2011 KIA Optima Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
582
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
178 complaints
I was driving down the road with my 3 sons in the vehicle and all of a sudden the vehicle and engine seized completely up and turned off. I contacted kia dealership who advised me to bring it to kia of Johnson. I took it there and my vehicle has just been setting there. It's under warranty and backed by a theta2 class action lawsuit. And they still won't touch it and are very rude.
Oct 29, 2025
The Engine locked up while driving down the highway at 60mph. Not possible for inspection vehicle currently broke down at shop. I barely had braking power to stop vehicle. Has been confirmed by Kia dealership. Yes vehicle has been inspected by vehicle manufacturer. Check engine light came on 5 seconds before locking up. Happened [XXX] at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 21, 2025
Engine is knocking with check engine ligh on. Kia has a recall on my car for metal shaving in the engine during manufacturing process. I took it to Kia dealer but they refused and said they wont cover it because it's a Salvage tile, and I thought Salvage tiles are covered if it's a a safety recall but they said it's not covered because Kia wont pay them for the repairs or the new engine.
Jan 26, 2025
2 weeks ago my 2011 Kia Optima's engine died while driving. I am the 2nd owner of the car and bought it in summer of 2022 (not 2020). Before buying the car private sale, I sought my mechanics advice who told me Kia engines had issues going back to 2011. Before buying, my brother called the closest Kia dealership to confirm the owner was telling the truth that he had taken the car in for all safety recalls. Kia told my brother the engine and vehicle belonging to the VIN he provided were good to go and that the engine recalls were done. After my car died, I had it towed to my mechanic and was told the engine was bad. I called Russ Darrow Kia and informed them of the situation. I don't recall who I spoke with, but I asked about the recalls and any red flags that would void any warranties on the engine. I was told there were none and I should have the car towed to have them do an engine inspection. On September 7th, I called Kia because I had not heard anything about my car. I was told an inspection was done but the warranty was voided because a recall for NOX sensor had not been done. I called Kia consumer and spoke with a supervisor who just read a template of the Federal Lawsuit and how due to the voided warranty, Kia would not replace my engine. I explained how I had called prior to buying the car and confirmed the engine was up to date with any recalls and I had not received any recall notices for the NOX sensor nor any others pertaining to the engine. I only ever received a recall notice about the anti theft software. The supervisor was extremely insensitive toward me and told me there were numerous recalls and that whomever I called at Kia would have never told me the car was good to go. I would've taken it in if I knew about the recall, or any other. They are refusing to replace the engine. Kia is charging me $190 for their diagnosis and a quote on a replacement engine. The car was well maintained with prompt oil changes. I feel like I'm being scammed.
Sep 10, 2024
Mi carro estaba bien ninguna luz de testigos prendidos de pronto iba por la carretera conduciendo se freno y se apago gracias a Dios no ocurrió ningún accidente. Lo volví a prender sonaba el motor como si tuviera un tic tac y se prendió las luces de testigo de motor.
Jul 18, 2024
+ 173 more complaints for this component
STEERING
76 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 25 MPH, there was a notchy feel in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed, and the failure was linked to TSB Number: CHA060. The mechanic determined that the steering coupler needed to be replaced. The mechanic ordered the part for the repair. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under TSB Number: CHA060; due to the mileage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 121,000.
Oct 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while reversing, the contact heard a popping sound, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The vehicle was taken to an impendent mechanic, and he reinstalled the inner shaft. The dealer was contacted and stated that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Dec 20, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at high speeds, the steering wheel seized. After the steering wheel was released, an abnormal sound was heard coming from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle had previously had the steering column and steering rack replaced at the dealer; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Apr 06, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact’s daughter stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle would produce a clicking noise and shaking coming from the steering column. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the flex coupler replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 252,000.
Feb 11, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the steering wheel failed. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who replaced the steering column however, the repair failed to correct the failure. The contact stated that extra effort was needed while attempting to turn the steering wheel. The traction control warning light illuminated whenever the failure occurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic for inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 200,000.
Jun 14, 2021
+ 71 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
65 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the headlights were significantly dim, which reduced the driver's visibility of the roadway while driving at night. The vehicle was taken to the local Pep Boys where the headlight bulbs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a repair fee for the headlights replacement. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
Apr 26, 2024
Low beam headlights on my 2011 KIA Optima with 150,000 miles are bright to look at them, however the beam pattern on on the roadway is terrible. I have tried replacing the bulbs with brightest bulbs, checked voltages and grounds. After checking over 10 forums I have found that the reflective service on the headlight housing has degraded and lost its reflective value causing a very safe condition. 1 person disassembled the headlight unit and installed foil tape, stating this corrected the issue. I have attempted to contact KIA with out a return response. I feel this should be a KIA recall issue.
Mar 25, 2023
The headlights fail to light up safely and can cause serious injuries or even death. You are unable to see 10 foot in front of the car on deem and bright lights you can only see 15 feet at the max.
Feb 19, 2023
THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ON THIS VEHICLE ARE EXTREMELY DIM. IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT NIGHT. THE ONLY SAFE WAY TO DRIVE IS WITH THE HIGH BEAMS WHICH ENDANGERS OTHER DRIVERS ON THE ROAD. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF OTHER KIA OPTIMA DRIVERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEM BUT KIA WON'T ACKNOWLEDGE OR FIX THE ISSUE. THIS CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT.
Nov 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the headlights would dimly illuminate while in operation without warning. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer where he was informed that his vehicle had been placed under warranty for the headlights; however, the warranty had expired. The contact had the vehicle inspected and was informed that the film inside the headlamp had melted and that the headlamps needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
Sep 20, 2021
+ 60 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
22 complaints
Recall for HECU fuse. Dealer made appointment to fix the cancelled saying fix was no longer available by Kia. Kia should not have said there is a remedy available when there is not.
May 17, 2024
Defect discovered by KIA September 2023 Affected owners not notified until November 2023 As of March 1, 2024, no updates. After six months, if no "fuse" is available, entire HECU should be replaced. Vehicle's exterior has significantly deteriorated since being required to park outside. Additionally, seriousness of fire hazard restricts use of car.
Mar 01, 2024
HYDRAULIC ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (HECU) can start a fire, I was informed not to park the car in a garage or near other cars, also it can also catch fire while driving the car!! I was notified months ago of this problem !! I called a KIA dealer that got me no where !! KIA recall #SC284TF
Feb 24, 2024
car could catch on fire ,recall for 5 months not repaired yet!!!!
Jan 28, 2024
Went to dealer under warranty because of check charging system (hybrid) 2011 Kia Optima They said they did an update It did not help it has been constantly doing the same thing I loose power I have to pull over and start the engine The check engine light stays on This is dangerous because I am driving down the street and it goes into the safe mode I have no power I need help Kia said they will not do anything the dealer is an idiot told me I needed a transmission Please help me
Aug 12, 2021
+ 17 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
17 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 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 local dealer was contacted. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Sep 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 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 local dealer was not contacted. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
May 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH and coming to a stop, there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated he was able to continue to drive the vehicle back to the residence. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was not contacted for a diagnostic test or repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but was unable to confirm when parts would be available. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available. The VIN was not provided.
Apr 16, 2024
+ 12 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
15 complaints
The airbag warning light on the dashboard stays on continuously and will not go off.
Apr 24, 2025
The safety of myself and other are put at risk being that my airbag light is on which means it is defective.
Sep 09, 2021
THE AIRBAG INDICATOR ON MY DASHBOARD REMAINS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED. IT HAS BEEN THIS WAY SINCE APRIL 2018 WHEN THE FRONT END (JUST RIGHT OF CENTER) WAS IMPACTED. HAVE BEEN TO KIA PERFORMANCE CENTER IN MOOSIC PA AND WAS TOLD THERE IS NOTHING THAT THEY CAN DO REGARDING THIS MATTER. ALSO, MY VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AT ERTLEY MOTORWORLD AND THEY TOO STATED THAT NOTHING CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS.
Sep 08, 2020
I HAD A FRONT END ACCIDENT ON 1 OCT 2018. MY AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. I RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE ON 18 OCT 2018. I HAVE CONTACTED KIA CONCERNING THIS MATTER SEVERAL TIMES, THEY WILL NOT RESPOND TO ME.
Oct 11, 2019
MY SON WAS DRIVING HIS 2011 KIA OPTIMA WHEN A SPARK AND POP NOISE CAME FROM HIS STEERING WHEEL. ALL THE FUNCTIONS OF THE SECONDARY FUNCTIONS OF THE STEERING WHEEL, INCLUDING THE HORN, AIR-BAG, CRUISE CONTROL, ETC. QUIT WORKING. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA AND THEY IMMEDIATELY DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AS A CLOCK SPRING WITHOUT LOOKING AT IT, WHICH MAKES BE BELIEVE THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. IF MY 16 YEAR OLD SON HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, HE WOULD HAVE NOT HAD A FRONTAL AIRBAG. AND WITHOUT A HORN, HE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO WARN ANOTHER VEHICLE APPROPRIATELY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND KIA HAS DONE NOTHING TO RECTIFY THE PROBLEM.
Aug 04, 2019
+ 10 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
15 complaints
While driving on the road, I came to a stop at an intersection. While waiting for the green light the engine stopped running. I tried starting the car by pressing the brake and the push start button and the car only clicked and did not start. I pushed the car off the road. After several attempts to start the car it wouldn't start and it started smoking it looked like it was coming from the starter location. It appears that the engine seized and it won't turn over.
Jan 11, 2024
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 20 MPH, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A RIGHT TURN AND THE VEHICLE SHUT-OFF WITHOUT WARNING. DUE TO THE FAILURE, THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE HE WAS INFORMED THAT ENGINE HAD SEIZED. THE CONTACT THEN HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO JTS KIA OF ROCK HILL (840 N ANDERSON RD, ROCK HILL, SC 29730) WHERE THE VEHICLE REMAINED IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE HAD YET TO BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 160,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Aug 19, 2020
TRANSMISSION IS SOMETIME SHIFTING ABRUPTLY, & ALSO SLOW TO UP SHIFT GEARS.
Feb 04, 2020
RECENTLY WHEN I HIT ABOUT 103,000 MILES MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA 2.0 TURBO TRANSMISSION HAS BEEN ACTING STRANGE. WHEN DRIVING FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AS I'M PULLING OFF ACCELERATING THE CAR JERKS MAKE AND WON'T ACCELERATE PAST 40 MPH. AFTER DOING ACOUPLE RESEARCH I WAS TOLD IT'S THE TRANSMISSION TEMPERATURE SENSOR. I. BELIEVE THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM DUE TO THE FACT AS YOUR PULLING OFF AFTER THE COMPLETE STOP IT JERKS SO HARD YOU JERK SO HARD WITH THE CAR. ALSO IF ANYBODY IS BEHIND YOU AND IT DOES THAT SUDDEN JURK IT CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE THE DRIVER BEHIND YOU ISN'T AWARE BECAUSE IT'S NOT LIKE YOUR HITTING THE BREAKS. I ALSO SEARCHED ONLINE THAT THIS MODEL AND YEAR CAR HAS TWO OPEN RECALLS FOR ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS (UNKNOWN).
Dec 28, 2019
SHORTLY AFTER TEST DRIVING AND BUYING A USED 2011 KIA OPTIMA LX, WE BEGAN EXPERIENCING AN INTERMITTENT ENGINE HESITATION PROBLEM WHEN ACCELERATING AT LOW SPEEDS. IT MAY NOT OCCUR FOR MANY MILES OF SLOW-AND-GO TRAFFIC BUT, WHEN IT HAPPENS, IT IS SHOCKING BECAUSE THE ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO COMPLETELY DIE FOR UP TO 3 OR 4 SECONDS. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS WHILE TURNING ONTO A BUSY HIGHWAY OR CROSSING A HIGH SPEED INTERSECTION.I THIS HESITATION PROBLEM WILL OCCUR AT RANDOM REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE ENGINE OR THE WEATHER IS COLD OR WARM. WE LEFT THIS CAR AT A KIA DEALER FOR SEVERAL DAYS BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE ENGINE HESITATION PROBLEM. THE ENGINE HAS HESITATED SEVERAL TIMES IN THE PAST MONTH.
Apr 15, 2016
+ 10 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
14 complaints
Not sure what to do. I scheduled a recall fix for this HECU fuse with our city KIA dealer. When I went they told me I'd have to come back because they didn't have one in stock. No one ever called me again so I phoned to make an appt and the service manager never gets back with me at this dealership. Next dealership is an hour away. Please advise. Thank you.
Dec 03, 2024
I have gone to two Kia Dealers to get my recall on the HECU fixed and they will not help me. I was told that they did not have the part and did not know when they were receiving the part. I also called Kia and they were no help either. What next steps can I take to get this matter resolved. Thank you
Aug 31, 2024
Unknown
Jun 21, 2024
Unknown. The vehicle has this recall and Kia still doesn’t have a solution. It’s been more than 6 months and I want to ensure my car is safe to drive. I am unsure if there are any issues with my car, I am simply just wanting a remedy for this part if the car is being recalled.
Mar 07, 2024
A recall has been issued for my 2011 Kia Optima. I received a letter from the NHTSA with my VIN on it. I am concerned about the safety of me and my family. I am being told that there is no remedy for the HECU. The recall says it can experience a fire in the engine compartment while parked or while being driven. I find that possibility quite scary. What am I to do? What is considered a reasonable amount of time for this to be fixed? The recall was issued nearly three months ago. Each day gets more and more frightening.
Dec 11, 2023
+ 9 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
9 complaints
Paint is peeling off in large pieces despite there being no damage. We have the pearl white color.
Jul 23, 2025
My Kia Optima is peeling paint around the top of the windshield. My car is beginning to rust. This is not normal. Reading online about this issue, and many people are seeing the exact same issue. My car is snow white in color.
Nov 20, 2023
The paint is delaminating and peeling in the section just above the windshield. This started in 2019 and has steadily getting worse. My car color is "Snow White Pearl". I have attached pictures. I had assumed that this was due to the age of the car until I started looking for solutions to fix it and keep it from getting worse. I have found that this is apparently an issue with the paint and is not due to age as there are hundreds of testimonials of other KIA owners with the exact same issue, especially owners with the "Snow White Pearl" paint color.
May 23, 2022
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK EARLY IN THE MORNING, TRAVELING AT ABOUT 55-60 MPH,WITHOUT WARNING A STARTLING SOUND LIKE AN EXPLOSION, ONCE I REALIZED IT WASN'T A TIRE BLOWOUT, I PULLED OVER TO FIND A HOLE IN MY ROOF. THANKFULLY I WAS ALONE AND MY CHILDREN WASN'T WITH ME AND NO OTHER VEHICLES WERE ON THE ROAD AT THAT TIME.
Dec 26, 2017
MY PASSENGER FRONT DOOR KEEPS GOING OUT OF ALIGNMENT. I HAVE HAD IT RE-ALIGNED MANY TIMES. MY BODY SHOP HAS INFORMED ME THAT THE HINGES NEED TO BE REPLACED. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE , IF THE DOOR IS NOT ALIGNED IT MAY OPEN AT ANYTIME. I HAVE INFORMED KIA , THEY HAVE REFUSED TO ASSIST ME WITH THIS ISSUE. PLEASE ASSIST ME WITH THIS ISSUE.
Aug 29, 2017
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
8 complaints
Recall states to not drive vehicle due to HECU which can result in an engine compartment fire. I have contacted 3 dealerships and corporate. There are 15,000 dealerships/service centers that have technology/technical issues. I have spent 3 days, and 12 hours trying to get assistance. I'm being told corporate is not providing any additional support or payment to individually owned dealerships. Expecting them to cover additional expenses. I am disabled and need to go to treatments/procedures multiple times a week. They are backed up 1-2 months for an appointment. Consumers are to pay everything up front and then 90 days later request a reimbursement. They will not provide or pay for a rental or loaner car until the car is being serviced. Therefore they are leaving me with no vehicle for up to 2 months as their letter clearly states that the vehicle is not to be driven and is unsafe. I should not be inconvenienced because Kia made a mistake and is now having to perform a recall, 15,000 stores are not able to perform because of technical issues, they are so far behind in their service appointments which should not have any effect on me and I should not be responsible to pay for any of this and they should absolutely provide me with the vehicle and not leave me with no transportation for 2+months. I am unable to get to my appts. for treatments, my daughter cannot Drive to work. And they have absolutely no solution for me and telling me that there is nothing that can be done other than me paying $45/day out of pocket. they Stated that I personally would be charged to do a full diagnostic test to confirm that there are no safety issues, however corporate stated that it was required in order to get my car back. This has been an absolute nightmare, I am also wanting to know if ada would get involved in something like this as they are not making any type of reasonable accommodation for me. There has to be a law preventing this that they are required to provide a vehicle unt
Jun 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after not being drive for a while. The check engine warning was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed with an unknown result. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.
Mar 04, 2024
When accelerating in traffic car will completely shut off for about two seconds. This kicks off the traction control and power steering is lost. This did not start happening untill the engine was replaced in June 2021.
Dec 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE CONTACT SMELLED A BURNING ELECTRICAL ODOR. SECONDS LATER, BLACK SMOKE APPEARED AND FLAMES ROSE FROM THE HOOD. THERE WAS NO WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT INJURY. THE VEHICLE THEN BURST INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,300.
Mar 19, 2019
2 ISSUES WITH 2011 KIA OPTIMA @ 101,987 MILES. QUICK BURNING OF OIL (CAUSING OIL TO BURN UP AND HAVING CAR OWNER DEAL WITH TOPPING OFF OIL LEVELS) AND GRADUAL "TICKING" SOUND FROM ENGINE THAT RESULTS IN ENGINE SHUTDOWN AS CAR IS IN MOTION PROB #1: MY KIA BURNING THRU OIL AT HIGH TEMP-I PERFORMED EACH AND EVERY OIL CHANGE PAYING OVER $70 FOR TOP QUALITY OIL. ISSUE WITH OIL GRADUALLY BECAME WORSE. I HAD TO BUY MY OIL IN BETWEEN CHANGES TO KEEP ADDING OIL TO ENGINE, MADE MISTAKE IN BLAMING OIL CHANGE COMPANIES, WASTED TIME AND MONEY IN HAVING OIL CHANGED SOONER THEN 3,000 MILES. OIL CAN HENRY STATED THAT THEY BELIEVED KIA ENGINE RAN ON HIGH TEMP WHICH WAS BURNING OIL 2X FASTER THEN ANY CAR. PROBLEM #2: "TICKING" SOUND FROM ENGINE, THAT GRADUALLY FOR LOUDER, FINALLY CAUSED ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN (CHARACTERISTICS ARE DECEIVING CAR OWNER ASSUMES BATTERY ISSUES/ KIA MECHANICS BLAME BAD BATTERY) THIS IS NOT THE CASE! I HAVE AAA WITNESS MY CAR ISSUES, AND CAR STILL HAD ISSUES AFTER NEW BATTERY WAS INSTALLED, WHICH KIA MECHANICS STILL BLAMED BATTERY. CAR SHUTDOWN IS NOT BATTERY SINCE ALL INSIDE LIGHTS, RADIO ETC STILL FUNCTION AND WHEN CAR DIED DURING DRIVING IT STILL ALLOWED ME TO "COAST" HOME AT 3 MPH. THE DAY MY CAR DIED, THERE WAS ALREADY A NEW BATTERY IN CAR. I CAME OUT TO LEAVE FOR DOC APPOINTMENT, CAR LIGHTS CAME ON/RADIO ON BUT ENGINE BARELY START, IF IT DID START CAR ENGINE DIED, IT WAS AS IF ENGINE BARELY STARTED AND COULDN'T MAINTAIN ITSELF. I MISSED A URGENT APPOINTMENT(IAM DISABLED). CALLED AAA, THEY CONFIRMED BATTERY AT 100%. WE TRIED EVERYTHING POSSIBLE, AAA GUYS SAID HORRIBLE NOISE FROM ENGINE, AFTER 20 TRIES I WAS BARELY ABLE TO REVIVE IT ENOUGH TO TEST DRIVE. DROVE AROUND MY BLOCK DOWN THE STREET AND AFTER 10 MIN CAR DIED, BUT NOT COMPLETELY. ALTHOUGH I COULDN'T ACCELERATE, CAR "DRIFTED" AT 2-3 MPH. I TURNED ON ER LIGHTS, COASTED HOME IN 1 HOUR. *TR
Oct 17, 2016
+ 3 more complaints for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
7 complaints
May 13, 2024, we received a letter from Kia America that parts were available to correct the fire hazard detailed in NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000. This followed the Interim notice that was communicated to us on November 12, 2023. Around June 1, we made an appointment to perform the recall work on [XXX] at Classic Kia in Texarkana, TX. After a two hour wait on [XXX], we were informed that the replacement part was not available. They apologized and said that they would order the part and let up know as soon as possible when the repair could be made. On June 20, we followed up with the Service Manager and were told the part would arrive the next day and he would call and confirm a new appointment. Rather than doing this, on June 21, we were told that the part was unavailable and on back order, they didn't know when the part would be available. They hoped it would be in a week or two and they would call us when it was available. It seems unacceptable that the replacement part for such a serious safety concern is not immediately available given the time frames involved. Kia had six months to plan the solution, we provided approximately 3 weeks for the dealership to order the part, and we are still being told that it could be more than 2 weeks before it is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jun 22, 2024
TAKATA RECALL- WHILE TRAVELING TO WORK GOING 40MPH I ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN MY CAR APPROACHING A RED LIGHT ON BURLINGTON AVE/ MO-9. AS I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE BRAKES MADE A THUMPING NOISE BUT DID NOT SLOW OR STOP THE CAR. I LIFTED MY FOOT AND PRESSED DOWN ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AGAIN, AND AS BEFORE THE BRAKES MADE A THUMPING NOISE BUT DID NOT SLOW OR BRAKE MY VEHICLE. THERE WERE CARS STOPPED AT THE RED LIGHT THAT I WAS APPROACHING THUS I TURNED MY WHEEL TO THE RIGHT AVOIDING HITTING THE CARS AT THE RED LIGHT, JUMPED THE MEDIAN, AND CRASHED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE. BOTH VEHICLES HAVE BEEN TOTALED OUT.
Apr 18, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONTINUOUSLY ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND DID NOT ASSIST. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
Jul 31, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS HIGH SPEEDS, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP COMPLETELY WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK UPON ATTEMPTING TO STOP. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EVENTUALLY STOP THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 46,000. UPDATED 09/06/17 *BF *CN
Jul 24, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD TO BE DEPRESSED WITH EXTREME PRESSURE FOR THE VEHICLE TO STOP. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING NORMALLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Mar 30, 2016
+ 2 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
6 complaints
On [XXX] while driving my oil light came on. Since I assumed I was low on oil, I proceeded to nearest gas station, approx 10 min.away, and added oil. I let engine remain off for approx.20 min. When I started the car up blue smoke began coming out from front and rear and there was a knocking noise. Since this is an engine that had already been replaced due to a recall, and now symptoms have returned I suspect engine might have failed again. I have always done my oil changes and have not had any issues. I had car towed towed to San Jose and contacted a mobile oil service to have oil drained out and replaced. When he was finished he said there were particles in oil removed and suspected engine had failed and I should not drive. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 24, 2024
NHTSA Recall
Mar 21, 2024
Driving down Highway car shut off won’t start back up
Jun 28, 2021
WHILE DRIVING MY CAR IT STARTED TO ACT SLUGGISH SO I PULLED OVER AND MINUTES AFTER GETTING OUT OF THE CAR IT STARTED ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED THE FIRE WAS EXTINGUISHED, BUT NOT BEFORE THE CAR WAS A TOTAL LOSS
Jan 03, 2019
WAS WAITING FOR RED LIGHT AND CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING IT STARTED BUT SOUNDED TERRIBLE. PARKED FOR AWHILE AND HAS BEEN FINE SINCE.
Jun 22, 2017
+ 1 more complaint for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
I have been getting a whiff of gas when I would drive it’s but recently it has been worse and my check engine light has showed up and the code for it says that it could be the fuel filter.
Aug 06, 2021
WHEN I GO TO FILL UP WITH FUEL IT WON'T ALLOW ME TO PUMP BUT VERY LITTLE FUEL BEFORE IT SPILLS OUT. I HAVE TO PUT VERY LITTLE IN AT A TIME BEFORE THE PUMP CLICKS OFF. I HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO COMPLETELY FILL UP MY TANK SINCE MAY WITHOUT IT TAKING 45 MINS OR SO AND IT SPILLING OUT. I WAS PARKED AT THE GAS STATION WHEN THIS HAPPENED, WITH THE CAR OFF.
Feb 15, 2021
TAKATA RECALL I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 65MPH ON I-95 SOUTH BACK HOME TO FL FROM VISITING MY FAMILY IN SC WHEN I STARTED TO SMELL GASOLINE FUMES IN MY MOVING VEHICLE. I WOKE MY GIRLFRIEND UP AND ASKED IF SHE SMELT IT AS WELL. SHE STATED 'YEAH, I CAN SMELL GAS A LITTLE BIT.' THEN I ROLLED THE WINDOW DOWN AND THE SMELL BECAME EXTREMELY STRONG. I STARTED TO FEEL LIGHT HEADED AND TOOK THE IMMEDIATE EXIT (EXIT 33). I PULLED INTO AN EXXON STATION AND PARKED MY VEHICLE. I OPENED THE HOOD OF MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA EX AND NOTICED GAS SPRAYING ALL OVER THE ENGINE BAY FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE HIGH-PRESSURE FUEL LINE WHERE THE BOLT CONNECTS. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT MY CAR OFF. I FILLED MY GAS TANK TO FULL BEFORE LEAVING MY BROTHERS APARTMENT AND MY FUEL WAS NOW AT HALF A TANK. I DROVE 57.5 MILES, SO I SHOULD HAVE ONLY USED ABOUT 2.3 GALLONS OF GAS NOT APPROXIMATELY 9.25 GALLONS. THEREFORE, THIS MEANS I LOST APPROXIMATELY 6.95 GALLONS IN THE HOT ENGINE BAY. I AM EXTREMELY LUCKY THAT MY VEHICLE DID NOT CATCH ON FIRE BECAUSE IT'S LIKELY THAT MY GIRLFRIEND AND MYSELF WOULD NOT BE ALIVE. I WAS FORCED TO REPLACE THIS PART ON MY OWN DUE TO IT BEING BEFORE THE HIGH PRESSURE FUEL LINE RECALL (18V907). I TOOK MY VEHICLE INTO KIA ONCE THE 18V907 RECALL CAME OUT AND THEY DIDN'T EVEN REPLACE THE (FUEL LINE) WORK I DID. THEY SAID IT PASSED THE "TEST." I KNOW I DID NOT PERFORM THE REPAIR BY THE PROPER PROCEDURE AND I'M SHOCKED THAT THEY ARE OKAY WITH THAT AND STATING THE RECALL AS COMPLETED. I FEEL LIKE I AM AT A VERY HIGH RISK OF ANOTHER FUEL LEAK AND TERRIFIED WHEN I DRIVE MY CAR NOW. ESPECIALLY WITH ALL OF THE KIA FIRES THAT HAVE BEEN OCCURRING.
Feb 11, 2019
EVERY TIME I STOP TO PUT GAS IN MY CAR, IT TAKES ABOUT 30 MINUTES OR SO BEFORE IT STARTS AGAIN. WHILE DRIVING, THE CAR HAS A JERKING MOTION. KIA EXCHANGED THE CARBON CANISTER BUT IT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM.
Oct 14, 2018
STRONG SMELL OF RAW FUEL NEAR LEFT REAR (DRIVER SIDE) OF VEHICLE WHEN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE EXCEEDS 100 DEGREES. THE SMELL IS NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AFTER DRIVING. IT WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD ABOUT 50,000 MILES ON IT AND THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HENDERSON KIA FOR SERVICING. THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE ISSUE.
Jul 27, 2018
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING,SUSPENSION
6 complaints
WHEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY 55MPH OR HIGHER STEERING WHEEL HAS A LOUD KNOCK AND PULLS LEFT. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE THE STEERING WHEEL IS UNCONTROLLABLE. WHEN IN PARK AND TURNING THE WHEEL IT MAKES THE KNOCKING NOISE ALSO. UPDATED 10/07/15*LJ UPDATED 12/11/2017*CN
Jul 27, 2015
FIRST NOTICED ABNORMAL TIRE WARE ON THE OUTSIDE EDGE OF THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE, TOOK TO DEALERSHIP. WAS TOLD THAT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF THE ADJUSTMENT PERIOD. SO I HAD TO PAY FOR AN ALIGNMENT. RECEIVED THE SPEC SHEETS AFTER. THE ALIGNMENT WAS OUT .15 DEGREES RF, .01 DEGREES LF, .19 DEGREES LR, .13 DEGREES RR. VEHICLE WAS SET BACK TO FACTORY SETTINGS, AND DEALERSHIP BLAMED THE MIS ALIGNMENT ON MICHIGAN ROADS. CAR WAS SET TO HAVE THE ALIGNMENT CHECKED 1500 MILES LATER OR 30 DAYS. 2ND TIME IN THE SHOP FOR ALIGNMENT CHECK AND WAS OUT . 09 DEGREES LF, .11 DEGREES RF, .02 DEGREES LR, .04 DEGREES RR. DEALERSHIP SET THE ALIGNMENT BACK TO FACTORY SPECS. CAR AGAIN WAS SET 30 DAYS LATER OR 1500 MILES FOR ANOTHER ALIGNMENT CHECK AND WAS OUT ONCE AGAIN. .21 DEGREES LF, .13 DEGREES RF, .26 DEGREES LR, .02 DEGREES RR. AT THIS TIME THE MILEAGE WAS 22300. AFTER THE 3RD TIME TO THE DEALER AND TAKING THEIR ADVICE TO GIVE THEM THE CHANCE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. IN THE END , THE DEALER SAID THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR, YET EVERY TIME IT WAS THERE THE ALIGNMENT HAD TO BE ADJUSTED AND PUT BACK TO FACTORY SETTINGS. AS YOU CAN SEE BY THE NUMBER OF DEGREE CHANGES, MORE THAN .05 DEGREES IS ASTRONOMICAL WHEN IT COMES TO TOE SETTINGS ON ANY CAR. THIS CAR HAS A 100,000 MILE WARRANTY, YET KIA, NOR THE DEALERSHIP IS STANDING BEHIND THE PRODUCT, THEY MANUFACTURE OR SELL! *TR
Jan 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSISTENTLY PULLED TO THE LEFT. THE CONTACT HAD THE DEALER PERFORM AN ALIGNMENT TWICE AND BOTH THE STRUTS AND THE BOLTS WERE REPLACED. THE DEALER INSISTED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE, BUT THE CONTACT BELIEVED THERE WAS SOME TYPE OF DEFECT. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 347 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 3,672. UPDATED 12/12/11*LJ UPDATED 01/23/12*JB
Nov 16, 2011
2011 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE STEERING *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE STEERING WOULD OFTEN VEER TO THE LEFT AND THEN TO THE RIGHT. *JB
Oct 06, 2011
PURCHASED A 2011 KIA OPTIMA LX ON 5/18/11. CAR CONSTANTLY PULLED LEFT SO BAD THAT YOU WOULD END UP INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC ON A TWO LANE ROAD IN YOU DIDN'T CONTINUALLY CORRECT TO THE RIGHT. HAD THE DEALER ALIGN VEHICLE TO FACTORY SPECS WITH NO CHANGE. TOOK CAR BACK TO DEALER WHO REALIGNED TO NEW SPECS RECEIVED FROM KIA TECH SUPPORT. VEHICLE NOW ONLY HAS A TENDENCY TO PULL LEFT BUT WILL DRIFT LEFT IF YOU TAKE YOUR HANDS OFF OF THE STEERING WHEEL. DEALER TEST DROVE THE CAR AGAIN AND CLAIMS THE VEHICLE DRIVES BETTER THAN A NEW ONE ON THE LOT. DEALER SAID THEY COULDN'T DO ANYTHING ELSE FOR ME AND REFERRED ME TO KIA CONSUMER RELATIONS. *TR
Jun 24, 2011
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STEERING,ENGINE
5 complaints
I HAD PURCHASED THIS CAR ON THURSDAY JANUARY 14, 2021THE CAR STARTED JERKING AND TURN IT OFF AND ONE TURNED BACK ON I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD TOLD ME IT'S NOT THEIR PROBLEM IN A VERY RUDE WAY. SO I ASKED THEM CAN I HAVE THE OWNERS NUMBER AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THEY CAN'T GIVE IT TO ME AND IF I KEEP ASKING THEY'RE GOING TO CALL THE POLICE ON ME. SO I TOOK THE CAR TO KIA TO SEE WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR THE CAR ABOUT THE RECALL AND THEY TOLD ME THEY IF THE PART IS COVERED BUT I LOOKED ONLINE AND IT IS ON RECALL.
Jan 18, 2021
STEERING WHEEL HAS A CLICKING NOISE AND A PLAY. ALSO ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF. *TR
Jun 18, 2020
I WAS DRIVING IN HIGHWAY IN JULY 2017. THE STEERING WHEEL WAS DRIFTING AND SLIPPERY. IT WAS ABOUT 84,000 MILES IN IT. SO, I BROUGHT MY CAR IN KIA DEALER. THEY SHOWED ME WORN OUT STEERING COUPLING. I ASKED THEM TO CHANGE STEERING COUPLING ONLY BUT THEY CHANGED WHOLE STEERING WHEEL COLUMN AND CHARGED ME $1,402. HOWEVER, I FOUND THAT KIA EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR 10 YEARS/UNLIMITED MILEAGE IN 2016. I AM NOT SURE WHY THEY CHARGED ME FOR STEERING ISSUE. I COMPLAINED KIA MOTORS AMERICA AND SENT ALL INFORMATION THAT I HAVE INCLUDING THE BILLS. THEY DID NOT RESPOND ANY LETTER YET. I LIKE TO HAVE MY MONEY BACK. ANOTHER ISSUE THAT I FOUND IN MAY 2018 WAS FAST ENGINE OIL BURN OUT. I WAS DRIVING TO WORK IN HIGHWAY AND ENGINE OIL WARNING SIGN WAS BLINKING. SO, I IMMEDIATELY PULLED OVER AND CHECKED ENGINE OIL LEVEL. IT WAS ALMOST GONE AND SO DARK. THE DEALER JUST CHANGED ENGINE OIL A FEW MONTHS AGO AND LESS THAN 3,000 MILES DRIVEN AFTER THAT. I FILLED UP 3 QUARTS OF BLENDED ENGINE OIL AND CHECKED EVERY OTHER DAY. ABOUT TWO WEEKS LATER, IT LOOKS THE LEVEL OF ENGINE OIL WAS WAY LOWER (ABOUT 1 AND HALF QUARTS WERE GONE). I CALLED THE DEALER THAT THEY SAID IT WAS ONLY ENGINE OIL BURNING ISSUE NOT ENGINE FAILURE. THEY SAID IT WOULD NOT COVER BY RECALLS. I CHECKED LOTS OF COMPLAINING ABOUT ENGINE FAILURE ISSUE FROM THE INTERNET. BASED ON THAT IN MANY CASES THE ENGINE OIL BURN OUT ISSUE HAPPENED BEFORE ENGINE FAILURE. I STRONGLY THINK THAT KIA SHOULD INSTALL NEW ENGINE UNDER WARRANTY OR RECALLS BECAUSE I REALLY CONCERN ABOUT ME AND FAMILY'S SAFETY.
Jun 02, 2018
THIS HAPPENED TWICE.THE FIRST TIME MY SON WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO AUSTIN TX ON THE FREEWAY WHEN THE CAR SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60MPH.THE WE HAD THE CAR TOED TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND AFTER HE CHECKED THE MOTOR WE WERE INFORMED THE MOTOR SEIZED UP.I PURCHASED A USED MOTOR AT A JUNK YARD WITH 22,000 MILES AND THE MECHANIC INSTALLED IT. DEC.26 2017 WE SPENT CHRISTMAS IN AUSTIN TX AND WAS ON OUR WAY BACK ON I10 AROUND SEALY TX THE MOTOR SHUT OFF.I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR UP AGAIN.I FOUND A KIA DEALER IN KATY TEXAS AND DECIDED TO TAKE THE CAR THERE, IT WAS ABOUT 8 MILES AWAY HOWEVER WE DIDN'T MAKE IT.I STAYED IN THE RIGHT LANE DRIVING REALLY SLOW 55-60MPH AND THERE WAS A LOUD POP AND THEN SMOKE THE MOTOR LOCKED UP.THE CAR IS AT THE KIA DEALER BUT I AM STILL WAITING FOR AN AUTHORIZATION TO GET HE ENGINE REPLACED,
Jan 01, 2018
THERE'S A TICKING IN MY MOTOR WHEN FIRST STARTING UP N LAST ABOUT 5-10 MINS AFTERWARDS AND ALSO A CLANKING AND POPPING SOUNDS IN STEERING EVEN WORSE WHEN HITTING A HOLE OR GOING ACROSS INTERSECTIONS OR RAILROAD CROSSINGS STEERING SLIPS SOME GOING DOWN THE ROAD AT VARIOUS SPEEDS
Nov 06, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaints
RIGHT LOW BEAM NEEDED CONSTANT CHANGING (1 EVERY 4-6 MONTHS). WITHIN THE LAST 6 MONTHS, I HAD CHANGED THE BULB, 2 WEEKS LATER, THE LOW BEAM LIGHT WAS NOT WORKING AGAIN. NOTICED A WHITE FILM ON INSIDE OF LIGHT ASSEMBLY. UPON INVESTIGATION, I DISCOVERED THE WIRING CAUGHT FIRE AND MELTED THE CONNECTOR FOR THE LIGHT BULB. I PURCHASED A NEW ASSEMBLY, ONLY TO HAVE THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPEN. THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN. FIRSTLY, THE LOW BEAM LIGHTING IS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE IN THIS CAR TO BEGIN WITH, NOW I'M RUNNING OFF OF ONE LIGHT. AFTER LOOKING INTO COMPLAINTS ONLINE, I SEE THIS PROBLEM IS PREVALENT ACROSS THE BOARD WITH THIS CAR. KIA IS A MULTI MILLION DOLLAR COMPANY, YOU NEED TO STAND BEHIND YOUR PRODUCT AND HAVE THE MINDSET OF PUTTING YOUR CUSTOMERS SAFETY AS A PRIORITY. I WORK AS A FIREFIGHTER/EMT AND I'D HATE TO ARRIVE ON SCENE OF SOMEONE THAT WAS KILLED DUE TO KIA'S FAULTY UNSAFE PRODUCT. ESPECIALLY OF ONE THAT COULD BE PREVENTED BY FIXING THESE PROBLEMS THAT YOU KNOW IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT. SHAME ON YOU KIA FOR PUTTING PEOPLE AT RISK.
Sep 22, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS ILLUMINATED TOO LOW AT NIGHT. THE CONTACT REPLACED THE BULBS; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT READ THAT THE HOUSING FOR THE LOW BEAM HEADLIGHTS WERE BURNING OUT DUE TO THE RECEPTIVE STRIP MELTING WHEN THE FRONT BEAMS WERE BEING USED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAGERSTOWN KIA (LOCATED AT 10307 AUTO PLACE, HAGERSTOWN, MD 21740, 866-404-6114) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 114,000.
Sep 19, 2019
HEAD LIGHTS FLASH ON AND OFF FOR NO REASON WHEN FIRST STARTED IT UP LAST FOR ABOUT 10 MINUTES
Jan 07, 2019
LIGHTS FLASH OFF AND ON WHILE DRIVING / HEAR CLICKING SOUND WHILE MY DASH BOARD FLICKERS AS WELL. THIS HAPPENS WHEN PARKED AND IN MOTION
Jan 02, 2019
THE INTERIOR OVERHEAD LIGHTS PERIODICALLY COME ON AND GO OFF WHILE OPERATING OUR 2011 OPTIMA. THIS OCCURS WITH THE SWITCH IN BOTH ON AND OFF POSITION AND THE LIGHTBULBS TEND TO BECOME OVERHEATED.THEY DO NOT RESPOND TO MANUAL OPERATION, BUT GO OFF ON THEIR OWN AND THIS MALFUNCTION REPEATS SEVERAL TIMES IN A TEN MINUTE DRIVE. BEST-CASE SCENARIO RESULTS IN THE BULBS BURNING OUT PREMATURELY, BUT I BELIEVE THERE IS A REAL CHANCE OF A MORE SERIOUS SHORT-CIRCUIT AND POTENTIAL INTERIOR FIRE. *TR
May 30, 2012
VISIBILITY
5 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED OUTWARDS WITHOUT WARNING. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND THE SUN ROOF GLASS WAS REPLACED. THE CONTACT CALLED KINGDOM KIA AT (573) 426-3100 (LOCATED AT 2600 N BISHOP AVE, ROLLA, MO 65401) AND WAS INFORMED TO CONTACT HIS INSURANCE COMPANY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.
Oct 03, 2018
I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK WHEN I HEARD A BIG POP AND REALIZED MY SUNROOF BUSTED OPEN. IT WAS CLOSED AT THE TIME IT WAS NOT HOT OUTSIDE AND NO OTHER VEHICLES AROUND ME. *TR
Mar 04, 2015
I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA EX ON A RESIDENTIAL AREA. MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 25 MPH WHEN SUDDENLY THERE WAS A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND. AT THE TIME THAT THIS OCCURRED THERE WERE NO CARS OR SEMIS NEAR MY VEHICLE. AFTER MY 4 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER AND I RECOVERED FROM THE INITIAL SHOCK, I PULLED OVER TO CHECK MY VEHICLE AND I NOTICE THE BACK WINDOW SUNROOF HAD A HOLE IN THE MIDDLE CLOSE BY THE SHARK TALE AND WAS STILL SHATTERING. AT THAT POINT, I HAD NO OTHER CHOICE AND HAD TO DRIVE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL. ONCE I DROPPED HER OFF I DROPPED OFF MY VEHICLE AND A FAMILY MEMBERS HOUSE AND BORROWED A VEHICLE, SINCE MY VEHICLE WAS UNSAFELY TO DRIVE IN THAT CONDITION. *TR
Aug 23, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING, A ROCK STRUCK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE BOTTOM CORNER AND SHATTERED THE GLASS. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE MOLDING AROUND THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT SECURE. THIS FAILURE RECURRED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT DENIED ANY ASSISTANCE WITH REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,535 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 8,537.
Feb 06, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR WINDOW WAS DIFFICULT TO SEE THROUGH WHEN REVERSING. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNAVAILABLE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,400.
Jul 15, 2011
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
While driving our 2011 Kia Optima on I-185 at highway speed, the vehicle suddenly had unresponsive accelerator and had decrease in power. Gauges were all normal range, no warning or indicator lights illuminated. I pulled over to the highway shoulder to clear traffic and placed car in park. Immediately light gray, then black smoke poured out from the hood. My wife and I evacuated the Kia just before the front of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The engine had been replaced in Sept 2021 due to a previous recall, and up to this incident the Kia performed within normal parameters.
Dec 06, 2022
THE FUEL INJECTOR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE CAR SPUTTERED AND CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP WITHOUT WARNING. IT SPUTTERED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY; IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT THE MOMENT THAT I MOVED ONTO THE EXIT RAMP. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A FULL DIAGNOSTIC AND REPORTED THAT THE FUEL INJECTOR REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. WHILE REPAIRING THE INJECTOR, THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS DAMAGED DUE TO THE INJECTOR LEAKING AND CLOGGING THE CONVERTER. NO CODES ALERTED MYSELF, OR THE MECHANIC TO THESE ISSUES. THE MECHANIC REPORTED THAT NEITHER ISSUE WAS COVERED UNDER THE ENGINE RECALL. *TR
May 28, 2020
LEAKING OIL , STRUTS MAKING NOISE.
Apr 01, 2019
ENGINE FAILURE..BOUGHT IN 2013 W 14,000 MILES.CURRENTLY HAS 68,000.CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON LAST YEAR.KIA WOULD ONLY PAY FOR 1 SPARK PLUG.THEN,L PAID TO HAVE A NEW FI SYSTEM PUT IN.L WAS NEVER REIMBURSED.DEC 20,DRIVING DOWN A BUSY HIGHWAY W MY KIDS AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF WITH NO WARNING.THEN,THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON ALONG WITH WEIRD SMELLS OF GAS AND BURNING.TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND NO ISSUE.TOOK IT BACK AGAIN ON DEC 21,BUT NO TECHS AVAILABLE.DEC 23,L WAS DRIVING MY KID TO WORK,ENGINE SHOOK,CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON FLASHED AND A BIG BOOM.CAR WAS GOING 5MPH WHILE IT WAS CLICKING.L GOT IT TOWED(AFTER KIA MOTORS HAD THE AUDACITY TO TRY TO MAKE ME PAY FOR A [email protected],BUT L REFUSED)THRU MY INSURANCE CO.AS THE CAR SAT,A BIG CLOUD OF SMOKE CAME FROM THE ENGINE,WE THOUGH THAT IT WAS CATCHING ON FIRE.CALLED KIA MOTORS....OMG,THE WORST.L JUST GOT A RENTAL TODAY AND APPROVED FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT AFTER MULTIPLE PHONE CALLS.MY BROTHER BOUGHT HIS OPTIMA BRAND NEW IN 2003 AND SAME THING HAPPENED IN 2 MONTHS.KIA CONTINUES TO NOT RESOLVE HIS DANGEROUS ISSUE AND L AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT,LET ALONE HAVE MY KIDS IN IT.
Dec 31, 2018
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was consistently topping off the engine oil. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that there was no smoke or abnormal odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was diagnosed with excessive oil consumption; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
Jul 06, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with metal shavings in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not 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 was informed of failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 142,000.
Jan 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon entering an interstate highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle ceased with the battery and oil warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. As the vehicle shut-off, the contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the highway. After the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts, the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the recall for the failure had expired and referred her to a Kia dealer for inspection. Upon investigation, the contact linked her failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle remained in possession of the independent mechanic unrepaired. The failure mileage was 116,000.
Jun 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED. IN ADDITION, VARIOUS WARNING INDICATORS AND GAUGES ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT ABLE TO RESTART. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA OF UNION CITY (4084 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GA 30291, (770) 964-4900), BUT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND A CASE WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 97,000. *TT CONTACT STATES ON AUG 22 2018 THE ENGINE WAS REPLACED. *TT
Jun 14, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
4 complaints
On NOV. 26TH 2021, I was driving my car and upon trying to accelorate, my car felt as if it was about to stall out. I pressed the gas and I barely moved. My engine light went on immediately and it's constantly flashing now. The cars RPM's do not go past 1-1/2 RPM's. I can not pick up speed like before, like I should. My car now hesitates and I'm scared to drive it. I feel that it's dangerous cause I can not keep up with traffic. I found a RECALL letter that I have from July 12, 2017 in which I took it to the dealer at that time I received it. I alo found 2 other recall letters ( see pics ataached). I guess at that time when they checked it nothing was wrong BUT now I am having an issue and I feel it could be related. The recall number is: 17V224 follow up letter of one of the recalls. The recalls prior to that does not have a # on it: it states: ENGINE CONNECTING ROD on of the recalls. I'm hearing some knocking but it just happened and I havent driven it since Nov. 26th. a.m.The code that comes up as P1362, knocking sensor and can be a number of other things. And everything I read says the KNOCK sensor detects vibrations indicating an onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear. and can severly damage the engine. I'm very concerned and I feel that this recall back in 2017 is now happening to my car. I have uploaded the recall I have in my possession. According to William Garcia( Billy ) the service guy I always usually worked with at Gunther Kia, all of my recalls were checked and soem weere fixed. These particualr ones he said were done and or checked but nothing was repaired as you'll see in my history of service on recalls with them.
Nov 27, 2021
WE WERE DRIVING ON A SLIGHTLY CURVY AND HILLY ROAD WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT WAS AROUND 45 AND THE CAR LOST ALL RPM AND THE OIL PRESSURE LIGHT AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLICKERING, THERE WAS A NOTABLE ENGINE KNOCKING HEARD DURING THIS TIME. WE PULLED OVER AT THAT TIME.
Jun 25, 2017
THE ENGINE KNOCKING AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON AND STABILITY LIGHT FOR SPEED CONTROL. TOOK CAR SEVERAL TIMES TO DEALER AND THEY FINALLY TOLD ME ABOUT THE ENGINE NEED WORK DONE TO IT BECAUSE THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN DO TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. I PAID FOR THEM TO REPLACE OIL CONTROL SELENOID AND THE CODE POO11 STILL COMES UP. THE CAR CUTS OFF IN TRAFFIC.
Apr 07, 2017
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME I REPORT THIS UNINTENDED ACCELERATION, LAST MONTH HAPPENED ON MAY 4 , I DOCUMENTED IN MY PREVIOUS COMPLAINT, THEY RETURNED THE CAR 5-21-14 THEY DIDN'T FIND ANYTHING, ON JUNE 6 AGAIN THE CAR ACCELERATED WHEN I WAS STEPPED ON THE BRAKE AND READY TO PUT IT IN PARK, THEY TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR TO ANOTHER DEALER UNTIL NOW DON'T HEAR FROM THEM, CALLED KIA IN CALIFORNIA LEFT MESSAGES NO CALL BACK, TODAY A GOT A HOLD WITH ANOTHER PERSON JENNY, AND SHE REPEAT LIKE A BROKEN RECORD WE CANNOT DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM BUT THEY STILL KEEP THE CAR FOR A LONG TIME, I HAVE A CASE # [XXX] THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE THIS, LIKE I EXPLAINED TO THIS LADY ENGINEERS SHOULD LOOK AT THIS SITUATION NOT THE MECHANIC, IS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE COMPUTER, THEY JUST FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS AND THEIR MACHINE TELL THEM NOTHING IS WRONG, LIKE I MENTIONED BEFORE IN MY OTHER COMPLAINT THIS ONE IS THE FOURTH TIME THAT HAPPENED, WHAT ARE WE WAITING THAT SOME PEOPLE GOT KILL TO INVESTIGATE, LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS THAT TOYOTA AND GENERAL MOTOR HAD, THEY WAIT UNTIL PEOPLE DIED THEN START DOING SOMETHING, THANK YOU TO THIS SITE THAT WE COULD VOICE OUR CONCERNS. *TR INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) UPDATED 1/6/2015 *JS
Jun 13, 2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
My car won’t crank. Starter is not working. Ask if warranty or recall. Let’s see if they accept warranty for starter replacement. My car towed to Kia of Lincoln in Lincoln, Nebraska where the car parked there right now. Please contact Kia at Lincoln and I better hope warranty are accepted and diagnostic are free too. Thank you!
Aug 01, 2023
Safety: It appears the vehicle in question has had Engine, Electrical, and Driveability issues within less than 8,000 miles of it being on the road the First record of this vehicle show's one owner, purchased not from a Kia Dealership but a third party. The Carfax history showed there has been a driveability issue an ECM Module has been replaced twice? less than 30,000 miles? It's Believed that the warranty or millage has been used as a reason to deny repair and or Because as the Recall on the engine states it is undetermined as to what is causing a malfunction but it has or will result in fire. This becomes a liability for those who offer works on the vehicle. Something within the vehicle is without warning causing the vehicle to randomly fail while descending from 65-85 miles an hour. There are also sudden jerks that randomly accrue. rendering the car hard to maintain direction. Imagin a first-time driver attempting to handle this on a busy Highway in Texas - The day we acquired the car we took it to KIA to do a full inspection - oil change, etc- The report given was that there are no problems identified but a computer module may need to be changed. We also asked that they give us an appraisal it was at that point they said that the car had a salvage title. Which the seller who sold it us ARELLANO AUTO SALES sail the title was clean. Last year a recall on the engine was issued. the insurance company determined the vehicle a total loss since how the car was branded a lost because it appears Kia refused to Fix the car, While everyone else says they can't recreate the issue for fear of liability. So here are with a car that has an undetermined engine issue that causes other electronics to malfunction. The vehicle has been seen at KIA dealerships according to the carfax. It's been seen. By two other service facilities and all have come up with something that may needed to be service while nothing has fixed the car
Aug 04, 2021
I WAS ON I 95 YESTERDAY IN THE EVENING HEADING HOME AND ALL OF SUDDEN MY CAR WENT TO SHAKING IN THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS BLINKING ON AND OFF I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO STOP THE CAR AS I PULLED OVER ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD I SAT IN THE CAR WHILE THE CAR WAS STILL RUNNING PART IN THE CAR CUT OFF BY ITSELF END IT ALL THE SUDDEN STARTED MAKING A KNOCKING SOUND ONCE I TURN THE CAR BACK ON.
Oct 28, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
It appears I have a defective oil pump in the car which I think is what caused the engine to go bad to begin with. I am requesting that KIA of Denham Springs be authorized by the main office of KIA to install a new oil pump in my car after the new motor is installed, otherwise the new motor will probably go bad and will result in Kia having to install another motor for the car. I hope you can step in and assist me in getting a new oil pump installed as this would be a safety issue of the car breaking down on the road and could result in myself or other passengers possibly stranded on the highway . A engine compartment fire could happen if the engine gets too hot due to the deflective oil pump no keeping all engine parts oiled properly by the defective Oil Pump. I am requesting that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's office look into this matter. Thanks for your assistance Tommie McMorris 985-969-8995 email: [email protected]
Apr 04, 2023
MY TRUNK LID OPENS MY IT'S SELF. I FIND IT OPEN IN THE MORNING & SOMETIMES DURING THE DAY.
Aug 09, 2019
DEFECTIVE KEY FOBS. THEY CANNOT BE REPROGRAMMED AND YOU BECOME STRANDED WITH NO WAY OF STARTING THE AUTO. DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED FOUR TIMES TO REPROGRAM THE KEY FOB WITHOUT SUCCESS. THERE IS NO WAY TO START OR OPERATE THE CAR WITH THE MECHANICAL KEY. CAN BECOME A DANGEROUS SITUATION IF YOU ARE IN AN ISOLATED AREA! *TT
Oct 27, 2011
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE REAR BRAKE LIGHT FAILED TO ILLUMINATE PROPERLY WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED. THE TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED ON, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER BECAME DIFFICULT TO MOVE WITHOUT DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED AT THE DEALER BOB BELL KIA OF BALTIMORE (7900 EASTERN AVE, BALTIMORE, MD 21224) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 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 70,000.
Sep 23, 2020
I HAVE CONTINUED TO REPLACE MY HEADLIGHT AND TAILLIGHT OVER A 5 MONTH PERIOD. I WAS STOPPED THE OTHER DAY BECAUSE MY BRAKE LIGHT AND TAIL LIGHT WEREN'T WORKING. I REPLACED THE LIGHTS AND THE BRAKE LIGHT WASNT EFFECTIVELY WORKING BUT THE TURN SIGNAL WAS WORKING. NOW TODAY THE BRAKE LIGHT AND TURN SIGNAL ARE WORKING BUT MY LIGHT THAT MAKES THE CAR VISIBLE AT NIGHT ISN'T AND MY YELLOW LIGHTS ON THE HEADLIGHTS ONLY WORK WHEN I PRESS THE BRAKE.
Aug 25, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE STOP LAMPS FAILED WHICH CAUSED THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT TO ILLUMINATE. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTER WOULD NOT MOVE OUT OF THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED UNDER NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC), BUT THE REMEDY FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE BRAKE WARNING LIGHT WOULD ILLUMINATE INTERMITTENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Jun 19, 2015
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
3 complaints
WHILE ON MY WAY TO PICK UP MY DAUGHTER FROM SCHOOL AT AROUND BETWEEN 1 AND 2 OCLOCK PM I WAS STOPPED AT A 4 WAY STOP AT GA HWY 225 IN SPRINGPLACE , AS I PROCEEDED THROUGH THE 4 WAY WHILE IN MOTION I HEAR AND FEEL A SUDDEN JOLT TO MY VEHICLE AND I SKID TO A STOP THANK GOD IT HAD JUST WENT THROUGH THE STOP SIGN AND DID NOT GAIN ANY SPEED. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND GLANCED UNDERNEATH THINKING THAT I HAD HIT SOMETHING, INSTEAD I NOTICED THAT MY MOTOR AND TRANSMISSION WHERE NO LONGER CONNECTED TO MY VEHICLE ON THE DRIVER SIDE BUT THEY WHERE LAYING ALMOST ON THE GROUND. I HAD TO CALL A TOW TRUCK TO HAVE MY CAR TOWED HOME AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR MY DAUGHTER. MY VEHICLE WAS ONE ON THE LIST THAT HAD A RECALL ON THE MOTOR THE REPLACEMENT MOTOR WAS INSTALLED AROUND MARCH OF 2017. IT HAS NOT SHOWED ANY SIGNS OF TROUBLE UNTIL THIS.
Sep 04, 2019
ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2016, I WAS DRIVING MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA TO CHURCH WITH MY 2 CHILDREN. AFTER COMING UP ON A RED LIGHT I STOPPED AND THEN PROCEEDED TO GO WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN. I WAS ABLE TO GET THROUGH THE LIGHT AND ACCELERATE UP A SLIGHT HILL AT ABOUT 35-40MPH. AFTER GOING OVER HILL, I WAS NOT ABLE TO PRESS THE GAS TO KEEP GOING AND MY BRAKES ENDED UP LOCKING UP SO I HAD TO GET IN FAR LANE IN ORDER FOR THE CAR TO COAST INTO A STORE PARKING LOT. ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE CAR CAME ON AND CAR LITERALLY JUST CUT OFF. THANKFULLY IT WAS NOT A LOT OF CARS ON THE ROAD TO CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I CONTACTED A TOW COMPANY THE NEXT DAY TO HAVE IT TOWED TO A MECHANIC AND SAID THE CAR STILL WANTED TO TURN OVER BUT SOMETHING WAS BLOCKING IT FROM STARTING SO I HAD IT TOWED TO A 2ND MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTICS AND IT APPEARS THAT THE CONNECTING ROD IS THE ISSUE. I'VE MAINTAINED THE CAR WITH THE SAME MECHANIC FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS AND I HAVE A LITTLE OF 140K MILES. I'VE TALKED WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND SAID I COULD HAVE THE CAR TOWED THERE AND THEY WOULD PERFORM A DIAGNOSTIC TEST FOR ABOUT $99 AN HOUR AND IF THE ENGINE WAS THE ISSUE IT WOULD NOT BE COVERED BECAUSE OF THE WARRANTY IS ONLY FOR 120K MILES AND THAT I MUST HAVE ALL MY PAPERWORK FOR MAINTENANCE FROM THE MECHANIC I USED.
Oct 05, 2016
SUDDEN ACCELERATION! HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 6 MONTHS AGO AND AGAIN ON MAY 10TH. GOING SLOWLY TOWARDS A STOP SIGN WHILE BRAKING TO STOP, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATES AND LUNGES FORWARD. STEPPED ON THE BRAKE BUT CAR KEEPS GOING. PUT SHIFT LEVER IN NEUTRAL WITH ENGINE RACING AND AFTER ABOUT 2 SECONDS THE ENGINE SLOWLY DROPS TO IDLE. NO ACCIDENTS CAUSED BECAUSE NO ONE WAS IN FRONT OF ME. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! TOOK CAR TO THE DEALER ON MAY 15TH AND THEY COULD FIND NO CODES PRESENT AND SAID THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. *TR
May 15, 2013
SUSPENSION
3 complaints
I HAVE HAD TO CHANGE LOWER CONTROL ARM INNER AND OUTER TIE ROD AND CV AXLE 2 TIME BECAUSE PARTS ARE CHEAP AND SLIGHTEST AMOUNT OF FORCE SUCH AS HITTING A CURB CAUSES MASSIVE SUSPENSION DAMAGE. BOTH TIMES CAR WAS RUNNING UNBER 20 MILES AN HOUR AND HIT A CURB AND IT DESTROYED SUSPENSION. SECOND TIME TIE ROD BROKE WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND LOST CONTROL AND ENDED UP HITTING GUARD RAIL AND SAME THING DESTROYED SUSPENSION.
Mar 30, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD VEER TOWARDS THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS AND A CAMBER KIT WAS INSTALLED ON THE SUSPENSION BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Feb 24, 2012
I PURCHASED MY OPTIMA SX TURBO WITH LESS THAN 50 MILES ON IT. I GOT THE TURBO WITH 274 HP BECAUSE IT WAS THE CLOSEST I COULD GET TO A HOT ROD WITH FOUR DOORS. I HAVE SEND THIS INFORMATION TO KIA IN HOPES OF RESOLUTION. THE CAR'S ACCELERATION IS FANTASTIC, ESPECIALLY FROM 40-50 WITH GAS PEDDLE FLOORED. HERE IS THE PROBLEM. THE FRONT END RISES AND THE WEIGHT SHIFT MAKES THE CAR FEEL LIKE YOU ARE ABOUT TO PULL A WHEELIE. AT THIS POINT I QUESTION THE TRACTION OF THE FRONT TIRES. IT CANNOT BE THE SAME AS WITH NO SEVERE ACCELERATION. THIS TAKES AWAY THE REASON I BOUGHT THE CAR WITH THIS SPECIFIC ENGINE. ALSO THINK ABOUT THIS SCENARIO. A FAMILY IS DRIVING THIS CAR ON THE HIGHWAY IN THE RAIN. THEY WANT TO PASS AN 18 WHEELER GOING UP A GRADE. ACCELERATION IS INCREASED AND WITH WEIGHT SHIFTED BACK OFF THE FRONT WHEELS, THEY CRASH. THE CAR NEEDS EITHER STIFFER SUSPENSION OR ABILITY TO CHANGE THE SUSPENSION. WHEN I FLOOR IT, THE WEIGHT RATIOS OVER ALL WHEELS MUST NOT CHANGE. *TR
Oct 08, 2011
STEERING,WHEELS
3 complaints
MY TIRES HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH EXTREMELY QUICK WARE ON THE OUTSIDE TREAD SINCE ABOUT A YEAR AFTER PURCHASE OF THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW IN 2011. I HAVE BEEN TOLD MULTIPLE TIMES THAT IT WAS JUST TIME TO CHANGE THE TIRES OR HAVE THEM ROTATES/BALANCED. THE DEALERSHIP WANTED ME TO PAY FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND I TOOK IT SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR A 2ND OPINION - GOT AN ALIGNMENT DONE (WHICH HELPED FOR ABOUT A MONTH) TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP, HAD IT RESET TO FACTORY SETTINGS - AND THE PROBLEM CONTINUES.. I HAVE GONE THROUGH SO MANY TIRES... IN ADDITION, I NOW RECENTLY HAVE AN ISSUE WITH A VERY LOUD CLANKING NOISE IN THE STEERING COLUMN, VERY INTENSE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATION IN ADDITION TO A CLICK NOISE WHEN I TURN HARD RIGHT OR LEFT, IT ALMOST FEELS LIKE THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOOSE SOMEWHERE.
Aug 05, 2016
WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I NOTICED IT PULLED TO THE LEFT AND I BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY "SAID" THEY PERFORMED A FIX ACCORDING TO AN INTERNAL KIA TSB-032 DOCUMENT. WHEN I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE BACK FOR A 15,000 MILE SERVICE AND ANOTHER TIRE ROTATION THEY ROTATED THE TIRES AND THE CAR AGGRESSIVELY PULLED TO THE LEFT AGAIN. I BROUGHT IT BACK AND ARGUED OVER PAYING FOR AN ALIGNMENT AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD DO THE ALIGNMENT TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. AT THIS POINT, IT DID NOT CORRECT THE ISSUE AND THE TIRES WERE PUT BACK PRIOR TO THE 15K ROTATION. SINCE OWNING THE VEHICLE, I AM UNABLE TO ROTATE THE TIRES WITHOUT AN AGGRESSIVE PULL TO THE LEFT. JUST TODAY, 8/24/2013, THE DEALER TOLD ME KIA HAD NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS WITH NEXEN TIRES AND HAVE SINCE SWITCHED TO KUMHO. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL BECAUSE KIA USED A PRODUCT LINE THAT IS OBVIOUSLY FLAWED AND NOW THE DEALER IS SAYING I HAVE TO SPEND >$1000 ON A SET OF NEW TIRES FOR A PROBLEM THAT HAS EXISTED SINCE I DROVE THE VEHICLE (BRAND NEW) OFF THE LOT. *TR
Aug 24, 2013
THIS IS A BRAND NEW HYBRID. SINCE INITIAL PURCHASE THE CAR HAS BEEN OBSERVED TO STEER TO LEFT ON ITS OWN AT LOWEST SPEEDS. TIRE PRESSURE HAS BEEN CHECKED WEEKLY AND HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AS PER SPECS. CAR STILL VEERS TO LEFT. ON RESEARCHING HAVE FOUND THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH ALL 2011 KIA OPTIMAS INCLUDING OTHER MODELS. CONTINUOUSLY OBSERVED THIS FOR NEXT 500 OR SO MILES AND THEN TOOK TO DEALER WHO ACKNOWLEDGED THE ISSUE BUT SAID KIA CORPORATE HAS NOT NOTIFIED THEM OF ANY ISSUE SO THEY DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO AS THIS HYBRID CAR IS TOO NEW. THE SAME ISSUES HAS BEEN REPORTED ON OTHER KIAS NON HYBRID AS WELL.THE DEALER WAS DULLES KIA IN LEESBURG, VA . I WOULD NOT WORRY ABOUT COSMETIC ISSUES BUT ON A BRAND NEW CAR SUCH SAFETY ISSUES ARE TROUBLESOME ESPECIALLY WHEN DEALERS HAVE NO CLUE. DEALER INDICATED THESE ARE NEW CARS WITH NEW POWER STEERING MODULES AND HENCE THEY HAVE SEEN LOT OF THESE CASES. KIA NEEDS TO RECALL AND REPLACE ASAP. NHTSA NEEDS TO ISSUES SAFETY RESEARCH. THE CAR ON HIGHER SPEEDS ALSO PULLS TO LEFT AND IS DANGEROUS WITH WINDY CONDITIONS. *TR
Jan 28, 2012
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH AND PROCEEDING TO STOP, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SURGE FORWARD WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE REAR ENDED ANOTHER VEHICLE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. INJURIES WHERE SUSTAINED, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. PRIOR TO THE CRASH, THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED THREE OTHER TIMES AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 25,000.
Dec 07, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE AT A STOP WITH THE BRAKES DEPRESSED, THE ENGINE RPMS INCREASED AS THE VEHICLE ABNORMALLY ACCELERATED SIX FEET. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH FORCE. THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION WAS EXPERIENCED ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC BUT WAS UNABLE TO GENERATE A FAILURE CODE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 18,100.
Jan 30, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO DECELERATE ABNORMALLY. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT MANEUVERED THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED. BLACK SMOKE THEN BEGAN TO RISE FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS IMMEDIATELY ENGULFED INTO FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT APPEARED ON THE SCENE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO A TOWING LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT EXAMINED FOR THE CAUSE OF FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 7,000.
Dec 29, 2011
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
LOW BEAMS ARE NOT ILLUMINATING.. THE REFELECTIVE PAINT INSIDE HAS BURNED OFF AND I CANNOT DRIVE AT NIGHT WITH OUT MY HIGH BEAMS DUE TO THE FACT THAT I CAN'T SEE MORE THAN 2 FEET IN FRONT OF MY CAR. THE STEERING ON MY CAR STARTED THIS CLICKING NOISE WHEN TURNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL RATTLES WHEN I GO OVER THE SMALLEST BUMP ON THE ROAD. IT IS ALSO WEARING OUT MY TIRES AND CAUSING MY CAR TO PULL SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT.
Nov 16, 2015
STEERING WHEEL HAS A CLICKING SOUND WHEN TURNING. BOUGHT IT INTO A COLLISION CENTER, THE TECHNICIAN SAID THAT IT WAS A SERVICE RECALL ON OPTIMA. HE KNEW THAT SOUND BEFORE I DESCRIBED IT TO HIM. BRAKE LIGHT BULB BLOWS AS SOON AS YOU PUT THEM IN. THE TECH SAID THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM.
Oct 09, 2015
MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE COMPLETELY DIM. I CAN'T SEE MORE THAN 4 FT IN FRONT OF MY CAR SO NO LONGER DRIVE AT NIGHT. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP HERE IN ORLANDO AND THEY STATED THIS HAS HAPPENED BECAUSE THE HEAT OF THE BULB CAUSE THE PAINT IN THE UNIT TO PEEL AWAY. I HAVE NOT HAD ANY ACCIDENTS YET, BUT HAVE HAD A FEW OCCASIONS WHERE A CAR CUT ME OFF AND ANOTHER ALMOST RAN ME OFF THE ROAD BECAUSE MY LIGHT TO NOT ILLUMINATE. THE DEALERSHIP SAID SINCE I AM NO LONGER UNDER WARRANTY IT WOULD COST ME $1200 TO FIX. I HAVE RESEARCHED AND FOUND SOME FORUMS WHERE OTHER DRIVERS HAVE COMPLAINED OF THE SAME ISSUE FOR YEARS AND NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE. THERE IS ALSO AN ISSUE WITH THE STEERING. THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE AND RATTLING WHEN I DRIVE AND HIT A SMALL BUMP. I WAS TOLD BY THE SAME DEALERSHIP THAT IT WOULD COST $400 TO FIX THAT $3.00 PIECE OF PLASTIC THAT HOLDS THAT TOGETHER. IF IT NOT FIXED IN TIME THAT THE STEERING WOULD BE GONE COMPLETELY. I DON'T THINK CONSUMERS SHOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE MANUFACTURER TAKING SHORT CUTS AND USING CHEAP PRODUCTS THAT COST US TONS OF MONEY TO FIX.
May 30, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
2 complaints
Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) experienced an electrical short circuit and engine hardly running.
Jan 06, 2025
MY CAR LOSES POWER WHEN I USE THE HORN. IT HAPPENS WHILE PARKED WITH THE ENGINE ON AND IN TRAFFIC. INITIALLY, I THOUGHT IT WAS FAULTY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM BECAUSE THERE WERE 3 ACTIVE RECALLS NEEDING TO BE FIXED. I RECENTLY TOOK MY VEHICLE TO A CERTIFIED KIA SERVICE CENTER TO GET THE RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF AND ADDITONALLY, HAD THE A/C COMPRESSOR, STRUTS, AND A BELT REPLACED. I ALSO DESCRIBED THE ISSUE OF ENGINE POWER LOSS WHEN I USE THE HORN WITH SERVICE TECH AND ATTEMPTED TO DEMONSTRATE. HOWEVER, MY CAR DIDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I'M NOT SURE IF THE TECHS TESTED IT THOROUGHLY DURING THE DAYS IT WAS BEING SERVICED. THE FINAL DETAILED BILL STATES THAT THE CAR WOULDN'T DUPLICATE THE ISSUE. I'M CURRENTLY SATISFIED WITH THE FIXED RECALLS, A/C, BELT, AND OTHER MINOR REPAIRS. I'M HIGHLY CONCERNED AND FRUSTRATED THAT I'M STILL EXPERIENCING ENGINE, ACCELERATION, RPM, AND A/C FAILURE WHENEVER I NEED TO USE MY HORN. A COUPLE OF DAYS AGO WHILE IN TRAFFIC, I HAD TO BLOW THE HORN BECAUSE A DISTRACTED DRIVER NEARLY SIDE SWIPED ME. AS A RESULT, MY CAR LOSS POWER. I COULDN'T ACCELERATE AND THE TRANSMISSION WOULDN'T SHIFT. I ENDED UP DOING AROUND 30MPH UNTIL I MADE IT TO A SAFE DESTINATION. I CALLED FOR HELP, BUT AFTER I TURNED THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON, IT WAS AS IF IT NEVER HAPPENED. I'M FURIOUS ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE DISTRACTED DRIVER PROCEEDED TO TAILGATE AND INTIMIDATE ME OUT OF ANGER. LASTLY, IT WAS NOT PROFESSIONAL OR CARING TO BE LAUGHED AT WHEN I VOICED THIS PROBLEM AT THE SERVICE CENTER. I NEED HELP AND ANSWERS BEFORE SOMETHING MORE TERRIBLE HAPPENS. THE NUMBER OF ENGINE AND ELECTRICAL COMPLAINTS ARE STARTLING. I'M HOPING THAT MY ISSUE WILL BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY AND LOOKED INTO. I'M NOT COMFORTABLE DRIVING MY CAR.
Sep 19, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
As I would drive the vehicle a rattling noise would occur when every time I accelerate from stopping at a traffic light. Then the engine light appeared on the dash board. When I went to have the engine light checked the results came back about an oil gasket. I then got an oil change soon after. The rattling noise and the same acceleration problem still occurred. Soon after it gotten worst to the point couldn’t go faster then 10 mph and then the car kept shutting off.
Dec 17, 2022
DRIVING ON INTERSTATE, OUT OF NOWHERE ENGINE LIGHT STARTED FLASHING AND ENGINE SEIZED, CAR LOST ALL MOMENTUM, HAD NO "GET UP AND GO" PUSHING ON THE GAS PEDAL DID NOTHING, GOING UP HILL WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE. TOOK CAR TO LOCAL AUTO SHOP, THEY COULD HEAR SOME NOISE BUT WEREN'T SURE WHAT. PER INVOICE 7/26/19: CHECKED CODES: P0011 A CAMSHAFT POSITION TIMING OVER ADVANCED, P00114 B CAMSHAFT POSITION TIMING OVER ADVANCED; P1326 ENGINE DAMAGE ALERT FOR DRIVER. ENGINE WAS NOISEY AND RAN VERY ROUGH, OIL LEVEL WAS LOW AND BLACK (WE SAW NOWHERE THAT IT WAS LEAKING OIL, NO SPOTS ANYWHERE). CHANGED OIL AND ADD LUCAS ENGINE STABILIZER, ENGINE QUIETED AND RUNS MUCH SMOOTHER. CLEAR CODES, TEST DRIVE, WATCH SCAN DATA. NO CODES, POSSIBLE EARLY STAGES OF ENGINE DAMAGE IF CODES RETURN INSPECT TIMING CHAIN AND CONTROL DEVICES. TOOK CAR HOME OVER THE WEEKEND DROVE LESS THAN 50 MILES, SUNDAY 7/28/19 AGAIN, ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR HAD NO "GET UP AND GO" AND A VERY LOUD CLANKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD. TOOK CAR TO SHOP ASAP. PER INVOICE 7/31/19: CHECK CEL LIGHT AND LOSS OF POWER, CHECK FLUIDS, ENGINE HAS INTERNAL NOISE/DAMAGE; COMPUTER DATASCAN, CHECK CODES, DIAG, P1326; ENGINE DAMAGE ALERT FOR DRIVER, RECOMMEND FURTHER DIAG EVAL, INSPECT LOWER END AND TIMING CHAIN. AUTO SHOP CONTACTED LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD THEY WARRANT ENGINES WITH THESE CONDITIONS. THEY HAVE A NUMBER OF VEHICLES WAITING TO BE REPAIRED ALREADY, SUGGESTED CALLING A DEALER OUT OF TOWN FOR REPAIRS.
Aug 01, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
I was driving out of town and when I went to accelerate and the engine had seized, the brakes had locked up and I lost power steering which almost resulted in an accident. On the dash was showing the engine, oil, and esc light, which were not on the dash before and there was nothing wrong or weird going on with the car prior to the first incident to even indicate that something was wrong. Had to get the car towed home then realized there had been a recall on the engine. Contacted the kia manufacturer and they had towed it to a kia dealership where they replaced the engine. Waited 2 Months to get my car back, the dealership let me leave with the ABS and Eps light on the dash, and couldn't give me a reason why the lights were still on. I had it for 3 days, it drove okay and now it no longer drives nor does it start. I was stranded because the car wouldnt start again giving the same issues as before the recall repair was done, with only accessories turning on. On the dash it only shows Engine, Oil, Eps and battery light. Found the Serpentine belt already coming apart and misplaced, found strips of the belt laying in the bottom of the hood. Also had found out the entire engine block ROCKS BACK AND FORTH while car is in motion. If I had driven the car any longer the belt would have completely snapped and would most likely result in an injury or worse. With the Engine movement that is also going to cause other damages to the car and more safety hazards. I have not even known about the engine recall on this car until after everything happened and when the car was purchased no one had notified me in anyway about the recall. Now they refuse to cover towing costs back to the dealership because the "5 year warranty had expired" When this in no way is my fault. Second incident was Oct. 17th 2022.
Oct 20, 2022
ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2016, I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH IN MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON. I COULD HEAR THE ENGINE REV SLIGHTLY WHEN I STEPPED ON THE GAS, BUT THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. THE ENGINE JUST SHUT OFF. IT WAS 7:30AM WHEN THIS OCCURRED SO LUCKILY THERE WERE NOT MANY CARS ON THE ROAD YET. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR OVER, HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE ENGINE WAS OFF, THE BREAKS WOULD NOT WORK WELL. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET THE CAR TO STOP BY CONTINUING TO HIT THE BREAKS AND APPLYING THE EMERGENCY BREAK AS WELL. KIA RECOMMENDS OIL CHANGES EVERY 7,500 MILES, HOWEVER, I USUALLY HAVE MINE DONE EVERY 5,000. I HAD ZERO WARNING SIGNS THAT SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH MY CAR. THE LAST OIL CHANGE WAS PERFORMED ON AUGUST 31, 2016, AND THE MECHANIC THAT PERFORMED THE CHANGE SAID EVERYTHING LOOKED FINE. THERE WAS ZERO SMOKE COMING FROM THE ENGINE OR EXHAUST AND NO "KNOCKING" SOUND IN THE ENGINE. I HAD THE CAR TOWED DIRECTLY TO THE DEALER. ONCE THERE, WE TESTED THE BATTERY AND IT SEEMED A LITTLE LOW. MIND YOU THIS IS A NEW BATTERY PURCHASED FROM COSTCO ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO. WE TRIED JUMPING THE CAR AND AFTER TRYING TO START THE CAR A 3RD TIME, THE ENGINE STARTED SHOOTING OUT BLACK SMOKE AND HAD A FOUL SMELL TO IT. SEVERAL HOURS LATER, I RECEIVED A CALL FROM THE DEALER AUTHORIZING $280 TO OPEN THE TOP OF THE ENGINE SO THEY COULD TAKE PICTURES AND SEND IT TO KIA. . I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND SEVERAL OTHER 2011 KIA OWNERS EXPERIENCING A SIMILAR ISSUE AND WAS JUST TOLD BY A FRIEND THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO HER 2011 OPTIMA AS WELL. LOOKS LIKE HYUNDAI HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND IT IS THE SAME ENGINE AS THE KIA AND HAD A RECALL. MY CAR HAD 101,500 MILES (MOSTLY HIGHWAY MILES) AND THE ONLY ISSUE I EVER HAD WAS TO REPLACE A CLOCKSPRING IN THE STEERING COLUMN ABOUT 6-MONTHS AGO.
Sep 08, 2016
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
2 complaints
Unknown. I just checkes the VIN # on this vehicle because I just bought it and saw that it has 4 recalls. But recently I have been smelling gasoline when I drive it long distances and sometimes when I am in town. It gets bad, even my kids complain about the smell. Im not sure if there is a problem but if so I would like for it to be corrected.
May 31, 2021
WE WERE IN MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA ON A TRANSITION RAMP FROM ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER DOING ABOUT 45 MPH. AS WE ROUNDED A TURN WE SAW 2 CARS AND A TOW TRUCK ON THE SIDE OF THE RAMP WE THEN HIT A PUDDLE (LAKE) THAT WENT ACROSS BOTH LANES OF THIS RAMP. THE WATER SLOWED US BY MAYBE 20 MPH WITH WATER SHOOTING ALL AROUND US. WE THEN SAW A TRUCK COMING DOWN A ON RAMP TO MERGE IN FRONT OF US HE HIT ANOTHER PUDDLE AND SPUN SIDEWAYS AND HIT A GUARD RAIL. WE PULLED UP NEXT TO HIM TO SEE IF HE WAS ALRIGHT AND MY CAR STALLED. WE COULD SMELL GAS I THOUGHT IT WAS COMING FROM THE TRUCK AND I WANTED TO MOVE AWAY FROM HIM. THE CAR WOULD NOT START, I HAD MY 4 YEAR OLD IN THE CAR AND HE WAS TERRIFIED AND CRYING. LUCKILY A TOW TRUCK PULLED UP BEHIND US AND BLOCKED OTHER CARS FROM HITTING US HE PUSHED US OUT OF THE LANE. WHEN THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE KIA DEALER I FOUND OUT THERE IS A PIECE OF (PLASTIC OR METAL I DON'T KNOW WHICH) THAT RUNS DOWN THE CENTER UNDER THE CAR, IT HOLDS THE GAS AND HYDRAULIC LINES UP FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK, THIS PIECE IS HELD IN PLACE WITH CLIPS ( NOT BOLTS OR SCREWS ) THE WATER PULLED THESE CLIPS FREE AND MY GAS AND HYDRAULIC LINES WERE PULLED DOWN, MY GAS LINE BROKE THAT WAS THE GAS I WAS SMELLING, IT THERE HAD BEEN A SPARK OR FLARE IT COULD HAVE BEEN FATAL. THIS COULD ALSO HAVE HAPPENED IF I WAS DRIVING IN SNOW. IN MY OPINION THIS IS A FACTORY DEFECT AND SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER SAID NO. SO I HAVE TO PAY $500 PLUS 5 DAYS OF CAR RENTAL. I'M 59 I HAVE DRIVEN EVERY MAKE OF CAR I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS HAPPEN BEFORE. *TR
Dec 21, 2014
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
FRONT OF SUNROOF GLASS PANEL SHATTERED VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN A PARKING LOT.
Aug 14, 2020
DRIVING ON FREEWAY NEAR NORTH BEND WA. STATE WITH WIFE AND 2 GRANDKIDS IN CAR WHEN PANARAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. LARGE BLAST FROM NOWHERE AND NOBODY IN FRONT OF ME. IT SHOCKED US AND ALMOST MADE US WRECK. KIA OF AMERICA WAS HORIBLE TO WORK WITH AND TOOK NO RESPONSABILITY FOR THEIR DEFECT.
Apr 03, 2017
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
KIA OPTIMA 2011 TOOK A TURN FOR THE WORST ON JULY 2 2018, MY KIA OPTIMA CAUSED ME TO PLUMMET INTO TRAFFIC AFTER MY BRAKE DIDN'T PERFORM L. THAT'S CAR HAD BEEN TAKEN TO KIA FOR ALL SERVICE NEED AND CAR STILL PERFORM POORLY. HAVE TO RESTART MY CAR MULTIPLE TIME JUST FOR IT TO ACT RIGHT. CAR STOPS ONE ME IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET ONE DAY. I HAVE A 3 OLD AND THAT DAY SHE COULD HAVE BEEN WITH ME. I LOST MY LICENSE AND MY MONEY I INVESTED FOR A SAFE CAR FOR ME AND MY CHILD. *TR
May 29, 2020
ON APRIL 25TH, 2013, I DROVE FROM THE ATLANTA AREA TO SHANNON, GA. NEAR ADAIRSVILLE, GA. I STOPPED A THE GATE PUT THE CAR IN PARK, SET THE BRAKE. BEFORE I COULD GET OUT THE CAR SURGED FORWARD SMASHING THE GATE. I HIT THE BRAKE, BACKED IT UP, PUT IT IN PARK, SET THE BRAKE AND AGAIN BEFORE I COULD GET OUT IT SURGED FORWARD. THIS TIME WHEN I BACKED UP PUT IT IN PARK I TURNED OFF THE MOTOR. JUMPING FORWARD IN MY STORY, I CALLED KIA AND FOUND OUT THE CAR WAS ON RECALL. I LOOKED IT UP ON THE INTERNET ONLY TO SEE THE NOTICES WOULD NOT BE SENT OUT UNTIL MAY 2013. KIA. IS REPLACING THE PART BUT WILL NOT FIX THE FRONT END DAMAGE. THEY TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY. KIA RAN SOME TEST AND SAID IT SHOWED NOTHING WRONG WITH MY CAR. I WOULD HAVE BEEN RUN DOWN AND KILLED OR IN THE HOSPITAL. ALL I ASK IS FOR THEM TO FIX THE FRONT END OF MY CAR AND REPLACE THE GATE. THEY STILL HAVE MY CAR SO THE MILEAGE IS AND ESTIMATE. I DID USE CRUSE CONTROL. CASE #[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
May 06, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
HI MY CAR HAS LOT OF SAFETY ISSUES.. I TOOK MANY TIMES TO KIA DEALER IN JERSEY CITY MY CAR DOOR GETS UNLOCKED WHILE IT'S IN DRIVING MODE WHICH MAKES ME FEEL UNSAFE I TOLD SO MANY TIMES TO THE DEALERS TO FIX IT THEY DO SOME TEMPORARY THINGS IN MY CAR AND THEY LIVE ME BUT AGAIN AFTER SOME DAYS THAT PROBLEM IS ARISING AGAIN... I AM FED UP WITH THIS SITUATION AS I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THE CAR...
Jan 20, 2020
TAKATA RECALL AS SOON AS I TURN THE KEY THE AIRBAG LIGHT SHOWS UP, STEADY. IT IS ON ALL THE TIME, WHETHER I AM STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. I HAVE NO IDEA IF THE AIRBAGS EVEN WORK. THERE ARE ALSO ISSUES WITH THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM AS THE DOOR OFTEN UNLOCKS ON ITS OWN, ALARM GOES OFF ON IT'S OWN, LIGHTS FLASH INSIDE EVERY TIME I MAKE A TURN, LEFT OR RIGHT AND THE RADIO SPAZZES OUT
Apr 21, 2017
AIR BAGS,ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 80 MPH, THE OIL LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE CONTACT HEARD A LOAD CLUNKING NOISE. THE ENGINE SEIZED AND THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO PULL THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBERS: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS) AND 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT WAS THE ORIGINAL OWNER AND DID NOT RECEIVE EITHER RECALL LETTER FROM THE MANUFACTURER. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 109,000.
Jun 04, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL KNOCKING NOISE AND THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED, WHICH WAS A SAFETY CONCERN. THE CONTACT CALLED CERAME KIA (11655 NEW HALLS FERRY RD, SAINT LOUIS, MO 63033) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 103,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jun 21, 2018
SEAT BELTS
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE STRUCK THE FRONT OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN THE CONTACT. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW YARD. THE CONTACT AND HIS PASSENGERS SUSTAINED HEAD AND NECK INJURIES, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 90,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jan 22, 2019
PURCHASED A NEW 2011 VEHICLE, WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I WENT TO THE PARTS DEPT. AND ASK THAT THE ORDER SOME SEAT BELT EXTENDERS FOR ME. THE MANAGER SAID HE WOULD AFTER 5 WEEKS I CALLED THE PARTS DEPT. HE TOLD ME THEY HAVE NOT COME IN YET. ANOTHER WEEK GOES BY THEN I GET A CALL FROM THE REGIONAL PARTS MANAGER STATING THEY DID NOT OFFER THEM. PERIOD NO AND IF OR BUTS NO. IN YOUR FMVSS 209 REQUIRE MANUFACTURES TO PROVIDE LONGER BELTS OR SEAT BELT EXTENDERS TO ACCOMMODATE EXTREMELY LARGE PEOPLE. I WAS 480 LBS DOWN TO 360 BUT I STILL NEED SOME. I EVEN ASKED THE DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WOULD REIMBURSE ME. SENSE I AM ON SSI. THEY REFUSED BUT THEY DID TELL ME WHERE TO GO TO FIND THEM. SEAT BELT EXTENDERS, THE PART THAT THE SHOULDER BELT SNAPS IN TO THAT GOES IN THE LATCH, I AM A LARGE MAN AND HAVE EXTREME PAIN IN SHOULDERS AND ARMS. WITH BURCIDES AND AUTHORITIES, DEALER REFUSES TO SUPPLY EXTENDERS, ITS FUNNY EVERY OTHER VEHICLE DEALERS CARRY THEM. THEIR LINES OFFER THEM PLANES OFFER EXTENDERS. KIA DOSE NOT AND REFUSED TO HELP CONSUMERS WITH DISABILITIES. THE PARTS MANAGER EVEN SAID WHEN HE WORKED FOR MERCEDES THE CARRIED 6 INCH 8 INCH AND 12 INCH. EXTENDERS. I DO NOT HAVE THE 40.00 EACH I NEED TWO PASSANGERSIDE DRIVERS SIDE. NOTHING FOR THE BACK SEAT I CAN?T FIT THERE... THE PERSON THAT I HAVE BEEN TALKING TO IS [XXX]CONSUMER S AFFAIRS ANALYST SOUTHERN REAGION. KIA MOTORS KAIS CASE # [XXX] HER DIRECT NO IS 1-800-225-3193 EXTENSION OR OPTION 4. ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED... I NEED A 8 INCH. 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). *TR
Feb 28, 2011
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF AN ONCOMING VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE FRONT BUMPER WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE DEALER (EVERGREEN KIA, 9205 S WESTERN AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60643, (800) 556-5223) WAS NOTIFIED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000. *TT UPDATED 11/19/18*JB
Sep 18, 2018
I WAS SITTING IN A TURN LANE, TO TURN LEFT. THERE WERE TWO LANES TO MY RIGHT FOR TRAFFIC. I WAS WAITING FOR A CAR COMING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION. I HAPPENED TO LOOK IN MY REAR VIEW MIRROR AND IT WAS COMPLETELY TAKEN UP BY THIS RED OBJECT, WHICH HAPPENED TO BE A CAR. IMMEDIATELY I FELT A TERRIBLE SHOCK AND MY CAR WAS LIFTED UP IN THE REAR AND THE FRONT END POINTED AT THE ROAD. THIS CAR DROVE ME APPROXIMATELY 40 YDS. UP THE ROAD. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY...NONE OF THEM AND THERE WAS $12,000 WORTH OF DAMAGE DONE TO MY CAR. I STILL HAVE LOWER BACK PAIN AND SEVERE CRAMPS ON THE LEFT SIDE OF NECK AND HEAD. OF COURSE THE DRIVER WAS DUI, NO LICENSE, NO INSURANCE AND LEFT THE SCENE OF THE ACCIDENT. ON 10/22/12 MY WIFE HAD DRIVEN HOME FROM FLORIDA TO TN. SHE TURNED ON A STREET HEADING UP A HILL TOWARD OUR HOME. SHE WAS GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES PER HOUR, WHEN AN OLDER GREY TRUCK COMING DOWN THE HILL CROWDED HER OFF THE ROAD. SHE SWERVED TO HER RIGHT AND HIT A 700 LB. MAILBOX(CEMENT & BRICKS) THIS ACCIDENT TORE THE RIDE SIDE FRONT END BACK BY 4 FEET, ALSO BUCKLING THE HOOD AND POPPING RIVETS IN THE MOTOR. THE AIR BAGS AGAIN FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE HAS TO BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE 2011 KIA OPTIMA'S AIR BAGS. SHE BLOODIED HER NOSE AND HAD A GASH IN HER RIGHT WRIST. THERE4 IS ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE OF HAVING AIR BAGS WHEN THEY DON'T DO AS THEY SUPPOSED TO. THIS MUST BE EXPLORED AND THE REASON FOUND! THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION IN THIS MATTER. *TR
Oct 23, 2012
STRUCTURE,ENGINE
2 complaints
MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING A 2011 KIA OPTIMA WHEN THE CAR VEERED OFF THE ROAD AND BURST INTO FLAMES. MY HUSBAND WAS KILLED UPON IMPACT WITH A TREE.
Sep 12, 2018
VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN A MILE TO A COMMUTER RAIL STATION FOR A DROP OFF AND BACK HOME. NOTHING UNUSUAL WAS NOTED DURING THE SHORT TRIP NOR HAD ANY PROBLEMS BEEN OBSERVED IN THE DAYS LEADING UP TO THE INCIDENT. SHORTLY AFTER PARKING THE VEHICLE ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF THE PARKING GARAGE AND ENTERING THE RESIDENCE, THE COMPLEX FIRE ALARMS ACTUATED AND ALL RESIDENTS WERE ADVISED TO EVACUATE WITHOUT ENTERING THE COMMUNITY PARKING GARAGE. SHORTLY THEREAFTER, I WAS NOTIFIED BY THE COMPLEX MANAGER VIA MY CELL PHONE THAT MY CAR WAS ON FIRE IN THE GARAGE. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS BURNED AND WAS DECLARED A TOTAL LOSS BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. (ALLSTATE). THE ENTIRE CAR WOULD HAVE BURNED IF IT HADN'T BEEN PARKED DIRECTLY UNDER A SPRINKLER HEAD IN THE GARAGE PLUS A SPEEDY RESPONSE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. AN INDEPENDENT FIRE ORIGIN INVESTIGATOR WAS HIRED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. HIS PROFESSIONAL OPINION WAS THE FIRE STARTED AT THE RADIATOR FAN ASSEMBLY. *TR
Mar 16, 2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
MOTOR OIL KEEPS DISAPPEARING; I CHANGE THE OIL ON SCHEDULE AND 2-3 WEEKS AFTER IT IS DRY. I'M AFRAID OF ENGINE FAILURE OR LOCK UP DUE TO THIS. RAISING THE HOOD DOES NOT SHOW ANY OIL SPLATTER. ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS; LNTERIOR LIGHTS KEEP GOING OUT OR GO COMPLETELY DIM.
Mar 26, 2018
CAR CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE BAY WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND HAS BEEN ENTIRELY BURNED OUT IN 5 MINUTES.
Aug 02, 2017
VISIBILITY,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY ON RAMP THE FRONT HALF OF THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED. THE SUNROOF AND INTERIOR SCREEN WERE BOTH CLOSED AT THE TIME. THE REMAINING GLASS WAS PUSHED UPWARD. *TR
Jan 01, 2017
MOONROOF ON OUR 2011 KIA OPTIMA EX MODEL EXPLODED WHILE TRAVELING AT 60 MPH DECEMBER 25TH 2013 - EVENING. OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE WAS 36 DEGREES F AT THE TIME. INCIDENT ALSO CAUSED BODY AND PAINT DAMAGE TO OUR TRUNK AS WELL AS PEPPERED VEHICLES BEHIND US WITH GLASS FRAGMENTS. UPON REVIEWING MULTIPLE FORUMS ON LINE IT APPEARS THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT FOR KIA/HYUNDAI AS I LEARNED MULTIPLE MODELS MADE BY THIS DUO HAVE ALSO SUFFERED SIMILAR SCENARIO'S. I'M SURE NHTSA IS QUITE AWARE THAT THE HYUNDAI VELOSETER HAS RECALLED SEVERAL THOUSAND VEHICLES MFG. FOR THIS POTENTIAL ISSUE AND WE'RE COINCIDENTALLY MADE DURING THE SAME TIME FRAME OUR VEHICLE WAS ASSEMBLED. *TR
Dec 27, 2013
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
THE ENGNE LOCKED UP AT 87K! I HAD NO OIL IN IT
Sep 12, 2016
I HAVE A 2011 KIA OPTIMA LX, 2.4 LITER ENGINE. ALWAYS KEEP UP ON THE MAINTENANCE AND OIL CHANGES, CAR IS IN GREAT SHAPE. I WAS NOT EXPERIENCING ANY ISSUES, WARNINGS, NO CHECK ENGINE/OIL LIGHTS, NO NOISES, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. THEN LAST NIGHT MY CAR JUST SPUTTERED AND CUT OFF WHILE BEING DRIVEN. APPARENTLY WHEN THE ENGINE CUTS OFF, SO DOES THE BRAKES. THERE WAS NO WAY TO PUSH THE BRAKES, SO I HAD TO TRY TO SAFELY COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, WITH NO BRAKES AND NO POWER STEERING. I FINALLY PULLED OVER, TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR AND THERE WAS SUCH A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE, AND SOME SQUEALING NOISES AS WELL. THE CAR WILL NO LONGER START EITHER. I HAD A MECHANIC LOOK AT IT TODAY AND SAYS THE ENGINE IS "JUST GONE." NO EXPLANATIONS AT ALL. I VERIFIED THAT THE KIA OPTIMA AND THE HYUNDAI SONATA ARE THE SAME MANUFACTURER AND USE THE SAME ENGINES. I SEE THERE ARE WAY MORE COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE 2011 HYUNDAI SONATA WITH THIS SAME ISSUE. I WILL TRY TO NOTIFY KIA AND SEE IF THEY ARE WILLING TO STEP UP AND CORRECT THIS EVEN WITH THE WARRANTY EXPIRING 7,000 MILES AGO, SINCE I AM THE SECOND OWNER. I HAVE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS SAME THING FOR BOTH THE 2011 OPTIMAS AND SONATAS. THIS IS SO DANGEROUS BECAUSE THERE ARE NO WARNINGS, AND THE ENGINE CUTS OFF IN TRAFFIC, WHICH ALSO CAUSES THE BRAKES AND STEERING TO GO OUT. NOT SAFE AT ALL.
May 29, 2015
TIRES
2 complaints
RECEIVED A NHTSA RECALL NOTICE REGARDING MY KIA OPTIMA TIRES, NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER:13T009. YOKOHAMA TIRE CORPORATION IS RECALLING CERTAIN 7.50R16RY215 TIRES MANUFACTURED 01/01/2006 THROUGH 08/01/2011. *TR I HAVE A 2011 KIA OPTIMA WITH TIRES MADE BY HANKOOK/KUMHO/NEXEN TIRES. ARE THESE PART OF A RECALL? THE DEALER FUCCILLO KIA, 404 NE PINE ISLAND, CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA, 33909 WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR SAYS HE IS NOT AWARE OF A RECALL. ARE MY CAR TIRES PART OF A RECALL? *TR
Nov 20, 2013
DEFECTIVE TIRES - AFTER 2 FLAT TIRES IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT ALL 4 HAD THE SAME DEFECT - BUBBLING AND SEPARATION INSIDE THE TIRE SHOULDER, AFTER APPX 17K MILES WITH PROPER INSTALLATION AND TIRE PRESSURE. WAS OFFERED THE SAME TIRES AT A REDUCED COST. DECLINED AND PURCHASED A DIFFERENT BRAND. *TR
Oct 10, 2013
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 complaints
I HAVE A 2011 KIA OPTIMA LX, ONE NIGHT WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ALOUD BOOM SOUND WITH A JERK OF THE CAR AND ALL POWER WAS GONE AT ONCE. THERE WAS NOTHING,LIGHTS OUT, IN AND OUT AND NO ACCELERATION, THEN AFTER ABOUT 10 SECONDS ALL POWER RETURNED, BEFORE AND AFTER THIS THERE WAS NO WARNING OF ANY KIND, IT HAS HAPPENED A TOTAL OF THREE TIMES SO FAR.2ND TIME AT AN INTERSECTION AND THE 3RD TIME IN HEAVY TRAFFIC, THE ONLY WAY I GOT OUT OF TRAFFIC THE CAR COASTED, ALL THE WHILE STEERING WAS VERY HARD , HAD TO BE TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP BECAUSE POWER DID NOT RETURN. WHILE THEY WERE ABOUT TO CHECK, ONCE AGAIN THE POWER RETURNED ALL ON ITS OWN IN FRONT OF THEM, THEY RUN DIAGNOSTICS, STILL NOT SHOWING ANYTHING, SO THEY KEEP GIVING ME NO ANSWERS, AND PUTTING ME BACK INTO FEAR. 4 OTHER REPAIRS WAS MADE BEFORE THESE LAST 3 RECURRING INCIDENTS ;VEHICLE WOULD NOT SHUT OFF WITH REMOVAL OF THE KEY; HORNS QUIT WORKING; BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH, BECAUSE COULD NOT GET CAR INTO GEAR; FUSE TO THE PHONE CHARGER. BACK TO THE SHUT DOWNS THE SERVICE TECHS.SAID THEY DON'T KNOW WHAT TO FIX! AND THE KIA CORP. STAND BEHIND THE SAME ANSWER. THEY KNOW HOW TO MAKE THESE CARS WHAT'S WRONG WITH FIXING THESE PROBLEMS ESPECIALLY ELECTRICAL ISSUES LIKE THIS! I SUGGEST TO ANYONE WHO'S READING THIS DON'T BUY A KIA OF ANYKIND! *TR
Mar 18, 2013
THIS IS UPDATE TO ODI #10453907. OPTIMA HYBRID STILL EXPERIENCING POWER LOSS PROBLEMS. LATEST IS AT COLD START, WHEN IT STARTS IN EV MODE, SYSTEM INDICATES READY, SHIFT INTO REVERSE OR DRIVE, CAR DOESN'T MOVE. IF WE TURN IT OFF AND RE-START IT, IT OPERATES NORMALLY. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, DASH ICON INDICATES HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION. AT RE-START LIGHT GOES OFF. DEALER CAN FIND NO TROUBLE CODES STORED. *TR
Aug 15, 2012
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The car just keep doing weird stuff with the lights. It want go off all the time the key went work the cv joints are popping. Have to trigger the battery sometimes to start up
Jun 21, 2025
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who noticed that the engine oil level was abnormally low, and that there were no visible signs of an oil leakage. The oil level was topped off; however, within 3 weeks the oil level was abnormally low again. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed and the contact was informed that an excessive oil consumption was not included in the engine replacement warranty extension. The contact was informed that a further diagnostic test was required. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,500.
Mar 21, 2025
SUSPENSION,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
After getting HECU recall done , it has caused issues with the HECU module to where the brake lights no longer work and the ESC light comes on the cluster panel. Up on reading the code C2130, it says Brake lamp relay error. Mind you that my car was in working order before this recall was even done. This a huge safety issue not having your brake lights work. I can get rear-ended and i have kids in the car. This has been a issue since July when i got the recall done and KIA has yet to find a fix for this matter.
Sep 15, 2024
STEERING,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
1- Steering wheel. Yes 2- Not sure if something was going to happen while driving whether da or night or long distance traveling 3- I spoke with the service center a while back and didn't have a good time to bring it by. 4- No No just loud shaking from the steering wheel. It's been going on for at least a month
Aug 15, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid battery system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a short circuit fuse and a failed hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the battery and the fuse needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to assist with fifty percent of the repair cost for the replacement of the hybrid battery. The failure mileage was approximately 132,165. Parts distribution disconnect.
May 23, 2024
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I could not brake and almost caused a car accident. Brakes gave out, no gas, it smelled like it was going to catch on fire.
May 20, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she smelled smoke in the interior of the vehicle. The air bag and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the knock sensor. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), and the VIN was included, but parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 157,000.
Apr 01, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,VISIBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the brakes were making an abnormal noise. There was an abnormal odor of fuel detected. The windshield was fogging up. The engine warning light was illuminated and turned on and off. 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 local dealer was contacted. 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. The failure mileage was approximately 5,500. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Mar 05, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
There's something going on at the Kia dealership in Wake Forest (Westgate). Per the current recall notice, the lights came on that were highlighted in the notice ( ”MIL” , ABS warning light) so I had my car towed into the dealership. They claimed my car had a bad battery and the problems were not due to the recall situation. I took my car out of there and straight to auto zone, about 200 feet from the dealership. My battery tested fine. Not only this, the lights (check engine, and others) were no longer illuminated and the radio was mysteriously working again. I'm not sure what they did to my car, but they charged me over $200 for a diagnosis. Not only this, they cited several other issues with the vehicle that I nor my master mechanic were aware of. They had my car for several days without so much as a phone call. In addition, while I was waiting for the keys to my car (which took 15 minutes to obtain), I overheard the other gentleman inform a kia owner via phone that her car was not covered under the warranty because she had over 150K miles on the car. I'm so disgusted. This is what happens every time we have to take a car into a dealership. They're full of baloney.
Feb 13, 2024
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
Check engine has failed. Glow relay stuck on or knock sensor or engine warranty. I don't know. Kia service will find out what's wrong with my car.
Dec 26, 2023
FIRERELATED
1 complaint
The contact's fiance owned a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her fiance was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's fiance went outside to push the vehicle from behind while the contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact's fiance then noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood and pulled the contact out of the vehicle. The vehicle was then engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The police and fire department arrived on the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard; however, the insurance company was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,000.
Aug 08, 2023
WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The wheel fell off when I was driving the key axle completely broke the pipe off but I still don’t have it fixed I only had liability
Apr 06, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
After driving the car over 15 miles, the Check Brake Light comes on, activating my emergency brake, slowing the car down and preventing me to accelerate. This happens on the freeway, where traffic is fast and my decelerating car puts me and those around me at risk of collision. Once it occurs the first time, it happens again a few minutes later. I have to frequently veer off the side of the freeway, turn off the car, and then turn it on again for the Check brake light to go away and for me to travel once more. This has been a problem for a couple of years with me trying to get the issue repaired, and documented in my visits. Kia and other service operatives have repeatedly not been able to replicate the error in their care, however they never drive it long enough for it to occur. I’ve spent a lot of money now trying to fix this problem and have videos and photos of it occurring. The last time it was inspected they only drove it 6 miles and said there were a lot of little codes going off but weren’t again able to replicate the problem I had been describing. It first appeared 2 years ago and I can feel it start to come on when I’m not able to accelerate my car any further like there is an added resistance. This then amounts to the check brakes display to appear with the emergency brake icon always accompanying it. It makes a scraping, gargled sounds and slows down the car. Overall it has affected the overall drive of the car and braking system as it is growing harder to stop the car when driving. The brakes have been repeatedly checked as well as the fluid and it’s normal, so it should be braking normally. This car has had other issues in the past that have been fixed but this has continued and has been a growing issue that is not being resolved. I’ve googled this issue with others expressing the same issue without ANY viable solution from Kia so I know I’m not alone in this. It’s not safe to drive. Also I tried uploading the videos but it only allowed the pictures.
Jan 08, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V363000 (Air Bags) and the vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The contact was then informed that the VIN was also included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). Upon inspecting the vehicle, the dealer informed the contact that there was bearing wear and the vehicle would remain at their location for two months for the repair. 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 issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Mar 29, 2022
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON A HIGHWAY AT TRAFFIC TIME WHEN I NOTICED A SMALL GAS ODOR MY BRAKES GOT REALLY HARD AFTER THAT I PULLED TO THE EMERGENCY LANE AND WHEN I PULL THE HANDLE TO OPEN MY HOOD SMOKE AND FLAMES IMMEDIATELY CAME OUT, THE CAR ITS TRASH NOW POLICE TOOK IT TO IMPOUND BECAUSE OF THE FLUIDS THE CAR WAS LEAKING AND SAFETY ISSUES.
Apr 23, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
I CONSTANTLY HAVE TO REPLACE HEADLIGHT BULBS,BRAKE LIGHT BULBS AND FOG LIGHT BULBS LIKE 2 TO 3 TIMES A YEAR AND MY LIGHTS ON DIM IS TOO DARK AND NOT ALIGNED CORRECTLY,FOR THE HEADLIGHTS ONE SIDE SHINE UP AND THE OTHER SHINE DOWN ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS I HAD TO REPLACE THE WHOLE HEADLIGHT FIXTURE BECAUSE THE BULB GOT SO HOT IT MELTED INTO THE FIXTURE AROUND IT
Apr 03, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE ENGINE SEIZED. IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS RECALL. KIA HAS HAD TIS VEHICLE FOR A MONTH AND I CAN'T SEEM TO GET THE APPROVAL FOR THE CURRENT RECALL. IT WAS IN MOTION DRIVING AT 30 MILES PER HOUR SMOKE CAME FROM THE ENGINE AND NEVER TURNED ON AGAIN.IT WAS 300 DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE CITY. A CITY STREET. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED HOME. THE DEALERSHIP SEIZED THE ENGINE AND QUOTED US 6500.00 TO FIX THE ENTIRE CAR. REPLACE THE ENGINE.
Mar 16, 2021
SUSPENSION,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
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Dec 07, 2020
SUSPENSION,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
1 complaint
18V363 17220 IT HAS MADE A LOUD CLANKING/KNOCKING NOISE. IT STALLED THEN COMPLETLY DIED ONCE I GOT OFF THE MAIN HIGHWAY AND WOULDNT CRANK AGAIN. IT USES AN AWFUL LOT OF OIL. UPON FIRST OIL CHANGE IT HAD SHARDS OF METAL IN IT. THE PLACE I GOT THE VEHICLE FROM SAYS THEY PUT NEW MOTOR IN IT AMONG OTHER THINGS BUT I HAVENT SEEN IN CHANGE IN THINGS OTHER THAN IT DOESNT SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD WHILE IDLING.
Nov 05, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG LIGHTS WILL FLASH, MY LIGHTS WON'T TURN OFF WHEN ON AUTO, MY RADIO IS TURNING ON AND OFF BY ITSELF AND IS DOING SOME WEIRD THINGS
Oct 22, 2020
SUSPENSION,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
THE KIA OPTIMA 2011 MOTOR NO LONGER WORKS AND SMOKE KEEPS COMING OUT WHEN IT'S ON AND TURNED OFF AFTER DRIVING FROM THE EXHAUST ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL GETS STUCK AND DOESN'T SEEM TO WANT TO MAKE THE CHANGE IN TRANSMISSION. I TOOK THE CAR TO TWO DIFFERENT MECHANICS AND BOTH OF THEM COME OUT WITH THE SAME DIAGNOSE. WAS TOLD THAT THE CAR IS A RECALLED CAR BECAUSE IT IS TO SOON FOR THE MOTOR TO BE SHUTTING DOWN SINCE IT ONLY HAS 81,000 MILES AND IT'S NOT AN OLD CAR. THE SUSPENSION IS ALSO NOT IN PROPERLY.
Jul 04, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
SO ONE OF THE KIA DEALERS IN THE STATE OF MAINE REPLACED THE MOTOR IN OUR 2011 OPTIMA, EVER SINCE THEN OUR AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM HAS NOT BEEN WORKING. I'VE HAD IT TESTED AND RECHARGED. STILL NO ACC. I HAVE DIAGNOSED NO POWER TO THE AC PUMP. ALSO THE HEADLIGHTS HAVE NEW BULBS IN LOW BEAM AND ARE DIM..?? *TR
Jun 23, 2020
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED AFTER MAKING A COMPLETE STOP, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK. THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH SEVERAL UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH STOKES KIA (202 S GOOSE CREEK BLVD, GOOSE CREEK, SC 29445) WHERE SHE WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) HOWEVER, THE REMEDY WAS A FOUR STEP PROCESS. SHE WAS INFORMED THAT A DIAGNOSTIC TEST NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED ON VEHICLE TO DETERMINE WHETHER SHE WOULD BE ELIGIBLE FOR AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT UNDER THE RECALL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 170,000.
May 15, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
MY CAR HAVE LOT OF PROBLEMS IN SIDE
Apr 21, 2020
STRUCTURE,WHEELS
1 complaint
WILL PRODUCE PHOTO FROM BODY SHOP WHEN CALLED.
Feb 05, 2020
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I HAVE A THETA II TURBOCHARGED ENGINE 6 SPEED MANUAL AND I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET TAKING MY SON TO WORK. ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR STARTED MAKING A LOUD KNOCKING NOISE AND WOULDN'T GO PAST 2ND GEAR. WE CALLED A TOW TRUCK HAD IT SENT TO MECHANIC THEY DID A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND 2 P CODES CAME BACK FROM CRANKSHAFT AND CONTROLS AND SEIZED ENGINE. SO I HAD IT TOWED INTO WESTON KIA DEALERSHIP. PLUS I HAD JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR IN APRIL. THE DEALERSHIP SHIP CALLED ME SAYING THEY WERE GOING TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND WIRING AND COMPUTER AND SENSOR CHIP. ALSO MY PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT HAS BEEN BLINKING OFF 3 DAYS AFTER I BOUGHT IT AND STILL IS. MY EMERGENCY BRAKE DOESN'T WORK AND ROLLED WHILE IT WAS PULLED UP IN NEUTRAL AND HIT MY DAUGHTER AS SHE WAS RUNNING AROUND THE FRONT OF THE CAR TO THE PASSENGER SIDE RIGHT IN HER KNEE CAP. I GOT MY CAR BACK FROM WESTON AND IT DIDN'T FEEL RIGHT. SOMEONE PUT 380MILES ON MY CAR IT HAD A 1/2TANK OF GAS AND MY CLUTCH AND CLUTCH PEDAL AND GEAR SHIFT WAS WAY SHORTER AND 1/4 INCH OFF IN SHIFTER BOX. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY DRIVING 60 MPH WITH MY KIDS AND WE WERE LEAVING MY PARENTS HOUSE FROM XMAS. ALL OF A SUDDEN I ALMOST LIST CONTROL OF THE CAR MY CLUTCH PEDAL FELL TO THE FLOOR. I GOT US TO SAFETY ALMOST AVOIDING A HUGE WRECK AND HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE. CALLED DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM AND HAD NOTICED ON INVOICE THEIR TECHNICIANS HAD TIGHTENED UP BY BOLTS AND FLYWHEEL. WELL I GO OUTSIDE AND THEIRS FLUID ALL OVER THE PAVEMENT UNDER THE CAR BUT NONE ON INSIDE. THEY PAID FOR A TOW TRUCK AND BY THE WAY SINCE REPLACING THE NEW ENGINE I WENT FROM 34 MILES TO THE GALLON TO 20 AND PASSENGER AIR BAG STILL ILLUMINATED OFF. MY DEFROST ISNT WORKING NOW AND MY ENGINE LIGHT BLINKED 3XS. THEY WANT ME TO PAY 1500 FOR NEW CLUTCH.THEIR TECH ADJUSTED MY FLYWHEEL BOLTS AND CLUTCH CABLE. 65.00 EMERGENCY BRAKE AND 125.00 FOR TEST. IT ALREADY HAD ONE. FUEL LEAK?
Jan 06, 2020
AIR BAGS,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, ANOTHER VEHICLE REVERSED INTO THE FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE AIR BAG AND TRACTION WARNING INDICATORS WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A CONCUSSION, NECK INJURY, AND CONVERGENCE INSUFFICIENCY TO THE LEFT EYE. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V363000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF BEDFORD (LOCATED AT 18180 ROCKSIDE RD, BEDFORD, OH 44146, (440) 735-4000) WHERE THEY REPLACED THE BUMPER AND STATED THAT AN ALIGNMENT WAS NEEDED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED FOR CRASH PARTS, BUT NOT FOR THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
Dec 19, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
HEADLIGHTS ARE SO DIM YOU CAN BARELY SEE USING LOW BEAM LIGHTS AND HIGH BEAMS ARE BARELY BRIGHTER THAN REGULAR BEAMS ON OTHER CARS. HAVE REPLACED THE HEADLIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES AND IT HAS NEVER CHANGED THE PROBLEM. ENGINE SEIZED UP WITH NO WARNING OR MECHANICAL SIGNS WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD.
Nov 03, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
MY ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AFTER PRESSING THE BRAKE ON A WET STREET WHILE MY VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION. THE NEXT DAY I WENT TO GET A OIL CHANGE AND NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT WORK WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKES. MY TAIL LIGHTS WORK BUT THE TAIL LIGHTS DID NOT. I CHANGED THE BULBS AND THE PROBLEM STILL PERSISTED. I ALSO CHANGED THE BRAKE LIGHT PEDAL SWITCH BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. MY TURN SIGNAL LIGHTS FAIL TO WORK ALL THE TIME.
Oct 09, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHILE PARKED IN VARIOUS LOCATIONS (ON STREET, AT GAS PUMP, IN PARKING LOTS), AND ON ABOUT 8-10 OCCASIONS, I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO START AFTER DEPRESSING THE BRAKE AND START BUTTON ON MY CAR. ALL THE LIGHTS LIT UP ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND THE RADIO WENT ON AS WELL - THE REST OF THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WORKED FINE. THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY STIFF AND WAS HARD TO DEPRESS. I PUT MY KEY FOB INTO THE BYPASS IN THE TRUNK AND IT STILL WOULD NOT START. THE ONLY WAY TO GET THE CAR TO START WAS TO DEPRESS THE STIFF BRAKE PEDAL, THEN SHIFT FROM P TO D AND BACK AGAIN. THEN THE BRAKE PEDAL SEEMED TO LOOSEN UP AND I WAS ABLE TO START THE CAR SUCCESSFULLY. I HAD RESEARCHED THE REMEDY THROUGH YOU TUBE. THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED WAS OCTOBER 2, 2018 AND IT HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8-10 TIMES SINCE THEN. I HAVE A VIDEO OF THE PROBLEM, BUT NOT OF THE SOLUTION THAT I FOUND ONLINE, THEREFORE I AM UNABLE TO ATTACH ANY DOCUMENTATION. I NOTICED THAT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE BRAKE SWITCH WAS "VOLUNTARY" NHTSA # 13V-114, BUT FEEL THAT THIS SHOULD BE A MANDATORY FIX INSTEAD SINCE IT HAS HAPPENED SO OFTEN TO ME. JUST LAST WEEK WHEN IT HAPPENED AGAIN, I REMEMBERED WHAT TO DO QUICKLY AS I WAS STUCK IN A LONG LINE AT THE GAS STATION JUST LAST WEEK, WITH CARS HONKING AT ME TO MOVE WHEN I COULD NOT. IT HAPPENED TO ME THE LAST TIME JUST YESTERDAY 10/8/2019 INSIDE MY GARAGE. PLEASE LOOK INTO MAKING THIS A MANDATORY RECALL. I WILL BE CONTACTING MY LOCAL DEALER THIS WEEK AS WELL. THANK YOU.
Oct 09, 2019
STEERING,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
THE BATTERY INDICATOR LIGHT CAME ON THEN WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, THE BATTERY DISCHARGE KEPT POPPING UP ON THE DISPLAY THEN WENT OUT. ABOUT 10 MINUTES FURTHER, I LOST POWER STEERING. I MANAGED TO GET TO BASE EVEN THOUGH I RAN A RED LIGHT AND STOP SIGN BECAUSE THE CAR STARTED SPURTTERING AND FEELING LIKE IT WAS GETTING READY TO STALL. ONCE I MANAGED TO GET TO A PARKING LOT, MY HEADLIGHTS WENT OUT BUT I STILL HAD DASH LIGHTS. ALL THE ERROR LIGHTS CAME ACROSS MY DASHBOARD. I TOOK THE BATTERY TO ADVANCE, THEY SAID IT WAS LOW. THEY CHARGED IT AND SAID IT NEEDED REPLACED. THE BATTERY INDICATOR WAS STILL LIT SO I TOOK IT AND THEY CHECKED THE ALTERNATOR AND SAID IT WAS DEAD. I TOOK IT AND HAD IT REBUILT. EVERYTHING SEEMED TO WORK OK.
Aug 25, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON PUBLIC STREET AND WOULD NOT RESTART AND WITHIN MINUTES FIRE IN ENGINE COMPARTMENT. DESTROYED FRONT OF CAR AND DAMAGED INTERIOR
Aug 03, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
BOUGHT THE CAR JANUARY OF 2018.28 DAYS OF HAVING THE VEHICLE AND I GOT A FLAT TIRE AND COME TO FIND OUT MY STRUT WAS NEVER PROPERLY INSTALLED AND THATS WHAT POPPED MY TIRE.DAN OBRIEN TRIED TO DENY HAVING A WARRANTY TO FIX THE CAR SAYING IT WAS MY FAULT.IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I HAD TO BUY THE NEW TIRE. WHEN THE RECALL FOR THE ENGINE CAME OUT,I TOOK MY CAR RIGHT IN. THEY PASSED IT. IN SEPTEMBER WHILE DRIVING HOME FROM MY DAUGHTERS 2 MONTH APPOINTMENT THE CAR JUST LOST ALL POWER AND MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & CAR WOULD NOT START DAUGHTER WAS PRESENT.ENGINE HAD LOCKED UP THEY REPLACED THE LONG BLOCK UNDER THE SC147 RECALL 11/30/18 RECALL SC165, ECU UPGRADE. ON 2/11/19 I HAD THE INSPECTION FOR RECALL SC172 CAR PASSED.3/21/19 NO WARNING ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON & STAYED.P1326 ENGINE CODE CAR WENT INTO LIMP HOME MODE,DAUGHTER WAS PRESENT. ENGINE LIGHT FLASHED,GOT TOWED.3/26/19 KIA TOLD ME IT WAS DUE TO THE PREVIOUS RECALL,IT WAS MY KNOCK SENSOR. THEY REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY.5/22/19 FRONT RIGHT SIDE WHEEL BEARING WENT BAD,KIA WOULDNT COVER,SAME SIDE STRUT ISSUE OCCURED ON.6/6/19 I WENT TO ACCELERATE ON BYPASS AND LOST ALL ENGINE CONTROL,I WAS ABLE TO COAST. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON.PUT IN PARK, OIL LIGHT,BATTERY & EPS CAME ON & OFF. TURNED CAR OFF & ON.CAR WOULD DRIVE BUT WITH HESITATION AND LITTLE POWER.6/8/19 I WENT TO ACCELERATE ON BYPASS AND CAR LOST POWER. 6+ CARS BEHIND ME ,MY CAR BLOCKED THE ROAD.RESTARTED CAR,WENT TO TAKE OFF AND THE CAR BEGAN TO VIBRATE JOLT AND I COULDNT GET OUT OF THE WAY,I HAD TO GO INTO THE OTHER LANE BECAUSE I WAS BLOCKED.STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP, BRAKES LOST POWER & I ALMOST HIT THE GUARD RAIL.DAUGHTER WAS PRESENT. 6/10/19 KIA TOLD ME IT WAS MY THROTTLE BODY SENSOR NOT COVERED. BOUGHT CAR WITH OVER 79K,NOW AROUND 101K.IM SCARED FOR MY DAUGHTERS LIFE & MINE IT WILL CATCH ON FIRE AT ANYTIME WITH ALL THE SYMPTOMS.
Jun 11, 2019
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING ON THE STREET AT 40MPH WHEN I SAW LIGHT SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD I PULLED OVER TO GET MY TWO KIDS AND MYSELF OUT OF THE CAR SHORTLY AFTER WE GOT OUT OF THE CAR FLAMES STARTED COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD I THEN CALLED 911 FOR THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO COME PUT THE FLAMES OUT WHEN THEY FINALLY DID THE WHOLE CAR WAS BURNT TO A CRISP
Jan 13, 2019
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED AN UNKNOWN RECALL NOTIFICATION REGARDING THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUNSET KIA OF BRADENTON (4770 14TH ST W, BRADENTON, FL 34207, (941) 752-1000) WHERE THE ENGINE WAS TESTED AND PASSED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD BEEN SPUTTERING PRIOR TO THE TEST. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO LACK OF OIL, ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE RECENTLY HAD AN OIL CHANGE. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THEY DID NOT FIND METAL SHAVINGS WHILE CONDUCTING THE TEST AND THE CHECK OIL INDICATOR WAS NOT ILLUMINATED. APPROXIMATELY ONE WEEK LATER, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE SEIZED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHO STATED THAT A NEW ENGINE WAS NEEDED DUE TO THE RECALL. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO ANOTHER UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE ADDITIONAL RECALLS WERE DISCOVERED. THE UNKNOWN DEALER FOUND A DETERIORATED CLAMP THAT CAUSED THE HOSE TO BECOME LOOSE AND THE ENGINE TO JOLT. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THERE WAS NO MENTION OF THE DETERIORATED CLAMPS ON THE INVOICE. WHEN THE CONTACT RETRIEVED THE VEHICLE, THE AIR BAG INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE INDICATOR WAS ILLUMINATED WHEN THEY RECEIVED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT ALSO NOTICED A FUEL ODOR AND NOTICED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WAS GUSHING FUEL. THE CONTACT RESEARCHED THE FAILURE AND FOUND THAT IT WAS CAUSED BY THE INITIAL ENGINE REPLACEMENT AND THE BRAKE BOOSTER HOSE WAS NOT PROPERLY SECURED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 86,000.
Dec 27, 2018
SUSPENSION,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
2011 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO AIRBAG CONTROL UNIT SAFETY RECALL. *LD *JS
Nov 29, 2018
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE WILL NOT START. ENGINE AND IGNITION REPLACED DUE TO BEARING WEAR RECALL. TRANSMISSION REPLACED 2 WEEKS AGO FOR REBUILT ONE, AND NOW CAR WON'T START. IT'S BEEN 2 DAYS AND KIA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH IT. THE REASON I WANTED TO SUBMIT THIS COMPLAINT IS BECAUSE I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON TRANSMISSIONS INSTALLED IN THESE VEHICLES. KIA WANTED ME TO WAIT FROM 10 SEP TO MID DEC BECAUSE THESE TRANSMISSIONS ARE ON BACK ORDER. WHICH MEANS THERE'S SO MUCH DEMAND THAT DEC IS THE EARLIEST THEY COULD RECEIVE IT. THEIR SHOP IS FULL, MOSTLY OF THESE CARS (OPTIMA). THEY EXPECTED ME TO WAIT 3 MONTHS WITHOUT A CAR IN ORDER TO GIVE THEM TIME. IT JUST BOGGLES MY MIND THAT THEY COULD DO THIS. THE CRAZIEST THING IS THAT EXPECT EVERYONE TO WAIT THIS LONG. I TALKED TO 3 DIFFERENT COSTUMERS WHO ARE ALL HAVING THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM WITH THE SAME CARS, AND THEY WERE TOLD THE SAME THING. I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE IN 2014 USED, ONLY ONE PREVIOUS OWNER, NEVER HAD ANY ACCIDENTS, NOW HAS 111,000+ MILES. ALWAYS DID ALL MAINTENANCE CHECKS, OIL & FILTER CHANGES, TUNE UPS, FLUIDS CHANGE AND YEARLY INSPECTIONS. ONLY USED FOR GOING TO WORK AND COMING HOME 5 DAYS A WEEK (APPROX. 54 MILES PER DAY). I DECIDED TO REPAIR TRANSMISSION AT OTHER PLACE & ENDED UP SAVING $1100. KIA WANTED TO CHARGE $2,700 FOR REBUILD TRANSMISSION & FOUND A GUY THAT CHARGED ME $1,600 FOR REBUILD ONE. KIA NEVER GAVE ME QUOTE COPY. JUST TOLD ME OVER THE PHONE. HOW CONVENIENT! GUY TOLD ME THE WAY THESE TRANSMISSIONS WERE BUILT IT'S SIMPLY BAD ENGINEERING. AND SHOWED ME THE PART OF THE TRANSMISSION THAT BROKE. WOULD UPLOAD THE DOCUMENTS , BUT I LEFT IN MY CAR! CAN STILL PROVIDE THEM THOUGH! THE SAFETY ISSUE WAS THAT THE TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 65 MPH ON A BUSY HIGHWAY IN HOUSTON! THE CAR SIMPLY DIED ON THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY. SO I CAN ONLY ASSUME YOU KNOW WHAT THAT FEELS LIKE!
Oct 18, 2018
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY CAR CUT OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET CAUSING A ACCIDENT
Nov 23, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
BEGINNING IN SPRING 2017 MY 2011 KIA OPTIMA EX TURBO (I BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW, ONLY OWNER) BEGAN STUTTERING WHILE IN MOTION (AS IF SOMEONE WERE PUMPING THE BRAKES). THE CAR STALLS AND DIES AT RED LIGHTS AND STOP SIGNS AND NEEDS RESTARTED. IT ALSO STALLS AND DIES WHILE IN MOTION, MOST DISTURBING IN HIGH SPEED, HIGH TRAFFIC INTERSECTIONS AND AT 70 MPH HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I WILL BE TRAVELING ON HIGH SPEED INTERSTATES AND THE CAR JUST DIES AND I HAVE TO HOPE I HAVE ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO SAFELY GET OVER TO THE BREAKDOWN LANE WITHOUT CAUSING AN ACCIDENT. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT USUALLY GOES ON AND OFF AT LEAST FOUR TIMES IN BETWEEN EACH SERVICE ATTEMPT. IT HAS BEEN ANALYZED AND GIVEN ATTEMPTED REPAIRS BY A KIA DEALERSHIP FOUR TIMES SINCE LATE MAY 2017 (SEE ATTACHED RECORDS), BUT THE STALLING AND STUTTERING PROBLEMS PERSIST. I PICKED UP THE CAR FROM ITS LAST SERVICE ON 10/18/17 AND THE SAME PROBLEMS BEGAN MANIFESTING AGAIN. THIS IS NOW THE FIFTH TIME. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THE PROBLEM WITH THE CAR IS (UNKNOWN) AND IT SEEMS KIA'S SERVICE HELP LINE FOR MECHANIC ASSISTANCE DOES NOT EITHER. THE MOST RECENT TIME THE CAR WAS AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE, KIA SENT OUT A NATIONAL SERVICE SPECIALIST TO INVESTIGATE THE CAR, TO NO AVAIL. 1) 5/31/17 - REPLACED MAP SENSOR (I PAID $600 AND IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM) 2) 6/30/17 - TESTED GROUNDS AND REPLACED CONNECTIONS 3) 7/25/17 - REPLACED TURBO AND INTERCOOLER SYSTEM 4) 10/12/17 - REPLACED ENGINE COMPUTER 5) UNKNOWN - STILL PROBLEMATIC - ASKING FOR REPLACEMENT VEHICLE FROM KIA THE CAR HAS 91,410 MILES AND IS STILL COVERED UNDER THE 10 YEAR/100,000 MILE POWERTRAIN WARRANTY. THIS CAR IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT STALLS AND DIES OUT IN HIGH SPEED, HIGH TRAFFIC INTERSECTIONS AND ON FREEWAYS WHILE TRAVELING 70 MPH. KIA OBVIOUSLY DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX IT.
Oct 25, 2017
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
MY KIA WAS MAKING A WHISTLING NOISE ON AND OFF FOR AWHILE THEN MY OIL LIGHT WOULD FLICKER SO I FIGURED I NEED AN OIL CHANGE. GOT MY OIL CHANGED AND THEN THE CAR STARTED MAKE A KNOCKING NOISE AND WOULD GET WORSE WITH ACCELERATION AND WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME ACCELERATING. IT WOULD JOLT AND VIBRATE AND MAKE KNOCKING AND FLAPPING NOISES. TURN ON MY ROAD TO GO HOME AND LOST POWER. MY CAR SLOWLY CAME TO A STOP I COULD NOT ACCELERATE AT ALL. MY ENGINE, BATTERY, OIL, AND EPS LIGHT CAME ON. I TRIED STARTING IT UP AND WOULD COME ON FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS MAKE A LOT OF NOISE AND THE ENGINE WOULD TURN OFF BUT MY RADIO AND WINDOWS STILL WORKED. MY AC WAS ON BUT NOT COOLING. ALL THE CABIN LIGHTS WORK STILL BUT MY BRAKE ARE STIFF.
May 19, 2017
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS ACCELERATING AT 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE ENGINE SHUT OFF, NO POWER. THE VEHICLE HAD ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO DRIFT ACROSS THE SLOW LANE TO THE SHOULDER. CAR DID RESTART. A CHILD WAS IN THE VEHICLE AND THANKFULLY THEY WERE NOT REAR-ENDED. THIS INCIDENT HAPPENED A SECOND TIME WHILE ACCELERATING AND PROMPTED WITH CLICKING NOISES UNDER THE DASH. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ENGINE FAILURE AT 120,400 MILES.
Oct 17, 2016
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
MARCH 2016 WHILE TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY AT 65 MPH AND PASSING A SLOW MOVING VEHICLE CAR LOST POWER, BECAME DIFFICULT TO STEER AND UNRESPONSIVE. WE WERE LUCKY THAT WE WERE RIGHT BY REST AREA AND COASTED SAFELY. INSPECTED THE VEHICLE WHILE AND NOTICED A SMELL REMINDING AN ELECTRICAL SHORT/FIRE. CAR WAS TOWED TO KIA DEALER AND DIAGNOSED TO BE ENGINE FAILURE. THE ENGINE WAS INSPECTED AND PER DEALER IT WAS PRISTINE, KIA DECIDED TO COVER UNDER WARRANTY @ APPROX 98K MILES. DEALER STATED THAT PER KIA IT WAS DUE POSSIBLY TO NON OEM OIL FILTER (NICE). WHEN WE GOT THE CAR BACK IT DID NOT WANT TO START OCCASIONALLY, WHERE IT HESITATED ESPECIALLY AS TEMPERATURES INCREASED. NOTICED DEALER, DEALER TOOK IT IN VERIFIED BATTERY AND STARTER WERE TO SPEC. IN JUNE ON A HOT DAY CAR ALMOST DID NOT START, SET AN APPOINTMENT WITH DEALER FOR LATER IN THE WEEK. NEXT DAY CAR DID NOT START, WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND DIAGNOSED TO WEEK STARTER. STARTER WAS REPLACED AND CAR STARTED ON FOR ONE DAY, THE SECOND DAY TEMPERATURES INCREASED AND CAR WAS DEAD WITH SIMILAR ELECTRICAL MELTDOWN, ALSO NOTICED FOG LIGHTS WERE NOT WORKING AFTER BULB REPLACEMENT. DEALER DIAGNOSED WITH KIA TO BAD ENGINE AGAIN DUE TO TOLERANCES CAUSING FRICTION AND MORE HEAT. SPOKE TO KIA AND STARTED A CASE BUT THEY JUST WANT TO REPLACE THE ENGINE AGAIN AND NOT DISCUSS POTENTIAL ISSUES WITH ELECTRICAL HARNESS COMPROMISE AND ONGOING ISSUE WITH ENGINE FAILING FOR NO REASON. THIS CAR IS SCARRY AND HOPE IT DOES NOT START ON FIRE WHEN THE THIRD ENGINE FAILS.
Jul 05, 2016
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, IT INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE THEN ACCELERATED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A HOUSE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED AND WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Jun 21, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
TRAVELLING AT APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH (HAD JUST TURNED ONTO ROAD)WHEN ENGINE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. PRESSED BRAKE PEDAL (HARD) AND DID NOT SLOW CAR AT ALL. CONTINUED TO PRESS BRAKE AND ALSO PUMPED BUT NOTHING SLOWED VEHICLE. ALTHOUGH SAW TRUCK WELL AHEAD OF ME STOPPED, I COULD DO NOTHING TO STOP OR EVEN SLOW DOWN. I WRECKED INTO BACK OF TRUCK STOPPED AHEAD OF ME WAITING TO TURN. APPROX 8000.00 DAMAGE TO MY CAR MOSTLY DUE TO TRUCK HAVING A SIZABLE TRAILER HITCH ON BACK THAT BUSTED THROUGH A LOT OF FRONT END PLASTIC, COOLING SYSTEM, ETC AND BUCKLED HOOD. NO INJURIES BUT IF WOULD HAVE HAPPENED AT HIGHER SPEED IT WOULD HAVE BEEN TRAGIC. OFFICER UPON ARRIVAL ALSO NOTICED THATBRAKES SEEMED TO FAIL AND NOTED IT ON HIS POLICE REPORT. I HAVE SINCE FOUND INTERNET SOURCES INDICATING THAT SOME 2011 KIAS HAD IN FACT HAS A TSNB ISSUED FOR UNINTENTIONAL ACCELERATION PROBLEMS. I NEVER RECEIVED SUCH A BULLETIN AND HAVE HAD NUMEROUS SERVICES PERFORMED AT KIA DEALERSHIP. ALSO, HAVE HAD BRAKES CHECKED MULTIPLE TIMES AT DEALER AND DELAER INSPECTION NEVER INDICATED ANY PROBLEMS. I HAV EALSO FOUND DOCUMENTATION ONLINE THAT SAYS IF YOU HAVE AN UNINTENTIONAL ACCELLERATION, PRESSING THE BRAKE HARD IS THE FIRST STEP TO DO, BUT ONCE YOU LET OFF THE BRAKE, YOU TOTALLY LOSE BRAKE PRESSURE. WHO POSSIBLE WOULD KNOW THAT ? THIS ACCIDENT IS TOTALLY THE RESULT OF A SYSTEM FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE AND I AM ASKING FOR ASSISTANCE IN PERSUING MY DAMAGES AS A RESULT OF THIS FAILURE.
Jan 30, 2016
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
IF THERE IS LIGHT WHEEL SPIN UPON TAKEOFF (ESPECIALLY TURNING AND ACCELERATING, SUCH AS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT ONTO A ROAD) IT CAUSES CAR TO LOSE POWER FOR A FEW SECONDS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS ACCELERATOR CAN BE DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE. CAR ALSO ACTIVATES ANTI-LOCK BRAKES WHEN LIGHTLY PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL WHILE DRIVING OVER A SMALL BUMP AT SPEEDS GREATER THAN 25 MPH. THESE SYMPTOMS OCCUR WITH STABILITY CONTROL ENGAGED (DEFAULT SETTING WHEN CAR IS TURNED ON) STABILITY CONTROL / TRACTION CONTROL IS OVERLY SENSITIVE, AND CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT.
Jan 27, 2016
AIR BAGS,WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
MY FAMILY WAS ON HWY 75 RETURNING FROM THANKSGIVING VACAY WHEN WE DISCOVERED THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT WAS ON. AFTER PLACING A CALL TO KIA, I DISCOVERED THAT APPARENTLY AIRBAGS AREN'T COVERED BY THE 130,000 MILE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY. NOW THE IGNITION HAS AN ISSUE. OFTEN TIMES, I HAVE TO HIT MY KEY IN THE IGNITION IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO TURN THE KEY. I AM WONDERING IF THE IGNITION ISSUE AND THE AIRBAG ISSUE ARE RELATEABLE AND NEED TO SEE IF COVERED BY WARRANTY. THERE ARE 90,000 MILES ON THIS CAR AND I HAVE HAD IT FOR LESS THAN A YEAR. WE PURCHASED IT USED FROM DRIVETIME. THANKS
Jan 21, 2016
SUSPENSION,TIRES,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
WHINNING IN THE FRONT END, BRAKES ARE GRABBING AND AND THUMPING IN THE FRONT END WHEN YOU HIT A BUMP. BRAKES GRAB AND SOMETIMES GOES TO THE FLOOR. AND PULLS TO THE LEFT.
Nov 29, 2015
STEERING,STRUCTURE,WHEELS,ENGINE
1 complaint
JUST WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING MY KIA, IT HAD TO BE BROUGHT BACK TO REPLACE CRACKED DASH, HEATED STEERING WHEEL PEELING, TIRES WEARING ON THE OUTSIDE, WIPER BLADES SUCKED & YOU COULD NOT SEE OUT OF THEM WHEN IT RAIN, CRACKED OUTSIDE OF SUNROOF SEAL, PULLING TO LEFT SIDE AND SURGES. THEY PUT NEW TIRES, STEERING WHEEL & FIXED THE DASH. THE SERVICE MANAGER STATED THE SPECS WERE WITHIN NORMAL LIMITS FOR THE ALIGNMENT & TRANSMISSION. THE OUTSIDE OF THE SUNROOF IS NORMAL WEAR & TEAR & IT WILL CRACK AGAIN, STATED THE SUN CRACKS IT! IT HAS BEEN IN THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT 5 TIMES! EVEN THOUGH MY CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY! I HAVE HAD 4 SET OF TIRES & THEY WEAR ON THE OUTSIDE, IT STILLS PULLS TO THE LEFT & I WAS TOLD THE ALIGNMENT IS NORMAL. 6 SETS OF NEW WIPER BLADES & THEY SAY THAT'S NOT A PROBLEM. MY CAR SURGES & IT HAS NOT EVEN BEEN ADDRESSED! IN LATE SEPTEMBER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON THE DAY AFTER I HAD MY OIL CHANGED, I TOOK MY CAR TO MY DEALERSHIP SERVICE, THEY KEPT IT, FIXED THE 'OIL CONTROL VALVE" WITHIN 5 MILES FROM MY DEALERSHIP, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. AFTER A WEEK & A HALF, MY 'INTAKE CVVT TIMING & MY 'EXHAUST CVVT TIMING! MY WARRANTY WILL BE UP IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS & I AM WORRIED ABOUT WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT & THEN THERE'S NO WARRANTY! THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON OPTIMA'S STEERING TO THE LEFT & ON THE TIRES EITHER, ALIGNMENT! I HAVE WENT AS FAR AS CONTACTING THE GEORGIA CONSUMER PROTECTION, KIA CONSUMER HOTLINE, US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, TRAFFIC SAFETY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. I HAVE ALSO CONTACTED MY LOCAL & NATIONAL NEWS STATION & WILL BE MEETING WITH THEM NEXT WEEK. IF THIS DOES NOT RAISE A FEW QUESTIONS, I WILL HIRE AN ATTORNEY!! THIS IS NOT ABOUT MONEY, VERSES WHAT IS RIGHT! *TR
Oct 13, 2014
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY
1 complaint
MY HAND HELD PHONE DEVICE STOP WORKING AND COULD HAVE CAUSED A MAJOR ACCIDENT. *TR
May 19, 2013
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
THIS KIA HAS A PUSH BUTTON START OPTION. THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT TURNING ON WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE COMPUTER LOOKS FOR A SIGNAL FROM THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH BEFORE IT STARTS THE ENGINE. I DISCONNECTED AND RECONNECTED THE BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH AND THE PROBLEM WAS TEMPORARILY CORRECTED. TWO DAYS LATER, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN AND THE BRAKE LIGHTS WERE NOT TURNING ON. WE USED THE PROCEDURE TO BYPASS THE BRAKE SIGNAL (HOLD START BUTTON FOR 12+ SECONDS) TO START THE ENGINE. VEHICLE WAS NOW DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH NO BRAKE LIGHTS. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER INDICATING AN ISSUE WITH THE ESC SYSTEM. DEALERSHIP STATED THEY HAVE SEEN A FEW CARS WITH THIS ISSUE. *TR
Mar 22, 2013
SUSPENSION,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
WE BOUGHT OUR CAR LAST YEAR , 5 MONTHS AFTER WE GOT THE CAR , WHEN I WAS DRIVING IT THE VEHICLE DYNAMIC CONTROL (VDC) LIGHT TURN ON AND THE CAR SHAKING VERY BAD AND WE CAN NOT HANDLE THE CAR RIGHT AND THE BRAKE ITS NOT WORKING WELL, ITS VERY VERY SCARY. THE ONLY THING THAT WE CAN DO WE TURN THE VDC LIGHT OFF, ITS GONNA BE OK FOR COUPLE DAYS , AND AGAIN IT HAPPENS. AFTER THAT I TOOK THE CAR TO FAIRFAX KIA IN VIRGINIA THEY DIDN'T BELIEVE ME AND THEY SAID WHEN THEY TEST DRIVE THE CAR IT DIDN'T HAPPENED TO THEM, SO IT HAPPENS FOR ME ALMOST 7 TIMES AND EVERY TIME THEY WHEN I TOOK IT BACK TO THE SERVICE THEY SAID THE SAME THING. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT SHOULD I DO, SOMEBODY NEEDS TO FIX THIS PROBLEM, IF SOMETHING HAPPENED TO ME WHAT SHOULD I DO? KIA MOTOR IN RESPONSIBLE FOR THAT. *TR
Jan 25, 2013
STEERING,SEATS
1 complaint
I BOUGHT A BRAND NEW 2011 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID AND THE CAR PULLS HEAVILY TO THE LEFT EVEN ON STRAIGHT ROADS. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY DID AN ALIGNMENT AND THEY SAY IT IS WITHIN SPECS BUT IT ACTS THE SAME. IF YOU LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL FOR A COUPLE SECONDS YOU'RE ON THE SHOULDER. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. SECOND ISSUE IS THAT BOTH DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS WERE BOLTED DOWN IN ONE BOLT OUT OF FOUR. THE DEALER INSTALLED THE MISSING BOLTS BUT THIS MAKES ME REALLY WORRIED ABOUT THE QUALITY CONTROL AT KIA. WHAT ELSE MIGHT THEY MISSED? I DON'T EVEN WANT TO THINK WHAT MIGHT HAVE HAPPENED HAD I BEEN INVOLVED IN A COLLISION BEFORE NOTICING THIS. UNACCEPTABLE! *TR
Dec 21, 2011
STEERING,FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
KIA OPTIMA LX 2011 WAS PURCHASED BRAND NEW AT 4 MILES IN ODOMETER. PROBLEM 1 LESS THAN A MONTH: STEERING VEERING TO THE LEFT AN RIGHT. HAD TO STEER THIS CAR TO TRACK STRAIGHT. THE DEALER PERFORMED MINOR ALIGNMENT IN OCTOBER. CAR CONTINUES TO VEER LEFT AND RIGHT. TOOK CAR BACK TO THE DEALER. THE TECH STATED THE FRONT END OFF BY 2 DEGREES AND STATED HE PERFORMED THE ADJUSTMENT. THE STEERING PROBLEM NOT FIXED. PROBLEM #2: CAR WAS PARKED WITH FUEL READING 42 MILES TO EMPTY. RETURNED TO START CAR. WILL NOT CRANK AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. TOWED THE CAR TO DEALER. CAR CRANKED UPON DE-TOW AT THE LOCATION. BUT STILL LEFT THE CAR FOR WHY IT WILL NOT CRANK IN THE FIRST PLACE. RETURNED 4 DAYS LATER. I WAS ADVISED THAT THE CAR WAS EMPTY OF GASOLINE, EVEN WHEN FUEL READER CLEARLY INDICATED 42 MILES TO EMPTY. KIA PAID FOR RENTAL FOR 4 DAYS ($100). I WAS FURTHER ADVISED THAT THE FUEL REGULATOR WAS REPLACED AND ON BACK ORDER. THE STEERING PROBLEMS AND THE STALLING ISSUES ARE SIGNIFICANT PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS SINCE THE LANES, ARTERIAL ROADS AND HIGHWAYS THAT I HAVE TO DRIVE DAILY ARE CONGESTED. *TR
Nov 27, 2011
SEATS
1 complaint
THE OWNERS MANUAL, SECTION 3, PAGE 8 DESCRIBES THE "FORWARD AND BACKWARD ADJUSTMENT" OF THE HEADRESTS IN THE 2011 KIA OPTIMA. THE HEAD RESTS DO NOT ADJUST AS DESCRIBED IN THE MANUAL. KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPLAINS THIS AS A "TYPOGRAPHICAL ERROR." THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE HEAD REST IS DESIGNED SO THAT IT THRUSTS DRAMATICALLY FORWARD. IF THE SEAT IS SITTING UPRIGHT ONE MUST TILT ONES HEAD FORWARD TO ACCOMMODATE THE HEAD REST OR THE SEAT MUST BE LEANED BACKWARD SUCH THAT AN INDIVIDUAL WHO IS 5' 2" TALL CAN NOT SEE OUT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. *TR
Oct 13, 2011
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CAR PULLS TO LEFT 100% OF THE TIME. CAR HAS BEEN INSPECTED BY KIA SERVICE AND MEETS ALL FACTORY SPECS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DESIGN FLAW. KIA REQUIRES ALL 2011 OPTIMA'S TO BE REALIGNED PRIOR TO BEING SOLD. CUSTOMER SERVICE REP. SAID THAT ONE OF HER TEC. REPS. DRIVES A 2011 OPTIMA AND IT ALSO PULLS LEFT.
Mar 01, 2011
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2011 KIA Optima have?
The 2011 KIA Optima currently has 582 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2011 KIA Optima?
The most common problems reported for the 2011 KIA Optima are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2011 KIA Optima problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2011 KIA Optima comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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