2012 KIA OPTIMA Engine Problems
391 complaints about Engine
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Engine Complaints (391)
On or around October 17th 2025 I purchased a 2019 Kia OPT un aware that the vehicle had recall problems. Once I realized the vehicle had problems I took it to get it checked out. I only had the vehicle for 2 days before the problems occurred. The Kia service center fixed the recalls all except the bearing failure. They had my car for almost 30 because we went back and forth over this issue. This reason they gave me the reason they couldn’t fix my bearing problem was because I didn’t get it checked out before I had the problem. I didn’t know the vehicle had a problem until the recall came to my attention. I just don’t understand this explanation because it just doesn’t make any sense to me. This model vehicle had a premature bearing wear long before I had this vehicle. It’s a manufactured problem and just because it wasn’t reinstated before the vehicle had the problem Kia will not stand behind the problem with this vehicle and I don’t understand that explanation. Please, please help me get this issue fixed for me please. This has really taken a toll on me and I can’t afford to just junk this vehicle so please help me. Thank you so much for trying to help me with this problem.
Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicle Vehicle Information: [Year] Kia Optima Hybrid Dealership Name: Kia on the Boulevard Dealership Address: 11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19154 Complaint Description: 1. The Safety Incident: While operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick smoke poured from the engine compartment, followed by immediate stalling. This presented a severe fire risk and safety hazard. 2. Dealer Misconduct & Illegal Charges: I towed the vehicle to Kia on the Boulevard (11295 Roosevelt Blvd, Philadelphia) for the active engine recall remedy. The dealership: * Refused to perform the recall repair free of charge. * Forced me to pay a $199 "diagnostic fee" just to look at the recall-related defect, which should be covered by the manufacturer. * Threatened me with $45/day storage fees if I did not pay the $199 and remove the vehicle immediately. 3. Current Status: Under the threat of accumulating storage fees, I was coerced into paying the $199 and towing the vehicle back to my residence. The dealership knowingly released a vehicle with a catastrophic engine failure (smoke/fire risk) back to the owner without performing the federally mandated remedy. The unsafe vehicle is now sitting at my home unrepaired. 4. Conclusion: I request an immediate investigation into Kia on the Boulevard's refusal to honor the recall and their practice of charging customers for recall-related inspections.
To: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 USA Subject: Formal Safety Defect Claim Regarding Unaddressed Recalls — 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) From: [XXX] Email: [XXX] Phone: [XXX] Vehicle Information: - VIN: * [XXX] ** - Make / Model: 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid - Mileage: approx. **250,000 miles** - Current Location: Moldova (vehicle manufactured in Korea for the US market) --- ## Summary of the Problem I am writing to file a **formal safety defect claim** regarding my 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid, VIN * [XXX] **, which, despite having documented recall campaigns, has never had critical parts replaced. As a result: 1. **Internal scoring and scratches (zadir)** have been detected within the engine, consistent with **metal shavings / debris** circulating in the oil system. 2. There is **metallic residue (shavings)** found in the oil pump, which strongly suggests that worn or damaged components (likely from a manufacturing defect) were never replaced during the recall. 3. Given the extraordinarily high mileage (≈ 250,000 miles), the continued use without the required recall repairs poses **significant safety risks** and potential for further engine failure or fire. 4. I was not provided with a proper remedy when recall notices were issued — in my case, the relevant parts were not replaced in a timely fashion (or at all), despite the recall campaigns being active, leading to the deterioration of the engine. --- ## Legal and Technical Basis ### Recalls Applicable to My Vehicle - NHTSA Recall **20V750** for the 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: This is a recall related to engine defects, including risk of engine fire. [oai_citation [XXX] ] [XXX] ) - NHTSA Recall **23V652**: This relates to the Hydraul INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
June 26th 2025 my Kia optima 2012 EX quit on interstate 65 in Alabama was towed to dealership 10 days later was requested that I turn in maintenance records which I did. 10 days after that I was contacted and I was told that they could not read some of the records i so resubmitted. No official diagnosis was told they just informed me that the motor would be replaced. They've since removes it from the dealership to a third location. Spoke with Kia consumer affairs in a three-way call to the dealership we were hung up on three times. Trying to find out where the car had been towed to. The car is now at Monrovia towing in Alabama at $40 a day. I have takwn good care of this Kia it falls under all the criteria there were no lights no warning signs it just shut down. Not only was the dealership evasive about their decision or the decision they made me feel as if I had done something wrong when I've only had the car 3 years taken very good care of it had the oil change by fiance the records and receipts of purchase oil. Devastating. Lengthy and financially crippling. I was lead to believe early on that it was a done deal to replace the engine . They accused of fraud in regards to the records. Untrue. This has caused so much stress and anxiety in my life. I am now without transportation. I have a special needs daughter and this car was a lifeline for us. I did nothing wrong I loved this car . I'm now having to let the car go because the towing company is going to auction the car.
Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. IT would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.
Bearing wear resulted in the engine seizing.
I took my car to the KiaOfLynchburg dealership for get the recalls done and diagnostic test on my engine as it was knocking and they had it since may 06, 2025. The dealership said at first I had a code to get the engine replaced no cost. Now got a phone call on June 19, 2025 saying how my car was on fire but the fire department made it on time to put it out. So did the claim on it they denied me saying it’s due to a aftermarket but tell me it cause of oil leak. And I do not have no aftermarket hook up in the vehicle. Now they won’t take responsibility for the damage they did to my car
On August 25th around 7:00 PM, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked after a short test drive. The car had just been purchased a few days prior and was taken to a mechanic for a precautionary inspection. During the test drive, the mechanic parked the vehicle in a residential driveway. After backing in, smoke was observed coming from the engine bay. When the hood was lifted, the engine area was already on fire. The fire department was called immediately and was able to extinguish the flames before the fire spread to surrounding property. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle. The vehicle had no warning lights, unusual performance issues, or prior signs of trouble, and it appeared to be in good condition prior to the incident. This fire posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injury or property damage. Component or system that failed: The engine area, likely associated with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) fuse/fire risk. The vehicle may or may not be available for inspection, as it is severely burned. Safety risk: The fire posed a serious hazard to the mechanic, surrounding property, and anyone nearby. Rapid ignition could have caused injury or significant property damage. Problem confirmation: The fire was observed firsthand by the mechanic. The open recall related to the HECU fuse/fire risk indicates a known defect consistent with the incident. Inspections: The fire department responded and documented the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but the recall status is verifiable through official records. Warning signs: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. This incident appears consistent with the conditions described in the open recall for the HECU fuse/fire risk, suggesting a possible link between the recall defect and the fire.
My 2012 Kia Optima experienced engine failure due to a dropped valve. The dealership (Kia of Des Moines) performed a borescope inspection but stopped after discovering the broken valve. This means rod bearing failure was not ruled out. Two separate service reports conflict, one citing Cylinder 2 and another citing Cylinder 3. Kia denied coverage, citing that the failure was unrelated to the settlement and outside the mileage warranty
Driving home from an oil change. All of a sudden all power was lost. Luckily a wide spot in the road was right there. Car would not start back up. Checked oil- it was good. Had car trailered to a mechanic. He took off oil filter and cut it in half- was full of metal shavings. Said needs new engine. We trailered the car back home, where it currently sits. If the wide spot in the road wasn’t there, they’re likely would have been an accident being this was right on a sharp corner.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact pressed on the horn, and the horn failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, upon starting the vehicle and attempting to adjust the driver’s side mirror, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the side-view mirror motor. The contact stated that several days later, the abnormal clicking sound ceased, and the driver’s side mirror failed to function as intended. On a separate occasion, the passenger’s side mirror motor was making an abnormal clicking sound. Several days later, the clicking sound ceased and the passenger’s side mirror failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to close the sunroof, the motor failed to function as intended and the sunroof was half closed. The contact had to place a tarp over the sunroof to protect inside the vehicle from the elements. No warning lights were illuminated. Recently the vehicle received maintenance and there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. In addition, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that an unknown part had failed in the engine. The contact was unsure what part of the engine had been replaced. The failure recurred, and the contact had safety concerns about the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Mileage: 50,000
The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact notified the insurance company; however, no claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Mileage: 160,000
Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5 mins and had to turn around due to me leaving something at work. When I arrived back at work I parked and cut my car off as I normally do and when I returned to start it back up it never did. I have previously been having to add 5 quarts of oil frequently at least once or twice a month for the past 7 months since last year. Was told my car had an oil consumption problem by a previous mechanical shop last year. Noticed that these cars have recalls on them and that my car and year do fit the requirements. I do owned my car with the Title in hand. It’s NOT a salvaged title. I have a service appointment on the 24th of June next Tuesday at Kia of Gastonia located in Gastonia, NC. I have to get my car towed to this establishment on Monday or the morning of my appointment. I’m asking that this situation can be properly investigated and properly and honestly handled under KIA policy. My name is [XXX] my # is [XXX] thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
Mileage: 200,000
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)
I was driving home at night around 8pm. I was merging into the slow lane and my car completely lost power. A semi truck was right behind me. Luckily I was able to get over to the emergency lane safely. My car had no acceleration at all or any control of the steering. Prior to this incident there was no problem or warnings of any lights on dash or car having problems. It’s a daily driver for me to work. It’s never gave me any problems prior to this. I’ve had the routine maintenance done on along with the recommended mileage maintenance done. It’s been over a month now and my car still won’t start I haven’t had time to get it towed to a dealer ship or repair shop because I work 17 hour days. Everything I’ve researched about my make and model is starting to indicate that the engine seized up. I really hope that’s now the case because my car will be paid off in 3months. It has 165k miles on it I need help on weather the engine is part of a recall.
On the evening of December 5, 2024 my 2012 KIA OPTIMA's engine completely seized out of no where while traveling on a very busy road where the speed limit is 50mph putting my life and other drivers that share the roads life in danger. Thank god I was able to succesfully merge over into a safe place as the car came to a hault. Previous to this incident the car was running perfectly fine with no dash lights on what so ever. Once I was in a safe place I called KIA headquarters immediatly, I was told that I have to pay to have the vehicle towed to the nearest dealership and that I would be reinbursed depending on the issue of the vehicle after being diagnosed. The very next morning I called KIA corporate to open a case for the vehicle, in which i was told that my specific year, make and models engine was under a lifetime warranty. I then recieved a call from the dealership Decmember 6, 2024 and i was told my optima would be diagnosed and if the issue is due to the KIA engine class settlement that the engine would be replaced free of charge and if it is not then I would have to pay $380 to have the engine repaired under the lifetime warrantly & that the car could not be looked at until December 16, 2024. Once December 16, 2024 came around I recieved a call from the KIA dealership and I was told that my vehicle could not be diagnosed due to the time frame in which i bought the vehicle and that I needed to have my car moved from their lot or I would get charged $80 a day storage fee so I had to have my vehicle towed back to my home where it is currently just sitting. To this day (January 22, 2024 I am still dealing with trying to communicate with KIA CORPORATE AMERICA to have this matter resolved for I am very aware of the engine recall issue for my specific year make and model. My vehicle has yet to be inspected and the only time the warning lamps came on was once the engine completely seized, all of the dash lights popped on.
While driving 2012 Kia Optima GDI home from work, the power suddenly stopped without warning with the engine, oil, and battery lights flashing on all at once. I was unable to accelerate whatsoever, so with the momentum of the vehicle I parked safely in a parking lot. There I discovered the car would not start and would give a loud clunking sound. A mobile mechanic confirmed that the engine was seized, and I had it towed to the nearest KIA service center. They were able to also confirm it was an engine seize, but insisted KIA would not replace the engine despite a recall notice of the motor of this vehicles make and model in 2017 (SC147).
Power train and engine failure and causing my Kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was Driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train For over $9000 between repairs and labor and transmission and engine
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and failed to exceed 61 MPH. The RPM failed to exceed 2,000 RPM. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH while driving uphill, and the vehicle failed to exceed 55 MPH while driving downhill. The contact scanned the vehicle with a vehicle scanner and retrieved codes indicating an oil control valve failure. The contact replaced the oil control valve; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the fuel rail system, the fuel tube clamps, and the bolts were replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer several times. The dealer replaced the battery, the engine oil, and other unknown parts; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive fuel consumption. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.
Mileage: 157,000
Car went to limp mode and has code p1326. Car was towed to kia and waiting on determination of kia in korea to cover engine. Car has 63,000 miles
Driving on highway at about 60mph when the engine started knocking and the power decreased significantly. I pulled to the side of the road and called my day who came and brought his OBD 2 tester. The code was P1326 which is Knock Sensor. We had the car towed to a KIA dealer nearby and they updated the software. We picked up the car the next day. It seemed fine at first. Within two weeks the the same thing happened and we, once again had it towed to KIA. Within a few days, the service writer called and said that the engine needed to be replaced, but that KIA was denying an engine replacement. They said that they found sludge in the engine that in their opinion showed a lack of maintenance. We sent in receipts for oil changes every 5-6K miles. At this point, we do not have an answer regarding an engine replacement.
The engine caught fire and exploded after I parked it and exited the car and the recall repair was done on the engine July 5 2024 by Kia dealership.
I started the car up no lights on, started fine, no warning symptoms like loss of power, no oil consumption nothing! Started an hour and a half drive to visit family and I started hearing a weird sound almost like plastic was flapping around on the bottom. Turned down the music and it was only making this weird sound every 5-10 seconds. Pulled off of the road shut the car off and checked under the hood, the oil everything seemed fine. Started it up and heard the sound again and suddenly became worse and came to the conclusion it’s a rod knock. Had to get off the busy road so continues for maybe 1 mile and every dash light came on shut it off waited for a trailer, once we got it on the trailer the lights were gone. The dealership near me is saying they can’t do anything due to a recall update not being done but I had a newly programmed ECU that was put in in March of 2023 and I was some research and i found a few things stating the ECU would be completely up to date but kia is fighting me on it. I have also been update to date on maintenance records. Since its been at the dealership I’ve asked for the other 2 recalls that are open on it to be done while I figure out what to do with it and they bypass me asking everytime.
I was driving down the highway on my way to work and all of a sudden I lost power. The car was still on but it wouldn't go very fast and started smoking. Then a knocking noise started. I had to get it towed home. Car is not running. KIA refuses to take responsibility even though there is a known issue with this vehicle.
The engine failed, and it is past the 100,000 mile warranty. Due to the fact that there were no warning lights at any moment prior to the engine failing, my safety and others were put at risk. The 2012 Kia Optima suddenly stopped in the middle of a major road, which could have easily caused a collision had another vehicle been any closer to me. The component was inspected by a mechanic, and there were no symptoms prior to the car stopping.
My vehicle has not repaired. I have not been in an accident. However there are two open safety recalls for my car and I am terrified that myself or someone else is going to be injured or even killed due to this problem has yet to be resolved. The first recall for my car is the headliner plates. I took my car into my local dealership (Stokes Kia of Goose Creek) and they told me it would take 10 business days before they could inspect my car and determine what the problem is (it’s a recall so I don’t understand why they would have to identify a problem that was clear in recall letter). However, I asked if they would repair my car within that 10 day period if they “identified” the problem. They told me it could take an additional 10 business days or longer for the repair (for them to get around to fix it because they were extremely backed up). I asked if I would be provided a loaner vehicle or rental and they told me no. They instructed to try the other Kia dealership which is much further away from me. I ended up trying the other Kia dealership. However, they told me they would not provide a loaner car but they did schedule an appointment for my repair. They told me it should not take long for the repair but they could have my car for about 3 days until they can get around to fixing it. I went along because I wanted the issue fixed so I prepared to make arrangements for the possibility that I wouldn’t have a car for 3 days. However, like the day or so before my appointment Kia Country called me saying that the parts for the repair were on a national back order and that I would be notified when they are available. I have yet to notified. Now there is another serious recall that there is no remedy for. I am extremely uncomfortable with my car with these recalls that can’t be fixed. This is not my fault so I shouldn’t have to suffer or be without a car due to these problems. I want to know what other options do I have?
Desconocido
I did not know about this recall and my dad was driving my car caught on fire and blew up now I do not have a car please help.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the brake lights continuously remained illuminated. The taillight bulbs blew out on several occasions. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, there were several unknown warning lights flashing. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.
Mileage: 24,000
Was driving on the road on the way back to work from lunch, started hitting the brakes at an upcoming stop light, and the car shut down. There was no lights indicating anything prior to the incident. I tried starting it again and it started smoking, I then opened the hood and all the smoke poured out. The engine bay smelled like something electrical melting or of some sort. I towed it to the dealership I work at and had my ex-kia technician coworkers look at it and said they've never seen anything like it, but did confirm the smell was electrical. OBD II reader was not reading anything at all. I was letting it sit for a while waiting for the recall to have some sort of remedy, but I've grown tired waiting so I decided to file a complaint. And I will reiterate again that NONE of the lights came on at all until my car decided to break down.
COMPONENT HAS FAILED. CAR IS NOT DRIVABLE AND THERE IS NO REMEDY FOR THE RECALL.
When attempting to acceleate rapidly, as if passing someone, the car will decelerate and eventually die, leaving you stranded on side of road or in the highway.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle hesitated. The vehicle lost motive power and was slow to accelerate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump was failing. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine). The approximate failure mileage was 88,800.
Mileage: 88,800
It has started burning oil, we have to continually check it. There are no leaks but oil burns too fast, we check it almost daily.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was placed in neutral(N) and steered to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2012 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 while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, stalled, and failed to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 138,450. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mileage: 138,450
When driving the vehicle the engine light is on & under the hood is smoking . It smells like burnt rubber or just burning something. This started happening right after the engine light came on. It’s not safe to drive my vehicle at this point
The contact owns a 2012 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 while starting the vehicle, she noticed smoke coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that the taillights remained illuminated while the vehicle was turned off. There was no warning light illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mileage: 130,000
On September 27, 2023 I was driving home at 50 mph on 41st & Lynn Lane in Tulsa, Broken Arrow, OK. The car just shut down right before I had to stop at a stop sign. Not being mechanical minded the only thing I could think of was to call a towing company (AAA). I was informed to also call 911 to have a police officer come and block traffic to keep me from getting hit. It was towed to the only garage there is close to my house as the Ferguson Dealership couldn't take it at the time. It was at a place called The Garage. They at the time told me they thought it was the fuel pump and replaced it. The work was done on October 2, 2023. On November 26, 2023 I was driving home on the Cimarron Turnpike when the car just lost power. I pulled over as best I could and did after a bit get it to start again. I called my brother to see if he would follow me home as the car jerked and would only do 60 mph. I put on my flashers and my brother did follow me home. I have researched the trouble and saw a recall #147 (Kia's # I believe. it is a recall for the engine and something to do with the KSDS. Kia Dealership ( Ferguson Kia) again couldn't take the car so I took it to The Garage again and received a call from the tech that I need another motor. I am calling Kia Corp to see if they will replace it.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had experienced a failure. The contact stated that his wife was driving the vehicle at approximately 35 MPH when she was she flagged by another driver that her vehicle was emitting flames under the vehicle on the front driver's side near the wheel well. The contact stated his wife was not aware of any warning lights and pulled the vehicle over and stopped. The contact stated the fire department was on scene and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, the contact had no information on the diagnosis by the dealer. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000. The contact related the fire to the current NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the vehicle was recently returned to the dealer due to engine failures. VIN tool confirms parts not yet available.
Mileage: 116,000
THE ENGINE QUIT WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY TO MY HOME. I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT OF 75 MPH WHEN I HEARD A NOISE AND THE CAR STARTED LOSING SPEED. I COULD BARELY PULL TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD. THERE WAS A LOT OF TRAFFIC AND THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO BE HIT BEFORE GETTING PULLED OVER. I THEN NOTICED THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING. I HAVE HAD NO TROUBLE UNTIL YESTERDAY, NOV. 26, 2023. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR RECALL #SC147. WHETHER IT HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF I WAS NOT TOLD. I ALSO WAS NOT TOLD THE ENGINE COULD BE REPLACED AT THEIR EXPENSE. THE REPAIR DATE WAS 11/22/2017.
A piece of carbon build up was caught on the exhaust valve not allowing it to close and causing no compression. The carbon build up is known in every kia engine as everyone knows they came out the factory with defects. With the exhaust valve burnt it scored the cylinder and none of it is covered under the extended warranty and I have seen many people with the same problem and all the dealership does is grind off the burnt oil on the exhaust valve and return it to the costumer while it is a ticking bomb. It is known to the dealership that this is a defect in the engine and which they told me on the phone while all calls are recorded. There was no sign that this was going to happened to the car. I was driving and the next second the car is shaking violently with the engine light on.
I always smell like something burning and melting at the engine And the engine light sign appears and the maintenance light also
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder however, the vehicle failed to restart. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 143,000.
Mileage: 143,000
The engine is knocking and stalling out. Lawrence Kia has had my car for three weeks, and nothing has been done. After investigating the issue, the failure is related to NHTSA Campaign Number 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The recall is to replace engines. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 104,000.
Mileage: 104,000
We have tried numerous times to get Vanguard Kia in Arlington, TX to address the recall on the engine. They have only updated a short term fix which is a software update. It will be 2 years in October that we have been trying to get the recalled engine replaced. They updated in their system that they replaced the engine but the same old engine still remains in the vehicle. They have charged us for many other repair issues and now tell us they don’t know what is wrong with the vehicle and can offer no solutions. We have repeatedly asked for them to correct their error and they refuse. I believe individuals working for the dealership may have fraudulently reported addressing the recall engine and may have kept it. We have reached out to Kia and have not heard a response. Is this legal?
I tried to speak with Kia about a recall the engine on my making model I remember seeing it on your guises website this issue was never fixed and I’m currently having issues with my engine and they’re refusing to replace it. I’m trying to avoid a lawsuit and a serious accident because of the way my car is acting up. It is accumulating me a check engine, light, as well as a oil light I’ve brought the car in many times to vanguard kia and they could not figure out what was wrong with the car , and holding it for week the two times i brought it in and it seems as if you’re continuing to drive it is creating more issues because I had to pay $1300 out of my own pocket because my engine started overheating because it has a problem that kia could not find but is showing signs of the recall that was on this year make and model , VIN and everything the car currently will jerk whenever I’m going let’s say this speed limit 60 it will downshift all the way to 30 now this can cause a horrible, horrible accident
My engine went out on my 2012 Kia optima hybrid in 2022. I was not aware of a recall on the engines. We paid for repair. Can we get reimbursed? Also we are now having issues with the braking system and the abs light is coming on. I see that there is a recall on this. Can this get repaired? I uploaded receipt well bank statement showing purchase from Martin imports in the amount of $1391. And we were charged $700 to put motor in.
the engine failed at 152000. it had a recall .so i took it in at 91000 and complained of the rod nock.and was told they checked the rod bearing clearance .and found nothing .i again took the car in again at around 111000 miles and complained of the rod nock again.and again was told they see no problem now im with out a car
Unknown
.I recently have actually found out about the recall concerning my engine. Manufacture SC148. NHTSA recall 17V224m I called a dealership. When I asked them about the recalls this one was not mentioned. I wanted to ensure I was reading that properly. Can you explain what that means as far as the engine
I was driving down the highway going 75 mph and all of a sudden my car tells me pull over safely do not drive and it shut down while I'm driving. It never turned back on. It started smoking and you could see orange light coming through the vents. I was stuck on a [XXX] bridge for 4 hours and I missed court that day. I called Kia and they came to pick up my car. They said it was free because my car has been recalled but ever since they've had it, they stop answering my phone calls and emails and now they are trying to charge me 5000 to get my car back and fixed. Before any of this happened, I noticed an oil leak at the gas station but was unsure whether it came from my car or not. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
After careful inspection by certified auto mechanics at the service shop, "American Muscle" it has been determined that my Kia Optima 2012 2.0L Turbo has metal shavings in it from prematurely-worn bearings. While driving, my car suddenly went into limp mode from a knock sensor alarm while on the freeway. I took it to a professional repair shop, and they looked in the oil pan and found metal shavings from the bearings, both gold in color and silver in color. There was no engine light on prior to this event. It happened suddenly under normal, safe operation. It seems very similar to engine recalls of the same year and model due to metal shavings that resulted from engine manufacturing process causing premature wear of bearings. I have photos and video of the vehicle, the engine and oil pan with metal shavings present. The vehicle shows 100,667 miles at the time of the vehicle inspection.
My car keeps slowing down while driving. The breaks are squeaking and rubbing and making a loud sound. The lights keeping coming up on the dash board
My engine has blown. No check engine light warning was given. Now the dealer says they will not replace the engine and it will cost me 10,000 for the repair.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact became aware of smoke coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed the contact that the knock sensor had failed and needed to be replaced. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Mileage: 111,000
Oil leaking out top of engine causing it to smoke could cause a fire
New engine installed in 2018. New turbo installed in 2020. Started to loose oil daily. Checked it daily to add oil. The week before engine failure it had no power. Took to a mechanic who replaced the air filter and the sparkplugs. The next day, 10 miles form my house the oil light came on and then the engine light came on and died. I pulled over to the side of the highway. Diagnosis: Needs new engine and Turbo.
Blown engine
I had a recall on my engine back into 2018. They replaced my engine due the engine block being defective. Check engine light came before it stalled out. Now currently the vehicle is undrivable due to the head gasket blowing out on same engine that was replaced. They're telling me there's warranty on the engine they can't fix it.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the power steering and power brake assist also failed. The contact stated that the check engine, check oil, and battery warnings were illuminated. The contact pulled over, stopped, and had the vehicle towed to his residence. The vehicle had not been taken to a dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 102,000.
Mileage: 102,000
I am original owner of car. I recently noticed the car start to burn oil at a dangerous rate. The car ultimately at one point stalled in an intersection with my daughter driving. The mechanic stated the solenoids were clogged. There are no oil leaks. There was a recall for certain types of engine issues for this car but I never received a recall. The dealer states there is nothing they can do.
The contact's daughter owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that her daughter inserted the key in the ignition and attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist as the VIN was not included in any recalls. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was unavailable.
After the rod bearing engine replacement was preformed. My engine light came on a few days after picking it up from dealer. I immediately reported it to the dealer that I need to bring it in mainly for smog check, and no response. 2 weeks later I told them about it again. No response. 3 weeks later began a fuel smell and I immediately reported that as the smell got stronger. No response. 3 days later the fuel smell was really bad and I was really worried about a fire. This time I called general manager and he never provided any advice or return call. 3 hours later the engine caught on fire. Car is totaled and I could of been seriously injured. I sent pictures and thanked them for their negligence. He finally gave me a phone number for consumer affairs. showed no remorse and claimed that the new engine they just put in has no warranty and they are not responsible. If they would of directed me to bring back in. Or bring it somewhere. Or tell me not to drive it. But completely ignored me. And had the nerve to let me know that was their 4th fire this week. Kia management needs to step it up. I was denied a loaner or rental. And they will try to get back to me by Friday. You must put a stop to this behavior asap!
Engine light keeps flashing and car stalls and will not go over 45 mph. One incident happened on a busy highway as merged on and was almost hit by a tractor trailer from behind.
Vehicle suddenly cut off and lost power. Upon cutting back off check engine was blinking as well as oil light. Was left to sit over night as it wasn’t safe to drive home and would not restart. The following morning the car started but was hesitant driven less than 20 miles home which struggled to accelerate and check engine light was illuminated along with oil light coming on . Oil was in the car at the time. Parked in front of home additional oil added oil light then oil light cut off until ac is turned on . Car was turned on and sitting and a knocking noise began . Left to sit the next day then taken to jiffy lube where a reading came on the scanner that it was the crank shaft was then ordered to go to a repair shop where it was diagnosed the engine is blown and that oil was basically being burned even with a maintain of oil changes therefore this caused metal to metal contact . The engine is now seized up and the vehicle is sitting outside of home. Vehicle is unsafe to drive upon further research cars 2011-2019 with the same engine have caught fire or failed . Due to this there is now a class act suit theta ii with Kia .
My car caught on fire while driving from somewhere near the engine. The fire was so severe that fire department nor my insurance company were able to determine cause of fire and I’d only had vehicle for 45 days, it was a single owner with no accidents and maintained its entire life up to that point. I am requesting someone to examine vehicle and tell me how this possibly happened.
I was driving my 2012 dia optima approximately 55 mph and without warning the engine died killing power to steering and brakes.....tried starting it back up heard the fuel pump kick on good ground all the basics then I began to google possible issues and saw there were serious engine issues where the car either spews high pressure gas and potentially catches fire or bearing wear where the engine will shut off without warning.....I typed vin in said my vehicle was part of the theta II GDI engine recall so I called the 800 number where they told me that there were 2 recalls that needed to be done "before" the engine fails and that my vehicle had only had one of the two so I would have to pay to have it towed (315$) to local dealership to have diagnosed and tech line opened. I dropped it off on Saturday the 28th of may and was told due to holiday weekend it would be Tuesday the 2nd they would call well finally yesterday june 15th they finally called and the fella told us it wasn't covered and it would cost 8000$ for them to put an engine in or I could sell it to them for 300 or 400$. I called corporate immediately after speaking with ole dude the lady asked what the diagnostic came up with because my car is covered under lifetime warranty for the bearing issue in fact and doesn't matter about the fuel issue. She seems to think that he never even put on diagnostic machine she tried calling him 4 times from headquarters and was ignored each time. They never tried contacting me which was a registered owner or my wife who is now and even as far back as my little brother who I bought the car off of it was still registered in original owners and according to what I read they were supposed to actively seek out vehicle owners through registration etc because of danger and then in my opinion dude tried to hustle me knowing the car was actually covered telling me no and giving 400 then turn it in get new motor and make 10k....I did not smell fuel when I popped hood so I know
My engine seized up while driving with no warning or prior issues. My safety was put at risk because this happen while I was driving down a public road and could have gotten into an accident due to the cars malfunction. Kia has inspected the car but has refused to reimburse me for their engine failure although they had recall campaign for my model vehicle and other models of Kia vehicles. The only warning I was given was right before the engine failed the car said "hybrid system failure, do not drive"
I had went out of town and when driving back home the car start stalling and I pulled over to the side of the road. I tried to start it again but it wouldn’t start. After waiting on the side of the road for two hours I got the car pulled to a car shop. After they checked it the man told me that my motor was gone and I would have to get another one. I had called the Kia place about the recalls 3 weeks earlier and I haven’t heard back from them.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started to stall. The check engine, oil, and battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over safely to the side of the road. While attempting to restart, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to her residence. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.
Mileage: 195,000
Kia started losing power on freeway was able to pull over then it died and wouldn’t start back up motor seized up battery is good electrical is good it’s a push start and engine won’t crank or turn over or nothing
Engine replaced under the recall campaign after failure and have had issues since with the car wanting to start. Turns over several times before finally getting it to start. Fuel pump and fuel line replaced out of pocket as well as a sensor out of pocket and still having the same issues intermittently then today while driving approximately 35 to 40 MPH the car just shuts off in the middle of the highway in morning traffic and almost caused an accident, without warning. Still took several times to crank before car finally restarted and made it maybe 4 miles before shutting off again while driving without warning and then smelled as if something was burning. Car has had scheduled maintenance as advised by KIA for warranty on motor but if something is not done about all of these same complaints then someone is going to get killed. Very unsafe!
2012 Kia Optima Engine oil lights flickers on slowing .. I have checked the oil and the Filter they look excellent and to the correct level.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle stalled inadvertently in the middle of the highway. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of the Police Officers. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s residence. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 248,000.
Mileage: 248,000
My car was put down for a recall awhile back i took it to kia because i was recently have a problem with it so i thought it could be the recall, but it wasn’t i told them since my car has already been there 2 weeks can they just replace the recalled engine they said no they wouldn’t do it unless my car actually malfunctions so they put a knock sensor and updated my vehicle ever since then i’ve been having problems and my car sometimes on the high way will not accelerate and will stall and jerk badly which is EXTREMELY DANGEROUS also recently my car is malfunctioning error “ old codes “ which didn’t make sense to me or the repair service people at KIA
Was driving on freeway, at 75 mph when the engine seized with no warning
Knocking on the engine began and car stopped suddenly. Smoke started coming out of the engine bay and also from the vents inside. Severe engine knocking when accelerating. Smoke all over inside detected and very scary situation arose.
My engine failed. Dick Withams here in Waterloo, IA was paid by Kia to replace engine for free due to my warranty. Dick Withams rushed the process and allowed me back on the road with no coolant plug( which was detected immediately) I returned the car and Dick Withams attached a plug so my coolant wouldn't spill over on the ground. Every time I pressed my brakes THERE WAS A HORRIBLE SOUND LIKE MY DRIVE AXIAL WAS NOT PUT TOGETHER WHEN Putting the engine back. Kia is allowing Mechanics to fix these recalls of MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES FOR myself and my family. I then returned vehicle to Cedar Falls, IA Dick Withams to fix issue Friday morning. They have yet to communicate anything with me. Now I'm just without a vehicle even though it's covered under warranty. It should be against the law for the car dealership to return a recalled engine without driving the car to see if they rushed the service and failed to put vehicle back together CORRECTLY.
Driving to work on I40 West during traffic hour which was about 7:50am my car just started loosing speed and I had to pull off on the left side of the road. Car did not turn back on. Had my car towed to the mechanic and he states it was the engine. Kia replaced my engine not even 3yrs ago because of a recall.
I was driving on the highway and suddenly lost acceleration, the check engine light began flashing. The car went into limp mode. I got it to an auto parts store and had them put it on the scanner. It is showing code P1326. I have it scheduled to be assessed at Kia. Research on this code with the Kia says, it could need a system update, knock sensor replaced, or the engine replaced. Kia does have a recall out for this issue but my car doesn’t currently fall under the recall. My car has always been mechanically maintained at appropriate intervals by Kia. This is a problem.
My car lost power going 70mph and the engine light came on. I had it scanned and the code was P1326. Now my car will not move. This was a reported recall on Kia Optima from years 2011-2014. My car is a 2012 Kia Optima. I called dealership and they said my VIN is not under this recall but I am having the same exact problem as the recall reported in 2018.
My car keeps overheating when left in park and at an idle state. This problem occurs everytime I am in park at idle for more than 4 min. This has occured since the time I have purchased the vehicle.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50 mph when a noise coming from the engine compartment was heard and saw smoke emitting from the engine compartment. The contact pulled over and upon investigation, a fire was underneath the engine compartment. The contact waited until the fire was extinguished naturally and the fire department was not called. The contact stated the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to a local mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine caught fire and was repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with, NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V750000 (ENGINE) however the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000
Mileage: 13,000
I was driving down the street and smelt somethinf burning and the car lost power and was driving slow I pulled over and it smelled like burent. Now the car has no power, wont charge the hybrid battery and has a load knockinf noise
Car stalls when it’s hot outside and while using the A/C
While driving at the speed limit on July 9th 2021 my kia optima started smoking within a minute of us pulling over the front of the car was on fire
Driving at 60 mph on the highway engine seized up with no warning what so ever no engine light or oil light. Once vehicle stopped checked oil and it was almost empty. No warning of oil pressure or oil low. Vehicle always inspected an oil change done on time. Can't find recall on my vin but other 2012 models had a recall for this exact reason. I was almost hit by a semi when the vehicle just died with no warning at all and everything locked up. Never had 1 issue with this vehicle until now. And I am worried kia will not fix it when clearly other optimas of the same year had the same issue. I can't understand why when vin search it doesn't show this recall. It's all over the internet.
MY VIN IS [XXX] ITS A 2012 KIA OPITMA HYBRID 2.4L AND I SEE IT HAS THESE RECALLS ON IT NEEED TO KNOW WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT IT MY NUMBER IS [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
I driving to park,I heard a loud popping noise and i them preceeded to pull out the driveway and al’s 5 minutes in the drive the KIA hybrid warning system came on and then told me to park the ending at the nearest location to park. the car started smoking real lot bad and me and my kid exited the vehicle because of all the smoke. the oil was everywhere on the car, on the motor, leaking out of the car.i then got car towed back home
Oil changed every 3000 miles. Driving to work the other day check engine light came on. Car went into limp mode. Pulled code and it was for rod bearings. Supposedly rod bearings had been repaired by recall before. Car only has 91,000 miles on it. So shouldn't need another set of rod bearings if previously replaced.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was being serviced. The failure was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 147,850.
Mileage: 147,850
When getting on oil change at myCarDoc they wrote the wrong mileage on my car so the CARFAX is off. My engine broke down randomly the other day on the highway and now I need a whole new engine..and to find out the mileage was off when getting maintenance done.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 66 mph, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle loss motive power. The contact pulled over and restarted the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Mileage: 107,000
Car started idling and running rough out of no where. When I put the computer diagnostic on it it tells me there's problems with the fuel rail pressure sensor. Also the car won't go into drive or reverse but nothing is wrong with the transmission?
THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOSS ENGINE FUNCTIONALITY. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO BE RESTARTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER, WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH NEEDING THE ENGINE TO BE REPLACED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000.
Mileage: 65,000
THA CAR SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD WOULD NOT START ALL LIGHTS CAME ON AND COULD NOT STEER GAVE THE CAR GAS ON GAS PEDAL NOR COULD I BRAKE TO GET OUT OF THE ROAD. HAS BEEN TOWED TO DEMONTROND KIA TO SEE IF UNDER WARRANTY FOR REPAIRS ALMOST LOST MY LIFE ON HIGHWAY
Mileage: 99,075
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE HESITATED AND STALLED WITH THE BATTERY AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT STATED SHE SHIFTED TO NEUTRAL AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE INTO HER DRIVEWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO QUALITY KIA OF GREENWOOD (1706 MONTAGUE AVE EXT, GREENWOOD, SC 29649, (864) 223-2542) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
THE ENGINE WON'T TURN OVER I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR TOO
Mileage: 109,000
MY ENGINE WON'T TURN OVER
Mileage: 97,300
CAR BROKE DOWN. TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR. ENGINE IS SHAKING. SMOKE NOTED TO BE COMMING FROM THE ENGINE.
Mileage: 80,000
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND HEARD NOISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF CAR AND CAR THEN DECELERATED TO A STOP ON SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. SMOKE WAS COMING OUT FROM HOOD AND OIL WAS ALL OVER ENGINE AND ROAD. THE PROBLEM WAS DIAGNOSED BY MECHANIC AS ROD WAS THROWN THROUGH THE ENGINE BLOCK PUNCTURING IT DUE TO A WORN BEARING. I DID RESEARCH AND MY MODEL AND ENGINE HAS A RECALL ON THIS EXACT MATTER. RECALL # SC147. I HAD BOUGHT THE CAR IN JANUARY 2019 AND THE MANUFACTURER IS DENYING ANY REPAIR BECAUSE OF A 'PRODUCT IMPROVING CAMPAIGN' THAT WAS RELEASED FOR IT IN OCTOBER 2018 AND NEVER ADDRESSED. THAT WAS THREE MONTHS BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. I WAS UNAWARE OF THIS BECAUSE I BOUGHT THE CAR AFTER. MY CAR IS CURRENTLY SITTING AT A DEALERSHIP BECAUSE WHEN I CALLED THAT DEALERSHIP THEY SAID MY CAR DOES QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AND REPLACEMENT AND TO BRING IT IN, BUT I WAS NOTIFIED TODAY FROM THAT DEALERSHIP THAT KIA WILL NOT REPAIR MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF AN E.C.U. SOFTWARE UPDATE THAT WAS NEVER PERFORMED ON THE CAR IN 2011! PI1803-B IS THE CODE FOR THAT RECALL THAT WAS ALSO NEVER ADDRESSED AND WAS EIGHT YEARS BEFORE I PURCHASED THE CAR. I'M REALLY CONFUSED AND UPSET AS TO HOW A COMPANY CAN DENY FIXING RECALLS ON A VEHICLE THAT ARE CLEARLY SAFETY HAZARDS!!!
Mileage: 97,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT'S GRAND DAUGHTER STATED WHILE DRIVING AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A STOP SAFELY. THE CONTACT STATED FIRE BEGAN TO COME OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. A FIRE AND POLICE REPORT WERE FILED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL TOW YARD WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BEING DESTROYED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF FAILURE AND THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A RESPONSE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A LOUD NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT AS THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO GARDEN GROVE KIA (13731 HARBOR BLVD, GARDEN GROVE, CA 92843) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH THE ENGINE FAILING. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS RELATING THE ISSUE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE). THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT VEHICLE HAD TO MANY MILES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 290,00.
Mileage: 290,000
WHILE DRIVING MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID ON THE FARTHEST LEFT LANE OF THE FREEWAY, A WARNING MESSAGE POPPED UP ON MY DASH BOARD THAT WAS SOMETHING SIMILAR TO "SAFTLEY PULL OVER AND DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE." I BEGAN TO CHANGE LANES TO BE ABLE TO EXIT THE FREEWAY AND AS I WAS APPROACHING THE EDITS STOP LIGHT THE MOVING HEHICLE SEEMED TO LACK MUCH POWER. I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO HAVE THE CAR ROLL FAR ENOUGH ON MOMENTUM TO GET ME OUT OF THE WAY OF A VERY BUSY ROAD. IT WAS A MIRACLE THAT THE CAR ROLLED TO THE SPOT IT DID BECAUSE THAT HAPPENED TO BE THE ONLY PLACE THE SHOULDER COULD FIT MY CAR. I HAD IT SENT TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND IT TOOK THEM ALMOST AN ENTIRE WEEK TO FINALLY HAVE AN IDEA OF WHAT THE PROBLEM COULD BE. ENGINE SEIZED AS THE MAJOR PROBLEM AND OFFERED TO REPLACE IT FOR ABOVE $8000! THE CAR ISN'T EVEN WORTH THAT MUCH! COME TO REALIZE THERE WAS A RECALL ON MY ENGINE SO I AM NOW WAITING UNTIL KIA TECH SUPPORT REACHES OUT TO MY MECHANIC FOR THE APPROVAL OR DENIAL. I BOUGHT THIS USED CAR ABOUT 30 DAYS FROM TODAY'S DATE WITH 80K MILES
Mileage: 82,000
CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED APPROPRIATELY, CAR SUDDENLY STARTED TURNING OFF ON US WHILE IN DRIVE. WE HAD IT CHECKED ACCORDING TO THE SCANNER, IT SAYS IT IS THE SAME KNOCKING SENSOR THAT KIA HAS REPORTED. WHEN I CALLED CUSTOMER SERVICE, THEY RUN MY VIN AND SAY I HAVE NO RECALLS SO THEY CANNOT HELP ME. MY CAR IS A 2012 WHICH FALLS WITHIN THE YEARS KIA HAS REPORTED YET THEY WILL NOT HELP ME. AS OF NOW I HAVE NO RUNNING VEHICLE BECAUSE IT IS TOO UNSAFE TO CHANCE DRIVING IT WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR. THE CAR HAS TURNED OFF ON ME WHILE IN MOTION 4 TIMES NOW, TWICE ON THE HIGHWAY, TWICE ON A 2 LANE ONLY CANYON. (ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK WITH MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR)
Mileage: 122,000
I HAVE A 3 MONTHS OLD AND I'M VERY CONCERNED ABOUT OUR SAFETY BECAUSE THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY RUNS OUT OF OIL AND IT START SMELLING LIKE BURNED AND IT STARTS TO SMOKE A LOT OF WHITE SMOKE. WHEN I CHECK THE OIL COMPARTMENT IT SEEMS LIKE THE OIL EVAPORATES OR GET CONSUMED BUT IT DOESN'T LEAK. THIS HAS HAPPENED FEW TIMES WHILE DRIVING THE CAR ON A CITY STREET.
Mileage: 153,000
CAR WILL NOT GET OUT OF IMMOBILIZATION PHASE, WITH EITHER KEY FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK TO USE PUSH TO START. ISSUE IS WASTE GATE ACTIVATOR FAILURE OR NEEDS ADJUSTMENT.
Mileage: 109,000
DRIVING AT 70 MPH THE ENGINE JUST DIED, NO WARNINGS LIGHTS, STARTER AND BATTERY ARE FINE. PER MECHANIC THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY FAILED
Mileage: 170,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THERE WAS A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE CONTACT EXIT THE VEHICLE AND SAW METAL PARTS AND OIL LEAKING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO HIS RESIDENCE AND THEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE THAT THE BEARING ROD WENT THROUGH THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, AFTER SEVERAL THOUSAND MILES THE FAILURE RECURRED WITH THE NEW ENGINE. THE CONTACT THE CALLED THE CABLE DAHMER KIA OF LEE'S SUMMIT (400 NE COLBERN RD, LEE'S SUMMIT, MO 64086, (816) 207-6200) AND WAS INFORMED OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V750000 (ENGINE). THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT BUT WAS INFORMED THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO REPLACE THE ENGINE UNDER THE RECALL BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS OVER 150,000 MILES. THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER OF THE FAILURE AND THE MANUFACTURER AGREED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ELIGIBLE FOR THE FREE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 162,000.
Mileage: 162,000
JUN 01,2018 MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBERSC165A NHTSA RECALL NUMBER18V363 RECALL STATUSRECALL INCOMPLETE SUMMARY KIA MOTORS HAS DECIDED THAT A DEFECT WHICH RELATES TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY EXISTS IN ALL 2010-2013 MY FORTE AND FORTE KOUP , ALL 2011-2013 MY OPTIMA, ALL 2011-2012 OPTIMA HYBRID, AND ALL 2011-2012 MY SEDONA VEHICLES. THE AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT ("ACU") DETECTS CRASH SEVERITY AND COMMANDS DEPLOYMENT OF THE ADVANCED AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS WHEN NECESSARY. THE ACU CONTAINS A CERTAIN APPLICATION-SPECIFIC INTEGRATED CIRCUIT ("ASIC") THAT MAY BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO ELECTRICAL OVERSTRESS ("EOS") DURING CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASH EVENTS. THE CONDITION IS LIMITED TO FRONTAL AIRBAGS AND SEAT BELT PRETENSIONERS IN CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASH EVENTS. SAFETY RISK IF THE ASIC BECOMES DAMAGED, THE FRONTAL AIRBAGS AND SEATBELT PRETENSIONERS MAY NOT DEPLOY IN CERTAIN FRONTAL CRASHES WHERE DEPLOYMENT MAY BE NECESSARY, THEREBY INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY. REMEDY KIA HAS ADVISED ITS AUTHORIZED DEALERS TO INSTALL A WIRE HARNESS KIT BETWEEN THE ACU CONNECTOR AND VEHICLE HARNESS CONNECTOR IN YOUR VEHICLE. THE WORK WILL BE PERFORMED AT KIA'S EXPENSE AT NO COST TO YOU. THE ACTUAL TIME REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR WILL TAKE APPROXIMATELY ONE (1) HOUR. HOWEVER, YOUR VEHICLE MAY BE NEEDED LONGER; THEREFORE, WE RECOMMEND SCHEDULING A SERVICE APPOINTMENT TO MINIMIZE ANY INCONVENIENCE. (REFER TO SC165A.) MANUFACTURER'S NOTES SC165A
PER NHTSA RECALL 20V750, A KIA DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT INFORMED ME TODAY (2/17/2021) THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO SERVICE THIS RECALL DUE TO A 'NATIONWIDE COMPUTER OUTAGE'. HOW CAN THEY BE ALLOWED TO ISSUE A MAJOR RECALL AND THEN NOT BE PREPARED TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO SERVICE THE VEHICLES?
Mileage: 46,000
I'D HAD NO MECHANICAL ISSUES W/ MY VEHICLE, WHATSOEVER & ALL ROUTINE MAINTENANCE IS DONE ON TIME. WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ONE DAY & SUDDENLY ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON & LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, HAD IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP. AFTER A FEW DAYS, IT WAS EXPLAINED TO ME, BY THE SERVICE TEAM THAT MY ENGINE WAS SHOT, BUT I WASN'T GIVEN AN EXPLANATION AS TO WHY. THERE WERE NO RECALLS AT THAT TIME ON THE HYBRID VEHICLES; HOWEVER, I JUST GOT A RECALL LETTER FOR MY OPTIMA HYBRID, DATED 1/27/2021 THAT DESCRIBED THE VERY THING THAT I EXPERIENCED WITH MY CAR. THIS PROMPTED ME TO VISIT THIS WEBSITE TO EXPLAIN MY ISSUE.
Mileage: 100,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT HAD INITIALLY TAKEN HER VEHICLE TO ARAPAHOE KIA (9701 E ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112) FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND HAD ALSO INFORMED THEM THAT HER VEHICLE HAD BEEN CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL. THE DEALER INFORMED HER THAT THERE HAD BEEN A RECALL, NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) PLACED ON HER YEAR MODEL VEHICLE HOWEVER, KIA COULD NOT REPAIR THE VEHICLE UNLESS THE ENGINE WAS KNOCKING. A WEEK LATER, THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO STALL WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE NEXT DAY, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT HER VEHICLE WAS SAFE TO DRIVE AND THAT THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT HAD BEEN CLEARED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT A CASE WOULD BE OPENED. THE CONTACT THEN RECEIVED A TEXT FROM THE DEALER MECHANIC THAT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY HOWEVER, THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL WITH DIAGNOSING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND REMAINED IN THE POSSESSION OF THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING; FAULTY ACCELERATION ON HIGHWAY AND GOING UPGRADE (UPHILL), VEHICLE JERKING ON LOCAL ROADWAYS; AUTO ZONE SAYS ITS A FAULTY KNOCK SENSOR. IT COULD POSSIBLY BE AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE BUT I'M NOT SURE.
CAR WILL NOT START UP. WHEN TURNING KEY I HEAR CLICKING NOISE FROM UNDER THE GOD FROM FUSE BOX AND THINKING IT'S STARTER RELAY BUT I REPLACED IT AND STILL NOTHING EVENTUALLY BY KEEP TRYING TURNING KEY TO START FOR 18 MINUTES IT STARTS UP FINALLY. NO CLUE WHAT IT COULD BE. MAYBE STARTER SOLENOID
Mileage: 178,000
VEHICLE SHUT DOWN WITH LOW POWER AT 50 MPH WITH ALL LIGHTS WORKING. COMPUTER HAS CAR SHUT DOWN AND CAN NOT START.
Mileage: 113,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND THE HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT HE WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICE SMOKE EXIT THE HOOD. THE CONTACT STATED A POLICE OFFICER WAS NEARBY AND PARKED BEHIND HIS VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ON IT'S OWN BEFORE THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TO THE LOCATION. A POLICE AND FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER NORTHTOWN KIA ( 3900 SHERIDAN DR, AMHERST, NY 14226: (716) 217-2390) AND DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED DUE TO A OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AS OF YET. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE), HOWEVER THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 63,000.
Mileage: 63,000
WILL DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR SUDDENLY STOPS ACCELERATING AND ALL MY DASHBOARD LIGHT COME ON WITH CARS AT MY TAIL. SCARY ORDEAL BUT LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER.
Mileage: 168,897
THE KIA GAVE NO WARNING ABOUT THE CAR HAVING ISSUES ABOUT THE ENGINE WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IT GAVE ME THE ERROR HYBRID BATTERY NOT CHARGING TO PULL OVER AND STOP DRIVING WHEN I HAD IT CHECKED I WAS TOLD IT WAS NOT THE HYBRID THAT IT COULD BE SOMETHING ELSE THE CAR TURNS ON PUT WONT MOVE EVEN IF I PUT IT IN DRIVE OR IN REVERSE IT WON'T MOVE NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BUT THE HYBRID BATTER NOT CHARGING AND THE SPECIALIST I HAD COME CHECK THE CAR TOLD ME ITS NOT THE HYBRID BATTERY HE CHANGED THE BATTERY TO SEE IT WOULD WORK BUT THE CAR STILL WON'T MOVE.
Mileage: 95,485
THE ENGINE BLEW. THE CAR ONLY HAS ABOUT 105,000 MILES. I WAS RESEARCHING THAT THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE HAS A DEFECT FROM THE FACTORY AND I BELIEVE THAT MY CAR FALLS UNDER THOSE DEFECTED CARS.
Mileage: 105,000
CAR WILL NOT GET OUT OF IMMOBILIZATION PHASE, WITH EITHER KEY FOB WILL NOT UNLOCK TO USE PUSH TO START. ALSO COMMON ISSUE IS WASTE GATE ACTIVATOR FAILURE, CAUSED US TO ALMOST CRASH DEALER SAID IT IS A EXSTREMLY COMMON ISSUE BUT KIA WON'T ISSUE RECAL.
Mileage: 190,000
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. WHEN I WAS GETTING OFF MY EXIST I NOTICE THE CAR WAS NOT ALLOWING ME TO START IT UP AND MOVE. I KNEW IT WASN'T MY BATTERY BECAUSE I JUST GOT I KNEW ONE, BUT I NOTICE HOW MY ENGINE LIGHT WOULD COME ON. SO I WAS STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET WITH NO WAY TO MOVE MY CAR OUT OF THE INTERSECTION. I HEARD THEIR WAS A RECALL ON MY CAR SO I'M CHECKING TO SEE WHY I HAVEN'T HEARD ANY INFORMATION FROM KIA.
Mileage: 137,525
DRIVING AT THE SPEED OF 55 MPH ON TWO LANE ROAD COMING DOWN A MOUNTAIN AND KIA OPTIMA SX 2.0L TURBO STARTED LOSING POWER THEN AT 45 ENGINE SHUT DOWN. COASTED TO SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND WILL NOT START. TOWED TO HOME THEN TOWED AGAIN TO SHOP WAITING ON REPAIRS. KIA SAYS NO RECALL AND NOT PART OF THE 618000 KIA OPTIMA SX TURBO 2.0L RECALL
Mileage: 112,000
AT FIRST IT STARTED WITH MY ENGINE OIL BURNING QUICK, AND HAVING TO DO AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 15 DAYS. NOW IT STARTED DOING THE ENGINE KNOCKING NOISE WHEN I DROVE IT 20 MILES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE IN THE MIDDLE OF A BUSY CITY STREET. IT HAD TO BE TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE IT NOW. I HAVEN'T DROVE IT SINCE THE BEGINNING OF DECEMBER BECAUSE I'M STILL WAITING TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MY APPOINTMENT NEXT WEEK.
Mileage: 170,000
AS MY STEPDAUGHTER WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A HIGHWAY, A LOUD KNOCK NOISE CAME FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. AT WHICH TIME SHE WAS SCARED TO DRIVE IT ANYMORE, SO SHE PARKED ALONGSIDE ROAD AND WAITED FOR SOMEONE TO COME GET HER. THE CAR WAS THEN TRAILERED TO THE HOUSE AND THEN TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP. WHEN THE CAR WAS STARTED TO LOAD ONTO THE TRAILER, THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OF ANY KIND ON THE DASH BUT THERE WAS AN OBVIOUS NOISE THAT SOMETHING WASN'T RIGHT WITH THE CAR. UNLOADING IT AT THE DEALERSHIP, THE NOISE BEGAN TO GET LOUDER AND AGAIN, NO LIGHTS OF ANY KIND CAME UP AS A WARNING. BEFORE TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP WE CALLED KIA AND SPOKE WITH ROBERT ON 12/9/2020. ROBERT SAID THERE WERE NO RECALLS ON THIS CAR AND THEY WOULD NOT HONOR THE CURRENT RECALL THAT IS ALL OVER THE PAPERS AND NEWS STATIONS. I ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY OTHER RECALLS ON THIS CAR AND HE SAID NO. TODAY WHEN THE DEALERSHIP CALLED TO LET US KNOW THAT THE CARS ENGINE NEEDS REPLACED BECAUSE OF THE ROD BEARINGS, AGAIN WE ASKED IF THERE WERE ANY OPEN RECALLS ON THIS CAR. WE WERE AGAIN TOLD NO. AFTER VIEWING YOUR WEBSITE, WE HAVE LEARNED THAT THERE IS, IN FACT AN OPEN RECALL FOR THE AIRBAG. I KNOW THE AIRBAG HAS NOTHING TODO WITH THE ENGINE, BUT CONSIDERING KIA WAS NOT HONEST ABOUT THAT RECALL IT WOULD LEAD SOMEONE TO BELIEVE THAT THEY AREN'T BEING HONEST ABOUT ANYTHING ELSE. I OPENED A CASE WITH KIA AND THAT NUMBER IS 13909518. WE AREN'T ASKING FOR ANYTHING BUT THE RIGHT THING TO BE DONE. WE JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR 3 WEEKS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED. WE WERE ALREADY STRUGGLING TO PURCHASE HER A CAR AND WILL NOW HAVE TO SOMEHOW FIND A WAY TO PURCHASE ANOTHER ONE. PLEASE HELP US!
Mileage: 155,437
ENGINE IS MAKING KNOCKING SOUND
Mileage: 82,581
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ONE MORNING JUST GOT ON THE FREEWAY AND MY KIA OPTIMA WITH 107K MILES DECIDED TO SHUT OFF OUT OF KNOWHERE. I DECIDED TO CHECK THE OIL AND NOTICED IT WAS PRETTY MUCH EMPTY WHEN IT SHOULDNT HAVE BEEN. I CHECK IT REGULARLY AND KEEP IT IN GOOD SHAPE ALSO HAD IT CHANGED A MONTH OR SO BACK. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC BECAUSE IT WOULD NOT START AT ALL. IT TOOK THEM 2 WEEKS AND VARIOUS TEST INCLUDING A COMPRESSION TEST AND INSTALLING NEW SPARK PLUGS. AFTER ALMOST 700$ SPENT THEY GOT IT RUNNING FOR 15MINS AND THE CAR SHUTOFF AGAIN. THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDS A WHOLE NEW ENGINE...SO AFTER I GET IT TOWED ALL THE WAY BACK HOME I HEAR THAT KIA HAS A MASSIVE SETTLEMENT GOING ON FOR THIER ENGINES FAILING. NOT SURE IF I WILL GET A RECALL BUT I HAVE MY FINGERS CROSSED. I HOPE THAT ANYONE HAS THIS PROBLEM CAN FIND A WAY TO SOLVE THIS. NOT TO MENTION I JUST PAYED IT OFF AND IT FORCED ME TO PURCHASE ANOTHER VEHICLE.
Mileage: 107,940
ENGINE MALFUNCTIONED CAUGHT ON FIRE AND COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN.
Mileage: 111,000
THE CAR HAD BROKE DOWN ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND THEN CAUGHT FIRE TOTALING THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS NOT IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET
Mileage: 123,000
I WAS DRIVING TO PICK MY KIDS UP WHEN I SLOWED DOWN TO TURN A CORNER THE CAR STARTED MAKING A WEIRD NOISE AND KIND OF JERKED SOME. I PICKED UP 1 KID PULLED OUT OF THE PARKING LOT WHEN THE CAR JERKED AGAIN AND BARELY WAS MOVING, EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS. THEN MY DISPLAY FLASHED HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE AND I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE ANOTHER 200 YARDS TO PARK SAFELY AND THAT WAS IT. MY HUSBAND WENT TO PICK IT UP LATER WITH A TRAILER AND OIL WAS POURING OUT OF THE UNDER CARRIAGE ALTHOUGH I DIDN'T HIT ANYTHING AND THERE WAS NO REASON. THIS IS THE REPLACEMENT MOTOR IN MY CAR, IN 2017 WE HAD AN ENGINE FAILURE AS WELL DUE TO SOME KIND OF BEARINGS. I HAVEN'T TAKEN IT IN YET, IT'S IN MY DRIVEWAY WAITING TO SEE WHAT THE NEWEST RECALL IS. SEEMS TO BE A COMMON FAILURE WITH KIA.
THE CAR STARTED TO STALL AND WOULDN'T GO IT BEGAN SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING RIGHT PAST PURRFECT AUTO AND TURNED AROUND AND PULLED INSIDE THE SERVICE AREA BEFORE THE CAR WAS ABLE TO CATCH FULL FIRE. I THOUGHT MAYBE THE CAR GOT HOT AND THAT'S WHAT I TOLD PURREFCT AUTO BECAUSE I WAS NOT SURE SO I THOUGHT THAT THE CAR WAS RUNNING HOT AND THAT MAYBE IT JUST GOT A LITTLE BIT TOO HOT AND DECIDED TO CATCH ON FIRE BUT THE CAR WAS STALLING BEFORE THE FIRE AND DIDN'T WANT TO GO I TOOK IT TO KIA TO HAVE IT REPAIRED AND THEY TOLD ME THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET THEY SAID THAT THE CAR NEEDED A NEW ENGINE AFTER PERFECT AUTO BASICALLY TOOK THE WHOLE ENGINE OUT OF THE CAR TO TRY TO SEE WHY THE CAR WASN'T WORKING RIGHT AND THEY STILL COULDN'T FIGURE IT OUT I PAID THEM $3,000 ALMOST $4,000 AND THE CAR STILL WASN'T WORKING CORRECTLY SO I WHEN I TOOK IT TO KIA THEY DENIED ME BECAUSE THEY SAID MY CAR WAS NOT IN WARRANTY AND THAT I NEEDED TO BUY A NEW ENGINE.
Mileage: 115,000
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR ACCELERATING WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE JUST STALLED OUT I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE NEAREST DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE OR I WAS SAFELY ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN PARK ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLEI WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ABOUT 25 MILES AN HOUR WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY VEHICLE JUST STALLED OUT I WAS ABLE TO PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND COAST TO THE NEAREST DRIVEWAY ENTRANCE OR I WAS SAFELY ABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE AND PUT IT IN PARK I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART MY CAR AND ALL I HEARD WAS A FAINT CLICK OF THE STARTER THE ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER I CONTACTED MY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE VIA MY INSURANCE COMPANY TO REQUEST A TOW TRUCK ABOUT HALF AN HOUR TO 45 MINUTES LATER THE TOW TRUCK SHOWED UP AN MY BATTERY WAS ALMOST COMPLETELY DEAD THE TOW TRUCK UNLOADED MY CAR INTO MY GARAGE WHERE I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART MY CAR AND ALL I HEAR IS A FAINT CLICK OF THE STARTER THE ENGIN WILL NOT TURN OVER I DID SOME RESEARCH AND SOME LOOKING UP AND FOUND THAT THERE IS A MASSIVE RECALL BY KIA ON MULTIPLE MODELS OF CARS WITH THE SAME ENGINE. MINE IS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA LX 2.4L AND I DID FIND OUT THAT ANYTHING FROM 2011 UP TO A 2015 KIA OPTIMA HAS ENGINE RECALLS FOR THE VEHICLE STALLING OUT AN THE ENGINE SEIZING UP BECAUSE OF A MANUFACTURING DEFECTS IN THE ENGINE
Mileage: 109,456
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON THE HIGHWAY, WHEN I NOTICED MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA EX MAKING A LOUD CLICKING/TAPPING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE SUDDENLY THE CAR TURNED OFF AND I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE RIGHT LANE. WHEN I PULLED OVER THE CAR WAS OFF SO I TURNED IT ON AND CONTINUED TO HEAR THE LOUD CLICKING/TAPPING NOISE.
Mileage: 84,949
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING HE HEARD A LOUD POPPING SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE MERGING ONTO THE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF ONTO THE SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STOKES KIA (202 S. GOOSE CREEK BLVD, GOOSE CREEK, SC 29445, (843) 572-7300 TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Mileage: 136,000
I JUST BOUGHT THE THIS CAR A FEW MONTHS AGO . THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET. THE CAR APPEARED AS IF IT WAS TRYING TO DIE THE ENGINE COMPLETELY TURNED OFF WITHOUT WARNING . I PULLED OVER TO A SAFE AREA TURNED THE CAR OFF . I WAITED A FEW MINUTES BEFORE TRYING TO RESTART . MY CAR WOULDN'T START . AFTER SEVERAL MECHANICS LOOKING AT THE CAR THEY BELIEVE IT'S THE ENGINE AND TOLD ME THE CAR HAD A RECALL. I CALLED KIA DEALERSHIP I WAS TOLD THAT THE RECALL HAS BEEN ADDRESSED ON TOP OF THAT THE TURBO IS LEAKING FLUIDS . THIS CAR IS A MESS.
Mileage: 133,000
I BOUGHT MY CAR 3 MONTHS AGO. NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES, MAKE SURE I DO MY OIL AND ALL,NO LIGHTS HAVE COME ON ON MY DASH BOARD EXCEPT THE AIRBAG LIGHT AS OF RECENTLY. I WAS DRIVING IT TO PICK UP MY SON AND MY CAR STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AND I NOTICED MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON SO I PULLED OVER TO THE GAS STATION AND CHECKED MY OIL. NO ISSUE I JUST GOT AN OIL CHANGE THE WEEK BEFORE. MY ENGINE IS KNOCKING NOW. WITH NO WARNING OR ANYTHING.
Mileage: 103,535
WHEN ACCELERATING, ENGINE SEEMS TO HAVE A POWER LOSS AND THEN IT CONTINUES TO ACCELERATE AGAIN AFTER A FEW SECONDS. I AM IN MOTIONG WHEN THIS HAPPENS ON THE HIGHWAY/STREET.
Mileage: 68,200
RECALL INFO SHOWS IT WAS REPAIRED BUT KIA FOUND METAL SHAVINGS AGAIN IN THE ENGINE AND SO EITHER THE RECALL WAS NOT REPAIRED PROPERLY OR THE REPLACEMENT ENGINE HAS THE SAME ISSUE. I WAS GOING DOWN THE 59 FREEWAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN MY ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING SO I ATTEMPTED TO VERY OFF THE FREEWAY BUT MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELLERATE. I HAVE HAD THIS CAR ONLY 8 MONTHS AND KIA SAID THE MOTOR HAS TO BE REPLACED. MY DAD AND MY BROTHER ARE BOTH MECHANICS SO I AM FAMILIAR WITH WHAT CAUSES METAL SHAVINGS TO BE FOUND IN THE ENGINE. I HAVE NOT DROVE THE CAR NOT NEGLECTED THE MAINTENANCE THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS PROBLEM. THERE IS A RECALL WHERE THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE. I THINK IT WAS NOT REPAIRED PROPERLY. I AM REQUESTING FOR INVESTIGATION TO BE DONE ON THE WORK PERFORMED FOR THAT RECALL. AND I AM REQUESTING FOR KIA TO PAY FOR THIS 2ND REPAIR DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS FOUND AGAIN. I ALSO NEED A RENTAL CAR TO BE PAID FOR DURING THE TIME KIA STILL HAS MY VEHICLE. AT FAMILY PARKWAY KIA IN KINGWOOD, TEXAS. ALSO I GOT A CLAIM FORM MAILED TO BE TO BE PAID FOR ANY REPAIRS I PAID FOR OUT OF MY POCKET. THE KIA DEALERSHIP HAS ALL THE DOCUMENTATION.
Mileage: 132,000
ENGINE PUTS OFF A BURNING OIL SMELL AND SEEMS TO NEED OIL ADDED IN BETWEEN IT'S 3,000 MILE OIL CHANGE. IT HAPPENS AT ALL TIMES OF CAR RUNNING, EITHER STOPPED OR MOVING. HAVE HEARD ABOUT ENGINE FAILURES AND CARS BURNING WITH THIS MAKE, MODEL, AND YEAR.
Mileage: 80,000
I WAS DRIVING 75MPH, I WAS COMING UP OVER A HILL, AND THE VEHICLE CUT OUT, THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE THAT CAME FROM THE ENGINE, AND I WAS TOLD TO PULL OVER, THE LIGHT WAS FLASHING HYBRID BATTERY LOW, PLEASE CHECK AND ADVISE. I TRIED TO START THE CAR BUT IT WOULDN'T COME ON. WARNING LIGHT ON DASH STATED TO NOT START THE VEHICLE. THE MILEAGE ON THE VEHICLE IS ONLY AROUND 110,000.
Mileage: 110,000
MY CAR SLOWED DOWN IN WOULDN'T REACH OVER 2000 RPM AND THE ENGINE LIGHT KEPT BLINKING AND WHEN I PUT IT ON A COMPUTER ENGINE CODE P1326 POPPED ON. IT'S CALLED THE IGNITION CONTROL MODULE COMBUSTION QUALITY INPUT SIGNAL AFTER KIA DEALERSHIP OF SKIBO ROAD SUPPOSEDLY ALREADY FIXED THE PROBLEM BACK IN JUNE 2019 NOW IT'S SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 N IT CAME ON AGAIN N YES LAST YEAR HAD TO REPLACE MY ENGINE. I WAS DRIVING ON A STREET IN THE MORNING ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2020 WHEN IT HAPPENED AND IT WAS RAINING.
Mileage: 20,000
KIA OPTIMA 2012 ABRUPTLY POWERED DOWN IN MIDDLE OF THE BUSY HIGHWAY WITH NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WARNING. THE ABRUPT LOSS OF POWER NEARLY CAUSED A VEHICLE TO HIT ME FROM BEHIND. AFTER ENGINE SHUT DOWN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND READ CODE P1326. CAR WILL NO LONGER START.
Mileage: 160,000
ENGINE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. ABSOLUTELY NOT SAFE AT ALL. MY 2012 OPTIMA HYBRID IS ROUGHLY AT 115K MILES. AFTER SEEING ALL THE COMPLAINTS HOW'S KIA NOT ISSUING A RECALL ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE! VERY DISAPPOINTED AND HOPING TO SEE A RESOLUTION FROM KIA.
Mileage: 30
BUT MY MOM WAS DRIVING HER CAR ONE DAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE BEARING OR SOMETHING CAME LOOSE AND OIL SQUIRTED ALL OVER THE GROUND AND THE CAR DIED AND AND WE HAD THE MOTOR REPLACED AT A COST OF ABOUT 4500 BUCKS AND NOW THE HYBRID LIGHT SYSTEM KEEPS COMING ON THE DEALERSHIP THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING THEY HAD TO TAKE IT TO ANOTHER KIA PLACE AND I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT THE HECK WAS GOING ONAND NOW WITH THE MOTOR REPLACE THE HYBRID LIGHT SYSTEM KEEPS COMING ON THEY DON'T KNOW WHY
Mileage: 140,000
CAR ENGINE BEGAN MAKING INCREASINGLY LOUD NOISES. PULLED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK IT OUT. TURNED OFF THE CAR THEN TURNED IT BACK ON AND CAR ENGINE MADE EVEN LOUDER KNOCKING SOUNDS. MECHANIC TOOK A LOOK AND SAID IT WAS A INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM/FAILURE
Mileage: 87,564
WE WERE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET SLOWING DOWN FOR A SIGNAL. THE CAR STALLED AND A MESSAGE CAME UP SAYING TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. WE HAD THE CAR TOWED 4 MILES TO THE DEALER. NO OTHER LIGHTS CAME ON INDICATING ANY PROBLEMS.THE DEALER TOLD US WHILE THEY WERE CHECKING FOR THE PROBLEM THE ENGINE CEASED UP. THEN THEY SAID THE BELT HAD COME OFF. I THINK THE ENGINE CEASED CAUSING THE BELT TO COME OFF.TRYING TO FIGURE OUT IF THIS HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE ENGINE PROBLEMS KIA HAS BEEN HAVING.
Mileage: 136,000
TRANSMISSION ISSUES: BETWEEN 2ND AND 3RD GEAR. WOULD LAG THEN JERK THE CAR WITH SOME TORQUE ONCE IT CAUGHT 3RD GEAR. HAD TO GET 2 REPLACEMENT TRANSMISSIONS BECAUSE OF THIS ISSUE. ALSO ENGINE SEIZER ISSUE, MY ENGINE STARTED TO SEIZE WHEN I WAS GOING 45 MILES AN HOUR WITH ALOT OF TRAFFIC BEHIND ME. THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT STARTED MAKING LOUD THUNKING NOICES THEN A VERY LOUD GRINDING NOISE AND THEN I WAS STUCK ON A ROAD NOT BEING ABLE TO GET ABOVE 22 MILES AND HOUR, THERE WAS NO SHOULDER TO PULL OVER. AND I WAS STUCK TRYING TO GO UPHILL AND ALL THESE CARS BEHIND ME. I ENDED UP HAVING TO STOP THE CAR AND LEAVE IT IN THE MIDDLE OF A 2 LANE ROAD ON A HILL WITH THE EMERGANCY BREAK ON. KIA KNEW IT WAS ANOTHER SEIZED ENGINE WHICH I THOUGHT IT WAS MY TRANSMISSION AGAIN WHICH I HAD BROUGHT IN BECAUSE THIS 3RD TRANSMISSION WAS HAVING THE SKILLING ISSUES AROUND 20-25MILES AND HOUR, BUT AFTER THEY KNEW I WASNT GOING TO BUY ANOTHER KIA AGAIN THEY WOULDNT FIX MY TRANS THAT SHOULD PROBABLY BE RECALLED ANYWAYS. BUT THEY THOUGHT IT WAS ANOTHER OPTIMA SEIZED ENGINE, AND EVEN THOUGH ALL OPTIMAS ARE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT SAME ISSUE, THEY SAY THAT MINE ISNT COVERED BECASUE ITS A HYBRID AND HAS A MOTOR IN THE CAR ALSO SO ITS DIFFERENT SET UP. BUT THERES ARE OTHERS ONLINE WITH THIS KIA OPTIMA 2011-2013 HYBRID ENGINE SEIZER JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER OPTIMAS. AND I THINK THE HYBRIDS SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. AS WE ARE HAVING THE SAME ISSUES. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS ISSUE
Mileage: 107,000
I BOUGHT A 2012 KIA OPTIMA FROM AUTONATION IN AMARILLO,TX AND I HAVE MULTIPLE SAFETY RECALLS ON MY VEHICLE WHICH AUTONATION DIDN'T TELL ME ABOUT AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE. THE RECALLS CAN CAUSE A FIRE AND A FATAL ACCIDENT. I'VE TAKEN IT TO TWO KIA DEALERSHIPS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO THE RECALLS. KIA HASN'T FIXED OR REPLACE THE SAFETY RECALLS. I WILL NOT HAVE ME OR A FAMILY MEMBER DIE CAUSE THE NEGLECT THAT KIA HAS BEEN DOING ON MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA" VIN# [XXX]". I HAVE FILED A SETTLEMENT CLAIM WITH KIA SETTLEMENT CLAIM'S DEPARTMENT "CLAIM #[XXX]". I HAVE TAKEN IT TO 2 KIA DEALERSHIP'S. I'VE DONE ALL OF THE STEPS KIA DEALERSHIP HAS ASKED ME TO DO AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO FIX OR REPLACE THE RECALLS. I USE MY 2012 KIA FOR MY DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS CAUSE I'M DISABLED. I LOST FAITH AND CAN'T TRUST THIS 2012 KIA OPTIMA THAT IM STILL MAKING CAR PAYMENTS. I NEED THIS CAR FIXED BEFORE ME OR ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS DIES IN A CAR ACCIDENT FROM THE NEGLECTED RECALLS FROM KIA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
DRIVER SIDE DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY HEAD LIGHT BULBS MELTING TO HEADLIGHT HARNESS SMOKING
Mileage: 120,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED HIS RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED LOCAL DEALER SOUTHWEST KIA OF ROCKWALL LOCATED AT 1790 I-30 FRONTAGE RD, ROCKWALL, TX 75087, (469) 402-2900 AND THE DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Mileage: 136,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO MAKE AN UNKNOWN NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACTS RESIDENCE AND LATER TOWED TO JIM ELLIS KIA OF KENNESAW, 1221 AUTO PARK DR NW, KENNESAW, GA 30144, AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 93,000.
Mileage: 93,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE JERKED AND FELT AS THOUGH SOMETHING HAD BLOWN OUT AND WAS MAKING A RATTLING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT BECAME AWARE OF AN OIL LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF CERRITOS (18201 STUDEBAKER RD, CERRITOS, CA 90703), AND WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BELT WAS MELTED AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE WOULD RECEIVE A CALLBACK. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 124,000.
Mileage: 124,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HER BOYFRIEND WAS DRIVING AND MAKING A LEFT TURN THE VEHICLE SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED MULTIPLE WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO CRUISE THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE DRIVER WAS ABLE TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND WHEN LIFTING THE HOOD SAW FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER RAN TO HIS EMPLOYER AND WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH 5 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS. THE CONTACT STATED NO ONE WAS INJURED OR SOUGHT MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO FIRE OR POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO HER RESIDENCE. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE FOUND SEVERAL UNKNOWN RECALLS ON LINE THAT WAS RELATED TO THE VEHICLE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 111,000.
Mileage: 111,000
DRIVING DOWN INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 60MPH . SUDDENLY ENGINE LIGHT FLASHES. CAR IMMEDIATELY MAKES AWFUL SOUND AND LOOSES POWER AS I'M PULLING OVER TO GET OFF ROAD. HAD TOWED IN TO HOME. OUR NEIGHBOR MECHANIC THINKS THREW A ROD. NO WARNING LIGHTS BEFORE THIS HAPPENED! LOUD KNOCKING SPUD UNDER HOOD.
Mileage: 130,000
ENGINE KNOCKING WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY , WHEN PRESSING GAS PETAL OR CRANKING UP ! CAR WON'T ACCELERATE WHILE DRIVING, OIL LIGHT & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKS ON & OFF WHILE DRIVING OR STATIONARY ! CUT OFF ON THE HIGHWAY !
Mileage: 185
I GOT A OIL CHANGE CAME HOME AND THE NEXT DAY STARTED MY CAR AND THE ENGINE HAS BEEN KNOCKING MAKING A VERY LOUD NOISE
Mileage: 100,000
I WAS GOING DOWN HIGHWAY 80 AND LINCOLN NEBRASKA WHEN MY ENGINE JUST DIED ON ME IN MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ALMOST CAUSED NO PILE UP MEL MY ENGINE BURLY STARTS UP MAKING KNOCK NOISE I HAD THE TALK BACK HOME TO WICHITA KANSAS
Mileage: 87,597
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING T 65 MPH, WITHOUT WARNING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHUDDER. THE CONTACT VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND INSPECTED THE FUEL IN THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL LEVEL WAS LOW. THE CONTACT DROVE APPROXIMATELY 20 MILES BEFORE THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO PARAMOUNT KIA OF ASHEVILLE (1000 RIDGEFIELD BLVD, ASHEVILLE, NC 28806) WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC TEST WAS STILL PENDING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 108,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 108,000
WHILE PASSING ANOTHER CAR ON A HIGHWAY MY CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING. I PULLED OVER AND IT WON'T START CUZ IT IS SEIZED UP. LUCKY FOR ME I COULD MAKE IT TO A OFF RAMP. TOWED IT AND THE REPAIR SHOP SAID IT WAS THE BEARINGS THAT ARE BAD AND I NEED A WHOLE NEW ENGINE AND I HAVE LESS THAN 50000 MILES ON THE CAR😤
Mileage: 50,000
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGH WAY AND WHILE I WAS DRIVING THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND THE BRAKES STARTED TO GIVE OUT.
Mileage: 122,000
DRIVING NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM AND ENGINE SEIZED HAD TO BE TOWED TO OUR MECHANIC TOLD THE ENGINE SEIZED AND HAD PLENTY OF OIL AND OIL HAD JUST BEEN CHANGED? TOWED TO KIA DEALER IN LOWELL TO BE LOOKED AT AND HAVE NOT HEARD A WORD FOR 2 WEEKS..CALLED THE KIA HOTLINE AND NO WORD FROM THEM EITHER? IT IS EQUIPPED WITH A 2.4 THERA II ENGINE... NOW I'VE LEARNED THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM ENGINE AND IT APPEARS IM STUCK WITH A 6500 DOLLAR LAWN ORNAMENT!!!! THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL SC147 BUT WHEN I LOOK UP MY VIN NUMBER ITS NOT INCLUDED NOT SURE SAME ENGINE AND SAME PROBLEM? A NEW DRIVER BUT WAS ABLE TO GET SAFELY OFF ROAD WAY. *TR
Mileage: 135,000
TL* THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF HIS SON WHO OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS SON WAS DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE ENGINE CEASED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INFORMED HIS SON THAT THE ENGINE THREW A ROD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE SENT AN EMAIL TO THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT'S WIFE SPOKE WITH TWO UNKNOWN DEALERS WHO OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE AND PROVIDED HER WITH THE SAME INFORMATION AS THE MANUFACTURER. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT LINKED THE FAILURE TO NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 125,000. *LN CONSUMER HAS CONTACTED THE CORPORATE OFFICE.*JB
Mileage: 125,000
FIRST, I WAS ON IN A ROAD TRIP TO ARIZONA FROM SOUTH CAROLINA. SUDDENLY MY CAR BEGAN TO MAKE A CLICKING NOISE AND SMELLED LIKE OIL WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A PARKING LOT AND LOST ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION. TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY TOLD ME IT NEEDED MORE OIL WHEN MY LIGHT NEVER CAME ON AND I STILL HAD 1000MI LEFT UNTIL MY NEXT OIL CHANGE. SO THEY PERFORMED THE OIL CHANGE AFTER GETTING IT TOWED THERE AND HAVING TO THEN COME BACK FOR IT (4 DAYS AFTER GETTING IT TOWED THERE). AFTER THAT, WE TRIED ONCE AGAIN TO GO TO ARIZONA AND ABOUT HALF WAY THERE GOING ABOUT 73MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, MY CAR MADE A LOUD BOOM NOISE, SAW LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT, AND COMPLETE LOSS OF ACCELERATION. HUSBAND'S STEP DAD CHECKED THE OIL AND IT WAS COMPLETELY GONE. WE WENT TO GRAB MORE OIL AND WHEN WE POURED IT THROUGH, IT WENT STRAIGHT TO THE BOTTOM. AFTER HOURS OF TRYING TO GET IT ON THE BACK OF OUR OTHER TRUCK TRAVELING WITH US WE FINALLY GOT IT TO A KIA AND THEIR SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS CLOSED. LONG STORY SHORT, WE RENTED A BETTER TRUCK FOR $480 TO HAUL MY CAR BACK TO ARIZONA. I AM VERY FRUSTRATED AND UPSET. MY CAR IS NOW AT A KIA IN TEMPE, AZ AND THEY TOLD ME IT'S NOT APART OF THE ENGINE RECALL CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT EVEN THOUGH AN ATTORNEY TOLD ME IT WAS. *TR
Mileage: 61,053
HI ENGINE KEEP LOSING POWER BECAUSE THE EWGA VOLTAGE IS INCORRECT. I'VE HAD THIS ADJUSTED 3 TIMES SO FAR OVER 60,000 MILES BUT IT KEEPS COMING BACK. NOW I NEED TO GO IN AND SPEND ANOTHER 200 DOLLAR TO HAVE IT FIXED OFR THE 4TH TIME. SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE DESIGN AND IT IS DANGEROUS AS THE ENGINE SUDDENLY LOSES POWER. HOW TO ADJUST THE EWGA VOLTAGE IS DESCRIBED HERE: HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/TSBS/2013/SB-10090612-5448.PDF IT SHOULD BE MADE A MANDATORY AND PERMANENT FIX PAID BY KIA FOR THE LIFE TIME OF THE CAR. *TR
Mileage: 60,000
6/17/20 I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA EX (2.4L GAS DIRECT INJECTION 4-CYL ENGINE) AND HAD JUST STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION FOR A RED LIGHT. ONCE THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED TO CONTINUE DRIVING TO MY DESTINATION. SHORTLY AFTER LEAVING THE INTERSECTION, MY VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND WITHOUT ANY WARNING MADE A CLUNK SOUND, THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH FLASHED AND THE ENGINE DIED. I WASN'T SURE WHAT HAPPENED SO I QUICKLY PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND COASTED UNTIL I REACHED A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER AND PARK THE VEHICLE. I TRIED RESTARTING IT BUT IT JUST MADE A CLICK SOUND AND WOULD NOT START. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE A COUPLE MORE TIMES THERE WAS A LITTLE SMOKE THAT CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD / ENGINE COMPARTMENT. IT KIND OF SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING WAS BURNING. I THOUGHT IT MIGHT'VE BEEN SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL PROBLEM SO I CALLED A TOW TRUCK AND HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE ELECTRIC SHOP FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT THE NEXT DAY. THEY LOOKED AT THE VEHICLE THIS MORNING AND TOLD ME THAT THE ENGINE WAS SEIZED UP AND THAT THE ENGINE WAS BONE DRY OF OIL. I DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THIS IS EVEN POSSIBLE WHEN I NEVER RECEIVED ANY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, CHECK OIL LIGHT, NO OIL LEAKS ON THE MOTOR, NO OIL LEAKS IN MY DRIVEWAY OR ANYTHING. HOW DOES A VEHICLE THAT IS SERVICED REGULARLY ALL OF A SUDDEN SEIZE UP WITHOUT ANY WARNING WHAT SO EVER? I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ONLINE THAT INDICATES KIA HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR CERTAIN 2011-2014 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES. HOWEVER, WHEN I LOOK UP THE SPECIFIC VIN NUMBER FOR MY VEHICLE IT SAYS I DON'T HAVE ANY CURRENT RECALLS. I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW FROM A KIA DEALER AND DEFINITELY WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED IT HAD I KNOWN THAT THE MOTOR WOULD SEIZE UP ONLY 8 YEARS LATER. I EXPECT AN ENGINE FROM KIA TO LAST LONGER THAN 8 YEARS. I AM THANKFUL THAT I WASN'T TRAVELING AT A HIGHER RATE OF SPEED WHEN THIS HAPPENED. SAD KIA CUSTOMER. *TR
Mileage: 108,000
VEHICLE WAS RUNNING BUT WOULDN'T GO PAST 40 MPH ALL OF A SUDDEN IT SLOWED DOWN TO 20 MPH AND COMPLETELY STOPPED AND TURNED OFF AT A STOP SIGN. IT DID NOT WANT TO START ANYMORE. *TR
THERE IS METAL IN THE BOTTOM OF THE ENGINE, THERE IS NO SLUDGE BUILD UP AND THE ENGINE HAS LESS THAN 90,000 MILES ON IT. *TR
Mileage: 82,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATE THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED, WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SAFFORD KIA OF FREDERICKSBURG (5204 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY, FREDERICKSBURG, VA 22408, (540)-891-7400. THE TECHNICIAN PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST THAT LOCATED THE FAILURE CODE AT THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PIPE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED AT THE SAME DEALER UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE). AS PART OF THE RECALL REPAIR THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PIPE WAS INSPECTED BUT WAS NOT REPLACED BECAUSE THE TECHNICIAN FOUND NO FAILURE WITH THE PART. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL PIPE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,227. *LN*JB
Mileage: 111,227
KIA REPLACED A BLOWN ENGINE IN 2017 ON RECALL. FROM THE BEGINNING I NOTICED IT FELT DIFFERENT. IT GOES THROUGH OIL , BUT DOESN'T LEAK ANYWHERE. WHEN I TAKE OFF AFTER ITS SAT FOR A WHILE A BIG CLOUD OF WHITE SMOKE COMES OUT THE BACK OF THE CAR. I HAVE TAKEN IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY TESTED IT AND SAID IT WAS ("BURNING OIL IN THE COMBUSTION CHAMBER") . THE ENGINE HAS LESS THAN 40000 MILES ON IT. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE THE FIRST TIME THE ENGINE BLEW UP, I ALMOST CAUSED A GIANT ACCIDENT! NOW THE CAR IS NOT ONLY DANGEROUS BUT WORTHLESS AS WELL. I HAVE KEPT ALL DOCUMENTS ON THE CAR, OIL CHANGES, PARTS & REPAIRS, RECALLS, ETC. *TR
Mileage: 97,000
AS I WAS DRIVING 45MPH, I HEARD A RIDDLING NOISE. AFTER HEARING THE NOISE I SAW MY MALFUNCTION LIGHT WAS BLINKING SO I PULLED OVER TO SEE WHAT WAS THE NOISE. AS I WAS SEARCHING I NOTICED THAT MY CAR WASN'T RUNNING HOT OR NEEDED OIL SO I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG. I WAITED ABOUT 30 MINUTES TO START AGAIN, STILL NOISE AND LIGHT BLINKING. OVER THE TIME THE NOISE GROW LOUDER AND LOUDER EACH TIME I TURN THE CAR ON.TRIED TO DRIVE BACK TOO SAFE AREA, THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO PULL LIKE IT WAS GOING TO DIE. PULL OVER IN A LOT TO HAVE A TOW TRUCK PICKUP TO RETURN HOME. NEXT DAY BEFORE TAKING IT TO A REPAIR SHOP I TURNED THE CAR ON TO SEE IS ANYTHING HAD CHANGED. THE LIGHT WAS STILL ON AND THE NOISE WAS LOUDER BUT THIS TIME THE CAR CUT OFF BY ITSELF. IT ALSO HAD LOST POWER AFTER A FEW SEC OF HAVING IT ON. WHILE IT WAS ON THE MOST IT WOULD DO WAS 20MPH. SO I COULDN'T DRIVE THE CAR AT ALL ANYMORE. TOOK TO NEARBY REPAIR SHOP STATED IT NEEDED A NEW MOTOR. GOT A SECOND OPINION TO SAY THE SAME. I HAVE ONLY HAD THE CAR FOR SIX MONTHS!! *TR
Mileage: 100,000
RECENTLY WHEN DRIVING I'VE HEARD A PRONOUNCED "KNOCKING" NOISE COMING FROM MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA ENGINE. THIS HAPPENS ESPECIALLY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BUT CAN ALSO BE HEARD AT LOWER SPEEDS AS WELL. I WAS AWARE OF A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS EXACT PROBLEM AND AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT HAD BEEN PLACED ON MY ENGINE BECAUSE OF IT. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO A KIA SERVICE CENTER FOR THEM TO RUN THE AUDIO TEST REQUIRED BY THE RECALL. ALTHOUGH THEY ADMITTED THAT THE KNOCKING WAS COMING FROM THE ISSUE STATED IN THE RECALL, THEY SAID IT WAS STILL "IN SPEC" AND IT WAS NOT LOUD ENOUGH YET TO WARRANT REPLACING THE ENGINE FREE OF CHARGE. THEY ALSO MENTIONED TO BRING IN THE CAR AGAIN IF IT GOT WORSE. JUST A FEW DAYS LATER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THE KNOCKING WAS SO LOUD I COULD NOT HEAR MY RADIO. MY WIFE AND I DO NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE CAR AND I ALSO DON'T BELIEVE I WILL BE ABLE TO SELL IT IN THIS CONDITION. IF KIA IS ADMITTING FAULT WITH THE ENGINE ISSUE, WHAT ARE THEY WAITING FOR? IS THIS SAFE? IF THEY ARE WAITING FOR IT TO FAIL BEFORE REPLACING IT, I COULD HAVE MY ENGINE SEIZE ON THE HIGHWAY OR CATCH FIRE BASED ON WHAT THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT WAS TARGETED AT. *TR
Mileage: 5
THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL EXTREMELY I CAN GET A OIL CHANCE AND BEFORE YOU KNOW IT I'M SO FEW MILES MY OIL STICK IS ON LOW AND THE CAR IS MAKING A TICKING NOISE LIKE IT'S TRYING TO COOL OFF EVERYTIME THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AFTER DRIVING. *TR
ENGINE STOPPED WHILE IN MOTION ON THE INTERSTATE WITH CHILDREN. ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON BUT IT WOULDN'T ACCELERATE. WOULD NOT RE START AFTER POWERING OFF. *TR
Mileage: 150,000
WHILE ACCELERATING TO HIGHWAY SPEED THE ENGINE STALLED AND WOULD NOT RESTART. MOVED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT ROTATE. COULD NOT JUMP START. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE TOWED. THERE WERE NO PRE-EXISTING AUDIBLE OR VISUAL WARNINGS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT. INITIAL INSPECTION HAS DETERMINED THE ENGINE SEIZED. VEHICLE'S CURRENT MILEAGE IS 132,720. LAST OIL & FILTER CHANGE PERFORMED AT 130,330. NEXT SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE IS NOT DUE UNTIL 134,330. I HAVE SPOKEN TO MY LOCAL KIA DEALER AND ALSO TO KIA MOTORS CUSTOMER SERVICE. BOTH HAVE INFORMED ME THAT YES, THERE IS A RECALL ALREADY ON THIS VEHICLE'S ENGINE FOR THIS PARTICULAR TYPE OF FAILURE, SC147. HOWEVER, SINCE THE RECALL TEST PROCEDURE WAS PERFORMED AND PASSED OVER 12 MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS EVENT, THEY WILL NOT REOPEN THE RECALL INSPECTION FOR THIS VEHICLE AND ENGINE REPLACEMENT IS MY RESPONSIBILITY. RECALL SC147 IS AN ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION FOR RESTRICTED OIL FLOW TO THE BEARINGS BY METAL DEBRIS IN THE CRANKSHAFT'S OIL PASSAGES. IS IT NOT POSSIBLE THAT THIS CONDITION CAN OCCUR AT ANY TIME EVEN AFTER A NOISE CHECK IS CONDUCTED? THE ENGINE MAY NOT HAVE MADE NOISE AT THE PREVIOUS TEST BUT IT IS NOW SEIZED WITHOUT ANY OTHER INDICATIONS OF FAILURE. I SEE ON KIA FORUMS THAT HAVING THE ENGINE FAIL IS NOT UNCOMMON EVEN AFTER THE RECALL INSPECTION HAS BEEN COMPLETED. WHY IS THIS A ONE TIME INSPECTION AND NOT RECURRING AT CALENDAR AND MILEAGE INTERVALS? SINCE KIA IS UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE THIS ISSUE, I AM HAVING THE ENGINE REPLACED BY MY LOCAL MAINTENANCE PROVIDER. IS THERE ANY COURSE OF ACTION FOR REIMBURSEMENT AGAINST KIA ON THIS UNFORTUNATE EVENT?
Mileage: 132,720
CODE P1326 CAME UP INDICATING VIBRATION IN THE ENGINE OR A KNOCK SENSOR OR AND ENGINE BEARING IS ABOUT TO NEED REPLACING
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO STALL NOT ALLOWING ANY POWER WHILE PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT KIA EXPLAINED TO ME THAT THEY FOUND A PIN IN THE ENGINE THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE R REMOVED BUT NEVER WAS CAUSING THIS TO CAUSE MAJOR DAMAGE TO MY ENGINE AND HEAD GASKET.
Mileage: 122,000
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND MY ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. I'VE NEVER MISSED AN OIL CHANGE AND ALL WORK PREFORMED HAS ALWAYS BEEN DONE AT DEALERSHIP. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. THE DEALERSHIP CONTACTED KIA AND THEY TOLD THEM THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP. KIA TOLD THEM TO NOT INVESTIGATE IN THE ENGINE, JUST REPLACE THE ENGINE. DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY WILL LET ME KNOW HOW MUCH NEW ENGINE WILL COST. MY ENGINE(2.4L) FALLS UNDER THE CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT GOING ON, BUT MY CAR IS NOT BEING RECALLED BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID. I DRIVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID.
Mileage: 110,000
I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD SOME KNOCKING AND SMELLED AN EXHAUST LIKE SMELL, AFTER GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASS 25 MPH WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND WOULD STUTTER & HESITATE. I STOPPED FOR A DIAGNOSIS AT THE CLOSEST CAR SHOP. AFTER THEIR EVALUATION THEY THOUGHT IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION BUT SINCE THEY WERE A OIL CHANGE & TIRE SHOP THEY COULD NOT HELP. SINCE THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE, I THOUGHT I COULD MAKE IT BACK HOME VERY SLOWLY, I DROVE NO MORE THAN AN 1/2 MILE AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE PASS 10 MPH. I PARKED THE CAR AND HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER AUTO REPAIR SHOP 3 MILES AWAY. OUTCOME, THEY RESEALED TIMING COVER WHICH INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF FRONT CRANK SEAL, VALVE COVER GASKET AND CLEANED RESIDUAL ENGINE OIL FROM ENGINE. ALSO, RESEALED LOWER OIL PAN AND REPLACED OIL AND AIR FILTER AND CLEANED RESIDUAL ENGINE OIL. EVEN AFTER THIS REPAIR, THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND VERIFIED THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASS 30 MPH AND WOULD STUTTER AND HESITATE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT MAYBE THE HYBRID SYSTEM. I WENT ONLINE REGARDING THE HYBRID SYSTEM(STILL UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY OF 100,000)AND NOTICED A RECALL ON THE NON-HYBRID KIA OPTIMA WITH MY SAME EXPERIENCE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP CLOSE TO MY HOUSE. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSIS AND THEIR FINDINGS WERE 'COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S CONCERN AT THIS TIME, THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK FOUND ON THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE DRIVE PROPERLY DURING ROAD TEST.' MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR OVER 11 MONTHS. I DID TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP RECENTLY FOR INSPECTION & EMISSION, PASSED AS CAR HAD LESS THAN 5,000 MILES FROM LAST SERVICE. HOWEVER,ON THE WAY HOME, 1.2 MILES AWAY, THE HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON 'SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'. I PUT ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND MADE MY WAY HOME AS I WAS HALF-WAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING SINCE. PLEASE RECALL'MAKE THIS RIGHT
Mileage: 94,699
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED WHILE IN HER RESIDENCE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, BY ANOTHER DRIVER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE MARSHALL INFORMED HER THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Mileage: 102,000
SINCE ABOUT 40K MILES MY STEERING HAS CLICKED, LOCKED, AND MISSED AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN A FEW WRECKS FROM INABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING. A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS AND TO CALL KIA OF CHATTANOOGA (WHO I PURCHASED FROM) TO LOOK INTO IT ALONG WITH OTHER RECALLS I MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT BEFORE TAKING A TRIP ACCROSS COUNTRY WITH MY SON. I HAVE TRIED CALLING AND THE DEALERSHIP HEARS RECALL AND HANGS UP ON ME. I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE ONE VOICEMAIL FOR THE MANAGER BUT WAS NEVER CONTACTED BACK AND CONTINUE TO BE HUNG UP ON. MY CONCERN IS MOSTLY WITH THE STEERING AND POSSIBLE BEARINGS WITH ENGINE. STEERING WILL CLICK EVEN AT A STAND STILL, LOCKS AND MISSES WHILE IN MOTION RATHER BADLY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE AROUND 40K MILES. UNSURE OF ANY OTHER SAFETY RELATED RECALLS AS I HAD MOVED MULTIPLE TIMES AND BELIVE THAT IS WHY I DID NOT GET LETTERS.
Mileage: 40,000
HI IM FROM CANADA BUT HERE EXCEPT TAKE OUR MONEY GOVERNEMENT DO NOTHING , CAN YOU TELL ME WHY KIA OPTIMA HYBRID GAS ENGINE IS NOT RECALL BUT NON HYBRID IT IS ??? MAKE A QUIK RESEARCH IN GOGGLE FOR ENGINE SEIZURE OF OPTIMA AND SONATA HYBRID AND IN PERCENTAGE OF SALE THERE IS MORE ENGINE BROKE IN THE HYBRID . IS THE SAME BLOCK ENGINE AND THE ISSUE IS THE SAME , CONECTING ROD AND CRANCKSHAFT SEIZURE ITS THE SAME PARTE NUMBER FOR ALL ENGINE ESCEPT FOR THE HEAD . HOW MUCH DEAD KIA HYUNDAI IS WAITING BEFORE TO DO SOMETHING THERE IS THE SAME PROBLEM WHIT THE THETA ENGINE BUT IN RECALL NOBODY SPECIFIED (HYBRID SO THE STEALER ALWAYS DEFEND HERSELF BY SAYING HYBRID IS NON INCLUDE IN RECALL . HOW MUCH ACCIDENT DO WE NEED TO DO SOMETING FOR THIS CRAPPY ENGINE . MINE DO THE SAME THING THAN THE OTHER AT 60 MPH I LOST SUDDENLY POWER AND CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HIWAY ITS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN NO MATHER THE MILLAGE I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY KIA HYUNDAI REPAIR THE NON HYBRID THETA ENGINE BUT NOT HYBRID AND ITE THE SAME ENGINE BLOCK ECEPT FOR THE FUEL DELEVRY SYSTEM BUT THE PART WHO WILL BROKE IS THE CONECTING ROD AND ITS THE SAME ISSUE HYBRID OR NOT THANK
Mileage: 120,000
2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID STOPPED RUNNING. MECHANIC INFORMED ME ROD BEARINGS HAD WENT BAD CAUSING METAL SHAVINGS TO GET INTO ENGINE OIL DAMAGING THE ENGINE BEYOND REPAIR. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES ON CAR. 2012 KIA OPTIMAS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SPECIFIC REASON BUT WAS TOLD HYBRID IS NOT IN RECALL. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY THE SAME ISSUE AND DEFECT DOES NOT MATTER IF IT IS A HYBRID OR NOT
Mileage: 60,000
STEERING STICKS AND YOU HAVE TO FORCEFULLY PULL THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO UNSTICK IT. OIL IS BURNING WITH NO OIL LEAKS, NO LEAKS IN OTHER FLUIDS, NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHERE IT IS GOING BUT IT IS BURNING THROUGH A QUART OF OIL EVERY 7 DAYS.
Mileage: 138,500
ON FEB.14,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65MPH WHEN MY CAR STALLED LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY I TRY TO RESTART THE CAR NOTHING HAPPEN DIDNT CLICK OVER EVERY LIGHT WAS ON THE DASHBOARD I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND TRY TO START IT TWICE NOTHING CLICKED OVER I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY BOUGHT A BRAND NEW BATTERY $153 AND STILL NOTHING IT NO CLICKING OVER NO NOTHING I BELIEVE MY ENGINE FAILED
Mileage: 143,450
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT 40MPH WHEN THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. THERE WAS NO NOISE AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY SERIOUS BODY DAMAGE. ALL THE ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WOULD TURN ON BUT THE ENGINE STAYED DEAD WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON. AFTER LEAVING IT OVER NIGHT PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET THE NEXT DAY SAME SITUATION ALL ELECTRICAL DEVICES TURNED ON BUT THE ENGINE WOULDNT TURN ON. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM IN ORDER FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT COULD OF GONE WRONG.
Mileage: 126,200
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT TURN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GUIDE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH NO SUCCESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Mileage: 118,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE ENGINE AND TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND SMOKE AND WITHIN A MOMENT THE FLAMES WAS UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DOUG SMITH KIA (495 W MAIN STREET AMERICAN FORK, UT 84003 PHONE (801) 692-4390) TO HAVE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (ENGINE) PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RECALL FOR UNDER FRAME CORROSION PROTECTION WAS ALSO PERFORMED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO SEE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND PROVIDED A FREE OIL CHANGE, AND REPLACED DIP STICK TO THE ORANGE COLOR. THE CALIFORNIA FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CALIFORNIA STATE PATROL DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESENT A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SMOKE INHALATION AND SCRAPES FROM GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT HOME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND CAUSED THE DEFROST SYSTEM FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.*BF CONSUMER STATED HE LOST EVERYTHING IN THE CAR.*JB
Mileage: 130,000
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SEIZED GIVING ME KNOW ACCELERATION. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE THAT MAY HAVE GOTTEN LOOSE VERY SIMILAR TO THE KIA OPTIMAS THAT WERE RECALLED BUT THE HYBRID MODEL WAS NOT RECALLED.
Mileage: 122,000
THERE ARE A FEW RECALLS ON MY CAR. AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO GO TO GREENWAY KIA IN LONGWOOD, FL. HOWEVER, UPON ARRIVAL THEY TRIED TO CHARGE US FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THE RECALL IS NOT VALID WITHOUT US PAYING FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS. THEN THEY PROCEEDED TO ADVISE US THAT THE PARTS THAT WE NEEDED UNDER THE RECALL WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND THAT WE WOULD NEED TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO THEN MENTION THAT IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR THEM AND CHEAPER FOR US TO JUST BUY A NEW CAR. WE DECIDED TO LEAVE AND TRY TO DO MORE RESEARCH. I DID CALL OUR MECHANIC HE CONFIRMED THERE WERE RECALLS FOR OUR VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED ANOTHER KIA DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THERE WERE RECALLS ON OUR CAR AND THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND/ OR REPAIRING THE CAR UNDER RECALL.
Mileage: 120,000
I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA ALONG HIGHWAY 102 WHEN IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY PUT IT IN PARK TURN THE KEY OFF TRY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH NO LUCK IT WOULD NOT START HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP AND TO OUR SURPRISE THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE MOTOR DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT BORING AND NOT BEING CLEANED OUT PROPERLY WE TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR HAD AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES FROM THE DEALERS GARAGE WHERE WE PURCHASED IT SHOULD BE WELL-DOCUMENTED
Mileage: 235,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE DEFROST THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. HOWEVER THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHICH THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 117,000.
Mileage: 117,000
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR AT ABOUT 45 MPH, AND SUDDENLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, BATTERY, AND THE OIL LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT ONCE AND MY CAR STOPPED MOVING. THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY OR THE STARTER AT FIRST BUT NOW I'M PRETTY SURE ITS EITHER THE ENGINE GOT LOCKED UP OR THE WIRES IN THE CAR JUST BURNT UP.
Mileage: 106,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE SEZED WITHOUT WARNING. WHEN THE CONTACT PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF, AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO RETURN TO NORMAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A FAMILY MEMBER'S HOUSE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.
Mileage: 100,000
I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE TRAVELING AT APPROX 70 MPH CHANGED LANES AND WHEN I WENT TO ACCELERATE THE VEHICLE STALLED LOST POWER I COASTED TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD NOT START. I HAD AAA TOW IT TO A HARDINGS GARAGE IN FAIRFIELD. THE TECHNICIAN SAID THIS MORNING THE VEHICLE STARTED BUT STALLED AS SOON AS HE TRIED TO MOVE IT. HE TOLD ME THAT THERE WAS A KIA RECALL 17V224000 THAT APPLIED TO THE ENGINE SO I GOT AAA TO TOW THE VEHICLE TO CHARLIES KIA IN AUGUSTA, ME. THEY TELL ME THAT THERE IS NO RECALL ON MY VIN. WHY WOULD I HAVE THE SAME STALLING AS INDICATED IN THE RECALL IF MY VIN DOES NOT APPLY???
Mileage: 99,000
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, CAR WAS DRIVEABLE BUT IDLING ROUGH. BROUGHT VEHICLE TO SHOP FOR DIAGNOSIS. ENGINE HAD FOLLOWING CODES SHOW UP ONCE DIAGNOSED. P0014 - B CAMSHAFT POSITION - TIMING OVER-ADVANCED OR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE. P0017 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION - CAMSHAFT POSITION CORRELATION BANK 1 SENSOR B. AFTER DIAGNOSIS MECHANIC FOUND FAULTY OIL CONTROL VALVE, PART ACTUALLY HAD A PIECE OF THE SCREEN HAD BEEN DISLODGED LEAVING A CIRCULAR HOLE. OTHER PIECE OF SCREEN WAS NEVER FOUND. ONCE REPLACED ENGINE STILL HAD A CODE, STATED CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSOR WAS FAULTY. MECHANIC REPLACED THAT PART AND FINALLY CODE CLEARED FOR ENGINE.
Mileage: 130,000
THE CAR ENGINE MADE A NOISE AND THE ENGINE AND STARTING SMOKE WITH FIRE AND IT COMPLETELY STOPPED IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. THE CAR SHUTDOWN IN TRAFFIC AND HAD TO PUSHED OUT OF THE STREET TO AVOID ME BEING HIT.
Mileage: 2
DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE STALLED MOTOR SEIZED UP BUT UNSTUCK AFTER COOLING HAS BAD KNOCK NOW. STUCK ON HIGHWAY WAITING TO BE TOWED.
Mileage: 125,000
ENGINE LOCKED UP AND SHUT DOWN WITH NO WARNINGS
Mileage: 30
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO DEMONTROND KIA (14101 NORTH FREEWAY, HOUSTON, TX) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE BEARINGS FAILED AND DAMAGED THE ENGINE. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13418572, BUT DID NOT ASSIST. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE), ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000. THE VIN WAS INVALID.
Mileage: 130,000
WHILE WAITING AT A STOP LIGHT MY CAR COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND WOULDN'T START AGAIN. NOW THE ENGINE IS SEIZED UP AND WON'T TURN ON OR ANYTHING. NO LIGHTS OR WARNING SIGNS OF ANYTHING HAPPENING. I WAS AT A STOP LIGHT WAITING TO TURN LEFT ON A CITY STREET.
Mileage: 147,000
ON 9/3/2019 I TOOK MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA TO GOSSETT KIA SOUTH TO GET IT REPAIRED. IT DIDNT GET FIXED BEFORE I LEFT THE LOT MY CAR WAS SMOKING AND LEAKING ANTIFREEZE. I WAS STRANDED FOR 4 DAYS AFTER THAT DAY. I WENT TO THE NEAREST PART STORE AND PURCHASED A BOTTOM RADIATOR HOSE AND ANTIFREEZE. I HAD A MOBILE MECHANIC TO PUT THE HOSE ON. THERE AFTER I WAS STRANDED AGAIN THE CAR WOULDN'T START. I HAD IT TOWED TO FIRESTONE 10/4/2019. MY CAR STAYED THE LOT FOR A MONTH AND IT WAS THEN TOWED TO GOSSETT KIA NORTH FROM THERE IT HAS BEEN REPOSSESSED. I MADE PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS TO GET THE CAR BACK I AM DETERMINED TO GET MY CAR REPAIRED. I USE THE CAR TO MAKE IT TO APPOINTMENTS. I AM DISABLED AND THIS DOESNT SEEM FAIR AT ALL IM PAYING NOTES ON A NONWORKING CAR. I HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON WITH FURTHER ADVICE
Mileage: 130,389
AS MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR KIA DOWN A HIGHWAY IN ROCKWELL NC IT JUST SHUT OFF, LOSS POWER WOULD NOT START BACK UP, SO HAD IT TOWED TO REPAIR SHOP AND MECHANIC SAID THE MOTOR IS SEIZED UP, SO I SEARCHED ONLINE FOR RECALLS AND THE EXACT THING HAS HAPPEN TO A TEE TO PEOPLE WHO WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD OR HIGHWAY AND THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF THANKFULLY MY SON OR ANYONE ELSE DIDN'T GET HURT...
Mileage: 136,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, BUT IT WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A DEFECTIVE BEARING IN THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Mileage: 150,000
I WAS TRAVELING DOWN E 470 IN COLORADO WITH MY GRANDCHILDREN WHEN MY CAR SUDDENLY CEASED UP AND BLEW A ROD GOING 70 MPH. A CAR ALMOST HIT ME FROM BEHIND AND LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER SO I DIDN'T CAUSE ANY MORE DAMAGE TO ME MY FAMILY OR ANYONE ELSE. MY CAR HAD OIL AND HAD BEEN CHANGE JUST RECENTLY. I AM SEEING THAT THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. JUST WANTED TO REPORT THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME ALSO.
Mileage: 130,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). BEV SMITH KIA (5655 US-1, FORT PIERCE, FL 34982, (772) 465-8589) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE MAY BE DUE TO A MAIN FUSE UNDER THE VEHICLE THAT BLEW OUT. SOUTH DADE KIA OF MIAMI (17120 S DIXIE HWY, MIAMI, FL 33157, (786) 673-8136) AND KIA ATLANTA SOUTH (7310 JONESBORO RD, MORROW, GA 30260, (770) 968-3400) WERE CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 79,000.
Mileage: 79,000
MAY-2018 MY CAR WAS MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND, & I CALLED THE VALLEY KIA DEALER. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID (THE CAR HAS NO RECALL, & NO WARENTY) 10-2019... I CALLED THE SALESMAN WHERE I BOUGHT THE KIA. FRANK WONG SAID YES I HAD WARRANTY, BUT EXPIRED 11-2018... I COULD OF GOT MY CAR FIXED...
Mileage: 121,000
FAILURE DATE: 06/25/2019 MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND LUCKILY I DIDNT GET INTO ACCIDENT AND WAS ABLE PULL OFF THE ROAD TO WAIT FOR A TOW TRUCK. THIS IS VERY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. I HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTO REPAIR GARAGE THEY CHANGED OUT THE STARTED AND CHANGED OUT THE BATTERY IT JUST MADE A CLICKING SOUND BUT WOULDN'T START. I STARTED READING ON LINE THAT THIS EXACT SITUATION HAS HAPPENED TO OTHER KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES. MY VEHICLE HAS 99189 MILES SO IT FALLS WITHIN THE POWER TRAIN WARRANTY OF 100,000 MILES
Mileage: 99,198
KIA HAS NOW SETTLED THEIR CLASS ACTION SUIT FOR ALL THE OTHER VEHICLES, YET THE HYBRIDS ARE STILL BEING LEFT OUT OF ANY RECALLS. THERE IS PLENTY OF EVIDENCE IN THE COMPLAINTS HERE THAT SOMETHING IS WRONG. I SUNK $7000 THAT I DIDN'T HAVE TO SPARE INTO GETTING A NEW ENGINE PUT IN THIS CAR. ONLY TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION BLOW RIGHT AFTER I GOT THE CAR BACK FROM KIA AFTER WAITING 6 MONTHS FOR AN ENGINE. THE TRANSMISSION COST ANOTHER $5000, AND IT TOOK THEM THREE TRANSMISSIONS TO INSTALL A NON-FAULTY TRANSMISSION. I ALMOST LOST MY JOB BECAUSE I COULDN'T RELIABLY GET TO WORK ON TIME, IF AT ALL. KIA THEMSELVES HAVE SAID THAT THE ENGINES WEREN'T MANUFACTURED CORRECTLY AND THAT LABOR BEING DONE IN KIA DEALERSHIPS WASN'T BEING DONE CORRECTLY. HYBRID ENGINES SHOULD ABSOLUTELY NOT BE BLOWING RODS AT 60000 MILES, OR 80000 MILES, AND NOT EVEN 100000 MILES. KIA IS KNOWINGLY DELAYING ANY SORT OF RECALL AND FORCING PEOPLE TO GO INTO FURTHER DEBT OR LOSE JOBS.
Mileage: 82,000
DURING MY LAST VISIT TO THE KIA DEALER FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION, THEY INFORMED MY THAT I HAD NO OIL INDICATING ON THE DIP STICK. NO LEAKS DETECTED SO MUST BE BURNING OIL. EVERY TIME I DRIVE, I CAN SMELL BURNING OIL AND TAIL PIPE ARE COMPLETELY BLACK.
Mileage: 75,000
2012 KIA WAS TAKEN IN FOR A ENGINE RECALL IN 2017. KIA INFORMED ME THAT IT HAD PASSED INSPECTION AND RELEASED THE CAR. 2019 THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING, TRAVELING 40MPH ON A BUSY ROAD. LUCKILY, I WAS ABLE TO MANEUVER TO FIND A SOMEWHAT SAFE LOCATION. MY ENGINE BEGAN TO SMOKE VERY BADLY FROM A POSSIBLE SMALL FIRE. AFTER A WEEK WITHOUT A CAR, OUT OF POCKET TOWS, DIAGNOSTICS, RENTALS, ETC. KIA CONFIRMED IT WAS AN ENGINE ISSUE RELATED TO THE RECALL. MY SAFETY WAS PLACED AT RISK AFTER I FELT ALL THE RECALLS HAD BEEN TAKEN CARE OF. I COULD OF VERY WELL BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT, AND LUCKILY I DID NOT HAVE MY CHILDREN THAT DAY. TODAY, MY CAR HAS HAD A REPLACEMENT ENGINE, YET I DO NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE. I AM STILL TRYING TO RECOVER THE OUT OF POCKET EXPENSES. I HAVE BEEN SPOKEN TO VERY RUDELY AND IN A UNPROFESSIONAL MANNER FROM KIA. THE COMPANY IS NOT WILLING TO PAY FOR ALL OF MY EXPENSES WHILE THE CAR THAT I HAVE PURCHASED FROM THEM PUT ME IN HARMS WAY. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER KIA AGAIN AND AM CONSIDERING A LAW SUIT.
Mileage: 120,000
THERE ARE TWO (2) ISSUES THAT ARE POSSIBLY CONNECTED. THE FIRST IS EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION. THE KIA DEALERSHIP CONFIRMS THAT I AM USING APPROXIMATELY 1 QUART PER 250 MILES, BUT THEY STATE THAT THEY CANNOT DO ANYTHING FOR THE ISSUE. ADDITIONALLY, THE CAR HAS ALSO BECOME SLUGGISH. ACCELERATION TIME HAS BEEN GREATLY INCREASED AND CAR HESITATES WHEN THE GAS PEDAL IS DEPRESSED. BOTH OF THESE ISSUES HAVE ME CONCERNED FOR MY SAFETY IN NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND ALSO WHEN I NEED TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY.
Mileage: 76,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HESITATE AND SEIZED IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF CARSON (LOCATED AT 22020 RECREATION RD, CARSON, CA 90745, (424) 277-0368) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) ON SEPTEMBER 23, 2019. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 93,371.
Mileage: 93,371
THE ENGINE KNOCKED AND IT MAKE A NOISE.
Mileage: 20
CAR BEING DRIVEN BY MY DAUGHTER SUDDENLY STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC WITH A PULL OVER AND SAFELY SHUT OFF VEHICLE WARNING. SHE HOWEVER COULD NOT MOVE. THE VEHICLE ALSO SHOWED AN ERROR TO THE VEHICLE CHARGING SYSTEM. WE TOWED THE IMMOBILE VEHICLE TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND WERE TOLD THERE WERE NO CODES AND THE BATTERY WAS FINE. THEY REQUESTED THAT I ALLOW THEM TO REMOVE THE VALVE COVER TO CHECK ON BELTS. I APPROVED. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP THE FOLLOWING DAY TO CHECK IN BECAUSE I HAVE NOT HEARD. I WAS TOLD THE HYBRID PARTS WERE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT THAT THE ENGINE WAS LOCKED UP. NO REASON OR EXPLANATION, NO WARNING. MY CHILD COULD HAVE DIED DUE TO HER VEHICLE STOPPING IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC.
Mileage: 117,000
UNTIL NOW (ONLY 84K MILES), MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID HAS BEEN A GREAT CAR. WHEN LEAVING A DRIVEWAY GOING ABOUT 15MPH, A LIGHT TAPPING BEGAN WHEN THE GAS ENGINE STARTED. A SOUND IT WAS NOT MAKING WHEN DRIVING UNDER ELECTRIC POWER (BEFORE THE ENGINE STARTED). THE SOUND QUICKLY GREW TO A LOUD KNOCKING, ACCOMPANIED BY A NOTICEABLE LOSS OF POWER AND THROTTLE RESPONSE. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER TURNED ON, EVEN AFTER THE ENGINE BLEW UP. ALL SIGNS ARE POINTING TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT, SIMILAR, IF NOT THE SAME AS THE ONE REGARDING METAL FILINGS BEING LEFT ON THE BLOCK. THIS IS THE SAME ENGINE MODEL AND YEAR THAT TRIGGERED OVER .5M CARS BEING RECALLED. NOW THE SAME ISSUES ARE HAPPENING WITH THIS MODEL, WHICH FOR SOME REASON WASN'T INCLUDED. A MODERN AND WELL-SERVICED CAR SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 84K MILES. THIS WILL BE A SAFETY HAZARD UNTIL ALL MODELS CONTAINING THESE ENGINES ARE REPAIRED.
Mileage: 84,000
I HAVE HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID FOR THE PAST 3-4 YEARS. THE TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN REPLACED AT 74K MI. NUMEROUS OCCASIONS CAR LOST POWER ON THE HIGHWAY. TAKEN CAR IN TO KIA DEALER EACH TIME AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. MY CAR STALLED OUT 1 MONTH AGO ON THE FREEWAY AND TOWED TO THE DEALER. NOW AT 125K MI DEALER IS TELLING ME MY ENGINE IS SEIZED, HYBRID BATTERY AND REGULAR BATTERY ARE DEAD. AND ALSO REPLACED THE EMC FOR $2500 PRIOR TO FIGURING OUT THE ENGINE/BATTERY'S WERE DEAD.
Mileage: 125,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 138,000.
Mileage: 138,000
I HAVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID AT 80,XXX, AND HAVE ALWAYS KEPT UP WITH THE SCHEDULED SERVICES/MAINTENANCE. I BARELY DRIVE MY CAR NOWADAYS, AND JUST RIDE MY BICYCLE TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION THAT IS 1-MILE AWAY. MY WIFE AND I WERE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY, GOING 65MPH, 47-MILES INTO OUR DRIVE, OUR CAR STARTED JERKING. WE HAVE ABOUT 3-4 MILES LEFT TO OUR DESTINATION. WHEN YOU PRESSED ON THE GAS, IT SOUNDED LIKE IT WAS JUST ACCELERATING AND NOT SHIFTING TO THE NEXT GEAR. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS OR NOTIFICATION AS TO WHY THAT WAS HAPPENING. WE EXITED FROM THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED AT A LOCAL PLAZA TO TRY AND RESET THE CAR, AND GAVE THE CAR ABOUT 20-MINS BEFORE DRIVING AGAIN. WHEN WE TRIED DRIVING ABOUT THE LAST 10-MINS, EVEN AT 20MPH, IT WAS STILL JERKING AND STILL SOUNDED LIKE IT WASN'T SHIFTING TO THE NEXT GEAR, AND STILL NO WARNING LIGHTS. WE ENDED UP TOWING OUR CAR BACK HOME BECAUSE WE DIDN'T WANT TO RISK GETTING STUCK ON THE FREEWAY AT 1-2AM. UNFORTUNATELY, I AM THE 2ND OWNER, HOWEVER, I DO HAVE EXTENDED WARRANTY, SO I HOPE THIS ISSUE IS NOT THAT SERIOUS. I WILL DEFINITELY CONTACT KIA AND RAISE THIS CONCERN BECAUSE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
Mileage: 79,985
MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS HAS SHUT OFF WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. WHILE DRIVING, AS I DECREASE MY SPEED, SUDDENLY THE CAR WILL EXPERIENCE JERKING AND THEN SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THIS HAS OCCUR WHILE DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND TRAFFIC HAS SLOWED DOWN TO 10 MPH OR LESS AND WHILE APPROACHING A LIGHT OR CROSSING AND INTERSECTION AND TRAFFIC IS SLOWING DOWN. WHILE THE CAR IS AT STEADY SPEED, AT 20 - 40 MPH THE CAR JERKS AS I'M TRYING TO MAINTAIN WITH THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. MY CAR HAS HAD ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND MECHANICS HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO IDENTIFY OR REMEDY THE ISSUE. MY LAST TWO INCIDENTS WERE 8/21/19 FREEWAY WHILE IN THE FAST LANE NEXT TO THE CARPOOL LANE AND NOW 8/29 ON CITY STREET. I ALSO EXPERIENCED THIS ON MARCH 3,2019 (HAD A FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT WHICH STILL DID NOT REMEDY THE ISSUE)
Mileage: 100,000
I WAS DRIVING YESTERDAY AND AS I CAME TO A RED LIGHT THE CAR DIED AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, I WAS ABLE TO START IT BACK AND HAD NO PROBLEMS. TONIGHT I WAS IN THE INTERSTATE AT ABOUT 70-75 MPH CAR LOST POWER AND ENGINE MADE TERRIBLE KNOCKING SOUND.
Mileage: 134,000
UPON ACCELERATION THE MOTOR SEIZED AND STARTED SMOKING. I HAD TO QUICKLY APPLY THE BRAKES AND GET OFF THE INTERSTATE DUE TO AN 18 WHEELER BEING RIGHT BEHIND ME.
Mileage: 150,000
ON AUG 2ND I WAS DRIVING THRU UTAH ON MY WAY TO TN. I CAR STARTING HAVING SOME SPUTTERING/HESITATION ISSUES WHEN GOING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. I THERE WAS NO WARRING ON MY INSTRUMENTAL PANEL. ALL ELECTRONICS (AC, RADIO, ETC) WERE WORKING FINE. I CONTINUED ON AND SHORTLY THERE AFTER MY CAR STARTED NOT ACCELERATING AT ALL WHILE DRIVING DOWN A MAJOR FREEWAY. I HAD NO POWER AT ALL. STILL NO WARRING ON THE PANEL. I MANAGED TO GET OFF THE FREEWAY AND BARELY MADE IT TO A SIDE STREET NEAR A GAS STATION. I WAS ALMOST HIT DUE TO THE FACT I COULDN'T ACCELERATE MY CAR. I PRELIMINARY INSPECTION OF THE CAR BY A MECHANIC REVELED THAT I HAD A BLOWN MOTOR. I GOT IT TOWED FROM THE MECH SHOP TO THE DEALERSHIP, AND BEGAN WORKING WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS. AT PRESENT I AM BEING TOLD THAT THIS IS A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND NOT PART OF KIA'S MOTOR ISSUES. HOWEVER I ALWAYS GET MY OIL CHANGED WITH FULL SYNTHETIC OIL AND A KIA OIL FILTER. THIS IS DONE ABOUT EVERY 5K MILES. ADDITIONALLY I HAD KIA DO THE 90K MILE RECOMMENDED SERVICE ON THE CAR. THIS IS NOT A MAINTENANCE ISSUE AND SO FAR KIA HAS REFUSED TO FIX OR ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR POOR MANUFACTURING OF THIS TURBO GDI MOTOR.
Mileage: 114,000
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND THE CAR STARTED ACTING FUNNY. IT SAID TO PULL OVER AND STOP DRIVING. IT WAS A VERY HOT AND HUMID DAY AND WE THOUGHT THE MOTOR WAS JUST HOT. WE STARTED GOING AGAIN AND IT SEEMED OKAY. WE MADE IT TO OUR DESTINATION OKAY WE DROVE GOING HOME THE ENGINE STARTED ACTING UP WE DIDN'T MAKE IT HOME WE HAD TO GET A TOW TRUCK , THE MOTOR HAD DIED..
Mileage: 45,797
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO DECELERATE BEFORE IT BEGAN TO RESUME NORMAL DRIVING. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO PERSIST THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE DRIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT CALLED VALLEY HI TOYOTA (14612 VALLEY CENTER DR, VICTORVILLE, CA 92395, (760) 241-6484), BUT THE DEALER HAD YET TO RESPOND DESPITE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE VEHICLE SERVICED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE HIS VEHICLE TOWED AND SERVICED AT THE DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS) AND 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR AS THE RECALL NOTICE WAS RECEIVED OVER A YEAR AGO. GERVAIS KIA (6 INDUSTRIAL AVE, LOWELL, MA 01851, (978) 454-1202) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED SEVERAL TIMES AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED AN ABNORMAL CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT HAD TO VEER TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD TO TURN THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE TO RESUME NORMAL OPERATION. ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE DEALER UPDATED THE ENGINE MODULE SOFTWARE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13157669. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 80,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 80,000
WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID SLOWED DOWN TO 45MPH AND ENGINE STARTED TO MAKE NOISES. THIS CAME WITH NO MECHANICAL WARNING, NO "CHECK ENGINE SOON" OR OTHER WARNING LIGHTS, AND HAD BEEN DRIVING PERFECTLY BEFORE IT WAS PARKED. CHECKED OIL AND OIL LEVEL WAS PERFECT. CALLED MECHANIC AND HE ASKED ME TO TAKE A CLOSE LOOK AT OIL. OIL HAD SMALL SHINY METAL SHAVINGS ON STICK THAT TRANSFERRED TO FINGERS WHEN RUBBED. HAD CAR TOWED OVER 30 MILES TO NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS DIAGNOSED WITH "ENGINE FAILURE" DUE TO ROD END BEARINGS. I AM THE 2ND OWNER OF THIS CAR THE I BOUGHT FROM A MASTER MECHANIC AT A LEXUS DEALERSHIP. WE ARE VERY METICULOUS AND TAKE VERY GOOD CARE OF OUR VEHICLES. THIS IS NOT A OWNER PROBLEM. DEALERSHIP WANTS $10,000 FOR A NEW MOTOR, $4,000 FOR A USED (ALTHOUGH THERE ARE NONE CURRENTLY B/C THERE IS A SHORTAGE), OR $6,000 TO REBUILD CURRENT MOTOR. SERVICE MANAGER WAS "SURPRISED" TO HEAR ABOUT THE METAL FLAKES AS THEY DIDN'T SEE THAT DURING THE DIAGNOSES. BOTH KIA DEALER AND KIA CORP ARE STANDING BEHIND THE NO RECALL ON HYBRIDS. SAID ALTHOUGH THE ENGINE IS THE SAME, THEY WERE MADE IN DIFFERENT FACTORIES, BUT COULD HAVE SHARED THE SAME PARTS. SERVICE MANAGER STATED, "YOU HAVE A LOT OF MILES ON THIS CAR"......146K.......I MEAN, IF I CAN NOT TRUST TO GET 150K OUT OF A KIA WHY WOULD I EVER WANT TO PURCHASE ONE AGAIN??? I ASKED HIM TO EXPLAIN HOW THIS COULD HAPPEN AND HIS RESPONSE WAS, "IT IS A MECHANICAL PIECE OF EQUIPMENT". KIA NEEDS TO STOP PUTTING BLAME ON ITS OWNERS AND TAKE RESPONSIBILITY OF THEIR FAULTILY ENGINES FOR THE HYBRIDS AS THEY HAVE ON THE NON-HYBRID MODELS. THERE ARE TOO MANY OTHER COMPLAINS HAVING THE SAME RESULTS AND STORIES FOR THIS TO BE AN OWNER PROBLEM. IT HAS BEEN A MONTH NOW, AND NO ONE IS BUDGING.
Mileage: 146,000
I HAVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. DROVE GREAT AT FIRST NOW THE CAR IS OFF AND ON.. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR LUNGES OFTEN AND AS OTHERS HAVE SAID THERE IS A DELAY 2 SECOND FROM PRESSING THE GAS TO THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATING. THE CAR ALSO LOSES POWER WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I'VE NOTICED THE ENGINE WILL NOT CHARGE THE HYBRID BATTERY WHEN IT IS GETTING LOW AND THE CAR BECOME IMMOBILIZED UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. I HAVE HAD DASH LIGHTS ONLY APPEAR ONCE AND WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY WERE UNABLE TO FIND THE CAUSE. THIS ISSUE IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO MYSELF AND OTHERS. ATTACHED ARE A FEW PICTURES YOU CAN SEE THE HYBRID BATTERY HAD 1 BAR IT APPEARS TO BE CHARGING BUT THEN GOES TO 0 BARS BECAUSE THE BATTERY IS TRYING TO POWER THE CAR WHILE ONLY THE ENGINE SHOULD.
Mileage: 90,000
CAR MAKES A HUMMING NOISE WHEN GOING 20 TO 40 MPH
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED ON ITS OWN. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS RELEASED AND DEPRESSED AGAIN, THE VEHICLE WOULD ACCELERATE NORMALLY. IN ADDITION, WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO RATTLE, THE OIL WARNING INDICATOR FLICKERED, AND THE REAR BRAKE LIGHTS WOULD REMAIN ILLUMINATED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ATLANTA WEST KIA (LOCATED AT 1301 THORNTON RD, LITHIA SPRING, GA 30122, (678) 715-5399) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Mileage: 166,000
MY CAR STOPPED RUNNING AT A LARGE INTERSECTION. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE MY ASE CERTIFIED MECHANIC SHOP WHOM I HAD USED BEFORE. THE LEAD TECHNICIAN SAID THE VARIABLE VALVE TIMING SOLENOID IS FULL OF METAL AND IT SOUNDS LIKE MOTOR IS FROZE UP. THE CAR WILL NOT RUN.
Mileage: 114,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. MYRTLE BEACH KIA (4811 US-501, MYRTLE BEACH, SC 29579, 843-444-8000) DIAGNOSED THAT THE MOTOR SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED YET. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), ALTHOUGH THE FAILURE WAS SIMILAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE GOING ABOUT 80MPH. THE ENGINE SEIZED AND ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE DASHBOARD. CAR LOST POWER AND HAD TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND USE THE EMERGENCY BREAK TO STOP. TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR RIGHT AFTER HEARD CLICKING NOISES LIKE THE CAR WAS TRYING TO TURN OVER. AFTER WAITING ABOUT 20MINS I TRIED RESTARTING AGAIN ITS STARTED WITHOUT ISSUE. AND I CONTINUED TO DRIVE TO MY DESTINATION. THE NEXT DAY DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AGAIN I TRIED ACCELERATING TO ABOUT 60MPH AND THE ENGINE STALLED AND I HEARD KNOCKING NOISES COMING FROM IT IMMEDIATELY. PULLED OVER AND GOT IT TOWED FROM THERE. PRIOR TO THIS I NEVER EXPERIENCED ANY ENGINE ISSUES AND NEVER HAD THE ENGINE LIGHTS COME ON. CAR ONLY HAS 44K MILES.
Mileage: 44,000
STATIONARY AT STOP LIGHT AND ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, THEN ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE CONSOLE CAME ON AND CAR DIED. IMMEDIATELY WHITE SMOKE CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON ALL SIDES OF THE CAR WITH A CHEMICAL BURNING SMELL. SMOKE CONTINUED FROM UNDER THE HOOD APPROXIMATELY 3-5 MINUTES.
Mileage: 108,000
HAVE TO PUT OIL IN MY CAR EVERY 300 MILES. CAR IS BURNING OIL EXTREMELY FAST. AFRAID THAT THE ENGINE MAY SEIZE WHILE DRIVING. HAS BEEN THAT WAY EVERY SINCE MY PURCHASE IN APRIL OF 2018.
Mileage: 146,000
IN 2017 WE HAD THE KIA TOWED TO SELMA KIA MOTORS BECAUSE OF THE RECALL OF THE ENGINE,BECAUSE OF SHAVING IN THE ENGINE AND OUR TURBO WENT OUT AND WAS BURNING.THE CAR STOP ON US IN TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET WE COULD OF DIED THAT DAY. THEY HAD TO ORDER THE ENGINE WHICH TOOK TWO MONTHS. THEY FINELY PUT THE NEW ENGINE IN. APRIL 2019 THE SAME THING HAPPEN AGAIN, THEY TOLD US THERE WAS SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE ONCE AGAIN AND THE TURBO WAS OUT ALSO, THAT WAS ANOTHER DEFECTED ENGINE. THEY ALSO TOLD US WE HAD ANOTHER 10 YEAR WARRANTY ON THIS ENGINE BECAUSE IT WAS NEW. WELL THEY CALLED US AND SAID THAT THE CORPORATE OFFICE IN IRVINE TOLD KIA IN SELMA NOT TO FOX THIS CAR. WHAT IRVINE CORPORATEOFFICETRIED TO DO TO US WAS BLACK MAIL US,THEY SAID IF THE GIVE US $12 HUNDRED DALLAS THAT WE CANT GO TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL,THE MANUFACTURING PLANT,TV OR ANY OTHER CONSUMER DEPARTMENT. WE REFUSE, THIS TYPE OF THING GOING ON. PEOPLE LIVES OR BEING TAKING BECAUSE OF THIS DEFECTED CAR. WE PAID $30,000 DALLAS FOR THAT CAR, THAT'S CLEARLY A DEFECT CAR. WE CONTACTED THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OFFICE ONCE AGAIN AND 20/20. IT SEEM KNOW MATTER WHAT THERE IS NO HELP OUT HERE FOR THE HARD WORKING CONSUMER I'M A VETERAN ALSO, THIS IS HOW THE COUNTRY TREAT US WE FOUGHT FOR THIS COUNTRY. I NEED YOUR INPUT ON THIS SITUATION AS ASAP. SINCERELY, [XXX] REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *CC *TR
Mileage: 50,000
MY CAR HAS TWO RECALLS AND THE CAR STOP UNSTABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, WHEN HE SAW AND SMELLED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT STATED HE WAS ABLE TO PARK THE VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED HE OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW FIRE ON THE OIL CAP. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CONTACTED AND FILED A REPORT. THE CONTACT STATED HE SAW A GASOLINE LEAK ON THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED GRAND KIA LOCATED AT 1950 W 104TH AVE, DENVER, CO 80234, (720) 943-1144, WERE NOTIFIED OF FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 154,000.
Mileage: 154,000
ENGINE IS MAKING KNOCKING SOUND. SOUNDS LIKE PISTON. IT'S A 2012 AND KEEPING UP WITH OIL CHANGES AND TENDER LOVING CARE. IT'S 7 YEARS OLD THERE'S NO REASON THE ENGINE SHOULD BE KNOCKING AND TURNING OFF IN THE HIGH WAY AT SPEED 65 MPH WITH MY CHILDREN IN IT. I AM VERY MAD THIS SHOULD BE TAKEN CARE FOR FREE (XXXXXX) PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Mileage: 135,263
MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA SX-TGI IS IN 'LIMP HOME MODE' DUE TO A SENSOR IN THE ENGINE THAT DETECTS SOME SORT OF ENGINE PROBLEM. BUT IT'S NOT SPECIFIC ON WHAT IT IS. NOW MY WIFE CANNOT IS HER CAR THAT SHE HAS HAD ONLY FOR A FEW YEARS. IT HAS ALREADY HAD TWO MANUFACTURER RECALL REPAIRS AND NOW I FEEL LIKE THERE IS ANOTHER DEFECT THAT IS EXPLAINED IN A FEW ARTICLES ONLINE WHERE THE ENGINES HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE. AND THIS 'LIMP HOME MODE' ALLOWS THE DRIVER TO DRIVE FOR A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME AT LOW SPEEDS TO KEEP FROM FURTHER DAMAGE. THESE ENGINES WERE REPLACED ON KIA'S LIKE MINE THAT WERE MANUFACTURED WITHIN A CERTAIN TIME FRAME. PLEASE BE AWARE IT'S A VERY SCARY MATTER.
Mileage: 85,000
WHEN I WAS DRIVING SUDDENLY I HEARD KNOCKED NOISE FROM ENGINE AND NOISE GOT HIGH AND HIGH. I CAME HOME AND I DIDN'T DRIVE IT MY OIL LEVEL AND CONDITION WAS GOOD
Mileage: 87,800
MY STARTER WOULD NOT TURN OVER TO START MY CAR AFTER DRIVING IT. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION I COULDN'T RESTART THE CAR AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I HAD 2 STARTERS PUT IN THINKING THAT WAS THE ISSUE AND AFTER THE 2ND STARTER WAS INSTALLED THE CAR STILL HAD SMOKE. THE ELECTRICAL WIRES WERE BURNT AND BURNING AND THE CAR STILL WILL NOT START.
Mileage: 162,000
THETA II ENGINE FAILURE WHILE DRIVING AT HIGH SPEEDS (50-65MPH) THE ENGINE BEGAN TO MAKE A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. SOON AFTER, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AS WELL AS THE OIL LIGHT. I DID PULL OVER AND CONTACT MY LOCAL KIA DEALER AND WAS ADVISED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. UPON INSPECTION I WAS ADVISED THE VEHICLE NEEDING A NEW ENGINE. IT HAD BEARING DAMAGE DUE TO METAL SHAVINGS... SURPRISINGLY 3 MONTHS AGO THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INSPECTED FOR METAL DEBRIS / ENGINE BEARING FAILURE AND NO ISSUES WERE FOUND BY THE SAME LOCAL KIA DEALER.
Mileage: 75,000
TAKATA RECALL, I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE AND WHEN I WENT TO SPEED UP THE ENGINE SEIZED, CAUSING ME TO PULL OVER IN THE BREAK DOWN LANE ON THE HIGHWAY AND TURN THE VEHICLE OFF COMPLETELY AND WHEN I TRIED TO TURN THE VEHICLE BACK ON IT WOULD NOT FULLY TURN BACK ON, ALL THE LIGHTS IN THE VEHICLE STARTED FLICKERING, I TRIED JUMPING MY CAR AND IT DID NOT WORK I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALER
Mileage: 136,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, WHITE SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STONES KIA (1222 N WOODRUFF AVE, IDAHO FALLS, ID 83401, (208) 524-2400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REBUILT IN 2015. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED DUE TO THE ENGINE PREVIOUSLY BEING REBUILT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000.
Mileage: 90,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED OIL LEAKING FROM UNDERNEATH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF DES MOINES (LOCATED AT 4475 MERLE HAY RD, DES MOINES, IA 50310, (515) 270-0706) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE OIL FEED LINE THAT ENTERED THE TURBO NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 61,000.
Mileage: 61,000
I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE ON THE BELTWAY 495 IN MARYLAND AND THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP WITHOUT ANY WARNING ON THE DASH. I ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE BUT IT WOULDN'T START. I CHECK THE MOTOR, CHECKING THE OIL STICK SHOWING THAT THE VEHICLE HAD NO OIL IN IT. I NEVER RECEIVED A WARNING LIGHT ABOUT LOW OIL OR ANYTHING WAS WRONG. I HAD MY COUSIN BRING ME SOME OIL. I PUT FOUR CANS OF OIL IN THE VEHICLE AND IT STILL WOULDN'T START. I HAD TO GET THE VEHICLE TAKEN OFF THE HIGHWAY TO MY COUSINS HOUSE NEAR BY. I PURCHASED A NEW BATTERY THINKING THAT WAS NOW THE PROBLEM. THE STARTED TO TURN OVER BUT WOULDN'T START. THE NEXT DAY I CONNECTED A CHECK ENGINE MACHINE TO THE CAR, A ACTRON AUTO SCANNER #CP 9575BUT NO CODES APPEARED. A FRIEND WHO IN THE PAST RACED CARS CHECK THE MOTOR FROM THE ATTEMPTING TO START AND STATED IT WAS THE BEARING IN THE ENGINE. IT WOULD START AND AGAIN I HAD NO WARNING LIGHTS ABOUT THE OIL OR ENGINE BEFORE THE PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE. I CHECKED THE COMPUTER AN FOUNDED OUT THAT OTHER KIA'S HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITH THE WARNING LIGHTS NOT COMING ON TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT THE OIL WAS LOW. KIA HAD A PROBLEM WITH OTHER VEHICLES 2012-2017 NOT SHOWING A WARNING LIGHT ON THE DASH.
Mileage: 108,600
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK FROM SIDE TO SIDE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS SMOKE APPEARED FROM THE ENGINE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT RESTART AND WAS TOWED HOME. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 172,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
Mileage: 172,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE LEAKED OIL AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SHOTTENKIRK KIA OF WEST BURLINGTON (309 SOUTH GEAR AVENUE, WEST BURLINGTON, IA 52655, (319) 249-6627) AND THE OIL FILTER WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE ENGINE IF IT FAILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 137,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 137,000
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY IN THE STATE OF UTAH. I WAS GOING 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR STARTED SHAKING, FOLLOWED BY A STALL ON THE ENGINE THAT FORCED ME TO SLOW DOWN AND PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT HAPPENED BUT I HEARD CRACKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. NOW THE CAR WON'T TURN ON.
Mileage: 172,000
CAR SEEMS LIKE IS BURNING OIL AND ALSO OIL LEVEL IS GOING DOWN PRETTY QUICKLY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY. A MILE DOWN THE ROAD, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 185,000.
Mileage: 185,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE AND THERE WAS EXTREMELY POOR VISIBILITY. ALSO, THE OIL LIGHT RANDOMLY ILLUMINATED SEVERAL TIMES. THE DEALER (OSSETT KIA SOUTH, 2680 MT MORIAH RD, MEMPHIS, TN 38115, (901) 328-8173) WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLIES MORE THAN FIVE TIMES, BUT THE VISIBILITY WAS STILL POOR. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED AN ABNORMAL ODOR IN THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT WITHOUT THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED WITHOUT THE PART BEING REPLACED. THE FAN ALSO FAILED TO FUNCTION, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT REMEDIED. THE DEALER ALSO PERFORMED A REPAIR PER AN UNKNOWN RECALL REGARDING THE STEERING; HOWEVER, THE REMEDY FAILED TO PROVIDE A SOLUTION FOR THE STEERING COUPLER AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS NO LONGER STRAIGHT. ALSO, THE SUN ROOF AND MOON ROOF GLASS HAD A CRACK GOING DOWN TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WHERE IT MET THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS ALSO AN ABNORMAL NOISE PROGRESSING DUE TO THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE STEERING FAILURE, HEADLIGHT FAILURE, AND MOISTURE IN THE REAR CAMERA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SHOOK AND THE CHECK ENGINE, LOW BATTERY, OIL, AND ELECTRIC POWER SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED ALL AT ONCE. THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER AND WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT WAITED APPROXIMATELY FOUR MINUTES AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE; HOWEVER, IT CRANKED, BUT DID NOT START. THE VEHICLE WAS LEFT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000.
Mileage: 112,000
DRIVING HOME ON HIGHWAY ABOUT 70MPH AND ENGINE JUST STOPPED. VEHICLE WAS IN DRIVE, BUT COASTING. GOT TO SHOULDER. PUT CAR IN PARK, ENGINE WOULD NOT TURN OVER. CALLED TOW, THEN NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM HOOD. HUNG UP, CALLED 911 FOR POSSIBLE FIRE. AFTER HANGING UP WITH 911, SMOKE BEGAN COMING THROUGH VENTS. GOT OUT OF CAR, SAW SOME FLAMES THROUGH GRILL, CALLED 911 BACK AND TOLD WAS DEFINITELY ON FIRE AND WITH MINS ENTIRE ENGINE BAY WAS ENGULFED. CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS.
Mileage: 137,000
ENGINE SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING 02/23/2019 6:05 PM PST ENGINE/VEHICLE MILEAGE: 151,409 FUEL/GAS GAUGE SHOWS ONE QUARTER FULL WHILE WAITING AT A TRAFFIC SIGNAL (VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY STOPPED AND ENGINE IDLING) ON A CITY STREET, ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITHOUT ANY WARNING(S). FIRST TIME EVER HAPPENED. ALL MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS COMPLETED BY A KIA DEALER.
Mileage: 151,409
DRIVING VEHICLE AND ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING , DID NOT HAVE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND VEHICLE WAS NOT OVER HEATING . VEHICLE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITH NO WARNING ON I-10 -EXIT 505 KERRIVILLE TEXAS AND THICK SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. NEVER HAVE HAD ANY ISSUES WITH VEHICLE AND DID PERSONAL OIL CHANGES.
Mileage: 127,367
ON JANUARY 24, 2019, MY CAR HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHAKERS KIA IN WATERTOWN CT AGAIN. I HAD BEEN IN CT VISITING FAMILY WHEN I GOT STUCK THERE DUE TO CAR ISSUES. I DROPPED MY CAR OFF DECEMBER 7, 2018 FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT DUE TO A RECALL AND I GOT IT BACK DECEMBER 31, 2018. I DROVE MY CAR HOME TO NC ON JANUARY 4, 2019 AND CAME BACK 2 WEEKS LATER FOR MY SON'S SURGERY SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 23. ON JANUARY 22, THREE WEEKS AFTER I GOT MY CAR BACK, MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE WHILE DRIVING AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO SHAKERS KIA. THEY TEXTED ME AT 9:08AM JANUARY 23 WITH A LINK TO A VIDEO SAYING MY CAR WAS READY. I PICKED IT UP AROUND 5PM AFTER MY SON'S SURGERY. I DIDN'T HAVE THE CAR 4 HOURS WHEN IT DID THE SAME THING AGAIN AND HAD TO BE TOWED. SHAKERS TOLD ME THAT I WAS GONNA BE RESPONSIBLE FOR REPLACING MY THROTTLE BODY BECAUSE I STILL HAVE OLD COMPONENTS FROM MY OLD ENGINE AND MY THROTTLE BODY WAS PART OF THAT. I DIDN'T UNDERSTAND HOW I HAVE OLD COMPONENTS IF MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED, SO I CALLED KIA HEADQUARTERS. SHAKERS REPLACED MY THROTTLE BODY, NO COST TO ME. WELL, WHEN I PICKED MY CAR UP ON JANUARY 30, I ASKED ABOUT THE FUEL LEAK RECALL AND IF MY CAR WAS INSPECTED AS KIA TOLD SHAKERS TO CHECK MINES EVEN THOUGH MY VIN NUMBER WASN'T INCLUDED BECAUSE MY CAR NEEDED TO BE CHECKED BECAUSE MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED DUE TO THE RECALL. I WAS TOLD BY THE TECHNICIAN HECTOR THAT MY CAR WAS FINE AND IT DIDN'T NEED TO BE INSPECTED BECAUSE HE WAS VERY CONFIDENT IN HIS WORK. HE STATED THAT PEOPLE WERE HAVING ENGINE FIRES BECAUSE MECHANICS DON'T KNOW WHAT THEY'RE DOING AND ARE INSTALLING THE ENGINES WRONG. MY CAR DOESN'T RUN THE SAME AFTER HAVING MY ENGINE REPLACED. IT RUNS AND IDLES ROUGH. I PUT IN NUMEROUS CALLS TO KIA ABOUT ISSUES WITH MY CAR AND I'M TOLD OVER AND OVER AGAIN THAT MY CASE MANAGER WILL CALL ME BUT IT'S BEEN WEEKS AND SHE HASN'T CALLED YET.
Mileage: 123,198
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE REVERSING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE BECAME STUCK IN A PATCH OF SNOW. WHEN THE CONTACT BEGAN MOVING THE VEHICLE BACK AND FORTH TO FREE THE VEHICLE, IT CAUGHT FIRE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO DON FRANKLIN SOMERSET KIA (60 HIGHWAY 2227, SOMERSET, KY 42503, (606) 679-1177) TO BE REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE VEHICLE STALLED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THE ALTERNATOR, BATTERY FUSE, AND BATTERY WERE REPLACED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURES PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 127,000.
Mileage: 127,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. CONTACT NOTICED CAR WAS MAKING A WEIRD SOUND, CONSUMER'S CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED EVERY TIME CONTACT PRESSED THE GAS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE HAD NOT BEEN ANY FAILURES WITH THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS SERVICED FOR PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). WITHIN WEEKS OF THE VEHICLE BEING SERVICED, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, THE VEHICLE WAS IN A LIMP MODE AND IT FAILED TO OPERATE OVER 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SHAKER'S KIA (1230 MAIN ST, WATERTOWN, CT 06795, (860) 417-0900) WHERE IT REMAINED FOR OVER A MONTH. THE DEALER PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT INFORMED THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER NUMEROUS TIMES THAT THE REMEDY FAILED TO PROVIDE A PERMANENT REMEDY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS RETRIEVED BY THE CONTACT AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AGAIN AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE AT ALL WHEN THE GAS PEDAL WAS PRESSED. ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH OLD ENGINE COMPONENTS LIKE THE SENSOR, THROTTLE BODY, ETC. THE DEALER ADVISED DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AS A TEMPORARY REMEDY AND STATED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY MAY NEED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE THE WIRING PENS WERE WET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Mileage: 121,427
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR IN UNION NJ ON SEPTEMBER 25 2018. I WAS ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY NEXT PASSENGER DOING UBER. WHEN I GET TO THE STOP LIGHT LESS THAN A MILE AWAY FROM THE CUSTOMER I START SEEN SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD OF THE CAR. I ACCELERATE THE CAR SO I CAN LOOK FOR A SAFE SPOT TO GET OUT AND INSPECT THE VEHICLE. I TOOK A RIGHT INTO THE SCHOOL PARKING LOT AND WHEN I CAME OUT THE VEHICLE THE CAR WAS ON FIRE! THERE WAS A POLICE OFFICER MINUTES WITHIN THE CAR CATCHING ON FIRE AND CALLED THE FIREFIGHTERS. POLICE CALLED BACK UP AND ANOTHER PATROL OFFICER CAME. FIREFIGHTERS CAME IN ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND TURNED THE FIRE OFF. THE VEHICLE IN TOTALED, EVERYTHING IN THE ENGINE BAY BURNED. THE POLICE CALLED A TOWING COMPANY AND SETON TOWING INC CAME AND TOOK THE CAR.
Mileage: 43,000
I'VE BEEN MAINTAINING THE HEALTH OF MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA EX SINCE I PURCHASED IN 2014 LIKE CLOCKWORK. LAST MONTH, I EXPERIENCED ALL THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON WHILE IN MOTION ON CITY ROADS AND I WAS UNABLE TO USE THE GAS PEDAL. I FRANTICALLY PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN TRIED TO START IT, ONLY TO BE MET WITH A WEIRD SOUND AND A CLOUD OF SMOKE FROM THE HOOD. MY STARTER WAS FRIED, ACCORDING TO MY MECHANIC. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY MECHANIC AND WHEN HE CHANGED THE STARTER, THE NEW STARTER BURNED AGAIN AS WELL AS THE ENGINE LOCKED UP/SEIZED. AFTER FINDING OUT A RECALL (SC147) WAS ACTIVE AT THE TIME, I CALLED KIA CONSUMER ASSISTANCE AND THEY REPLACED THE ENGINE ISSUES AFTER CONFIRMING THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. ONCE I PICKED MY CAR UP, I NOTICED THE CAR WAS STARTING UP IN AN ODD MANNER BUT THOUGHT IT WAS DUE TO THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT. ABOUT 3-4 DAYS LATER, MY CAR DID THE EXACT SAME THING AS THE FIRST TIME (SAME SMELL, SOUND, AND SMOKE CLOUD BUT LUCKILY I WAS PARKED AT THE TIME). I ASSUMED THE STARTER WOULD BE A PART OF THE RECALL SINCE IT BROKE DOWN THE EXACT SAME TIME AS THE RECALLED ENGINE, I TOOK THE CAR BACK TO KIA, WHO TOLD ME THEY WOULDN'T PAY FOR A NEW STARTER EVEN THOUGH THE ENGINE RECALL CAUSED IT TO BURN UP IN THE FIRST PLACE AND IS CONSIDERED A COMPONENT OF THE ENGINE. I CONTACTED KIA CONSUMER AGAIN AND THE CASE WAS GIVEN TO AN ESCALATION MANAGER. I HAD TO SPEAK TO ABOUT 8 DIFFERENT AGENTS AND PUT AN EMAIL IN ACTION TO HER SUPERVISOR TO GET HER TO EVEN CONTACT ME ON THIS ISSUE. IT TOOK HER ALMOST A FULL MONTH TO CONTACT AND TELL ME KIA IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE STARTER. I'M CONFUSED AS TO WHY IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE I'VE NEVER HAD AN ISSUE WITH MY STARTER UNTIL THE ENGINE FAILED. I AM AT A LOSS AS TO WHAT I NEED TO DO TO GET KIA TO SEE WHO IS REALLY AT FAULT. MY MECHANIC ALSO STATED THIS IS THE 1ST TIME HE'S EVER SEEN THOSE 2 PARTS BREAK SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Mileage: 83,000
IN NOVEMBER 2017 I CONTINUOUSLY TOOK MY VEHICLE BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALERSHIP DUE TO MY VEHICLE NOT STARTED, AND/OR NEEDING A JUMP. JIM MARSH KIA HAD ME REPLACE MY BATTERY AFTER 6 WEEKS OF COMPLAINTS AND COMPLICATIONS. ONLY FOR A WEEK LATER TO HAVE ME AND MY KIDS LIFE AT RISK, HEADING SOUTH BOUND ON I-15 MY CAR FLASHED A WARNING SIGN STATING DO NOT START ENGINE HYBRID BATTERY UNDETECTED AND SHUT OFF WHILE A SEMI TRUCK WAS BEHIND US. BY THE GRACE OF GOD I WAS GOING DOWN HILL SO I SWERVED TO THE SIDE OF THE DESSERT AND ROAD TO SPARE OUR LIVES. JUST TO HAVE KIA TELL ME 4-5 DIFFERENT EXCUSES AS TO WHY MY ENGINE FAILED.
Mileage: 10,900
BRAKE SWITCH RECALLED ON 2011 MODELS, BUT MY 2012 WILL NOT START MOSTLY WHEN IT GETS COLD OUTSIDE, BRAKE PEDAL STIFFENS AND WONT DECOMPRESS FOR ENGINE TO START, PUSH BUTTN WONT START CAR BRAKE LIGHTS DONT WORK. VEHICLE WILL LEAVE STRANDED WITHOUT WARNING. IT WILL WORK AND THEN NOT WORK, INTERMITTEN.
Mileage: 3,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE EXTINGUISHED ON ITS OWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED INVESTIGATION NUMBER: DP18003. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 92,000.
Mileage: 92,000
I HAVE A 2012 KIA OPTIMA SX. I BROUGHT IT IN FOR THE ENGINE RECALL THE DEALER SAID IT PASSED NO NEED TO FIX. A MONTH LATER I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN CAR GAUGES WENT CRAZY AND ENGINE SEIZED. I SAW SMOKE AND POPPED THE HOOD. I THAN SAW A FIRE IGNITE INSIDE THE ENGINE. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED THE WHOLE FRONT END OF CAR WAS BURNT UP. I SEE THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUE WITH KIA VEHICLES STARTING ON FIRE FOR NO REASON.
Mileage: 88,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER, TURNED OFF THE ENGINE, AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. SECONDS LATER, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
"TAKATA RECALL"WHILE DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY I NOTICE NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT. I'VE HAD PROBLEM WITH THIS SAME THING SINCE 2012, FIRST THE STRING IT WOULD PULL LEFT AND RIGHT ON ITS OWN WHILE DRIVE STRAIGHT. KIA SAID THEY WOULD FIX IT. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THIS PROBLEM,NOW MY RACK AND PINION IS BROKEN,AND THAT'S BECAUSE KIA REFUSE TO FIX THAT PROBLEM BACK IN 2012 WITH THE STRING. KIA SENT US A SETTLEMENT LETTER , WHICH STATES THEY WILL PAID US $531.95 BY MEANS OF A CHECK, IT STATES IT IS UNDERSTOOD AND AGREED THAT THIS SETTLEMENT IS A COMPROMISE OF DISPUTED CLAIMS AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE, AN ADMISSION OF LIABILITY ON THE PART OF KIA. WE DID NOT SING THAT LETTER BECAUSE KIA CARS ARE NO GOOD! AND THERE HAS BEEN RECALLS SINCE THAT LETTER WAS SENT. THEY TRIED TO BLACK MAIL US WE DIDN'T FALL FOR THE SCAM. THE COMPANY KNOW THIS CAR IS NO GOOD. IF YOU NEED THAT LETTER SENT TO YOU I CAN DO THAT TO. SOMEONE COULD DIE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM ITS DANGEROUS,I WORK IN THE MOUNTAINS THIS PROBLEM NEEDS FIXING NOW NOT LATER NOW!!!. SINCERELY, NEED THIS PROBLEM FIX *TR
Mileage: 500
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. PALM SPRINGS KIA (LOCATED AT 68130 KYLE RD, CATHEDRAL CITY, CA 92234, (760) 844-7200) WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 125,725.
Mileage: 125,725
2012 KIA OPTIMA SX. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE FAILURE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE FILLED WITH SMOKE AND THE DASHBOARD SET ON FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS A TOTAL LOSS. *JS
ON DECEMBER 9, 2018, I ATTENDED MY SON'S SOCCER TOURNAMENT ON A COLD SUNDAY AFTERNOON (APPROX. 30 DEGREES). DURING HALF-TIME I DECIDED TO SIT IN MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA TO WARM UP. AFTER 10 MINUTES OR SO, I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING LIKE THE SMELL OF A BURNING ENGINE. I THEN NOTICED GREYISH BLACKISH SMOKE COMING OUT FROM THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE WHICH QUICKLY TURNED INTO FLAMES. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT MY CAR OFF AND BARELY EXITED THE VEHICLE IN TIME. THE ENTIRE BOTTOM OF THE DRIVER'S DOOR, DRIVER'S FRONT WHEEL AND HOOD WAS ON FIRE. WITHIN A MATTER OF MINUTES, MY ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT I GOT A BRAND NEW ENGINE (SO THEY SAY) INSTALLED BY KIA JUST 8 MONTHS AGO DUE TO THE RECALL. THE CAR HAD BEEN MAKING A HORRIBLE NOISE SO I TOOK IT TO KIA AND THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY ENGINE WAS BAD AND PART OF A RECALL. THEY ORDERED THE ENGINE AND HAD IT INSTALLED IN A MATTER OF DAYS. ONCE AGAIN THIS WAS JUST 8 MONTHS AGO!! I AM CURRENTLY WORKING WITH MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND THE LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE BLAZE HOWEVER, DUE TO THE SEVERITY OF THE DAMAGES, WE MAY NEVER KNOW WHAT THE TRUE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS IS WHAT WAS TOLD TO ME. KIA NEEDS TO GIVE ME AND THE HUNDREDS OF OTHERS WHO HAVE EXPERIENCE THIS TYPE OF TRAUMA SOME ANSWERS AS TO WHY THIS IS HAPPENING AND HOW THEY PLAN TO RECTIFY THIS SITUATION! THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. I SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SIT IN MY CAR IN 30 DEGREE TEMPERATURES FOR HOURS IF I WANTED WITHOUT IT GOING INTO FLAMES. I AM PLEADING WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY. PLEASE REVIEW ALL OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS BELOW
Mileage: 18,000
ON DECEMBER 10TH, 2018, MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING THE KIA OPTIMA 2012 FROM SAN ANTONIO TO HOUSTON ON I-10 E. AT 4:15 PM CST, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND MULTIPLE OTHER LIGHTS SUDDENLY CAME ON IN THE DISPLAY AND THE CAR SLOWED TO A STOP BEFORE EXIT 591 (SCHERTZ). SHE WAS ABLE TO PULL IT TO THE RIGHT-SIDE CURB OF THE HIGHWAY WHILE THE CAR WAS SLOWING AND IT STOPPED COMPLETELY. SHE TRIED RESTARTING THE CAR A FEW TIMES, IT WOULD NOT START, AND SHE QUICKLY NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE FRONT HOOD SO SHE IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE. SHE THEN CALLED 911 AS THE SMOKE GOT WORSE AND A FEW NEARBY DRIVERS HELPED HER QUICKLY GET AS MUCH OF HER STUFF FROM THE CAR AS POSSIBLE. THEN THEY ALL MOVED ACROSS TO A SAFE PLACE AND WITHIN 10 MINUTES THE CAR HAD CAUGHT ON FIRE (BY 4:25 PM). SEE PICTURES ATTACHED. THE POLICE ARRIVED AND BLOCKED THE HIGHWAY AND AFTER A WHILE THE FIRE TRUCK ARRIVED. IT TOOK SOME TIME TO PUT OUT THE FIRE AS THEY WERE WAITING UNTIL THE HALF TANK OF GAS COMPLETELY BURNED. I HAD A FEW RECALL LETTERS FROM KIA, SO I HAD TAKEN THE CAR ON NOVEMBER 30TH TO THE DEALERSHIP IN CONROE (COWBOY KIA) AND THEY TOOK CARE OF ALL THE RECALLS ' A TOTAL OF 3 ITEMS INCLUDING THE ACU WIRING EXTENSION INSTALLATION. THE DEALER ALSO DID A MULTI-POINT FREE INSPECTION AND REPORTED EVERYTHING WAS IN GOOD CONDITION. THE CAR HAD AROUND 54,000 MILES. I ALSO HAD AN OIL CHANGE RECENTLY ON SEPTEMBER 15TH, 2018.
Mileage: 54,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WERE METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
Mileage: 73,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. FIVE MINUTES LATER, THE VEHICLE BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Mileage: 80,000
WASTE GATE ROD GOES OUT OF CORRECT SPECS CAUSING LOSS OF POWER ON VEHICLE. NOT ABLE TO ACCERLERATE FROM TAKE OFF WHILE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAYS ILLUMINATED
Mileage: 83,457
SXT MODEL 82K MILES. WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND WAS ACCELERATING TO MOVE INTO RIGHT LANE WHEN THE ENGINE CUTOFF. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER LUCKILY WITHOUT GETTING HIT. THE CAR WOULD POWER ON BUT THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AT ALL. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND OIL LIGHT WERE LIT UP. CALLED FOR TOW. THE NEXT MORNING KIA EVALUATED THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING AND TOLD ME IT WAS AFFECTED BY THE ENGINE AND COOLING RECALL 17V224000. I HAD TAKEN MY CAR IN MONTHS PRIOR FOR THE SAME RECALL BUT WAS TOLD THAT I WAS NOT AFFECTED. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS THING TO HAVE HAPPEN TO DRIVERS ESPECIALLY AFTER BEING TOLD YOU ARE NOT AFFECTED.
Mileage: 82,120
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT 65MPH WHEN THE PINGING STARTED. AFTER GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY IT GOT LOUDER AS THE RPM DROPPED. BECOMING LOUDEST AT 3,000-4,000RPM. AT THIS POINT THE PINGING BECAME VERY LOUD. I PULLED OVER TO CONFIRM NOISE COMING FROM ENGINE. ENGINE BECAME ROUGH AS KNOCKING CONTINUED. POWER LOSS ENSUED AND I DROVE THE CAR SEVERAL MILES TO MY MECHANIC. HE CONFIRMED IT WAS A ROD KNOCK. I WAS TOLD A YEAR AGO, AT SAN DIEGO KIA, THAT MY ENGINE WOULD NOT SUFFER THE RECALL ISSUED FOR MY MODEL. THIS WAS A YEAR AGO. MAINTENANCE HAS BEEN KEPT UP WITH AND NO ACCIDENTS HAVE OCCURRED SINCE I ACQUIRED THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 122,652
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND COMPLETELY SHUT OFF. ALSO, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE UNDER THE HOOD WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND THEN TAKEN TO KIA OF GREENVILLE (2424 LAURENS RD, GREENVILLE, SC 29607, (864) 516-2700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. AFTER THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED, FLAMES WERE DETECTED UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A LOCAL TOW LOT AND DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 141,000. *TT VIN IS INVAILD *JB
Mileage: 141,000
DRIVING MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA ON THE HIGHWAY. NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE THEN VISUALLY SAW SMOKE. BEGAN TO PULL OVER AND FLAMES BEGAN TO BILLOW FROM UNDER THE HOOD. THE BRAKES WERE NOT OPERATIONAL. ROLLED TO A STOP AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. CAR WAS FULLY ENGULFED WITHIN A MINUTE.
Mileage: 98,000
MY CAR JUST TURNED OFF WITH SEVERAL FLASHING LIGHTS WHILE DRIVING. I TRIED TO START THE CAR AND NOTHING BUT A SLIGHT TICK. I RETURNED TO THE CAR WITH JUMPER CABLES TO SEE IF IT WAS THE BATTERY AND BEFORE I TRIED THE JUMPER CABLES I TRIED ONE MORE TIME TO START AND THE ENGINEER CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CAR DID NOT TURN OVER OR SEEMED TO BE RUNNING.
Mileage: 120,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED AND COULD NOT BE RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SUPERIOR KIA, 260 W. MITCHELL AVE, CINCINNATI, OH) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS FAULTY. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED AND THE FAILURE WAS REMEDIED. LATER, WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, A LOUD BOOMING NOISE WAS HEARD AND SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE PRESENT COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED INTO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. AFTER EXITING THE VEHICLE, A LOUD EXPLOSION OCCURRED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT DRIVER SUSTAINED A MINOR HEAD INJURY, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE CRASH. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Mileage: 118,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK AND STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. DURING THE FAILURE, A KNOCKING NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE, LIFTED THE HOOD, REMOVED THE OIL CAP, AND NOTICED SMOKE. FURTHERMORE, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ODOR AS SMOKE ESCAPED FROM THE VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. A DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 148,000.
Mileage: 148,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A KNOCKING AND CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO A SAFE AREA. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BY A DEALER OR CERTIFIED MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,600.
Mileage: 120,600
ENGINE SEIZED
Mileage: 65,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE CONTACT NOTICED BLACK SMOKE COMING FROM THE TAIL PIPE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VALUE KIA (6915 ESSINGTON AVE, PHILADELPHIA, PA 19153, 215-937-1000) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE COOLING AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 55,630.
Mileage: 55,630
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE INDICATOR KEPT ILLUMINATING AND AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS UNSURE IF THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) ALTHOUGH THE FAILURES WERE IDENTICAL. MONTHS LATER, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER (DESTINATION KIA, 760 CENTRAL AVE, ALBANY, NY 12206, (518) 478-8036) STATED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
'TAMARA RECALL' I OWED THE VEHICLE FOR NOT EVEN 1 YEAR AFTER FINANCING IT FROM A USED CAR LOT. I DROVE THE VEHICLE FROM MY HOME TOWN COLORADO SPRINGS TO FORT RILEY KS AFTER PURCHASING VEHICLE. THIS IS WHERE I WAS STATIONED. I DROVE FROM FORT RILEY KS TO ALBUQUERQUE NM FOR EASTER IN APRIL 2017 TO VISIT FAMILY. WHEN I RETURNED HOME IT STARTED SHAKING AND MAKING NOISES AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. THE ERROR CODES WERE READ AND INDICATED IT WAS A CYLINDER MISFIRE. THE SAME TIME THIS ISSUE HAPPENED I GOT A RECALL FOR METAL SHAVINGS IN ENGINE CRANKSHAFT. I TOOK VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT FIX THE RECALL UNTIL THE CYLINDER MISFIRE IS FIXED. THEY RECOMMENDED A COMPLETELY NEW ENGINE. IF I BUY A WHOLE NEW ENGINE THEN THEY GET OUT OF DOING THE RECALL. I WAS THEN DEPLOYED TO POLAND FOR 1 YEAR AND RECENTLY RETURNED AND THERE IS STILL NOTHING DONE ABOUT IT. SOUNDS KINDA FISHY TO ME. KIA IS HEATING AROUND THE BUSH. I CAN NOT EVEN DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 100
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 84 W. CAR SUDDENLY CAUGHT ON FIRE OCTOBER 20, 2017. PASSENGER SAW SMOKE FROM FRONT SEAT. DRIVER PULLED-OVER. WE GOT OUT OF CAR. SAW FIRE UNDERNEATH. MOVED AWAY, CAR GRADUALLY BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FILED REPORT IN CONNECTICUT. INCIDENT NUMBER 17-0000359 SANDY HOOK FD FIRE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED. 61,852 MILES
Mileage: 61,852
I DROVE MY VEHICLE HOME FROM WORK (12 MILES), PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY (VEHICLE TURNED OFF, NOT RUNNING) AND WALKED INSIDE. I SAT DOWN AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES I HEARD A LOUD POP, I LOOKED OUTSIDE TO SEE FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. BY THE TIME THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND PUT OUT THE FIRE, THE CAR HAD BURNED TO THE GROUND AND HAD MELTED ALL OF THE SIDING OFF OF THE FRONT OF MY GARAGE.
Mileage: 98,000
WHILE MY FAMILY AND I WERE DRIVING HOME AT A SPEED OF 45MPH WE LOST ENGINE POWER AND BRAKES. UPON THE VEHICLE FINALLY STOPPING, BLACK SMOKE BEGAN TO POUR OUT OF THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. WE IMMEDIATELY EXITED THE VEHICLE AND SAW FLAMES BEGIN TO SPREAD FROM THE ENGINE. WE WERE NOTIFIED BY AN OFF DUTY DEPUTY THAT HE WAS GOING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION WHEN HE SAW US WITH A FIRE UNDERNEATH OUR VEHICLE WHILE STILL MOVING. THE VEHICLE ULTIMATELY WENT UP IN FLAMES ALONG WITH EVERYTHING WE HAD INSIDE.
Mileage: 125,000
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2012. IT IS 6 YEARS OLD. WE WERE NOTIFIED OF AN ENGINE RELATED RECALL IN 2017. WE TOOK THE CAR IN TO GET THE RECALL (S) LOOKED AT (THERE WERE 3 OTHER RECALLS TOO) IN OCTOBER 2017. THEY NOTIFIED US THAT OUR ENGINE WAS FINE AND DID NOT NEED REPLACED. IN MAY 2018 I WAS DRIVING IN A 70 MPH AREA OF THE INTERSTATE, TRIED TO ACCELERATE, HEARD A LOUD CLICKING SOUND, ALL OF THE WARNING LIGHTS COME ON AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I TURNED ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SHOULDER, LUCKILY THE TRAFFIC AROUND ME WAS LIGHT AND TWO YOUNG CHILDREN WERE NOT IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE CAR IS RIGHT OUTSIDE OF THE WARRANTY PERIOD. I NO LONGER HAVE A VEHICLE, EVEN THOUGH I JUST BOUGHT A BRAND NEW CAR THAT IS ONLY 6 YEARS OLD. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED IN KIA AND WILL NEVER RECOMMEND BUYING A KIA.
Mileage: 133,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD COMING FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE IT STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, BUT THE ABNORMAL NOISE PERSISTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (WEST PALM BEACH KIA, 735 S MILITARY TRAIL, WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33415, (561) 433-1511) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND THE MODEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 89,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Mileage: 89,000
MY CAR HAS A KNOCKING NOISE IN THE ENGINE, THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET INSPECTED FOR THE RECALL SEPTEMBER 2017. TEAM KIA OF EL CAJON; THE DEALERSHIP SAID THAT THE SALVAGE TITLES AREN'T COVERED UNDER RECALL WARRANTY. 4/18/2018 WHILE DRIVING IN THE FAST MOVING TRAFFIC , MY CAR'S ENGINE SHUT OFF. AFTER MEETING WITH THE MECHANIC TODAY I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WENT OUT. THESE SIGNS INDICATE TO ME THAT THE ENGINE WENT BAD DUE TO THE RECALL ISSUE THAT THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE. I'VE OWNED THE CAR FOR LESS THAN A YEAR AND PROVIDED PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE ON THE CAR AT THE SCHEDULED TIMES. PRIOR TO PURCHASING THE VECHILE THE CAR RECEIVED A ENGINE CLEARANCE THROUGH KIA DEALERSHIP AND THROUGH MY PRIVATE MECHANIC, SAYING THE ENGINE WAS GOOD. NOW 8 MONTHS LATER AFTER HEARING CONTINUOUS KNOCKING NOISE AND ALMOST GETTING INTO AN ACCIDENT I FEEL LIKE IM NOT RECEIVING FAIR TREATMENT OR GETTING MY CAR'S ENGINE REPLACED.
Mileage: 121,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EMITTED A LOUD NOISE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE DRIVING, AS IF A PART HAD SEPARATED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER, OPENED THE HOOD, AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS EMITTING FLAMES.. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO LOCATE THE PART THAT SEPARATED FROM THE ENGINE AND EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO STAFFORD KIA OF FREDERICKSBURG (5204 JEFFERSON DAVIS HIGHWAY, FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA, 22408, 540-891-7400) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE PART THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO CATCH FIRE WAS NOT GIVEN TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING), BUT THE CONTACT HAD NOT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,046.
Mileage: 65,046
DRIVING ONE DAY PULLED INTO DRIVEWAY.HEARD KNOCKING ON LOWER PART OF ENGINE. OPENED HOOD YOU CAN HEAR KNOCKING, WHEN I ACCELERATED KNOCKING GOT LOUDER, A SPUN BEARING. I HAVE BEEN A CERTIFIED MECHANIC ALL MY LIFE. 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. CAR WAS WELL MAINTAINED. AT 76,000 MILES, THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED. THANK YOU [XXX]. THE CONSUMER STATED THE OIL PAN CONTAINED BRASS COLORED METAL PIECES, THE OIL FILER HAD PARTICLES, THE PISTON CAP BECAME HOT ENOUGH TO TURN IT BLACK. THE CONNECTION CAP BEARINGS DID NOT HAVE A OIL FLOW HOLE. THERE WERE ALSO SCRATCHES ON THE PISTON WALLS. *JS PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Mileage: 76,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Mileage: 120,000
2012 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO TAKATA AIRBAG SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE DOME LIGHT IN THE VEHICLE INADVERTENTLY TURNED ON. THE CAMSHAFT FAILED. *JS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND THE OIL PRESSURE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LAWRENCE KIA (1225 E 23RD ST, LAWRENCE, KS) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 76,000.
Mileage: 76,000
WHILE WE WERE DRIVING ON A BUSY FREEWAY, THE HYBRID ENGINE SEIZED WITH LESS THAN 120,000 MILES. DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD SEEN SEVERAL HYBRID ENGINES THAT HAVE SEIZED, BUT KIA HAS NOT ISSUED ANY RECALLS.
Mileage: 120,000
TURBO AND TURBO OIL RETURN LINE IS DEFECTIVE. LEAKS OIL AND OVER HEATS ENGINE. DEALERSHIPS ADMIT THIS IS A SERIOUS ISSUES THAT THEY'VE SEEN DAILY WITH THE SX MODELS BUT REFUSE TO ADDRESS IT UNTIL A RECALL COMES OUT. ANYTIME THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN, IT CONSTANTLY LEAKS OIL. WHENEVER IT IS PARKED, IT LEAKS OIL. IT'S ONLY FROM THE TURBO FEED LINE.
Mileage: 86,000
'TAKATA RECALL' I'M CURRENTLY BUYING A KIA OPTIMA 2012 AND EVERYTHING WAS WORKING FINE AND HAD MAINTENANCE UP TO DATE AT KIA OF ORANGE. THEN I DID FULL SERVICE WHICH I PAYED 600$ OR SO AND AFTER THE CAR STARTED GIVING ME PROBLEMS, I WENT TO MY FRIENDS HOUSE AND MY BOYFRIEND GOT OFF TO GET TOOLS FROM THE HOUSE IT TOOK HIM TEN MINUTES TO COME BACK. THE CAR WAS ON AND I WAS WINDOWS UP AND AC ON WHEN HE CAME OUT HE SAW FIRE UNDER THE FRONT LEFT LIGHT. IT GOT ON FIRE AND WE WERE SCARE FOR OUR LIFE'S AND WE MANAGE TO RUN AROUND AND FIND ANYTHING THAT WILL HELP WE HAD WATER AND IT WOULDN'T TURN OFF, WE DIDN'T KNOW IT WAS ELECTRICAL SO IT WAS MELTING PLASTIC UNTIL WE MANAGE TO FIND A FIRE EXTINGUISHER WHILE I WAS CALLING 911 WE THOUGHT THE CAR WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. SECOND OF ALL WE FIX IT INSURANCE COVER. WE CALL KIA THEY TOLD US OUR INSURANCE HAD TO PAY IT. SO WE DID NEXT I TOOK IT TO GET MAINTENANCE UPDATE AND OIL CHANGE, WE TOOK FOR A DRIVE TO CHINO HILLS CALIFORNIA AND THEN THE CAR TURN OFF BY IT SELF ON THE FREEWAY I WAS 65 SPEED LIMIT AND MY STEERING WHEEL GOT HARD AND ALL THE LIGHTS WERE ON. I COULD OF LOST MY LIFE. I MANAGE TO MOVE IT SLOWLY TO THE SIDE AND IT WAS ON FIRE WHEN I OPEN THE HOOD SOMETHING WAS BURNING AGAIN. A SHERIFF HELP US TURN IT OFF WITH HIS FIRE EXTINGUISHER. THE ENGINE HAD BLEW UP A WROT BLEW MAYBE BECAUSE OF NO OIL OR IDK I'M NOT MECHANIC THAT'S WHY I TAKE IT TO KIA. I BELIEVE THEY DIDN'T DO THEIR JOB RIGHT AND MY INSURANCE DOESN'T WANNA COVER IT, NOW I'M CARELESS AND I HAVE A DAUGHTER TO FEED AND I NEED HELP TO GET THIS OUT THERE IF ANYBODY HAS THE SAME ISSUE PLEASE MAKE THIS GO VIRAL. HIGHWAY 91 EAST
Mileage: 69,000
I WAS INVOLVED IN A LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT THAT CAUSED MY CAR TO BE TOTALED WHEN THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE IN MOTION ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65 MPH WITHOUT ANY SUDDEN WARNING AND MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WE HAD LESS THAN 1 MINUTE TO ESCAPE BEFORE ANOTHER DRIVER SMASHED INTO THE CAR AT 65 MPH. THE CAR STOPPED SO FAST THERE WAS NO TIME TO PULL OVER TO SAFTEY OR A SOULDER
Mileage: 118,000
MY VEHICLE STARTING MAKING KNOCKING NOISE AND I PULLED OVER PARKED AND CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD IT WAS RUNNING FINE BUT STILL MAKING THE NOISE. I TURNED IT OFF AND ON AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN DRIVING IT TO THE SHOP THE VEHICLE ABOUT 10 MILES THE VEHICLE STARTED TO STALL OUT AND I HAD TO PUT INTO PARK SHUT IT OFF AND TURNED IT BACK ON.
Mileage: 20
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, SMOKE WAS SUDDENLY PRESENT INSIDE THE VEHICLE. AFTER STOPPING THE VEHICLE, FLAMES WERE DISCOVERED UNDER THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (DIFEO KIA IN LAKEWOOD, NJ) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Mileage: 65,000
1 STUMBLES ON ACCELERATION 2ACCELERATS WHEN SHIFTING REVERSE--DRIVE 3 ACCELERATES ON RIGHT HAND TURN .THESE PROBLEMS HAPPEN RANDOMLY IT.HAS. .HAPPENED 5 TIMES IN MOTIOM, CITY STREETS
THE ENGINE SEIZED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THIS HAS ALS RESULTED IN THE CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM INCLUDING THE DEFROSTERS AND RADIO TO MALFUNCTION
Mileage: 97,000
VEHICLE RECALLED UNDER SC147 ON JULY 13,2017. NEW ENGINE RECEIVED BY DEALER WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 25. LAST UPDATE I RECEIVED ON OCTOBER 20TH FROM KIA CORPORATION WAS NEW MOTOR INSTALLED HOWEVER COULD NOT GET THE VEHICLE TO RUN. SOME COMPRESSION TESTING INDICATES THAT THE NEW MOTOR INSTALLED WAS BAD. I REQUESTED KIA TO PROVIDE ME WITH A NEW CAR WITH SIMILAR SX LIMITED AND TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE. KIA DEALERSHIP HAS NOW HAD MY VEHICLE FOR OVER 3 MONTHS. ONLY UPDATES I RECEIVE IS IF I CALL KIA CORPORATION
Mileage: 95,000
ENGINE LOCKED UP HAD A WARRANTY THEY FIXED IT AND AFTER I GOT MY CAR BACK THE THE HORN DIDN'T WORK OR ANY OF MY CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL WORKED I NOTIFIED THEM AND THEY DID NOTHING TO FIX IT. WHEN I TURN THE CAR OVER TO KIA DEALERSHIP EVERYTHING WAS WORKING AND AFTER THEY PUT THE NEW ENGINE IN EVERYTHING WENT WRONG THE ABS SYSTEM WENT OUT THE HORN STOP WORKING THE TURBO IN THE CAR WASN'T ANY GOOD MY AIRBAG AND ENGINE WAS ON AND STILL IS AND I NOTIFIED THEM AGAIN EVEN TOOK IT TO MANAGEMENT AND THEY DID NOTHING ABOUT IT. I'M NOT A SATISFIED CUSTOMER AT ALL CAN U GUYS PLEASE HELP ME. I'M A HARD WORKING MAN HAVE A FAMILY AND JUST TRYING TO HAVE A CAR THAT WE CAN ENJOY.
Mileage: 46,000
ENGINE LOSING ALL OF THE OIL WITHIN A COUPLE WEEKS OF GETTING THE OIL CHANGED. COMPLETELY GONE BEFORE AN OIL CHANGE IS NEEDED.
Mileage: 99,900
OCTOBER 2016, WAS DRIVING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CAR ENGINE STOPPED RUNNING. THERE WAS NO WARNING, NO FLASHING ENGINE LIGHT, NO WARNING WHATSOEVER. I HAD IT TOWED TO MY LOCAL SHOP. THEY FOUND WIRES TO THE STARTER BURNED AND ASSUMED THAT WAS THE ISSUE. THEY INSTALLED A NEW STARTER AND FOUND THAT THE ENGINE WAS SEIZED. MY ISSUE IS THE TIMING OF THE KIA RECALL. HYUNDAI HAD RECALLED THE SAME ENGINE IN 2015. I WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, SO THE ENGINE REPLACEMENT WAS AT LEAST $4,000 FOR A USED ENGINE THAT WOULD HAVE LIKELY HAD THE SAME ISSUE. I HAD TO SELL THE CAR FOR SALVAGE. KIA SHOULD REIMBURSE OWNERS FOR THE VALUE OF THEIR CAR AT THE TIME THE ENGINE SEIZED. THEY KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE ENGINE, BUT WAITED UNTIL MANY OF US WERE OUT OF WARRANTY BEFORE THEY HAD THE RECALL. THAT IS FRAUD AT SOME LEVEL AND SHOULD BE TREATED AS SUCH.
Mileage: 212,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO RESTART THE ENGINE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Mileage: 108,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND WAS PULLED OVER TO A FUEL STATION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (KIA OF GREER IN GREER, SC, 864-879-3800) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE WAS CLOGGED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED FOR FREE. SIX MONTHS LATER, ON AUGUST 14, 2017 AND DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, A BANGING NOISE WAS HEARD UNDER THE HOOD AND THE ENGINE CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A STORAGE LOT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. THE SAME KIA DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN INVESTIGATOR TO INSPECT THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER MADE A GOOD WILL OFFER, BUT THE CONTACT PROTESTED THE OFFER. THE ISSUE WAS NOT SETTLED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 87,500. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT. ..UPDATED 10/11/17 *BF UPDATED 10/13/2017*JS
Mileage: 87,500
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A COMPLETE LOSS OF ENGINE POWER. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. DURING EACH ATTEMPT, THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO CAR LOCK KIA (LOCATED AT 4301 GREENSBORO AVE, TUSCALOOSA, AL) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE ASSEMBLY, BATTERY, AND STARTER WERE DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. UPON DOING RESEARCH, THE CONTACT FOUND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 104,000.
Mileage: 104,000
I WAS NOTIFIED BY KIA EARLIER THIS YEAR THAT MY VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A RECALL BECAUSE THE ENGINE COULD SEIZE CAUSING A SAFETY ISSUE. ON 6/12/17 I TOOK MY OPTIMA TO CAMELBACK KIA FOR RECALL WORK AND INSPECTION. ON 8/1/2017 AS I WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON AZ SR51, MY ENGINE STALLED WHILE MOVING ABOUT 40 MPH IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I THEN PULLED OVER TO RESTART MY VEHICLE, A SHORT TIME LATER I NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. I WAS TOLD BY KIA UPON THEIR INSPECTION THAT THE STARTER IS WHERE THE FIRE ORIGINATED DUE TO THE SEIZED ENGINE. THE VEHICLE BURNED AND IS NOW A TOTAL LOSS. THIS CAUSED A 3 LANE CLOSURE ON THE FREEWAY AT 5PM AS WELL AS A CRASH DUE TO SPECTATORS.
Mileage: 82,000
OIL FEED PIPE/TUBE TO TURBO LEAKS ON TO THE ENGINE CAUSING A POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARD. HAD TO TAKE THE CAR IN TO HAVE THE TUBE REPLACED. (CAR WAS SITTING AND NOTICED OIL LEAK AND BURNING OIL SMELL WHILE DRIVING AND SITTING STILL)
Mileage: 56,000
ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO, MY KIA HAD AN ENGINE FAILURE AND I PAID TO HAVE THE ENGINE REPLACED. ABOUT 3 MONTHS AGO, MY SON WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND THE CAR JUST QUIT. I HAD IT TAKEN IN AND FOUND OUT THE ENGINE WAS RECALLED. KIA REPLACED THE ENGINE A MONTH AND HALF LATER. I HAD THE CAR LESS THAN A WEEK AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. I TOOK IT BACK INTO THE DEAL AND THEY CLEARED THE CODES AS THEY SAID THEY WERE OLD CODES AND WAS LIKELY A FLUKE. THEY TOOK IT FOR A TEST DRIVE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. THEY HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 3 DAYS NOW AND THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. I GOT AN EMAIL TODAY TELLING ME THEY HAVE WORD INTO KIA CORPROATION TO SEE IF THEY WILL COVER IT BECAUSE THEY WILL NEED TO TEAR DOWN THE ENGINE TO LOOK AT MULTIPLE COMPONENTS DUE TO PREVIOUS ENGINE FAILURE BUT BECAUSE I WAS NOT THE FIRST OWNER THAT I DID NOT HAVE POWERTRAIN COVERAGE BUT THEY WERE TRYING TO SEE WHAT KIA COULD DO FOR ME.
Mileage: 86,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SURGE AND THEN SLOW DOWN. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 115,000.
Mileage: 115,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED STALLING. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LANGDALE KIA DEALER, BUT THEY REFUSED TO PERFORM THE REPAIR BECAUSE IT WOULD COST $50. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 134,000.
Mileage: 134,000
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN MY CAR STALLED OUT WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN HAD TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED TO SHOP WHERE THEY SAID MY ENGINE HAS ENTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEMS. MY CAR NEVER SHOWED ANY SIGNS OF NEEDING AN OIL CHANGE I RECENTLY CHANGED IT. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THIS FALLS UNDER THE RECALL . THIS WAS A VERY SCARY SITUATION AS IT WAS ME AND MY INFANT DAUGHTER IN THE CAR WE ALMOST GOT HIT FROM BEHIND AND HAD TO WAIT ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD FOR 1 HOUR FOR A TOW TRUCK IN 100 DEGREE WEATHER NOT A PROUD KIA OWNER.
Mileage: 108,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN AND REPAIRED PER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). AFTER THE REPAIR, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE ALLENTOWN KIA DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A LARGE EVAP LEAK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT RETURNED THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL CAP WAS NOT ENGAGING CORRECTLY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER AND STATED THAT NO REPAIR WAS NEEDED AT THE TIME. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OPENED CASE NUMBER: 12422016. THE MANUFACTURER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO CALL THE DEALER AND ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE IN THE EVENT OF A FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 19,637.
Mileage: 19,637
MY CAR HAS BEEN AT THE KIA DEALERSHIP HERE IN KEY WEST, FL DUE TO THE ENGINE SEIZING JUST LIKE THE RECALL STATES. IT HAS BEEN THERE FOR 2 WEEKS AND STILL NO WORD FROM KIA IF THEY ARE GONNA FIX IT. I HAVE BEEN WITHOUT A CAR FOR THAT PERIOD AND AM BEING TOLD THERE IS NO TIMETABLE ON THIS AS WELL. SO AFTER TWO WEEKS I DON'T EVEN KNOW IF IT WILL BE FIXED OR ANYTHING. THE VEHICLE SEIZED UP WHILE DRIVING IT, WAS LUCKY ENOUGH TO PULL TO A SIDE PARKING LOT.
Mileage: 103,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH OFF OF THE INTERSTATE, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER INTO A PARKING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT LEFT THE VEHICLE OVERNIGHT AND HAD IT TOWED TO MIDAS (6500 SE 14TH ST, DES MOINES IOWA, 50320) THE FOLLOWING DAY WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. DUE TO THE $7,000 REPAIR COST, THE CONTACT DECIDED TO SELL THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE VALUE OF THE VEHICLE PER THE MILEAGE AND CONDITION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED IN JULY OF 2017 AFTER FINDING OUT A MONTH EARLIER THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE), AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD ALREADY BEEN SOLD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 124,890. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Mileage: 124,890
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE RANDOMLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 75 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO RENALDO KIA AT 4425 E DIXON BLVD, SHELBY, NC 28152, PHONE NUMBER: 704-406-8100, WHERE IT DIAGNOSED WITH A THROWN CONNECTING ROD IN THE ENGINE AND THE ENGINE NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED ON THREE OCCASION WITHIN A YEAR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PREVIOUSLY REPLACED THE ENGINE AT NO COST TO THE CONTACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BACK AT THE DEALER AWAITING REPAIRS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,155.
Mileage: 86,155
ENGINE STARTED MAKING LOUD CLICKING NOISE LOST POWER WHILE DRIVING HOME ON BUSY HIGHWAY TOOK CAR TO NEAREST AUTO SHOP OWNER STATES SOUNDS LIKE INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEM ADVISED TO HAVE CAR TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP HAD CAR TOWED ON 04/22/2017 TO DEALERSHIP. HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY NOTICE OF A RECALL .CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH THEY CALLED AND STATED THAT CAR HAD INTERNAL ENGINE PROBLEMS BUT STILL HAVE NOT STARTED ON REPAIRING THE CAR HAS BEEN AT DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH.
Mileage: 71,000
I HAD PULLED OUT ON A BUSY HIGHWAY DURING HIGH VOLUME TRAFFIC. APPROXIMATELY 1/2 BLOCK DOWN HIGHWAY, MY OPTIMA STARTED TO MAKE A "SPUTTERING" NOISE. THEN THE ENGINE DIED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I DIDN'T HAVE TIME TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD. I ENDED UP STALLING GOING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH WHILE THE VEHICLES BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING ME.
Mileage: 69,000
MY KIA OPTIMA HAS 50,000MILES . I WAS DRIVING 70MPN ON THE HIGHWAY, KIA ENGINE STARTED TO KNOCK VERY QUIETLY AND SHUT DOWN . LOST MY POWER STEERING . LUCKY CARS DIDN'T CRASH INTO ME CAUSE I HAD LITTLE BABY IN THE CAR. DROVE TO THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY.CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOUSE. MECHANIC CAME OVER TO MY HOUSE AND TOLD ME MY ENGINE IS TOASTED. SITTING IN THE GARAGE FOR COUPLE MONTHS CAUSE IT NEEDS NEW ENGINE. CANT AFFORD NEW ENGINE.
Mileage: 50,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE INSTRUMENT PANEL INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT A RECALL WOULD BE ISSUED. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 98,000.
Mileage: 98,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE ENGINE SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 151,000.
Mileage: 151,000
ENGINE FAILED IN MAY OF 2016 (ENGINE ROD FAILURE AND KNOCKING). KIA VOIDED OUR POWER TRAIN WARRANTY AND SAID WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY $6000 FOR REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE SAT FOR CLOSE TO A YEAR UNTIL THE RECALL NOTICE WAS LEAKED. DUE TO THE VEHICLE SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY KIA SAID WE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR ALL ISSUES FOUND OUTSIDE OF THE ENGINE. WE PAID $1497 FOR THOSE REPAIRS AND DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR ONE DAY. THAT SAME DAY WE GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND "KIA OF ORANGE PARK" SAID THE TRANSMISSION SENSOR IS BAD AND WE HAVE TO PAY ANOTHER $400 FOR REPLACEMENT. THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED WITH NO CHARGE BUT KIA IS STATING THAT OUR VEHICLE DID NOT QUALIFY FOR THE RECALL. WE MADE PAYMENTS ON A VEHICLE FOR CLOSE TO A YEAR AND STILL ARE A SINGLE CAR FAMILY. WE ARE LOOKING TO RECOVER THE FUNDS SPENT ON THIS VEHICLE.
Mileage: 56,000
CAR JUST STOPEVEN THED WHILE DRIVING DOWN STREET IN TOWN. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AS CAR DIED, NO PRIOR WARNING. CAR HAD BEEN SERVICED REGULARLY WITH NO PROBLEMS DETECTED. KIA TECHNICIAN AT DEALERSHIP STATED THAT ENGINE HAD SEIZED. BLAMED ENGINE PROBLEM ON IMPROPER MAINTENANCE EVEN THOUGH I HAD PROOF OF REGULAR ON SCHEDULE MAINTENANCE. KIA REFUSED TO HONOR WARRANTY. WHEN I LOOKED UP PROBLEM ON COMPUTER FOUND THAT THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME PROBLEM AND WAS ATTRIBUTED TO FAULTY ENGINE DESIGN CAUSING METAL SHAVINGS FROM BEARINGS THAT CLOOGED OIL PORTSCREATING SLUDGE AND EVENTUALLY ENGINE FAILURE. KIA REPRESENTITIVES STATED THAT THEY KNEW NOTHING OF THIS PROBLEM AND AGAIN DENIED TO HONOR WARRANTY IN NEGOTIATIONS.
Mileage: 62,000
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY ENGINE STARTED MAKING A CLICKING/KNOCKING SOUND AND LOST ALL POWER. IT COMPLETELY STOPPED WORKING. AFTER I HAD IT TOWED, THE MECHANIC TOLD ME IT SOUNDED LIKE THERE WAS BEARING THAT HAD WORN OFF IN THE BOTTOM OF MY ENGINE.
Mileage: 129,000
I WAS DRIVING MY 3 YR OLD KIA OPTIMA AT 55 MPH ON A TWO WAY ROAD WITH NO SHOULDER AND THE ENGINE SUDDENLY AND VIOLENTLY STARTED KNOCKING AND SHAKING. I LOST ALL POWER TO THE CAR AND WAS NEARLY HIT FROM BEHIND AS I SLOWLY TRIED TO COME TO STOP ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITH NO POWER. IT WAS SCARY AS HECK AND I AM GLAD TO BE ALIVE. MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR 5 MONTHS AS I TRY TO SAVE ENOUGH MONEY TO HAVE A NEW ENGINE INSTALLED. I STILL OWE $8,000.00 FOR THIS CAR AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP WANTS $8000.00 TO PUT A USED ENGINE IN IT.
Mileage: 169,000
MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, WHEN IT ALL OF A SUDDEN STOPPED AND THE GAUGES BEGAN TO ACT UP. I THEN CHECKED UNDER THE HOOD AS SMOKE WAS DETECTED MY TURBO SEEMED TO BE VERY HOT AND BRIGHT RED. THE ENGINE BECAME LOCKED AND THE VEHICLE NEVER STARTED EVER SINCE.
Mileage: 82,000
MY CAR STARTED SMELLING LIKE BURNING PLASTIC AND THEN IT COMPLETED SHUT OFF. THANKFULLY I WAS ALREADY IN A TURNING LANE WHEN THIS HAPPENED. I ONLY HAD 60K MILES ON THE CAR AT THAT TIME. SEEMED LIKE AFTER MY ENGINE WAS REPLACED MY WINDOWS STOPPED ROLLING UP. THEN MY FUEL PUMP WENT OUT. I NOTICED THAT IT FELT LIKE SOMEONE WAS PRESSING ON MY BRAKE AS I WAS TRYING TO GO AND THEN MY TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT WOULD COME ON. WE FIXED THIS. NOW IT NOT EVEN A YEAR LATER AND ITS DOING IT ALL OVER AGAIN. THIS IS NOT SAFE AS PEOPLE ARE BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENS.
Mileage: 5
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING. IT COMPLETELY JUST DIED. NO ENGINE WARNING LIGHT, NO OIL LIGHT, NO WARNING LIGHTS AT ALL. I COULD NOT GET IT TO START UP AGAIN AND HAD TO HAVE TO TOWED TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC SINCE IT WAS LATE AT NIGHT. THE MECHANIC TOOK LESS THAN 5 MINUTES TO DETERMINE THAT THE ENGINE HAD JUST SEIZED. WHAT THE HECK!!
Mileage: 74,000
ON APRIL 5TH 2017, MY KIA OPTIMA STARTED TO MAKE A HORRIBLE SOUND. I WAS ON HWY 26 HEADED INTO PORTLAND OR. GOING THROUGH THE TUNNEL, AS I WAS GOING INTO THE TUNNEL THE HORRIBLE KNOCKING NOISE STARTED. THERE WAS CARS IN FRONT OF ME AND CARS BEHIND ME. THIS WAS AT 4:30 AM.. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH CAME ON, I HAD NO BRAKES, NO STEERING AND NO WAY TO ACCELERATE. DRIFTED TO THE SIDE AND HAD IT TOWED.
Mileage: 110,000
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A QUIET RESIDENTIAL STREET WHEN MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA EX SUDDENLY QUIT. I COASTED INTO AN OFFICE PARKING LOT WHERE I SAW SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I EXITED THE CAR, OPENED THE HOOD AND SAW THAT THE ENGINE WAS ON FIRE. SUDDENLY, THE FLAMES HIT THE FUEL LINE AND THE ENGINE EXPLODED SHOOTING FLAMES 10 FEE HIGH. I WAS DESPARATELY TRYING TO GET EVERYTHING VALUABLE OUT OF THE CAR WHILE CALLING 911. IT TOOK 4 FIREFIGHTERS TO PUT OUT THE FLAMES . THANKFULLY, THE WHOLE AUTOMOBILE WASN'T CONSUMED. IT WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. THIS VEHICLE ONLY HAD 57,600 MILES ON IT AND WAS STILL UNDER MANUFACTURER WARRANTY.
Mileage: 57,600
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING SIGNS. I HAD IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC ONLY TO FIND THAT THE MOTOR WAS LOCKED UP. DID I MENTION THAT I HAD JUST BOUGHT THE CAR FROM BOYLES AUTO SALES IN JASPER, ALABAMA ON FEBRUARY 3, 2017 AND THE CAR QUIT ON FEBRUARY 26, 2017 NOT EVEN 30 DAYS SINCE THE PURCHASE OF MY CAR. UNFORTUNELY, SINCE WE PAID CASH FOR THE CAR THE DEALER BASICLY TOLD US HE WOULDN'T DO ANYTHING. SO NOW I AM WITHOUT A VEHICLE AND HAVING TO FIND MORE MONEY TO REPLACE THE MOTOR IN THE CAR THAT THIS DEALER SOLD ME. AFTER FURTHER RESEARCH I HAVE LEARNED THAT KIA HAS PROBLEMS WITH THE KIA OPTIMA'S FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND THE 2012 THAT I PURCHASED IS INCLUDED. THE MECHANIC TOLD US THAT ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE CAR THAT SHOULD HAVE OIL, WATER, ANY TYPE OF FLUID WAS FINE BUT THAT SOMETHING INTERNAL HAD STOPPED OPERATING AND CAUSED THE MOTOR TO LOCK UP.
Mileage: 91,115
LOUD KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM ENGINE, THEN CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. MADE TO DEALERSHIP AND DISCOVERED A BAD OIL PUMP CAUSED METAL TO FLOW INTO THE ENGINE AND WEAR THE CONNECTING RODS AND DESTROY THE ENGINE. KIA KNEW THERE WERE PROBLEMS WITH THE 2012 KIA OPTIMA 2.4L ENGINE AND YET DID NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE ISSUE. NOW THEY WANT ME TO PAY $6000 FOR A NEW ENGINE WHEN THEY KNEW THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE 2012 OPTIMA ALL A LONG.
Mileage: 148,550
CAR STALLED OUT AT 55 MPH WHILE EXITING OFF RAMP FROM HIGHWAY DURING MORNING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC WITH FAMILY INSIDE. DASH LIT UP WITH ALL WARNING LIGHTS (BATTERY, OIL, CHECK ENGINE). WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR AGAIN AND CONTINUED DRIVING. THAT SAME AFTERNOON WHILE DRIVING HOME, STARTED HEARING A KNOCKING NOISE UNDER HOOD WHILE STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. ONCE GREEN, I ACCELERATED IN WHICH THE KNOCKING BECAME FASTER/LOUDER. PULLED OVER AND LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD INCLUDING CHECKING THE OIL. DIP STICK SHOWED NORMAL LEVEL WITHOUT ANY SIGN OF DEBRIS. DROVE 1/2 A MILE TO MY HOUSE AT 30 MPH (POSTED SPEED LIMIT) IN WHICH THE KNOCKING WAS VERY DISTINCT. PARKED THE CAR. TODAY, HAD THE CAR TOWED BY AAA TO DEALERSHIP AFTER I CALLED AHEAD TO INFORM THEM OF THE ISSUE. PROVIDED A COPY OF THE EXTENDED WARRANTY LETTER THAT I HAD RECEIVED IN THE MAIL 6 MONTHS PRIOR REGARDING THE SHORT BLOCK ISSUE/FAILURE. APPEARS THAT THIS IS A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE (AT 75K MILES) AND NOW DEALERSHIP IS WANTING ALL RECORDS RELATED TO OIL CHANGES. CAR CURRENTLY IN SHOP AWAITING FURTHER INSPECTION. *TR
Mileage: 75,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Mileage: 75,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS EXCESSIVE SMOKE AND A PREMATURE BUILD UP OF ENGINE SLUDGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MORE THAN TWICE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND ADVISED THAT THE MOTOR BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER PROVIDED NO SOLUTION TO PREVENT THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Mileage: 40,000
I BOUGHT MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA USED WITH 68K MILES ON IT IN MARCH 2016. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ABOUT 8 MONTHS AND IT NOW HAS 80K MILES. THE CAR CONSUMES A LOT OF OIL. I HAVE GIVEN THE CAR 4 OIL CHANGES SINCE PURCGASE AND HAVE NOT SEEN WHERE IT MAY BE LEAKING OIL UNDERNEATH THE CAR. WHEN ACCELERATING, THERE ARE TIMES WHEN THEY CAR WILL STALL FROM A LACK OF POWER AND I WILL HEAR A TICKING SOUND WHEN IT STALLS. AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, I HAVE FOUND WHERE THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT WITH THIS, AND OTHER KIA MODELS', MOTOR. THIS IS MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION TO AND FROM WORK. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR 8 MONTHS AND HAD TO FINANCE THE ENTIRE COST. IF MY CAR'S SYMPTOMS ARE SYNONYMOUS WITH THE OTHER COMPLAINTS, I SUSPECT MY MOTOR WILL BE DONE WITH IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND I ABSOLUTELY CANNOT AFFORD TO REPAIR OR REPLACE A NEW MOTOR!
Mileage: 80,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT A LOW SPEED, THE ENGINE BLEW OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WERE TURBO ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000. UPDATED 03/29/17*LJ UPDATED 06/25/18*JB
Mileage: 85,000
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK AT A SPEED OF 45 MPH WHEN I HEARD SOME KNOCKING. AS I SLOWED TO AN INTERSECTION THE NOISE STOPPED UNTIL I ACCELERATED ONCE AGAIN. GOT BACK UP TO 40-45 MPH AND ALL THE ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON AND THE CAR STALLED. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I WAS ON DURING RUSH HOUR. NOT REAL SAFE! AT WHICH POINT THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND SMELLING LIKE AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. I OPENED THE HOOD AND WHITE SMOKE WAS POURING OUT. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT WAS ALREADY CLOSED. I CALLED IN THE MORNING AND ASKED ABOUT THE ELECTRICAL SMELL. HE SAID IS MOST LIKELY A BLOWN MOTOR.??? HE DIDN'T LOOK AT THE VEHICLE YET AND TOLD ME IT'S A BLOWN ROD IN THE MOTOR?? LATER THAT DAY I STOPPED INTO THE KIA DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF IT WAS LOOKED AT YET. THEY TOLD ME IT WON'T BE LOOKED AT UNTIL TOMORROW. HE DID SAY THAT HE WENT OUT TO SEE IF IT WOULD START AND SAID IT DIDN'T TURN OVER AND HE CAN GUARANTEE IT'S THE BLOWN ROD. THAT'S WITHOUT A MECHANIC LOOKING AT IT. KIA KNOWS THESE ENGINES ARE CRAP AND IS CHOOSING TO GIVE PEOPLE THE RUN AROUND. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THE CAR AND HE FIRST COULDN'T FIND ME IN THE COMPUTER. THAT WAS THE FIRST THING I SHOWED HIM WHEN I WALKED IN THE DOOR WAS MY COPY FROM THE DEALERSHIP. ALL OF A SUDDEN HE FOUND ME IN THE SYSTEM. HE ALSO SAID SINCE I SERVICE THE CAR'S OIL MYSELF I HAVE TO PROVIDE ALL THE RECORDS WHEN I PURCHASED OIL AND FILTERS OTHERWISE THE 100K WARRANTY WOULD BE VOID. WE DON'T KEEP THE RECEIPTS OF ALL THAT FOR 4 YEARS! IT'S FACTORY DEFECT JUST LIKE THE HYUNDAI SONATA'S.THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT'S SAD THAT KIA IS PUTTING THE BLAME ON THE CUSTOMERS INSTEAD OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FACTORY DEFECT. NO CAR WITH 74K MILES ON IT WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE SHOULD HAVE THE ENGINE JUST BLOW! MY 2005 SUBURBAN WITH 150K RUNS GREAT! THANKS, JEFF
Mileage: 74,668
BACK IN DECEMBER, WHILE DRIVING A 2012 KIA OPTIMA LX, MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND ALL OF THE CAUTION LIGHTS CAME ON THE DASH. THE WAS NO TAPPING COMING FROM THE ENGINE UNTIL THE CAR BEGAN TO SHUT OFF. THE CHECK ENGINE, LOW OIL, FUEL ETC ALL CAME ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN TO LOCK UP. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SIDE OF A BUSY ROAD. I COULD NOT START THE CAR BACK UP. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY STATED THERE WAS NO OIL IN THE ENGINE AND THERE WAS SLUDGE. I KNEW THAT I HAD MAINTAINED UPKEEP ON THE CAR. THEY STATED THEY WOULD NOT HONOR A REPLACEMENT ENGINE WARRANTY. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO OUR LOCAL GARAGE. THERE I HAD A USED ENGINE INSTALLED IN MY CAR FOR A TOTAL COST OF $4,300. I WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR. IN APRIL I RECEIVED A NOTICE/RECALL IN THE MAIL FROM KIA STATING THAT THERE WAS A ROD IN THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE ENGINE TO LOCK UP AND SHUT DOWN TO IMMEDIATELY TAKE MY CAR TO GET THAT REPLACED. I HAD ALREADY PUT A USED ENGINE IN. I WAS INSTRUCTED TO SEND ALL DOCUMENTATION TO KIA FOR PROOF OF AN ENGINE INSTALLED AND ALL LABOR AND COSTS DONE TO MY CAR OUT OF MY WALLET AND I WOULD GET REIMBURSED. SINCE THEN, I HAVE HAD NOTHING BUT EXCUSES AND REASONS WHY I SHOULDN'T BE RECEIVING A REIMBURSEMENT. THERE SHOULD BE NO REASON I NEED TO PROVIDE ANY DOCUMENTATION BUT I PROVIDED A HIGHLIGHTED CHECKING ACCOUNT STATEMENT FOR PROOF OF PURCHASE OF THE ENGINE, INSTALL OF THE ENGINE, INSPECTION AND EMISSIONS, PROOF OF PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE AND TOWING RECORDS. THE LETTER FROM KIA CLEARLY STATES THAT I SHOULD HAVE IT REPAIRED BY THEM AND NOT ON MY OWN DIME. UNFORTUNATELY I HAD TO TAKE OUT A LOAN FOR THE ENGINE AND INSTALL AND HAD NO VEHICLE UNTIL MID FEBRUARY WHEN THE USED ENGINE I ORDERED WAS INSTALLED. I STILL TO THIS DAY AM TOLD I WILL NOT RECEIVE MY REIMBURSEMENT. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO CONTINUOUSLY CALL KIA, ONLY TO BE HUNG UP ON EACH TIME.
Mileage: 42,069
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BUT WOULD NOT RESTART. IT WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED A CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE. THE SHOP MAINTAINED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED DUE TO APPARENT IMPROPER OIL CHANGE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED LESS THAN 30 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EVENT. THE VEHICLE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY, TOO, WERE UNABLE TO MANUALLY TURN THE ENGINE OVER. KIA SERVICE CENTER REMOVED THE VALVE COVER AND FOUND HEAVY SLUDGE BUILT UP IN ENGINE CAUSING IT TO FAIL AND LOCK UP. KIA MOTORS OF AMERICA DENIED CLAIM DUE TO LACK OF PROPER MAINTENANCE. HOWEVER, HYUNDAI SONATA ENGINES WERE RECALLED DUE TO METALLIC DEBRIS IN ENGINE WHICH RESTRICTED OIL FLOW AND PRESENTED THE SAME MANIFESTATIONS OF ENGINE SLUDGE. KIA OPTIMA SEDANS WERE BUILT USING ENGINES MANUFACTURED AT THE PLANT CITED IN THE HYUNDAI RECALL.
Mileage: 96,789
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY, I HEARD AN ABNORMAL ENGINE NOISE AND WITH NO WARNING, MY 2012 OPTIMA STALLED WHILE BEING OPERATED AT A HIGH SPEED. THE ENTIRE INDICATOR PANEL LIT UP. THIS ALL OCCURRED IN LESS THAN ONE MINUTE. I WAS ABLE TO SAFELY PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER, BUT I COULD HAVE POTENTIALLY CAUSED A SERIOUS CAR ACCIDENT. MY 2 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER WAS IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART, AND WAS TOWED TO THE NEAREST DEALER IN WENATCHEE, WA. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AS A RESULT OF FRACTURED ROD BEARINGS. I BOUGHT THIS VEHICLE CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED IN 2014 AND CATASTROPHIC ENGINE FAILURE WAS UNEXPECTED. RECORDS SHOW ROUTINE MAINTENANCE EVERY 3,000 MILES. I BELIEVE THIS INCIDENT IS A DIRECT RESULT OF AN ENGINE OIL DEFECT THAT HAS BEEN CONCEALED BY KIA.
Mileage: 57,000
CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED WITH REGULAR OIL CHANGES EVERY 3 TO 5000 MILES. CAR WAS NOT GIVING ANY ISSUES UNTIL TWO DAYS AGO WHEN THE ENGIN SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. WE RESTARTED IT AND IT WAS KNOCKING LOUDLY, SPUTTERING AND SQUEALING. WE TOWED IT TO A KIA DEALER THE FOLLOWING MORNING WHO RAN DIAGNOSTICS AND SAID THE ENGINE IS BLOWN AND FULL OF SLUDGE. THEY WON'T HONOR THE WARRANTY SINCE WE CAN'T PROVIDE EVERY SINGLE OIL CHANGE RECEIPT SINCE THE DAY WE PURCHASED THE CAR. WE DID PROVIDE WHAT WE COULD AS WE LIVED IN A FEW STATES WITH THE CAR AND DIDN'T ALWAYS USE THE SAME SHOP. THE CAR WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE VEHICLE JUST COMPLETELY SHUT OFF WITHOUT AND WARNING LIGHTS.
Mileage: 68,000
THE CARE STALED AT LOW SPEED PULLED OVER SIDE OF ROAD AND SMOKE WAS COMING FROM ENGINE, OPENED THE HOOD AND FIRE HAD STARTED AT FRONT TOP OF ENGINE UNDER THE AIR CLEANER, SOME WARE, HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED WHAT CAUSED IT.
Mileage: 70,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE ENGINE SHUT DOWN WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A MECHANIC. IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 94,000.
Mileage: 94,000
WHEN U DRIVING IT . U CAN HERE NOISE IN THE STEERING WHEEL. IT HAD THE OIL LIGHT TO POP ON WHILE DRIVING ON THR FREEWAY PUT OVER. PUT SOME OIL IN IT. THEN THAT NIGHT TRYING TO CRANK IT & IT STARTED TO SMOKE & CAUGHT A FIRE.
I WAS DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE INTERSTATE AT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR LOST THE ABILITY TO ACCELERATE AND STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND. I PULLED THE CAR OVER AND SHUT IT OFF. TRIED TO RESTART AND IT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF. THE OIL LIGHT FLASHED A FEW TIMES AND THAT WAS IT. THE CAR HAD 75,000 MILES WITH 30,000 PUT ON WITHIN THE ONE YEAR I HAVE OWNED IT.
Mileage: 75,000
WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH DOWN THE HIGHWAY, CAR STALLED, TOWED TO DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY CLAIMED THERE WAS SLUDGE IN ENGINE AND WOULD NOT REPLACE, CALLED KIA WHO STATED THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO GET ALL SERVICE RECORDS FROM DAY 1 OR THEY WOULD NOT COVER. I BROUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW AND WHILE I HAVE MOST SERVICE RECORDS FROM 2013 ON, I DO NOT HAVE ANY FROM BEFORE THAT BECAUSE OUR HOUSE BURNT DOWN IN APRIL 2014, NOW ITS BEEN 5 MONTHS SINCE MY CAR BROKE DOWN AND MY 2 CHOICES ARE, SAVE UP 5K WHILE STILL PAYING FOR THE CAR OR PAY FOR A VERY EXPENSIVE PAPER WEIGHT THAT DOESN'T EVEN FIT IN MY HOUSE. KIA IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE IF THEY DON'T TAKE ACTION!
Mileage: 69,000
ENGINE CUT OFF PASSING SOMEONE TRAVELING AT 70 MPH. ENGINE SEIZED WITH 110,000 MILES ON IT. TOWED IT TO DEALER. ALL MAINTENANCE WAS PERFORMED TIMELY. BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP HAD PERFORMED ALL MAINTENANCE KIA IS REPLACING ENGINE. KIA KNOWS OF THE PROBLEM WITH THIS ENGINE THAT IS WHY WARRANTY WAS EXTENDED FOR THIS ISSUE. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY PROBLEM. HYUNDAI RECALLED THEIR CARS WITH THIS ENGINE. WHEN I PICKED UP MY RENTAL CAR THERE WERE THREE RENTALS OUT FOR THE EXACT SAME REASON. I AM GLAD I WAS DRIVING INSTEAD OF ONE OF MY DAUGHTERS OR MY WIFE. I AM GLAD I WASN'T PASSING ANOTHER CAR ON A TWO LANE ROAD WHEN THIS HAPPENED. KIA NEEDS TO FIX THIS BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
Mileage: 110,000
WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE AT ROUGHLY 75 MPH, CAR STALLED. WOULD START UP BUT HEARD LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. CAR WAS TOWED TO NEAREST REPAIR SHOP. AFTER DIAGNOSTIC, WAS TOLD ENGINE ROD BLEW AT 71,560 MILES. CALLED KIA CORP OFFICE AND WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS AN ENGINE RECALL, KIA PICKED UP THE CAR AND TOWED IT TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. NEXT DAY, WE CALLED TO GET A STATUS AND THE KIA IS UNABLE TO LOCATE ANY RECORD OF THE PHONE CALL AND NOW SAYING THAT THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THE ENGINE. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO AT THIS TIME. CAR WAS PURCHASE LESS THAN 3 YEARS AGO. NEW ENGINE IS ESTIMATED AT $6,000.
Mileage: 71,560
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE INSTRUMENT PANEL FAILED. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 44,935. UPDATED 09/30/16*LJ *CN
Mileage: 44,935
DRIVING APPROX. 45MPH ON A BUSY CITY STREET, VEHICLE SUDDENLY BEGAN TO DECELERATE AND A RATTLING NOISE BEGAN GETTING LOUDER AND LOUDER FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND FINALLY ENGINE COMPLETELY CUT OFF AND WOULD NOT START AGAIN. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET OVER TO A SAFE AREA WHICH HAPPENED TO BE THE TURNING LANE, THE CAR ROLLED TO A COMPLETE STOP. WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR WITH ME, I HAD TO PUSH THE VEHICLE OVER TO PREVENT FROM BEING HIT DUE TO THE VEHICLE STALLING AND THE BACK END OF VEHICLE WAS STILL IN WAY OF ON COMING TRAFFIC. AFTER BEING TOWED TO A SERVICE CENTER, I WAS NOTIFIED THAT THE ROD BEARINGS SEIZED UP AND MY ONLY OPTION WAS ENGINE REPLACEMENT. VEHICLE WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE SHOULD NOT NEED ENGINE REPLACEMENT.
Mileage: 80,800
DRIVING THE VEHICLE THROUGH AN INTERSECTION AT APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH AND ENGINE JUST SHUT DOWN/OFF. THANKFULLY, WE WERE ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP. SERVICE DEPT HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 2 DAYS AND WEREN'T ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE CAUSE OR PROBLEM BUT NOTIFIED ME THAT I HAD METAL SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE. THEY CHANGED ALL FLUIDS AND RESET THE COMPUTER, SO THE VEHICLE WOULD RUN, BUT WHEN THEY TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE, THE TECH SAID IT STILL WASN'T RUNNING SMOOTHLY. THEY SAID WE NEEDED A NEW ENGINE FOR $7000, OR ELSE WE COULD JUST DRIVE THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT QUIT RUNNING. WE DROVE THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT ANOTHER 100 MILES WHILE TRYING TO DECIDE WHETHER TO REPAIR OR REPLACE, AND VEHICLE SEEMED TO BE RUNNING FINE BUT THEN SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN AGAIN. WE HAD PURCHASED THE 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, AND VEHICLE WAS AT 110,000 MILES. WE WERE ABLE TO SHOW ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. AFTER RESEARCHING, WE REALIZED THAT THESE ARE THE SAME ENGINES AND SAME "METAL SHAVING" PROBLEMS THAT WERE FOUND IN THE HYUNDAI SONATAS, AND HYUNDAI HAS ISSUED A RECALL FOR VEHICLES UNDER 10 YRS/120,000MILES. KIA IS HAVING SAME PROBLEMS FROM THE ONLINE COMMENTS/REVIEWS, BUT THEY HAVEN'T ISSUED ANY RECALLS.
Mileage: 110,000
I WAS DRIVING HOME ON MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND FROM A NICE VISIT WITH MY FAMILY AND WHEN I WAS ALMOST HOME I COULD HEAR CLICKING/TAPPING SOUND AND THE ENGINE STALLED ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE. I WAS ABLE TO QUICKLY RESTART AND GET TO THE SHOULDER. STARTED UP AGAIN AND TOOK OFF BUT WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE TO THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE AND WAS LOSING POWER. I WAS CLOSE TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND WAS ABLE TO MILK IT TO THE SERVICE GARAGE. UPON INSPECTION, THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS PAIRED WITH A TON OF COPPER ON THE VALVE TIMING SOLENOID. CRANKSHAFT BEARINGS ARE SHOT, CAUSING LOW OIL PRESSURE, STALLING AND ERRATIC BEHAVIOR. ENGINE IS TOAST! AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH I CAME ACROSS THIS: HTTP://WWW.HYUNDAIPROBLEMS.COM/TRENDS/SONATA-ENGINE- FAILURE. SAME ENGINE, SAME PROBLEMS AND HYUNDAI STANDS BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT. I TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN MY VEHICLE. I TAKE IT IN FOR REGULAR MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES. I AM NOT AT FAULT. I WILL BE ESCALATING THIS TO THE NATIONAL TEAM AT KIA CORPORATE OFFICE AND KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO GET A CASE NUMBER AS I FEEL THEY NEED TO BE HELD LIABLE TO PAY FOR THE ENGINE.THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A KNOWN ISSUE AND IT'S SAD THAT KIA IS PUTTING THE BLAME ON THE CUSTOMERS INSTEAD OF TAKING RESPONSIBILITY FOR A FACTORY DEFECT. NO CAR WITH 111K MILES ON IT WITH PROPER MAINTENANCE SHOULD HAVE THE ENGINE JUST BLOW! KIA NOT ONLY PUT MY LIFE IN DANGER BUT THEY ALSO PUT MY DAUGHTER'S LIFE IN DANGER!! I'M LUCKY I WAS IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE ON MEMORIAL WEEKEND OR THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN MUCH WORSE!! MY DAUGHTER AND I ARE OK, BUT I FEAR THE NEXT KIA OPTIMA THIS HAPPENS TO WILL NOT BE A GOOD OUTCOME. MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND A RECALL SHOULD BE INSTATED.
Mileage: 111,700
WHILE DRIVING HOME THE CAR SUDDENLY LOST ALL POWER FOR NO REASON. GOT THE CAR JUMPED AND IT STARTED BUT WAS SLUGGISH. NO INDICATING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON. DROVE THE CAR TO WORK FOR THE NEXT 2 DAYS (APPROX 450 MILES) WITH NO ISSUES SO I THOUGH IT WEIRD BUT A FLUKE. TWO DAYS LATER APPROXIMATELY 2 BLOCKS FROM MY HOUSE THE CAR SUDDENLY LOCKED UP FOR A SPLIT SECOND (HEARD THE TIRES CHIRP) BUT KEPT ROLLING. THE CAR HAD NO POWER, ALL LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC STAYED ON BUT THE ENGINE WAS NOT RUNNING. I LET THE CAR COAST INTO MY DRIVEWAY TO PARK IT. THE CAR STARTS FINE BUT THE ENGINE IS DEFINITELY SHOT. SOUNDS LIKE THE CONNECTOR RODS ARE BENT. LOUD KNOCKING AND SOMETIMES A SQUEAL THAT SOUNDS LIKE METAL ON METAL. CHECKED THE OIL AND THERE WAS MINIMAL OIL BUT AGAIN NO INDICATING LIGHTS EVER CAME ON. THE CAR IS ONLY 4 YEARS OLD WITH 127,000 MILE BUT HAS ALWAYS BEEN MAINTAINED TO KIA SPECS. UPSIDE DOWN ON THE LOAN ALREADY WHICH I WOULDN'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH IF THE CAR RAN. NOW I OWE ON A LOAN FOR A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE.
Mileage: 127,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE AN UNKNOWN PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Mileage: 84,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF POWER WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT TWO CYLINDERS HAD NO COMPRESSION AND THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE FAILURE, THE ENGINE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPLACED DUE TO THE SAME FAILURE. THE CONTACT OBSERVED STEAM COMING FROM THE ENGINE DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V568000 (ENGINE); HOWEVER, THE VIN, YEAR, MAKE, AND MODEL WERE NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 10,000.
Mileage: 10,000
TRYING TO STATE A SHORT VERSION OF THIS BRUTAL SITUATION!! PURCHASED THE CAR WITH 60,000 MILES MY CAR IS NOW OUT OF WARRANTY HAS NOT REACHED 100,000 MILES AND THE ENGINE IS GONE. OF COURSE KIA WILL NOT FIX MY CAR I WOE $24,000 ON.
AT 60,100 MILES THE ENGINE FAILED. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NO OIL LIGHT EVER CAME ON. I HAVE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT DENIED IT ALONG WITH KIA CORPORATE. PREMATURE ENGINE FAILURE. MAINTAINED TO KIA STANDARDS AS WELL WITH OIL CHANGES. WITH EVERY OIL CHANGE I WAS TOLD THE OIL WAS FINE AND NOTHING SEEMED WRONG OR AMISS WITH THE OIL IN THE CAR. I TOOK MY CAR TO HAVE AN OIL CHANGE THE DAY BEFORE MY ENGINE BLEW. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK WHEN IT MADE A VERY LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND I WAS UNABLE TO MAKE IT TO WORK. I HAD THE CAR TOWED IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP. I HAVE OWNED THE CAR FOR 18 MONTHS AS THE SECOND OWNER. I AM STILL MAKING PAYMENTS.
Mileage: 60,100
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT APPX 60MPH THE CAR SUDDENLY STOPPED ON US, AND ALL OF THE INDICATOR LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON-FOR THE FIRST TIME EVER. THERE WAS NO KNOCKING SOUND PRIOR TO THIS HAPPENING (WE FOUND OUT THERE SHOULD HAVE BEEN AFTER TAKING THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP) AFTER HAVING THE CAR TOWED TO OUR KIA DEALERSHIP, WE WERE INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED, BUT THERE WAS OIL IN THE CAR. I AM NOW HAVING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE ENGINE. AFTER READING MULTIPLE STORIES OF THIS HAPPENING TO OTHER PEOPLE AS WELL, IT SOUNDS LIKE KIA NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL.
Mileage: 78,000
THE FIRST THING WOULD HAVE TO BE THE STEERING WHEEL LIKE IT HAS BEEN NOTED BEFORE WHEN YOU SIT STILL IT HAS A CLICKING SOUND. AND ALL DRIVING THE HIGHWAY AT 75 MILES AN HOUR IT STICKS AND YOU HAVE TO JERK IT BACK WITCH IS NO SAFE I HAVE HAD IT ALIGNED MANY TIMES BUT DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. MY CAR HAS 112,113 MILES ON I TAKE CARE OF REPLACE THING THAT NEED TO DONE AND OIL CHANGES EVERY 3,000 WELL AFTER I HIT THE 100,000 MARK MY CAR SOUNDS LIKE IT HAS NO OIL .. ARE I HAVE SEEN ON THE INTERNET THAT IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR RPMS ARE REALLY HIGH BUT THERE NOT ... IT STARTS WHEN I'M GOING 20 MPH ANOTHER THING THAT IS WEIRD WHEN I'M TURNING LEFT THE NOISE GOES AWAY
Mileage: 100,000
AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE OVERPASS AND MERGING ONTO ANOTHER HIGHWAY MY CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE, I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND WAS ABLE TO VEER OFF THE FREEWAY TO A SIDE STREET WHEN I STOPPED THE VEHICLE AND A LOT OF SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND THE CAR WOULD NOT RESTART. BEFORE THIS I HAD NO INDICATION THAT ANYTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. I HAD IT TOWED TO KIA WHERE I WAS TOLD THIS WAS DUE TO LACK OF MAINTENANCE AS THERE IS METAL DEBRIS IN THE OIL FILTER AND OIL PAN. THE VEHICLE ONLY HAS 71000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE OIL CHANGE RECORDS TO PROVE MAINTENANCE EVERY 5000 MILES OR SOONER ON THE CAR. IT HAS NOW BEEN ALMOST 2 WEEKS AND I AM STILL WAITING FOR KIA TO RESPOND IF THEY ARE GOING TO FIX MY VEHICLE. SINCE I AM CONSIDERED THE 2ND OWNER (EVEN THOUGH THE FIRST OWNER WAS THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM) I ONLY HAVE A 60K MILE WARRANTY. I HAVE READ MULTIPLE STORIES ON 2012 KIA OPTIMA'S DOING THE SAME THING TO OTHER PEOPLE AND KIA NEEDS TO STEP UP AND FIX THIS PROBLEM!
Mileage: 71,500
LAST WEEK, DURING AN OIL CHANGE, I WAS TOLD THAT MY TRANSMISSION COOLER HOSE WAS LEAKING AND NEEDED TWO NEW ONES. IN ADDITION TO THAT I WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE COOLING SERVICE WHICH WOULD BE A TOTAL OF ABOUT $200. NO TELLING HOW LONG THE CAR WAS WITHOUT COOLANT, BUT MY CAR HAS NEVER OVER HEATED. COINCIDENTALLY, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL THAT THERE IS A RECALL ON THE KIA/2011 FOR THE SAME ISSUE! I WAS TOLD THAT THERE WAS NOTHING KIA WOULD OVER IF IT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL WHICH IT MOST LIKELY SHOULD BE BY LOOKING AT ONLINE REVIEWS. PLEASE INVESTIGATE.
Mileage: 78,600
DRIVING NORTH BOUND ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. CAR STARTS LOSING SPEED, I PULL OVER INTO A GAS STATION AND MY CAR DIES, IT RESTARTS INSTANTLY WITH NO SERVICE LIGHTS I CONTINUE DOWN THE ROAD ON THE SERVICE ROAD, THE CAR DIES AT A RED LIGHT. STARTS UP ONCE MORE. I HEAR A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM MY ENGINE. I WAS ABLE TO MAKE IT HOME BUT NOW THE NOISE IS MUCH LOUDER, ITS COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE ENGINE ON THE RIGHT SIDE. I TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP. THE CONNECTOR ROD TO A PISTON IS DESTROYED. THE CAR HAS PLENTY OF OIL. I'VE READ ON FORUMS MANY PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM.
Mileage: 46,000
DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON THE PARKWAY, ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RE-START. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO A SHOP WHERE THEY INFORMED ME THE ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THERE WAS DEFINITELY OIL IN THERE AS I HAD AN OIL CHANGE WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF WEEKS,. THE CAR HAS 72K MILES ON IT AND I AM THE SECOND OWNER SO NOT COVERED BY KIA'S NON-TRANSFERABLE 10YR/100K MI WARRANTY. WORKING WITH KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE, WAITING TO HEAR BACK FROM A SUPERVISOR.
Mileage: 72,000
SUDDEN ENGINE FAILURE WITHOUT WARNING LIGHTS. KNOCKING SOUND. PARKED CAR AND HAD TOWED TO DEALER. CAR HAS 63,000 MILES ON IT. DRY OF OIL, AND OIL WAS CHANGED WITHIN PAST SIX WEEKS. SAME ENGINE (THETA II) FROM SAME PLANT (ALA) AS THE HYUNDAI SONATAS COVERED BY RECENT RECALL. SYMPTOMS ARE ALSO THE SAME. KIA REFUSING COVERAGE UNDER WARRANTY BECAUSE NOT ORIGINAL OWNER. WORKING THROUGH THEIR CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO ESCALATE. SO FAR, NO RESULTS. I BELIEVE WE ARE SEEING AN IDENTICAL PROBLEM IN MY CAR WITH IDENTICAL ENGINE TO SONATA AND KIA SHOULD FIX
Mileage: 62,600
THE VEHICLE HIT 63,000 MILES DURING THIS INCIDENT. AS I WAS MERGING ONTO THE EXPRESSWAY AT 50MPH, I GOT THE VEHICLE TO 60MPH AND THE SPEEDOMETER GAUGE FROZE AT 60MPH. THEN, THE RPM GAUGE DROPPED TO 0. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE LOST POWER, THE BRAKES LOCKED UP AND BEFORE I GOT THE CAR OFF TO THE SHOULDER AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE CUT OUT COMPLETELY. THE ENGINE WOULD NOT START AT ALL AFTER IT CUT OUT. I THEN BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY DEEMED A NEW ENGINE AS THE CURRENT ENGINE BLEW.
Mileage: 63,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 117,000. UPDATED 02/10/16.*JB UPDATED 04/08/16*LJ UPDATED 05/03/18*JB
Mileage: 117,000
WHEN CRANKING UP CAR ENGINE MAKES LOUD NOISE, THEN IF DRIVING AT A NORMAL SPEED THE CAR SLOWS DOWN ON IT OWN,ALSO THE DASH BOARD LIGHTS GOES FROM BRIGHT TO DIM TO ALMOST NO DASH BOARD LIGHTS AT ALL, DRIVING
Mileage: 47,000
METAL DEBRIS IN ENGINE OIL, SCORCH ENGINE- SAME ENGINE PROBLEM AS PARENT CO. HYUNDAI MOTOR RECALL. ON SONATA. A 2.4 LITER ENGINE., MANUFACTURED BEFORE APRIL 2012. ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. ENGINE FAILED ON FREEWAY DURING NORMAL USE.
Mileage: 5,100
I WAS DRIVING ON I 95 ON OUR WAY HOME FROM FLORIDA. WE WERE PASSING FAYETTSVILLE ,NC WHEN MY CAR ENGINE MADE SOME KNOCKING NOISE AND THEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, BEFORE I CAN PULL TO THE SHOULDER, THE CAR STALLED,LOST POWER AT 70 MLS PER HR. WE WERE LUCKY NO ONE HIT US AS I WAS SLOWLY NAVIGATING TO THE SHOULDER. I HAD IT TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP IN FAYETTSVILLE,NC. THEY SAID ENGINE SEIZED UP AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. THE CAR HAS 71,000MLS BUT KIA DENIED MY WARRANTY CLAIM SO I END UP PAYING $5,700 FOR A REMANUFACTURED ENGINE.
Mileage: 71,000
MY ENGINE SOUNDS LIKE A TRUCK ,I TOOK CAR TO KIA DEALER SHIP AND THEY CLAIMED IT WAS IT WAS SERPENTINE BELT TENSIONER LOOSING TENION AND IDELER PULLEY BEARING .SAID THEY FIXED THESE PROBLEMS BUT I'M STILL HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM,AND SAID THERE WAS NO RECALL ON MY CAR.BUT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE THE ONE I BOUGHT.
THE WASTE GATE ACTUATOR ON KIA OPTIMA TURBO MODEL FAILED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS DEFECTIVE PART ONLINE AND KIA HAS NOT ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF THIS DEFECT. TO REPLACE THE DEFECTIVE PART WHICH IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY IS $500. DO NOT PURCHASE A KIA UNTIL THEY HAVE ADDRESSED THIS GLARING DEFECT. I'VE HAD 8 CARS IN MY LIFE 7 HONDAS AND 1 KIA. THE KIA WAS A BIG MISTAKE. *TR
Mileage: 59,000
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. HAD BEEN DRIVING FOR ABOUT 40 MINUTES WHEN I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE GOING UP A SMALL HILL AND TRIED TO ACCELERATE IN SPEED AND MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND MY CAR STARTED JUMPING AND THEN WOULD NOT KEEP THE SPEED I WAS AT. THE SPEED IN MY CAR KEPT DESCENDING. IT WASNT UNTIL I WAS GOING 30 MPH BEFORE I COULD GET OVER INTO THE SLOW LANE TO THEN GET IN THE EMERGENCY LANE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED FROM WHERE IT BROKE DOWN IN BAILEYTON TN TO BRISTOL TN WHICH IS ABOUT A 50 MIN DRIVE AND WAS THEN TOLD THEY WOULD NOT BE GIVING ME A LOANER CAR AND IT HADNT EVEN BEEN 1 MONTH SINCE I PURCHASED CAR.. NO ONE SEEMS TO BE WILLING TO HELP. THEY SAID THEY WILL NOT TRADE MY CAR IN FOR A DIFFERENT CAR EVEN THO THEY CLAIM THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE.... GRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!! *JS
Mileage: 49,883
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM GULF SHORES, AL TO ATLANTA, GA. I STOPPED AT A REST AREA. WHEN I STARTED MY CAR BACK UP THERE WAS KIND OF A BUZZING NOISE AS I ACCELERATED, BUT IT WOULD STOP ONCE I REACHED CRUISING SPEED. AFTER ABOUT 15 MILES DOWN THE ROAD FROM THE REST AREA, MY GAS PEDAL JUST STOPPED WORKING. THE CAR COASTED UNTIL IT LOST SPEED AND THEN JUST TURNED OFF. AFTER I WAS EVENTUALLY TOWED TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAD DIED AND I WOULD NEED TO HAVE A NEW ONE INSTALLED. *TR
Mileage: 23,000
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, A STRONG ELECTRICAL BURNING ODOR EMITTED INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE MECHANIC INFORMED THAT THE STARTER AND ASSOCIATED FUSES WERE COMPLETELY BURNT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER WHO RECOMMENDED THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
Mileage: 55,000
DRIVING VEHICLE AT 35-40 MPH. ALL OF A SUDDEN ENGINE STOPPED. THERE WAS HEAVY SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND SMELLED OF AN ELECTRICAL FIRE. SMOKE DISSIPATED AFTER 15 MINUTES. VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE RESTARTED AND HAD TO BE TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP IN TURNERSVILLE NJ. SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP ON 9/23 AND WAS TOLD STARTER AND ENGINE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Mileage: 37,267
I NOTICED ON MONDAY THAT THE CAR SEEMED TO BE STRUGGLING WITH ACCELERATION. IT SEEMED TO BE SLOW AND SLUGGISH. I DROVE THE CAR HOME NOT EXCEEDING 40 MPH. NEXT MORNING WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE THE DASHBOARD IS LIT UP WITH AN INDICATION OF ENGINE MALFUNCTION. I ONLY HAD TO DRIVE THE CAR A MILE SO I CONTINUED ON TO WORK BUT I HAD NO POWER AT ALL. THE CAR WAS STRUGGLING TO MAKE IT UP A SMALL HILL AND I HAD NO SPEED ON LEVEL GROUND. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AT THIS POINT. I HAVE SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT BUT THE NEXT QUESTION IS HOW MUCH IS THIS GOING TO COST? WOW I HAVE ONLY OWNED CAMRY'S FOR THE PAST 15 YEARS AND THOUGHT I WOULD TRY A KIA. THEY LOOK NICE. NOT SURE I WILL KEEP THIS VEHICLE MUCH LONGER. *TR
Mileage: 34,000
I WAS DRIVING IN THE LEFT HAND LANE OF A MAJOR THOROUGHFARE WHEN MY KIA JUST LOST POWER. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO A SIDE STREET AND CALLED MY DEALER. THEY RECOMMENDED TURNING THE MOTOR OFF AND THEN BACK ON, WHICH DID FIX THE PROBLEM AND IT HAS NOT RECURRED, BUT IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING WHEN IT HAPPENED. *TR
Mileage: 3,000
WAS SITTING AT LIGHT AND WENT TO TAKE OFF CAR FELT LIKE IT DIDN'T WANT TO SHIFT INTO GEAR AND HAD A LOUD ROUGH GRINDING NOISE, ALL LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ONE. BRAKE LIGHT, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, COOLANT, ETC AND NONE OF THE GAUGES WERE WORKING. I STOPPED AT THE STORE AND WENT TO LEAVE THE CAR WOULD START UP BUT WOULDN'T GO INTO GEAR, IT WAS STUCK IN PARK. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I HAD JUST HAD THIS SAME PROBLEM 1 WEEK AGO WHERE ALL THE LIGHTS WERE ON AND THE GAUGES WEREN'T WORKING AND THE DEALERSHIP HAD SUPPOSEDLY REPLACED THE FUSE PANEL BOX BUT THAT APPARENTLY DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. I THINK THAT IT'S A COMPUTER OR ENGINE ISSUE. *TR
Mileage: 13,800
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO A CURB, CAUSING THE FRONT AND REAR DRIVER SIDE TIRES TO DEFLATE. THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. THE CHECK ENGINE AND ACTUATOR WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING HOWEVER, THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 970.
Mileage: 970