2016 KIA Optima

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

• 12/31/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE FUEL CONSUMPTION IN THE MOTOR WOULD BOG THE ENGINE DOWN TO WHERE IT WOULD BARELY GO OVER 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AT THIS TIME THE ENGINE TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND NOT GO OFF. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP IN MT. HOPE, WV.. THE MECHANIC CHANGED OUT THE SENSOR THAT SHOWED UP ON HIS METER AND THE ENGINE SEEMED TO DO GOOD WHILE IN THE SHOP BUT WHEN THEY BACKED IT OUT OF THE SHOP BAY, ANOTHER SENSOR LIGHR CAME ON. WE HAD ALREADY PAID THE DEALERSHIP $206, THEY WOULD NOT RETURN OUR MONEY

• 12/30/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  I purchased this vehicle about a year ago upon purchasing vehicle I noticed I was having to get an oil change every other week and when I would go in I would have no oil. Fast forward to now I am buying 5g oil from Advance Auto parts every week my car is burning through oil excessively and causing my sparks plugs and coils to go bad from the oil. I have had to get my coils and sparks plug replaced three times in 5 months. I took the vehicle to get an oil consumption test at the Conway Kia dealership and they said nothing was wrong which is inaccurate because no car is burning 5 g oil each week. My car is currently at 80,000 miles I know once it reach 100,000 my warranty voids and at that point Im left with no recourse on this vehicle

• 12/30/2021· 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.

• 12/27/2024· STRUCTURE

  While driving on the highway, the roof antenna assembly flew off our car. Inspection of the area shows that the screws that were supposed to hold the antenna on had all become sheared off. It looks like there is a recall for this exact issue covering 2016 Kia Optimas produced through June 1, 2016 (SA272), but our Optima was produced on June 23, 2016 and is therefore not covered according to Kia.

• 12/27/2022· ENGINE

  I had my car for about 2 years and it had 1 owner before me. At first it was a great car no issues, but soon it became a nightmare. First thing I noticed was my lights would turn off by themselves whiles driving at night. I usually kept them on auto and they would randomly go off and I would have to turn they nob off and back on to get them to come on again. Soon after that I noticed that I would have to get oil changes more frequently. My oil light would come on and start to flicker only a few weeks after an oil change. My car was burning oil like crazy and it only got worse until it began to leak. Any time I had it serviced I was never told that I had a leak and my car would run fine for a few weeks and then the light would start to flicker again, usually anytime I pressed the brake. Not soon after that my car started to have problems accelerating and shaking really bad. I had the spark plugs changed and it ran fine for a few weeks and started to do it again. I took it into the shop and they told me that I needed a whole new engine and that it wasn't covered under the warranty. I would have to pay $5500 to get it fixed. So now it's just sitting because I can't afford it and Kia doesn't seem to care to do anything. I don't understand when I've read so many complaints with people having the same exact problems that I had. Now I'm stuck with a car that I can't drive and still owe on and have to find a new way of transportation to get to work. This is messed up that Kia knows about this and refuses to recall this car. Its a crap car and they couldn't care less about it. I've read other stories about the car locking up or stalling while people have been driving. This is a very dangerous and serious problem. I drive my kids around and their lives were in danger and I didn't even know it. Kia needs to do something!!!

• 12/27/2021· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and checked the oil level of the vehicle with the assistance of her son. The contact stated that her son noticed that the vehicle did not have oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys who had previously refilled the oil and the oil was refilled; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The dealer also advised the contact to not open the oil cap per the manufacturer's instructions. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that oil was leaking in the engine compartment and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000. Consumer stated mechanic put new oil valve gasket. Paid 300+ to put new gasket.

• 12/27/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  All four of my window regulators/and or motors have died within months of each other. First it was my back two, now my front two have gone and don’t stay up. I don’t have children nor frequent passengers. I find it mind boggling that all four of my windows have to be repaired. It is completely unsafe that my windows just drop at any given moment, especially if it’s pouring raining or even at night when it’s locked my personal stuff isn’t safe inside.

• 12/27/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  MID SEPTEMBER, 2020, I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF AS I WAS DRIVING. THEY WOULD CUT OFF FOR NO MORE THAN 15 SECONDS AND TURN BACK ON. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT, UNTIL I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH OTHER COMPONENTS OF MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA. ON 11/30/2020 I WAS DRIVING AT 30MPH THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA. AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR BEGAN TO JUMP AND HESITATE. NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN I PUSHED THE GAS, THE CARE WAS JUMPING/SHAKING AND WOLD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20MPH. I PULLED INTO AN AUTOZONE WHERE THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE. ERROR CODE P1326 (KNOCK SENSOR) CAME UP. THE NEXT MORNING, I CALLED COASTAL KIA OF WILMINGTON IN NORTH CAROLINA AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY SENT AN EMPLOYEE TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE (12/01/2020). THEY INSPECTED MY VEHICLE AND INFORMED ME THAT THE PROTOCOL WAS TO PERFORM A BEARING CLEARANCE TEST AND ECU UPGRADE. I PICKED UP MY CAR ON 12/02/2020. A WEEK LATER, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND INFORMED THEM THAT ALTHOUGH MY ENGINE LIGHT HAD NOT COME BACK ON, THE ACCELERATION ISSUE WAS STILL OCCURRING. I ASKED IF THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE CAR AGAIN, TO WHICH THEY SAID NO, THAT THEY CANNOT TAKE A FURTHER LOOK AT IT UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. ON 12/20/2020 I WAS DRIVING 40MPH WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO STUTTER UNCONTROLLABLY. THE FOLLOWING MORNING I CALLED KIA AGAIN TO INFORM THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED, AND THEY AGREED TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. ON 12/22/2020 THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING OIL AND SMOKING EXCESSIVELY. THEY OPENED A TECH CASE WITH KIA AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO THE CAR UNTIL THEY HEARD BACK FROM THEM. ON 12/23/2020 THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TO TELL ME THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL, AND THAT MY NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO REPLACE MY ENGINE.

• 12/26/2025· ENGINE

  Engine brocked the pistones brock stock engine and pay for new engine

• 12/24/2023· ENGINE

  Loss of power. Was driving across a 4 lane intersection and the vehicle lost power. The engine light came on. I stopped and check the oil and it was 2 quarts low. We had just changed oil less than 2,000 mikes ago. I tool the car to parts store and they said it was a p0309 code. That #4 cylinder misfire. It was either coil or spark plug. I replaced both coil and spark plugs 15,000 miles ago. The plug was covered in oil had black oiley substance covered on the spark area. I had similar loss of power due to oil burning 15,000 miles ago. The car has 97,720. This is an ongoing safety issue.

• 12/23/2019· STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  THERE WAS A NEW VIBRATION SOUND WHEN WE STARTED DRIVING OUR CAR YESTERDAY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A PANEL WAS A LITTLE LOOSE OR SOMETHING. WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT ON THE INTERSTATE WE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND IT WAS THE SUNROOF BURSTING INTO PIECES. FREAKED US OUT WITH THE LOUD NOISE. WE

• 12/23/2016· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINEFire

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE RPMS DRASTICALLY INCREASED TO 6 OR 7. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CVT VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NUMBER 75 ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE REPAIRS AND PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY PERFORMED AN INTERIM REPAIR AND THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER ORDERED THE PART FOR A PERMANENT REPAIR. THE CONTACT FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.

• 12/19/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

  First my driver side back window wouldn’t roll up or down. It just sags and falls down everytime I drive so I duck taped it until I could afford to get it fixed. Now a month later, the passenger back seat is doing this exact same thing. There is over 100 articles of people talking about this exact problem with 2016-2017 Kia Optimas and I read apparently Kia is even aware as they sent out an alert to dealerships about it or something along those lines? Well that’s all great and dandy but what about the people who already have the car and are dealing with the problems? I have 2 kids under 2 and it’s a tough financial time. Even with the duct tape, it doesn’t always hold and the window will fall down on the highway and my son starts screaming crying cause its loud and the hard wind hits his face. This should be resolved. It shouldn’t take more than like 5 people complaining about the same thing for it to be deeply looked into and fixed. There’s well over 100 people talking about online like I said.

• 12/17/2024· SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having a routine oil change and tire maintenance, the vehicle began making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the automatic brake was disabled was displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the dealer. The contact called the local dealer, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 149,020.

• 12/16/2025· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment was heard, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact further stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, with the cruise control mode engaged, the vehicle started to stall and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the cruise control became inoperable, and the check engine warning was flashing. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle continued to hesitate and failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

• 12/16/2022· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The oil level warning light was illuminated. The contact also noticed that the front driver's side tire was low. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who informed her that the vehicle was 3-quarts low on engine oil due to the excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred her to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 79,993.

• 12/15/2023· SERVICE BRAKES

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day and the dealer was not able to identify a failure with the vehicle brakes although the transmission was adjusted. The contact stated that the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, and a field inspector was sent to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 92000.

• 12/15/2022· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who replaced the spark plugs and coil pack; however, the failure persisted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 124,000.

• 12/12/2022· ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGFire

  My dealership has confirmed oil consumption on my vehicle

• 12/11/2020· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON AND OFF EVEN AFTER REPLACED PARTS! BURNING AT LEAST 2 QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK! BRAKE LIGHTS STOP WORKING IF HEADLIGHTS ARE ON! HAD TO START USING SUPER TO ELIMINATE A RATTLE WHILE ACCELERATING UPHILL! ENGINE SHAKES!!

• 12/09/2025· ENGINE

  My 2016 Kia Optima is experiencing severe internal engine oil consumption that matches known issues Kia has recalled and extended warranties for. The vehicle loses 1–3 quarts of oil every few days with no external leaks. A repair shop found a P0304 cylinder 4 misfire, P0010 cam actuator code, and spark plug damage caused by oil entering the combustion chamber. They confirmed internal engine damage and abnormal oil consumption. The Kia dealership refused to assist due to mileage, even though this issue matches the engine defects covered under Kia’s litigation settlement and warranty extensions. The excessive oil consumption creates a dangerous safety risk, including engine stalling, loss of power, and potential engine seizure while driving. I am requesting NHTSA review because the vehicle’s condition is unsafe and part of a widespread engine defect.

• 12/09/2022· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  My 2016 Kia Optima sx engine lost significant power while on the highway at 65mph. Lost of power at highway speed was very dangerous. The engine suddenly ran increasingly rough, shaking the vehicle and drastically changing its performance. My girlfriend, myself, and other drivers on the highway were put at risk as I attempted to maneuver out of traffic and pull off to a safe area. Fortunately I was able to do this without collision or loss of control. I had my car towed to the dealership. There was no warning or engine light on before the incident. The dealership has diagnosed a cracked valve and no firing in cylinder 3. They recommend a new engine. They do not know what caused this issue. The vehicle has about 78,000 miles on it. I am the second owner, warranty is expired, and it is not covered under an active recall. The vehicle is currently at a Kia dealership and available for third party inspection upon request. Please help.

• 12/09/2022· ENGINE

  The engine was burning oil rapidly without any indicators or lights on dashboard warning to get it fixed or anything like that.

• 12/09/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE WINDOWS TO MOVE UPWARD AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA DELRAY (LOCATED AT 2255 S FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483, 561-637-5500) WHO STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED FOR ALL FOUR WINDOWS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED AUTHORIZATION TO REPAIR THE REAR WINDOWS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13306734. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.

• 12/09/2016· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP, THE CAR HESITATES UP TO 6 OR 7 SECONDS. I THINK IT HAS STALLED, THEN IT STARTS AGAIN BY ITS SELF. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS WHEN PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION. IT DOES THIS CONSTANTLY.

• 12/08/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle after several attempts, the contact checked the engine and checked the oil level and found that the oil was extremely low. The contact added 3-quarts of oil and was able to start the vehicle. The contact observed that the vehicle would intermittently lose power and nearly stalled. The contact became aware that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of oil and was adding 2-quarts of oil every two weeks. The contact checked for oil leaks and found none. The contact stated that the check oil warning light had illuminated once. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where an oil consumption test was conducted. The consumption test determined that the vehicle was consuming a high amount of oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

• 12/08/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  On Sept. 21, 2021, my Kia Optima Hybrid ex shut down and would not start. I took it to King of Hybrid EV Auto Repair where they ran a diagnostic test and found that there was an issue with the Hybrid System affecting the transmission and the High-voltage system. I paid $3,000.00 out-of-pocket. On October 26, 2022, while driving 75mph on Hwy 15 to Las Vegas, my car randomly shut down. The dash warning lights read "STOP VEHICLE TO CHARGE BATTERY". I was in an unsafe position with cars speeding past me. I was afraid that I would be rear-ended by another car. I had to have my car towed. I believe that these cars have issues with faulty high voltage systems and transmissions. Please investigate. Thank you.

• 12/08/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

  On Sept. 21, 2021, my Kia Optima Hybrid ex shut down and would not start. I took it to King of Hybrid EV Auto Repair where they ran a diagnostic test and found that there was an issue with the Hybrid System affecting the transmission and the High-voltage system. I paid $3,000.00 out-of-pocket. On October 26, 2022, while driving 75mph on Hwy 15 to Las Vegas, my car randomly shut down. The dash warning lights read "STOP VEHICLE TO CHARGE BATTERY". I was in an unsafe position with cars speeding past me. I was afraid that I would be rear-ended by another car. I had to have my car towed. I believe that these cars have issues with faulty high voltage systems and transmissions. Please investigate. Thank you.

• 12/07/2020· TIRES

  MY SON HAD A BLOW OUT OF HIS COOPER CS5 ULTRA TOURING TIRE. 2 WEEKS LATER HE FINDS A BUBBLE IN HIS OTHER COOPER CS5 TIRE. BOTH TIRES HAVE ONLY BEEN ON HIS CAR FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS

• 12/06/2022· ENGINE

  Too much oil consumption. Consuming 3 quarts of oil in 3000 miles. No leaks. Did oil consumption testing through Kia dealership. Kia dealer says it needs a new engine and the vehicle is only 6 years old with 73k miles. Still under extended warranty and Kia dealer will not cover the cost of the engine.

• 12/05/2019· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN EARL L BUDDY CARTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT, REGARDING ISSUES WITH A KIA PURCHASED IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED VARIOUS ISSUES INCLUDING THE BATTERY BEING REPLACED 5 TIMES IN 8 MONTHS, MULTIPLE ENGINE ISSUES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND A LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPEED UP TO CATCH UP TO THE DESIGNATED SPEED AND COME IN TO CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE VEHICLE AHEAD. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT. *JS

• 12/04/2018· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHARLIE'S MOTOR MALL (465 WESTERN AVE, AUGUSTA, ME 04330, 207-622-7327) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 92793557. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000. *TT*JB

• 12/03/2023· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  Purchased this car in July of this year. I checked all fluids prior to purchase and after driving it for 30 days the oil light flicked then went off. I decided to check the oil and it was 2 quarts low. I immediately called my extended warranty and they said to take it to the shop. After it being there for 3 months they said it was the rings in the piston and it needed a new motor. They referred to it as excessive oil consumption. Of course the warranty company Old Republic refused to cover it because it’s a on going issue with this model car.

• 12/03/2020· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  MY VEHICLE STARTED STALLING WHEN ACCELERATING TWO DAYS AGO. MY RPM'S JUMP WHEN SHIFTING GEARS AND IT STALLS AND JERKS WHEN TAKING OFF FROM A COMPLETE STOP. I TOOK IT TO ADVANCED AUTO PARTS AND THE CODE "P1326" SHOWED ON THEIR CODE READER. KNOCK SCENSOR IS UNDER THE CODE AND I'VE READ WHERE MULTIPLE PEOPLE WITH THIS MAKE AND MODEL OF CAR HAVE HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND HAD THEIR WHOLE MOTOR REPLACED.

• 12/02/2024· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed the engine failure and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.

• 12/02/2023· SEATS

  My seat back has been automatically going back all by itself WHILE I'M DRIVING!! It happened 4 times yesterday while driving on the highway!! This has happened a number of times while driving.

• 12/02/2020· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED. WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT WITH THE HEADLIGHTS ACTIVATED, THE HEADLIGHTS SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH WAS MANUALLY SHIFTED TO THE ON POSITION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED INTERMITTENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KINGS KIA (9600 KINGS AUTO MALL ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 677-6700) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO PROVIDE A CAUSE FOR THE FAILURE. THE MECHANIC CHECKED THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH BUT FOUND NO ISSUES. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO NOTIFY THE DEALER WHENEVER THE FAILURE RECURS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,500.

• 12/02/2019· POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  P1326 ENGINE CODE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. LUCKILY WAS IN FAR LEFT LANE WHEN ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WAS SAFELY ABLE TO GET OFF FREEWAY TO A NEARBY GAS STATION.

• 11/30/2025· ENGINE

  The engine lost cylinder 3, piston came loose and broke the spark plug. This happened because the rod bearing came loose which has been a known issue with Kia. There’s already been a class action law suit, and recall with warranty. Now the Kia dealership in Lynchburg has refused to honor this warranty. Stating they can’t do the required rod bearing clearance test because the engine doesn’t have compression. The engine has no compression because the rod bearings came loose and shoved the piston into the head.

• 11/30/2019· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  E - C V V T SEAL SEATING ISSUE. MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA IS GIVING AN OBD II ERROR CODE OF P0010 "A" CAMSHAFT POSITION ACTUATOR CIRCUIT. THIS CAUSES REDUCTION IN POWER DURING ACCELERATION, AND ELEVATES ENGINE IDLE SPEEDS TO 1200-1400 RPM. THIS ELEVATION IN ENGINE SPEED CAUSES THE CAR TO TRY TO MOVE FORWARD EVEN WHEN THE BRAKES ARE PRESSED IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THIS COULD EASILY LEAD TO VEHICLE CRASHING. THIS, I BELIEVE, SHOULD BE A PART OF RECALL INSTEAD OF A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FROM THE MANUFACTURER. HYUNDAI AND KIA USE SAME ENGINE, AND HAS A TSB NUMBER 15-01-022-1, AND KIA HAS A TSB TO CHANGE THE MOTOR PLUG AND ECVVT COVER FOR IT. THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE IN THEIR CAR, AND IT SHOULD BE A RECALL. WHEN THE CAR WAS IN MOTION FOR ME THE FIRST TIME THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, I ALMOST HIT A CAR IN FRONT OF ME AS THE ENGINE DOES NOT GO BACK DOWN TO IDLE SPEEDS. THIS IS DANGEROUS.

• 11/29/2024· UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  The windows will NOT stay up, front passenger window has come completely loose from its track and has fallen down in such away, that it slams against the inside door panel, the only part of the window you can see is the triangle shaped edge that would normally fit in the corner of the window. I'm [XXX], with kids and this is my only transportation. Winter is here and the only window that stays up is the drivers side, and it's about to go too, it wobbles when rolling it up or down. My dad was a mechanic all his life, but he's [XXX]. I use to help him work on cars every day.. I have a torn rotator cuff from turning my now deceased husband in the month long hospital stay, been with him since I was 17, I'm now [XXX] , and can not do a lot of things I once did.. I do NOT have the money to fix this car as my husband died 2 months ago being flown in a helicopter twice to the hospital, is more expensive than ANY vehicle around here costs, i cant work due to my torn rotator cuff. No one in their right mind would buy my car with the windows.. I've done some research and my Kia optima is just one of thousands with this same issue. The only option I have is to walk the 5 miles into town to get what me and what's left of my family's essentials. I've never had a Kia before, and I'll never get another one. My car also burns oil, I know this because I was raised to know how to check to see if it's burning oil, I took it into dardanelle tire and auto, I know the lead mechanic. I was informed that in fact it was burning oil, and I knew that meant I would have to be checking the oil every other day. The exhaust pipe has SO much black burnt oil all over the entire end of the pipe.. check engine light came on 2 weeks after I bought it, something about the catalyst. The small dealership owner told me everything was perfect on this car, he lied, they have ways of turning the check engine light off, I've seen my dad do it. I think it's time for a recall already. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 11/29/2023· ENGINE

  Car is leaking oil. It is not only visible but I can smell it as well. Visibly it looks like its leaking onto the heat shield. This is very dangerous as heat shield gets extremely hot since it is over the exhaust. Also visible are the stains on my driveway. Additionally, I have been measuring oil levels and it is dropping slowly.

• 11/28/2018· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE CAR STUMBLES TO START AND WHEN I ACCELERATE IT FLUTTERS UNTIL PICKING UP SPEED. THIS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY 43.

• 11/26/2023· ENGINE

  Engine cuts out while driving. Engine light comes on. Unavailable to turn on hazard blinkers. Can restart engine after a few minutes . Also gas mileage has gone down.

• 11/26/2022· ENGINE

  I have been having issues with my vehicle randomly not wanting to start at first. There wasn’t any warning lights showing up. I have noticed that my vehicle is going through a LOT of oil. This is at least the 3rd time were I have had a few thousand miles left on my oil change but when I drive and press the break, the oil light comes on. When checked the oil is empty. These engines need to be throughly checked out by the manufacturers. I also had an issue with my Kia completely turn it off when I was driving with my child in the car. It would not start back up. We had the people trying to help direct traffic around until the police showed so that we wouldn’t get hit. This could’ve been a VERY dangerous situation.

• 11/25/2022· ENGINE

  EXCESSIVE oil consumption. Just got oil changed last week oil is already gone and check oil light is on again.

• 11/25/2019· STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  I HAVE HAD THE STEERING GO OUT MULTIPLE TIMES - REPORTED IT TO KIA WHERE I LEASE FROM AND A LOCAL SHOP. JUST HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY (11/25/19) - IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR - I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO THE PLACE I LEASED FROM AS WELL. ALSO, TWICE NOW - WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. VERY SCARY. AS I STATED, I HAVE TAKEN IN AND THE KIA DEALERSHIPS SAY THAT THEY CANNOT NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE, THEY TREAT ME AS I AM MAKING UP. NOW READING THAT IT DOES HAPPEN TO OTHERS, I THINK THIS IS AN ISSUE. I WILL NOT LEASE OR BUY ANOTHER KIA

• 11/24/2023· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  When accelerating the car will randomly loose all power from the engine. The electrical systems will stay on but the car RPMs will drop to zero. The accelerator will not provide acceleration when being pressed. The car has to be turned off and then turned back on for power to be restored. The check engine light, the oil light and another warning light will come on.

• 11/24/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY

  Complete power window failure (driver and 2 rear windows). Estimated repair cost is $2,084.90. This model has a history of power window defects that Kia Motors is well aware of. Over time, this defect becomes increasingly severe until you have a complete without warning failure like in my case. Kia Motors refuses to acknowledge problems and stated there is no recall by NHTSA. I want a full reimbursement for my out of pocket payment for untimely repair cost.

• 11/23/2022· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Every 2000 miles I need to put in a quart of oil. When car down shifts to 35mph the oil light flickers. At downshift of 10mph there is a slight shutter and the oil light flickers.