.

• 12/27/2023· ENGINE

  I bought a 2015 Kia optima in February of 2023. In October the engine completely seized with zero warning. The vehicle was always properly serviced while in my possession. The engine seized and the car went into limp mode during the first snow storm of the year on one of the deadliest mountain passes of North Idaho. I, a young woman, was stranded almost an hour outside of town on the side of a freeway on a mountain during a snow storm. The power in my car shut off so I was unable to use the heat system. I waited approximately 3 hours in these conditions for a family member to arrive. I then had the vehicle towed 40 miles back to town and have been without a vehicle since. Kia USA has only offered $40 a day in rental reimbursement to assist with the situation. However, due to my age I am unable to rent a vehicle. My personal dealership where I purchased the vehicle from has denied letting me rent a vehicle from them. The Local Kia dealership has not provided me with a loaner vehicle despite being on the list for over two months. Since dealing with all of this, I have learned that there is not only 1 but 2 recalls on my vehicle and one is not even going to be fixed due to Kia not having the replacement parts ready, meaning my vehicle can explode at any given time.

• 12/27/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Passenger door handle fell off in my hand. Worried the orhers will do the same. When I called the dealership in Cocoa FL they said that was the 5th call for door handles falling off this week. There was a recall for kia door handles in Canada. 5 calls to one dealership in a week! Multiply that by all the dealerships in the USA and add the ones that don't go through the dealerships. I believe it is worth an investigation into a recall.

• 12/27/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for several weeks. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and approaching a traffic light, after depressing the brake pedal the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,115.

• 12/27/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHERFire

  My car caught on fire under the hood about 15 minutes after I drove and parked it. It was not running at the time the fire started. We tried to put it out with 2 fire extinguishers but were not able to. By the time the fire department arrived my car was completely engulfed in flames. It burnt to the ground and was a total loss!

• 12/27/2019· ENGINE

  SUDDEN ENGINE KNOCK AND SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE WHILE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION IN FRONT OF A HIGH SCHOOL. THIS INCIDENT REQUIRES ENGINE REPLACEMENT.

• 12/27/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  I WANTED TO ADD MORE INFORMATION TO MY COMPLAINT. WHEN IN MOTION IN FRONT OF HIGH SCHOOL CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WITH KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. MY HUSBAND IS A MECHANIC AND DISCOVERED METAL FLAKES INSIDE ENGINE. I WAS NEVER NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS INVOLVING THE ENGINE. NOW I HAVE TO PURCHASE A NEW OR REMANUFACTURED ENGINE COSTING ESTIMATED $3000 TO $4500 NOT INCLUDING CORE CHARGES AND SHIPPING FEES.

• 12/26/2019· STEERING

  DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD THE STEERING HAS A CATCH IN IT AND YOU NEED TO USE FORCE TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL

• 12/26/2018· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  2015 KIA OPTIMA WITH APPROX 68,000 MILES. GOING UP HILL UP A RAMP TO MERGE ONTO HIGHWAY AROUND 40 MPH WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND WOULD NO LONGER ACCELERATE. SHORTLY AFTER, THE OIL AND BATTERY LIGHTS ILLUMINATED AND CAR COASTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE INTO SHOULDER AS I COULD. CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. SAT ON THE ON-RAMP FOR QUITE A WHILE PARTIALLY BLOCKING TRAFFIC AND ALMOST HAD SOME NEAR MISS ACCIDENTS FROM OTHER DRIVERS PASSING AND HONKING AT ME. TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP SAME MORNING. TECH BELIEVES MY ENGINE HAS SEIZED BUT NO OFFICIAL DIAGNOSIS. THEY PROVIDED ME WITH A LOANER CAR AT NO CHARGE. I AM ORIGINAL OWNER AND HOPE KIA WILL REPLACE MY ENGINE AT NO COST AND BUY MY CAR BACK. I AM SCARED OF THE VEHICLE FIRES THAT ARE HAPPENING WITH THESE ENGINES FOR OTHER PEOPLE. MY CAR GAVE ME NO FAILURE WARNING UNTIL IT WAS TOO LATE.

• 12/26/2018· ENGINE

  I WAS TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON A STRAIGHT AND LEVEL HIGHWAY IN MY KIA OPTIMA (WHICH HAS LESS THAN 60,000 MILES), THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND I LOST ALL POWER. I COULD HAVE LOST MY LIFE. CAR WAS TOWED TO LOCAL REPAIR SHOP WHO DETERMINED THAT VEHICLE NEEDED TO BE BROUGHT TO A DEALER. BARRY HENDERSON, THE REPAIR SHOP MANAGER, SAID THERE IS A POSSIBLE WIRING ISSUE AND IF THE WIRING IS OKAY, THE ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. HE TOLD ME THEY COULDN'T REPAIR SO THE CAR WAS TOWED TO HYMAN BROTHERS KIA IN MIDLOTHIAN, VA. ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR AND HARD COPIES OF ALL OF THE SERVICE RECORDS HAVE BEEN PLACE ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AS PROOF.

• 12/25/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  BOTH OF MY HEADLIGHTS ON MY 2015 KIA OPTIMA HAVE STOPPED WORKING ON LOW BEAM I HAVE FOG LIGHTS BUT I CAN'T SEE MAYBE 20 FEET IN FRONT OF ME IT'S ALREADY CAUSED ME TO ALMOST HAVE ONE WRECK I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSTATE WHEN MY LIGHTS WENT OUT

• 12/24/2019· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  THE SPEED LIMIT ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 AND THE CAR CUT BUT ALL LIGHTS WHER STILL ON IT TO ME TO SIT FOR 5 MINUTES AND THEN IT STARTED BUT A FEW DAYS LATER MY CHECK EINGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND THEY SAY IT A P0014 CODE BUT THE CAR IS KNOCKING.

• 12/23/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the engine stalled. The engine would decrease in engine RPMs. The vehicle was able to restart however the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to the residence, and then to a dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed and the contact was provided manufacturer's recall number: PI1802A. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the caller the ECU Logic Upgrade should have been completed first before the engine could be repaired. The failure was recurring and the contact parked the vehicle to be not driven no longer as it was a safety concern. The failure mileage was 84,850.

• 12/23/2023· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Unknown

• 12/23/2017· STRUCTURE,WHEELSCrash

  WAS AT LIGHT THEN PROCEEDED ONCE LIGHT TURNED GREEN TRAVELING ON LEFT LANE ON A 2 LANE CITY ROAD. USED TURNING SIGNAL TO MOVE TO RIGHT LANE WHEN ANOTHER CAR THAT HAD TURNED AT THE TRAFFIC LIGHT ON TO THE ROAD I WAS TRAVELING ON. I DID NOT SEE THE CAR AFTER TURNING TO LOOK DUE TO THE BLIND SPOT IN REAR OF MY CAR. AT THE TIME I HIT THE OTHER CARS FRONT LEFT FENDER/TIRE AREA CAUSING MINOR DAMAGE TO BOTH CARS. I WAS TICKETED FOR IMPROPER LANE CHANGE EVEN THOUGH I TURNED MY SIGNAL ON & LOOKED. I NOW HAVE TO GO TO TRAFFIC SCHOOL TO KEEP POINTS OFF MY LICENSE & PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR REPAIR DAMAGE TO MY CAR. THERE HAVE BEEN A FEW OTHER CLOSE CALLS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO CHANGE LANES DUE TO THE BLIND SPOT AREA IN MY CAR.

• 12/22/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine and low engine oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that an unknown fluid had leak and damaged the electrical components in the engine compartment, causing the engine to seize. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

• 12/21/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  There seems to be some oil burning off when I drive. But none leaking on the ground. My car is consuming oil. Also if I press the gas to speed up, my car will stall a bit and then some black smoke will exit my exhaust.

• 12/21/2020· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V519000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE ROADWAY AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE THEN WAS TOWED TO VICTORY KIA (5101 N. NAVARRO ST, VICTORIA, TX 77904, (361) 333-4542) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.

• 12/21/2018· ENGINE

  CAR USED TO COMMUTE 50 MILES EACH DAY TO WORK AND BACK. ENGINE STARTED CONSUMING A LOT OF OIL (A QUART EACH WEEK). KIA DEALER SAID ENGINE IS BLOWN.

• 12/20/2022· AIR BAGS,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The traction control, air bag, power steering assist, ABS, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic twice, and the front passenger’s side wheel speed sensor and the ECU were replaced twice; however, the failure persisted. The mechanic advised the contact to take the vehicle to the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to Clay Cooley Kia (1247 E Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75062) where it was diagnosed that the ECU needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred, and various unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then taken to Vanguard Kia of Arlington (1501 E Interstate 20, Arlington, TX 76018) where it was diagnosed that the ECU, front passenger’s side wheel speed sensor and air bag clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting the repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.

• 12/19/2023· ENGINE

  On Nov 22 2023, while driving my car the engine light came on and within 10 mins the car shut off while moving in traffic. Using the residual speed I was able to safely pull over and after multiple attempts to restart, there was smoke coming from the engine. Had the car towed and approx 3 weeks later (multiple attempts to contact the dealership and reaching out to the manufacturer) the dealership accepted the car to try to assess the issue. When this happened, it was only then I was aware of the recall which seemed to be related to this exact issue. The manufacturer and dealer have then slowly worked on trying to resolve the issue. This complaint is solely for informational purposes at the moment as it's been almost a week since I was able to contact anyone. My car is currently at the dealership with no feedback on the outcome.

• 12/19/2023· STRUCTURE

  my paint on my Kia Optima Pearl White paint is bubbling and peeling in various areas of my car exposing the metal to corrosion. It is peeling on the trunk and on the roof in various places.

• 12/18/2025· ENGINEFire

  The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact could smell a burning smell within the vehicle, and then he noticed smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. No warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and exited the vehicle, opened the hood, and noticed smoke and flames coming from the engine. The contact exited the vehicle and stood on the side of the road, and called 911. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. The contact mentioned the police showed up on the scene; however, he could not remember if he received a police report. A fire department report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was towed to Pro-Cars. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact mentioned he contacted his insurance company, and they informed him that the vehicle was a total loss. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and they transferred him to the escalation department and informed him that an inspector would inspect the vehicle, and he had to wait seven to ten business days for a resolution. The failure mileage was 53,000.

• 12/18/2018· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHTS. THE CONTACT CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO LOU FUSZ KIA (1025 N LINDBERGH BLVD, ST LOUIS, MO, 63132). THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THE ALTERNATOR FAILED AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE BATTERY HAD TO BE CHANGED ON TWO OCCASIONS BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.

• 12/17/2024· STRUCTURE

  The snow-white pearl paint is peeling off - this is a common problem, and the paint is flaking off - not adhering to the base material - seems like a factory defect. This will be a huge re-paint cost to be fixed, and it is just getting worse over time

• 12/17/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  On the behalf of my daughter I am filing this formal complaint: * On August 10, 2022 my daughter was driving home from Des Moines to Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was on the highway and all of the sudden her car engine shut down, no warning lights came on prior to this happening. She did not have power steering, it took all she had to pull the car over safely, she was able to use the brakes but barely. She then tried to restart the vehicle, it was able to restart with no other problems along the way. This incident happened at 2am, had this occured earlier in the day, with heavy traffic the safety of my daughter and others would have been at a high risk, this could have caused a major accident. * On October 9, 2022 My daughter was just exiting the interstate, warning light appeared. She was approaching her home, not far from the highway, when the car engine shut down once again but this time it would not restart. The vehicle remains undrivable but is available for inspection upon request. * On October 10, 2022 I sent my step-father over to her house to take a look at her car. From his findings he stated that the oil plug was loose and that the oil had drained out. * On August 2, 2022 She had an oil change done at Jiffy Lube (Cedar Rapids,Ia.) I filed a complaint assuming that they did not properly tighten the oil plug. The manager from Jiffy Lube informed me that an investigation is in motion at this time for Kia (2005-2020) and Hyundai's due to oil plugs loosening and engines ramdomly shutting down at highway speeds. At this time I am strongly advising a thorough investigation into this matter. Thank you for your time.

• 12/16/2025· ENGINE

  The engine in my 2015 Kia Optima suddenly seized due to connecting rod bearing failure at approximately 55,000 miles. This vehicle is known to be affected by the Theta II engine defect. I was never aware of the seriousness of the recall software update and did not receive meaningful notice that failure to install it could result in catastrophic engine failure. Kia has denied engine warranty coverage solely because the software update was not installed prior to failure, despite the defect existing regardless of software.

• 12/16/2020· ENGINE

  ROD BEARINGS WENT BAD AND SEIZED THE ENGINE WITHOUT ANY NOTICE . HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER . HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY

• 12/15/2025· ENGINE

  My 2015 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] ) experienced sudden engine failure and stalled while driving at approximately 90,000 miles. There was no oil pressure warning light and no knocking prior to failure. The check engine light illuminated shortly before the stall. Kia is denying engine coverage solely because an ECU/KSDS update was not performed. I was never notified of this update because Kia had an incorrect address on file for me. This failure is consistent with known Theta II connecting rod bearing defects that have resulted in recalls and warranty extensions. I believe this is a safety-related defect and am requesting review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 12/14/2024· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  When I was driving my car had stopped driving, the engine light had popped up. I put a new battery, and starter on to see if that was the problem, but it wasn’t. I then took the car to battleground Kia in Greensboro, NC. They confirm that the engine had stopped working due to being locked up and it had a recall on it. First they said they can’t fix the engine without my registration and license, I turned that in then They said they will not fix the recall if I don’t have enough evidence of oil changes which I’ve handed over to them multiple times. I thought a recall was suppose to be fixed without hassle. My Kia advisor is Matt Cates. Email:Mcates@battlegroundkia.com

• 12/14/2023· ENGINE

  Engine is using excessive amount of oil. It has been changed on a regular basis have documentation bought the car new. I have noted that there are several complaints of the rings going bad in this model engine of the rings letting oil blow by. When is the NHTSA going to demand a recall as this can cause the motor to blow up and causes much more carbon emissions. Please make this a priority recall before more people get hurt and the emissions put out more pollutants/carbon in the air..

• 12/14/2022· ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  My vehicle engine blew while driving on the highway going about 65 no warning or signs other then the amount of oil that it was consuming. I am just now hearing about the class action lawsuits for my specific engine the Theta 2.0 which I have already verified it is part of it. KIA is saying it's the wrong part of the engine that is blown that it want be qualify for the engine replacement. I have kept my oil changed regularly and just recently noticed it started to consume godly amounts of oil no leak, or smell it was literally disappearing it is not normal to add almost 4qts of oil every 2 weeks or so. These engines need to be recalled not placed on a "service bulletin" and they pick and choose which to fix. Point is they are ticking time bombs and something need to be done they will not back their products and us consumers are left to suffer.

• 12/14/2020· STRUCTURE

  PEELING PAINT ON HOOD AND SIDE PILLARS. SEEMS LIKE THERE IS AN ISSUE WITH KIA AND SWP WHITE PEARL PAINT.

• 12/14/2020· ENGINE

  I WAS DRIVING 70 MILES PER HOUR ON I96 WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, THE BATTERY LIGHT AND THE OIL LIGHT CAME ON. I WAS ABLE TO GET TO AN EXIT BUT THE CAR CUT OFF RIGHT AT THE EXIT RAMP AS I STOPPED TRAFFIC FOR A MILE. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND HAD TO BE TOWED. I HAD IT LOOKED AT TWO DIFFERENT PLACES AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE. THE CAR IS A 2015 WITH SLIGHTLY OVER 100,000 MILES. REGULAR OIL CHANGES AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR. I HAD NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS BEFORE. THE LAST CAR SHOP SAID THAT SOMETHING CAME LOOSE IN THE ENGINE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED IF I DID NOT MAKE IT TO THE RAMP. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE BEEN HAVING A LOT OF PROBLEMS WITH KIA AND HYUNDAI MOTORS.

• 12/14/2020· POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINEFire

  DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON THE 405 AT FREEWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SHOWED SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, OIL LIGHT AND 2 OTHERS, THE VEHICLE LOST ENGINE POWER AND ONLY HAD BRAKES. I WAS ABLE TO SHUFFLE OFF THE MAIN FREEWAY TO AN OFF RAMP WHERE I PULLED OVER TO ATTEMPT TO POWER THE CAR BACK ON. THE SMELL OF ELECTRICAL FIRE STARTED TO BECOME APPARENT AND I WENT OUT TO LIFT THE HOOD AND SMOKE BEGAN TO COME OUT THE OPENING. I RUSHED TO GET MY KIDS OUT THE VEHICLE AND ATTEMPTED TO PULL THE BATTERY CABLE OFF TO TRY TO SALVAGE IT FROM CATCHING FIRE. I WAS ABLE TO WIGGLE THE BATTERY CABLE OFF BUT SMOKE CONTINUED TO COME OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS EVENTUALLY DROPPED OFF AT THE DEALERSHIP CAR PROS KIA IN GLENDALE AND IM BEING INFORMED THE STARTER WAS THE ISSUE AND WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. IM UNCERTAIN ABOUT THE DIAGNOSIS SINCE THE EVENT OF THE VEHICLE LOSING ALL POWER OCCURRED DURING HIGHWAY DRIVING .

• 12/14/2018· ENGINE

  AROUND 55,000 MILES I STARTED HAVING LOW OIL AND HAVING TO ADD OIL, SHORTLY I HEARD SOME RATTLING UNDER THE HOOD. AT THIS TIME I ALSO STARTED TO NOTICE WHITE SMOKE FROM THE TAILPIPE WHEN I WOULD ACCELERATE. I TOOK IT IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REFUSED TO COVER IT UNDER WARRANTY SAYING I DID NOT MAINTAIN THE PROPER OIL CHANGES. I OFFERED PROOF OF ALL MY OIL CHANGE RECEIPTS AND THEY STILL DENIED TO FIX IT. I COULD NOT AFFORD THE FIX THEY SAY NEEDED TO BE DONE SO I JUST DECIDED I WOULD JUST ADD THE EXTRA OIL TO THE ENGINE EVERY WEEK HOWEVER AROUND 63,000 THE ENGINE BLEW. NOW CURRENTLY THE CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AND I AM AWAITING TO SEE WHAT THEY WILL DO ABOUT IT. I HAVE READ SO MANY COMPLAINTS ON THIS EXACT ISSUE ON THIS CAR AND I EXPECT THEM TO FIX MY CAR.

• 12/13/2023· SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICFire

  The contact owed a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the driveway, the contact started the vehicle to warm it up and went back into the house while the vehicle warmed up. The contact stated that when she returned from the house to enter the vehicle, the vehicle had independently turned off. The contact stated she restarted the vehicle, however the contact noticed smoke exiting from under the vehicle hood. The contact stated the vehicle was turned off and a family member attempted to raise the engine hood when he noticed the hood was too hot to touch. The contact stated smoke and fire exited from under the engine hood. The contact called the fire department. The local fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The contact stated that her younger brother suffered a panic attack. The contact stated that the burned vehicle remained in the residential driveway. The dealer was unaware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000. The VIN was unavailable.

• 12/12/2023· POWER TRAIN

  The vehicle has a seized motor within the manufacturers powertrain warranty. They are denying to repair/ replace the motor because they claim a recall was not performed. The NHTSA does not currently show the recall that needed to be performed. The vehicle should still be covered by KIA's powertrain warranty and the dealer is not accepting responsibility.