2016 KIA Optima Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
709
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
ENGINE
255 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment was heard, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact further stated that while driving at approximately 80 MPH, with the cruise control mode engaged, the vehicle started to stall and failed to exceed 30 MPH. The contact stated that the cruise control became inoperable, and the check engine warning was flashing. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle continued to hesitate and failed to exceed 30 MPH while driving. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for further assistance. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Dec 16, 2025
My 2016 Kia Optima is experiencing severe internal engine oil consumption that matches known issues Kia has recalled and extended warranties for. The vehicle loses 1–3 quarts of oil every few days with no external leaks. A repair shop found a P0304 cylinder 4 misfire, P0010 cam actuator code, and spark plug damage caused by oil entering the combustion chamber. They confirmed internal engine damage and abnormal oil consumption. The Kia dealership refused to assist due to mileage, even though this issue matches the engine defects covered under Kia’s litigation settlement and warranty extensions. The excessive oil consumption creates a dangerous safety risk, including engine stalling, loss of power, and potential engine seizure while driving. I am requesting NHTSA review because the vehicle’s condition is unsafe and part of a widespread engine defect.
Dec 09, 2025
The engine lost cylinder 3, piston came loose and broke the spark plug. This happened because the rod bearing came loose which has been a known issue with Kia. There’s already been a class action law suit, and recall with warranty. Now the Kia dealership in Lynchburg has refused to honor this warranty. Stating they can’t do the required rod bearing clearance test because the engine doesn’t have compression. The engine has no compression because the rod bearings came loose and shoved the piston into the head.
Nov 30, 2025
My engine blew up and started smoking while driving
Nov 11, 2025
Car stop accelerating when I went to get my oil change the shop reported my engine eating up my oil found out kia have a recall on engine
Nov 06, 2025
+ 250 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
64 complaints
I have a 2016 KIA Optima SX Turbo with 33,500 miles that the windows one by one are failing due to a defective regulator drum gear. This very flimsy gear fails and the window will not roll up. I have had 3 out of 4 fail in the last month. The only way to keep the window up is to shimmy them. This creates a huge safety risk in the event of an accident and also can impact the collision safety system including airbags. KIA is aware of this situation as outlined in their Technical Service Bulletin dated March 2021. I believe it's bulletin MC-10189544-0011. I've contacted the dealer who doesn't think there is a recall on this issue. This issue creates a safety issue that after only 33,500 miles should not exist.
Sep 29, 2025
In 2024 the window regulator went in the drivers side back window costing me $700 and on 9/22/2025 the drivers side front window regulator just went costing me another $700. I see many are having this issue but no recall
Sep 23, 2025
While driving at approximately 45/50 mph, the right rear window suddenly dropped into the door panel without warning. This unexpected failure startled me and created a distraction while driving, as well as compromised my ability to hear and concentrate safely. My left rear window has also slipped into the door panel and is now being held up by shims and I have now discovered that the issue is due to a failed window regulator. This is a known issue in similar vehicles and poses a potential safety hazard, especially during adverse weather or high-speed driving. The Manufacturer has not issued a recall only a bulletin and the cost that was quoted to me from Hendrick Kia of Concord was over $900 dollars a regulator.
Jul 25, 2025
I own a 2016 Kia Optima EX with VIN [XXX] . The engine failed at 85,763 miles due to a rod bearing seizure. This matches the known defect in Kia’s 2.4L GDI engines, which has been the subject of recalls and service campaigns in the past. Despite being covered under Kia’s extended engine warranty, Kia America denied my engine replacement claim. They cited "vehicle reconditioning" and "multiple ownership" as reasons — neither of which are valid grounds to void warranty coverage, especially for a known defect. A certified Kia dealership (Mark Kia in Scottsdale, AZ) approved my vehicle for warranty replacement, and submitted the request. Kia corporate denied it. This creates a serious safety concern and shows that Kia may be wrongfully avoiding responsibility for this defect. Please investigate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 09, 2025
Have a shake during accelerating 35-40 mph and then again at 70 mph. There is an axle, recall on 2016 kia optima. for certain months, my is not included. how is the recall determined. Have not had it checked out yet. It seems to be getting worst, will check soon.
May 04, 2025
+ 59 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
29 complaints
driving in the dark, my auto headlight selector only works when it wants to. like it’ll just just my headlights off at random no matter how dark it is
Oct 04, 2023
Headlights will randomly turn off when driving. I then have to quickly turn the headlight switch from auto to off to on to get them to come back on. There are numerous complaints online regarding this very same problem with Kia Optimas and other Kia vehicles. This is extremely dangerous.
Aug 08, 2023
The headlights failed and yes it can be inspected . The headlights while my 16 year old daughter was driving at night. She could not see the road there were no streetlights. She had to hit her brakes turn the car off and restart and the lights came back on . This put her life in danger I cannot believe there are no recalls . We have called numerous mechanics to fix and they have not heard of the problem. I do not trust Kia to fix this . She could have died . Before this happened the dash showed the lights changing themselves from auto to on to off . This also happened to me while driving at night . We now do not drive this car at night out of fear .
Jul 29, 2023
Kia Optima Hybrids from 2014-2016 and most likely the two previous model years all have defective taillights. I know this because I've had two Optimas and I've had to replace 9 taillights in 4 years. The Kia dealer service department told me that that was quite typical of these cars. The light assemblies are not water tight and they fill with moisture on rainy days. This eventually causes the LED ribbons to fail and then the light has to be replaced. Kia will replace them under warranty for the first 60,000 miles but after that the car owner is on the hook for a part that costs approximately $500. A taillight that will not light up is obviously a safety problem. Kia should be forced to replace these pieces for free for as long as these cars exist. I tried to attach two photos but the system wouldn't allow me to continue until I removed them.
Nov 12, 2022
Headlights will randomly turn off when set on automatic lights. Turn signal might be part of the issue. Headlights will turn off when driving on winding road or randomly when you turn on the turning signal. I was driving rounding on the hillside when my headlights randomly turned off. So scary because I could have driven off the cliff. No specific dates because it happens consistently. I will enter the most recent but it goes back about 2years. I should add for safety sake, that it also happened when I was driving on a relatively straight-smooth road
Jul 21, 2022
+ 24 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
26 complaints
Hear the driveshaft clicking and doesn’t accelerate like it should
Nov 03, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk excessively, and the contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors and valve cover gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,260.
Mar 28, 2025
Was driving going 50mph and all of a sudden with traffic accelerator stopped working. The oil engine and battery light all came on. When I tried jump starting it it began to smoke.
Feb 05, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated before gaining motive power. The vehicle was also shuddering and vibrating. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. Additionally, the gear shift lever was difficult to shift into reverse(R). The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and then the gear shifter was able to be shifted into reverse(R). The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Jul 09, 2024
My 2016 Kia Optima LX 1.6 has been burning oil really fast. It also has been losing power when I try to accelerate with know check engine lights on. Currently the engine has a shake to it & is un-drivable. Oil gets to the spark plugs. I previously took my car to a Kia Dealership before I had a check engine light. They told me they could not do anything because a check engine light was not on. Now that a check engine light is on I was told by a dealer that it has an engine misfire. It has been seen by a dealership. This problem could have been prevented now knowing that this is a problem for many Kia automobiles.
Jun 10, 2024
+ 21 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
23 complaints
White paint is chipping away excessively
Oct 22, 2025
The body paint is cracking and falling down. Since five years ago this problem started.
Oct 17, 2025
My paint has begun bubbling up and feeling out of nowhere. I’ve always taken good care of my car yet spots are beginning to pop up along the passanger side. The paint continues to peel more as time goes on. I’ve found many complaints online of people saying they’ve had the same issue with their kia in the Snow White Pearl color I have, but there’s no recall and kia refuses to pay for it.
Jun 10, 2025
paint peeling, chipping, and bubbling.
Apr 05, 2025
The antenna fin flew off while I was driving on the highway.
Apr 01, 2025
+ 18 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
19 complaints
Window regulator assembly failed twice within 20k miles. Attached is the first repair. Dealership only repaired motor but not full assembly and it failed again.
Sep 03, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 56,276. and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 114,000.
Jul 21, 2025
3 of windows do not roll up.
Jun 20, 2025
our ac keeps blowing relays. every month. and they other day we have to force power bank to the blower motor just to get it to work. half the inside and sometimes the even the outside lights works.
May 04, 2024
Every window regulator is broken, 2 of them in the middle of the highway and the other 2 when I parked the car.
Sep 06, 2023
+ 14 more complaints for this component
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
16 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle suddenly stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated normally. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Nov 20, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH and attempting to accelerate to overtake a semi-truck, the vehicle suddenly started losing automotive power and then stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact indicated that prior to the failure, the check engine warning light illuminated and remained illuminated, and the engine experienced excessive oil consumption. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.
Aug 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, there was a misfire coming from the engine, and the vehicle was shaking. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure due to piston rings failure, causing coolant intrusion into the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the ignition coil, cylinder #1, and spark plugs were replaced. The dealer was contacted, but had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Aug 11, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who confirmed the engine failure and informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Dec 02, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 5 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs and ignition coils needed to be replaced due to fouling by engine oil. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the same dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, approximately 1 quart of engine oil was being added every week. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,434.
Aug 28, 2024
+ 11 more complaints for this component
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
16 complaints
I am filing this complaint to urgently bring attention to a serious safety and mechanical defect with my Kia vehicle's engine and fuel system. My engine is excessively consuming oil, to the point where it poses a significant risk of engine failure, which could result in a loss of power while driving and create a hazardous situation on the road. Details: I consistently have to add 5 quarts of oil approximately every month. During regular oil changes, there is barely any oil recovered from the engine, suggesting the oil is being consumed or burned internally. I took the vehicle to AutoZone for diagnostics, and they confirmed the engine is burning oil. They also mentioned it could be related to a rod or piston ring issue. There are no visible leaks under the vehicle, and the oil is not being expelled externally—it's being consumed by the engine. This issue is not normal wear and tear. It's a systemic engine defect that is causing rapid oil loss and is likely to lead to engine seizure or failure if not addressed. This level of oil consumption is not just expensive—it is dangerous. A sudden loss of engine power could cause an accident, especially at highway speeds. I am deeply concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road. Urgency: I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this issue and consider initiating a recall for affected Kia vehicles. I am not the only one facing this problem—online forums and consumer reports are filled with similar complaints from other Kia owners. This is a critical engine/fuel system safety defect that must be addressed immediately before someone is injured or worse due to engine failure while driving. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am available to provide service records, photos, and further documentation upon request. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 18, 2025
Driving down the road trying to accelerate. My rpm's wouldn't go over 2000. The engine started fluttering and the accelerator stopped working. Went to take to local repair shop and they stated it was an issue with the engine. problem listed after a scan: OBD P1326 Recall NUMBER: PI1802W/X (Rev 2, 01/28/2019) With this stated. My vehicle under the same Year, Model, Engine, and Production Date are all calling for a recall but my VIN doesn't have a recall. So I am wanting to enquire why my vehicle doesn't have this recall.
Jan 14, 2025
Engine burns over 2 quarts of oil every 500 miles due to carbon build up in engine resulting in engine ceasing up.
Nov 21, 2024
The car had engine failure. The same issue that 1000s of the same make and model had a lawsuit for. Apparently my VIN isn’t one of them covered even though the exact issues stated in the engine failure lawsuit are the same issues I had. It’s under 80,000 miles I get synthetic oil and all other maintenance done when recommended. I was driving one day and the car started jerking and the engine would just stall out there was also a lot of smoke and very loud noises. I have tried contacting Kia and they say that it’s not one of the VIN numbers covered. If it’s the same issue how could they know if it was going to happen to my specific VIN or not. This is a huge safety issue because I am concerned the engine will blow up or catch on fire. I have had a mechanic come look and he started the engine and said to immediately turn it off. This is clearly a safety issue that’s not being handled well at all.
Aug 07, 2024
I have a 2016kia optima EX and I had a problem with it. I used to take it to the Kia dealership for oil change and services. So recently I have done the transmission fluid and oil change.! After that I have weird transmission problems like it finding hard to accelerate and even when I am changing the gear from park to drive or reverse it makes weird noise like clutching. I spoke with the dealership and they say we have changed the transmission fluid then it shouldn’t be the problem.! They don’t even find the exact problem.! I have been spending a lot on my car . Kia is messing up with the recalls.!
Oct 02, 2023
+ 11 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
15 complaints
Engine failed at 52.350 miles due to excessive oil consumption confirmed by a Kia dealership. Car was driving fine on 5/1/25, on 5/2/25, car started to stall with loud clicking noise, and wouldn't move fast, which then activated the check engine light.
May 19, 2025
I went to the Garden Grove Kia to get my new 2016 kia optima repaired for their knock sensor settlement repair. By their own terms of the agreement all original and subsequent ow ers can get vehicles repaired. They took my vehicle information, I gave them all details of my ownership of the vehicle and they said they would fix it. The next day I rented a trailer to take the vehicle to get repaired (vehicle still runs but don't think it's safe to drive like that) and upon arriving, a worker comes out and tells me that they will not repir the vehicle because I just purchased the vehicle. Craig, the manager, also refused to see ownership documents but gave me 2 things; legal advice saying that I should sue where I bought the vehicle from and a paper that said they will not fix cars owned by dealers and auctions. I am neither am neither nor. Craig, also stated that Kia wont cover the repairs.
May 16, 2025
[XXX] 6:30AM: 2016 Kia Optima Ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acceleration and immediately attempted to get over to the side of the road. Which was pretty [XXX] scary being that it's a busy freeway that early in the morning so everyone is laying on their horn while trying to get out of my way. It was either be stranded in the middle of the freeway or get over as quick as possible. My electronics were all still on however; my whole dashboard went from no "check engine" light to everything that could light up was lit up. I own a OBD2 scanner so I plugged that in and scanned it. I received a code that read "P0014: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over - Advanced (Bank 1)". I then had my car towed to a mechanic that diagnosed my engine and claimed there was "metal shavings" in my engine. And my engine was not turning; it seized up. I didn't believe him so I got a ride over to the shop and sure enough he simply had me pull my dipstick out to see the shavings on there. He also manually turned my engine with a socket wrench and told me it was harder than [XXX] to turn which was not supposed to happen. I tried it myself and sure enough it was tough as [XXX] to turn. He claimed I needed a new engine! He said I have the option to get it towed somewhere else or he can try and find an engine for me. I then called a Kia Service center in Visalia CA and explained to them what happened. They said they will not fix anything due to me not having a computer update recall fixed on my car. Yet I had never gotten a notice in the mail for it like they were supposed to do back in 2018. The only one I had gotten recently was a "safety recall" which was to fix my trunk latch. I knew that would not have any impact on my cars running condition so I did not get that fixed. However had I known I needed an update I would've gone in a heartbeat. I did not take it to the service center being that they told me they cannot fix my engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 12, 2024
Vehicle Dash Check Engine Light came on 08/31/2023 Code P200A was found. Several weeks went by and vehicle started to hesitate pretty bad Vehicle was towed to Kia dealership on 10/04/2023 : Was told engine failure which needed replacement along with intake and several other required parts. Covered under Powertrain Warranty, vehicle was completed and ready for pick up on 10/17/2023 On 10/24/2023, on my way home from work, Dash Warning "Engine has overheated" has came on. Vehicle was towed back to original dealership. Kia reportedly found "air pocket" in cooling system. Vehicle was ready for pickup same day. On 10/30/2023, on my way to work, Dash Warning "Engine has overheated" has once again came on. Luckily I was able to get off the interstate and happened to be by a Kia dealership in the area. At this time, info is pending.
Oct 31, 2023
My car has been consuming oil and has locked up and will not operate. This issue has been reported to the manufacturer by several other customers, and my car is not a part of the recent recalls. This issue could have caused me serious harm, had I been on a highway, or busy intersection. My car engine now doesn't work.
Sep 06, 2023
+ 10 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
11 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that both the driver’s side and passenger’s side windows opened independently without the driver or occupant input, and the windows failed to roll up while depressing the window switches. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,600.
Sep 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the rear passenger’s side window failed to roll up as needed. The contact’s spouse pulled the window up manually. The contact stated that months later while driving approximately 65 MPH, the rear driver’s side window fell into the door. The contact’s spouse manually pulled the window up. The contact stated that several months later while driving approximately 75 MPH, the failure occurred with the driver’s side window. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic and was informed that the window regulator failed and that the window panels needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.
Sep 06, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof fractured without impact. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact learned of a lawsuit regarding the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Jul 03, 2023
All 4 windows in my car has dropped down and won't go back up. Have to put a car cover over it to keep it from raining in it or to keep anything else out of it. I rarely rolled my windows down in this car every since I have purchased it and all of a sudden all the windows just drops down. This is a defect on the company part and not mine and i want to find out why I never received a recall letter to this effect for I have seen and read that there were cars recalled for the same problem that I am having with mine.
Jun 27, 2022
The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the rear driver’s side window inadvertently fell. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and pulled up the window manually. She then inserted a piece of paper in the upper right corner of the window to keep it in place. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The front and rear driver’s side windows and the rear passenger’s side window also inadvertently fell. The contact inserted pieces of paper in the upper right corner of each window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 83,500.
Jan 03, 2022
+ 6 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
11 complaints
My vehicle has been having engine & electrical issues, I originally took the vehicle to a secondary mechanic after Kia Baltimore stated it would be a couple months before they could diagnose the issue. The secondary mechanic was changed spark plugs, and other fixes but advised the vehicle engine was still shutting down and he believe it was related to the Kia engine recall issues. Thereafter, I had the vehicle towed to Kia Towson on 5/22/23..they have had the vehicle ever since I call daily, leave messages with managers, and essentially pay car insurance and car note, and use ride share services while getting no response about my vehicle. The rental manager at the dealership doesn't return my calls, no one. This is unacceptable.
Jul 26, 2024
The engine almost caught on fire. Windows are all down .
Mar 24, 2024
Engine failure; oil consumption, misfire, smoking, losing sped, no acceleration. Problem has been diagnosed by 3 mechanics in a mechanic shop. Only warning was the check engine light
Mar 21, 2024
Since 08/07/21 I’ve been having intermittent issues with my oil light and engine light coming on. I have had all repairs recommended by the Mark KIA Scottsdale, AZ dealership yet my oil consumption has increased significantly and the oil light continues to come on: On 02/14/24 I took my car to a local auto repair shop to get a second opinion due to the oil light coming off and on; they found the engine oil very low and only 1 quart came out when doing the oil change; they also recommended injection induction service which I’ve had done twice previously with the KIA dealership
Feb 15, 2024
This will be the second time this has happened to my vehicle my vehicle just randomly stopped while driving and will not start back up. It keeps showing on the dashboard “check hybrid system stop car and turn off engine” this happen 4 years ago and then a safety recall came out for it to get fixed this should have been fixed from the safety recall and never happened again unfortunately it happened again. The dealership is booked with appointments so my car will not get fixed for about a month or two. It is very dangerous for the car to just caught off in the middle of the road.
Jul 02, 2023
+ 6 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
10 complaints
The dashboard has a crack around the edge of the passenger airbag. I am trying to find out if this is a safety issue for airbag deployment.
Jun 29, 2024
I got into a frontal car accident the other car hit the front of my vehicle and no airbags deployed. I’ve researched today and seen people are having many issues with airbags on this vehicle and that there were many recalls regarding airbags from years ago. I was never informed of any issues with any of that when I got this vehicle.
Nov 17, 2023
A straight line crack about 4 inches long appeared suddenly on my dash. The crack is directly over the dash mounted airbag. The car has been parked in my garage since I bought it new in 2016. In addition, my work location has an employee garage so it is hardly parked out in direct sun. It is in mint condition. I took the vehicle to the local KIA dealer and they said it was not covered by the warranty. My concern is that the crack may impede the deployment of the airbag in a critical situation. I feel it should be investigated because there are a lot of exact same complains on the internet concerning a crack at the same location.
Aug 05, 2023
A straight line crack about 4 inches long appeared suddenly on my dash. Upon doing some online research, I found that the crack is directly over the dash mounted airbag. I took the vehicle to the local KIA dealer and they said it was not covered by the warranty. My concern is that the crack may impede the deployment of the airbag in a critical situation. I feel it should be investigated because there are a lot of exact same complains on the internet concerning a crack at the same location.
Sep 14, 2021
I WAS GOING WEST ON 210 IN REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA APPROXIMATELY AT 6:15 P.M. WHEN I WAS REAR ENDED BY A 2015 TOYOTA CAMRY. HIS RIGHT FRONT FENDER RAN INTO MY LEFT BACK FENDER CAUSING ME TO SPEND AND SETTLE ON THE LEFT SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY. THE SIDE DRIVER AIR BAG DEPLOYED THE STEERING WHEEL AIRBAG DID NOT. MY CAR WAS TOTALED.
Jan 10, 2020
+ 5 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
10 complaints
Purchased this car in July of this year. I checked all fluids prior to purchase and after driving it for 30 days the oil light flicked then went off. I decided to check the oil and it was 2 quarts low. I immediately called my extended warranty and they said to take it to the shop. After it being there for 3 months they said it was the rings in the piston and it needed a new motor. They referred to it as excessive oil consumption. Of course the warranty company Old Republic refused to cover it because it’s a on going issue with this model car.
Dec 03, 2023
My daughter was driving on the interstate and her car lost power while driving. This is a major safety issue. A car losing power in the middle of 80 or higher mph traffic could result in fatalities.
Aug 19, 2023
Unknown. My oil light started to turn on while I was still 1200 miles before my next oil change. I check the level of my oil and it was completely empty.
Jul 10, 2023
My kia Burns lots of oil. I'm having to refill oil every 300 miles. And the oil isn't on the ground. It's burning out on my sparkplugs and oil pac coil. It's even shut off engine light came on. Got it towed to SONS of Kia. Had it diagnosis and Was told it's needed sparkplugs and coil pac replacement. Full tune-up. Oil change. Later. Having the same issues. Having to continue replenish oil. Over and over. Where is it going. Oil sputtering out of my tail pipe. Oil and water from tail pipe. Took it to Amoco Transmission. For diagnosis and was told that this need to be reported to kia. A major recall. Oil is burning from engine issues. My sparkplugs are loaded with oil and coil pac. Why I've always got my oil changed every due time. Later after 300-400 miles. I'm having to add oil again. Something wrong with this. I travel and my wife have to check oil consumption every week to make sure oil is in the car. She's very stressful about this situation. The car be studder when this happens. And some time want crank. It's nothing of her end. It's the manufacturer of the car. Burning oil consumption. AND NOW ITS AT AMOCO TRANSMISSION WAITING ON WHAT'S NEXT. TRULY WILL LOVE KIA TO DO THE RIGHT THING. MY WIFE LOVE'S HER KIA. AND ARE THINKING ABOUT BUYING A SUV FROM KIA IN THE FUTURE. My other paper work are in the car. Will update more information later.
Jun 21, 2023
I purchased this vehicle about a year ago upon purchasing vehicle I noticed I was having to get an oil change every other week and when I would go in I would have no oil. Fast forward to now I am buying 5g oil from Advance Auto parts every week my car is burning through oil excessively and causing my sparks plugs and coils to go bad from the oil. I have had to get my coils and sparks plug replaced three times in 5 months. I took the vehicle to get an oil consumption test at the Conway Kia dealership and they said nothing was wrong which is inaccurate because no car is burning 5 g oil each week. My car is currently at 80,000 miles I know once it reach 100,000 my warranty voids and at that point Im left with no recourse on this vehicle
Dec 30, 2022
+ 5 more complaints for this component
STEERING
9 complaints
MDPS failing when driving randomly. Steering locks up and vehicle is uncontrollable, while the vehicle is moving. This has occurred at varying speeds, while turning and while driving straight. Dealer has unsuccessfully got the issue to replicate, but independent service center was able to replicate it and found the extended warranty and recommended dealership visit since issue is covered. Vehicle has been inspected by dealership and the first recommended battery replacement, but this did not remedy the issue. EPS warning light is illuminated while issue is occurring but due to safety, car needs to be restarted to gain control of the vehicle and light turns off.
May 28, 2025
I’m financing my car from drive time and I got my car this year not to long ago, I say a couple months ago. I recently had a vehicle inspection done to keep up with maintenance. Upon arrival Firestone did a vehicle inspection and noted my roots needs to be replaced witch I’m currently working on getting that replaced and they also noted my power steering needed to be replaced witch I found odd because I don’t know how my power steering could needed be replaced when I haven’t had my car for a full year only a couple months. I have attached a copy of the vehicle inspection
Nov 13, 2024
In cold weather my car will not start. Gas is in the car and all the lights come on. Would have to crank car multiple times for it to to start or it will not start at all.
Oct 31, 2024
Rack Record rack and pinion blow apart while driving
Jun 26, 2024
The City of memphis has seen a massive spike in motor vehicle thefts. Which i have been one of the Kia vehicles stolen & damage that cant be fixed quick with the steering column. The Memphis Police Department has described the situation as a car theft “epidemic.” The car thieves’ main targets are Hyundais and Kias, which account for approximately 66% of all thefts across all vehicles. Kia and Hyundai, as well as their joint design center, Hyundai Kia America Technical Center (“HATCI”). As the Complaint details, these car thieves figured out what an entire team of Hyundai and Kia engineers seemingly missed: the companies’ vehicles are designed and manufactured with subpar security measures, thereby making them incredibly easy to steal. These design flaws pose significant safety risks and create a substantial financial burden for consumers. the Complaint alleges that many Kia and Hyundai vehicles are equipped with a defect that makes them incredibly easy to steal. Although local media outlets have reported as much, the Complaint describes in detail the nature of the common defect present in these vehicles, including how the thieves are stealing these cars. Given the incredible public safety threat this has created, we did not want to exacerbate this problem by providing aspiring car thieves, a playbook on how to steal these vehicles. Something has to be done.
Jul 20, 2022
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
The headlights and brake lights have been VERY dim for a while. I've had to replace both headlights and brake lights an excessive amount in the last several years. This year alone since December 2024, I've had to replace my headlights 3 separate times. I do not drive more than 10,000 miles per year, or use my vehicle on roads that would lead me to believe the issue is from road conditions.
Sep 03, 2025
My high beams and low beams are starting to shut off randomly. When it happens, my dash shows that i am trying to turn my headlights from auto to another setting, which is not the case. It has happened at night and that poses a danger because i cant see the road and people cant see my car. I have not had it looked at yet. I do see multiple complaints online for multiple different kia models and years. There is no recall and i do not see a TSB.
Aug 23, 2023
About 3 weeks ago my headlight Auto dash notification would flash on and off for probably 8 times. It was day time so I didn't think anything of it. Last week I was driving in the dark and my head lights turned off completely. I was able to get them back on. I started doing research and other people have had the same issue stating that it is the multifunction switch. Again this morning driving in the dark they turned off completely again. This is dangerous for not just the driver and passengers of the car but also other drivers if you can not be seen. This needs to be recalled and needs to be fixed sooner than later. Please help.
Aug 18, 2021
MY HEADLIGHTS HAVE GONE OUT 3 TIMES IN THE LAST FOUR MONTHS. I'VE NEVER ENCOUNTERED THIS TYPE OF PROBLEM WITH ANY OTHER VEHICLE. THIS CAR IS S 2016 KIA OPTIMA AND HAD LEFT ME WITHOUT HEADLIGHTS .I NOTICE OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. THIS SAFETY ISSUE NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED . VERY DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITHOUT HEADLAMPS. SOMEONE PLEASE MAKE NOTE OF THIS SERIOUS SITUATION IMMEDIATELY!!!!
Apr 15, 2021
THE HEADLIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY TURN THEMSELVES ON AND OFF IN DAY AND NIGHT TIME. THIS ONLY HAPPENS IN THE 'AUTO' OPTION FOR THE HEADLIGHTS. I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS OTHER REPORTS ON THIS ON HERE. IN ADDITION TO THAT THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE KEY FOB MOST OF THE TIME EVEN WITH BRAND NEW BATTERY IN THE FOB. STEP DAD HAS THE SAME CAR WITH SAME ISSUES WITH THE KEY FOB.
Sep 08, 2020
+ 2 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
7 complaints
In May of 2023, as I entered an intersection, my 2016 Hybrid Kia Optima suddenly did not feel right and gave me a hybrid system warning error. I pulled to the side of the road and shut it down. I restarted the car. The error light remained on, but the car seemed to drive okay. I finished my short distance into work, and shut it down. I called the dealer and was asked to restart it to see if the hybrid warning light came back on. I restarted it after lunch, and no warning lights came on. The dealer had me bring it in to the service department. They had it for a week or two but could not repeat the problem. They updated the software and thought that might fix the issue. The car worked fine until September 2023 when it suddenly cut out on me as I was turning a corner in my development with the same hybrid system warning error. I was able to glide to the shoulder. I restarted it and drove home with the error warning light. This time the dealer had the car towed into their shop. They had the car for a few weeks but could not diagnose the issue and gave the car back to me with a “trigger” system to monitor for codes. In about a week, the same warning light popped on my wife who pulled over and shut it off. She restarted the car and drove the remaining short distance to work with the hybrid system warning light on. Later that day, it restarted without the hybrid warning light coming on, and I drove it the short distance to the dealer. It took about another month until mid-November to diagnose the problem as a defective hybrid battery and order the under-warranty replacement. Here it is in mid-June 2024 and I am still waiting for a replacement hybrid battery. I no longer trust the car or Kia Corporate, and I haven't been able to get Kia Corporate to respond to me in over a month. Hopefully, no one else is involved in an accident due to this model car cutting out on them.
Jun 16, 2024
I’m having oil consumption problems. I had this car since 2022 every time I get an oil change and drive 1000 or less miles my oil light comes on when braking or turning vehicle. As well as a knocking sound and the car runs very rough. I put more oil in every time even getting oil change done before I’m supposed to spending extra money and time just to ride in this car. I took it to serval shops no leak was spotted in fact they said my drain plug may need to be replaced. I changed the drain plug twice as that’s not the issue but I’m still having a low to no oil in vehicle. I also was told that i have a cloud of smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe when I hit the gas another problem. More recently after an oil change I’ve noticed a small oil leak spots on the ground. This should be a recall as a lot of Kia owners are dealing with this issue. Help
Feb 05, 2024
The fuel gasoline hose line was leaking, so I changed it. Because of that I changed the high pressure pump twice
Oct 01, 2023
After purchasing the car, the first time I went to fill up the car with fuel I set the fuel nozzle to auto stop. When it clicked off, I pulled the handle out and quite a bit fuel gurgled back out of the fuel tank, like it was over full. I took the car back to the dealership and they checked lines and said it was fine. I took one of the people from KIA with me to show them what it does, and sure enough, did it again. They still say nothing is wrong with the fuel system. It is still a problem, I just am unable to fill up my car all the way.
Sep 07, 2023
On July 27, 2022 the oil light on my 2016 KIA Optima came on intermittently. I called the dealership and they told me to have it towed in. So I had it towed to the KIA dealer. The car had only 37,075 miles on it that day. It was not due for an oil change until 39,647! After they had it for a week they told me that it was burning oil. To fix the problem I would have to get a new engine installed! They told me that this was not covered by KIA or my Extended Warranty. They added oil -- that was it. Their recommendation was that I should put oil in it more frequently. So the oil light went off. I read that when cars burn oil inappropriately the residue can affect the engine and other parts. Putting more oil in doesn't solve the problem of excessive oil burning! I am afraid to drive it now. I've read that some vehicles with this problem stop right in the middle of the road. That is dangerous.
Aug 15, 2022
+ 2 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
6 complaints
Complaint Message – 2016 Kia Optima Engine Failure Without Oil Light Warning I am the owner of a 2016 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated at any point to warn me. I am aware that Kia previously recalled earlier model years (2011–2014) for similar engine issues under Recall SC147 and others, related to the Theta II engine and oil pressure-related failures. Many owners reported the exact same symptom — catastrophic engine failure without oil light warnings — that I am now experiencing in my 2016 Optima. Although my model year is not included in the existing recall, the failure pattern appears identical. I believe this presents a significant safety issue that should be investigated. A critical warning system (oil pressure light) failed to function properly, which directly led to engine damage. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated by NHTSA and Kia for potential expansion of the recall or warranty coverage to include the 2016 Optima. I have already contacted Kia and am pursuing further review through the dealership and customer support. Please note that other 2016 Optima owners have reported similar complaints online and in forums, and this issue may affect a broader number of vehicles than currently acknowledged. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 23, 2025
Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (Theta II 2.4L GDI) failed due to rod bearing wear, causing sudden power loss on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, once at 50 mph in 2018 and again at 70 mph in 2025, and had to be pulled over quickly to avoid collision. Additional issues: all four windows failed at different times, leaving them stuck open and creating safety risks in weather or emergencies. The trunk latch failed, causing unsecured cargo risk. ABS, TPMS, and traction control warning lights illuminated repeatedly, indicating possible loss of critical safety systems. A loose wiring harness caused the turn signal bulb to burn out repeatedly, reducing visibility and signaling. The dealership performed the KSDS software update after I reported engine trouble but did not resolve the issue. The engine soon failed completely while driving. Other issues, such as the fuse box blowing fuses from a standard USB charger have also been documented by a Kia dealership but not always fully repaired. The most recent engine failure and electrical defects are being inspected by a Kia dealership, and Kia Consumer Affairs is reviewing the warranty claim. Prior to the engine failure, I smelled burning oil and topped it off monthly due to excessive consumption. The oil level light and check engine light only appeared during limp mode right before the failure. These repeated safety-critical defects, particularly sudden engine failure at highway speed, created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road. At the time of this report, I am in the process of seeking warranty coverage for the catastrophic engine failure through Kia. The failure behavior (limp mode, flashing check engine light, and rod knock) is consistent with the safety defect described in the Theta II engine settlement. I am concerned that despite this being a known issue, there may be delays or denials in honoring the safety-related warranty repair.
Jul 09, 2025
The Hybrid Battery continues to malfunction and, randomly shuts down at any speed (even after short engine block was "repaired" by Kia Dealership). Also, an odor of burnt oil happens often while driving the car. It is available for inspection, if need be. Safety of all drivers at risk because car shuts down on freeways and highways. It's dangerous where cars driving at speeds of 65 mph are unable to break and avoid collision. Kia calls their RECALLS "CAMPAIGNS". The Kia dealer has acknowledged this problem and has performed maintenance, however the problem still persists. I have the recent receipt of service/ maintenance on my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid on hand. The first time it happened was on September 25, 2021. There were no warning lights or messages, the car simply shut down and had no power and was not drivable. I took it to a hybrid mechanic who ran a diagnostic test. The hybrid mechanic repaired my car. 6 months later, while I was driving my car seized on me while I was driving on the freeway going 65 miles an hour. This time a warning on my dashboard showed that there was a problem with the hybrid control system on the car. We took it to a Kia dealership and they performed a diagnostic test and said that I needed a new short engine block and hybrid battery replacement. (I have the receipts for the maintenance performed by Kia Dealership) It took 3 months for The Kia dealership to rebuild the engine block and replace the Hybrid battery. On March 7, 2024, my 2016 Kia optimal hybrid seized on me while I was driving 40 miles an hour. The message/ warning now says "Battery Management System Failure" "Possible BMS Condition." "Check Hybrid System". Kia does not acknowledge that there is a problem with the hybrid system in the Kia Optima hybrids. I've called and tried to file a complaint, however they tell me there are no problems with the Kia Optima hybrids. Please investigate. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.
Apr 20, 2024
2016 Kia Optima was towed to Kia Dealer after it became inoperable; on 10/22/22 diagnostic done and found engine failure. Kia Motors denied claim for repair/replacement. Not sure why not covered under class action settlement, and/or extended warranty, or subsequent technical bulletins regarding Kia's defective engines.
Jun 04, 2023
My name is E........ M........ and I'm writing this email/complaint in hopes it can be resolved or you can pass this email along to the appropriate person or persons to have this matter looked into. We purchased a used 2016 Kia Optima a few years back and have had nothing but trouble, from electrical issues, recalls, transmission issues, oil consumption, and smoke coming through the air vents!!!! and there's more, the last time we had an issue and took it to a dealer for problems shifting, hard shifts, loss of power, and smoking, we were told the dealer could not duplicate the problems while driving it and that was that, not a damn thing fixed because apparently everyone is stupid or blind and I was more than pissed. On 7/13/22 the car has been at the dealer again (for almost two weeks now, but they were so busy they just got to it today) so the car is there for the same exact things listed before only this time they state the turbo turbine is bad and it's gonna be $4000.00 to fix it. First off NO, and secondly NO, I will not let this happen! BTW, please pay close attention to the part of smoke coming through the air vents!!!! Currently, the car is at a KIA dealer still, the general manager was to call me on the 14th and NEVER DID today is the 19th, I called today and they are acting like they don't even know me. NO warning lamps, the car can be completely out of oil, and still no engine or oil light will come on. The fact that this car has smoke coming through the air vents is of most concern, I need help dealing with this issue and will contact a lawyer if needed or if you advise me to. BTW I emailed all head people at Kia corporate and NO response from them as well. Thank you The consumer stated the general manager has the approval to move forward with the repairs and would like to rescind the complaint.
Jul 19, 2022
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY
6 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather on several occasions, all four windows of the vehicle became intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Jun 27, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on four occasions while the vehicle was parked and the window switches were depressed on all the windows, the windows failed to roll up or roll down as intended. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the driver's side window regulator had become dismantled, allowing the glass to move up and down. The contact was informed that the window regulator and panel assembly needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired each time. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, she became aware that the driver's side window was not functioning. After which, all the windows in the vehicle failed to operate as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with all four window regulators. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.
Feb 08, 2024
Three power window regulators have failed over the course of a year. Without warning the window suddenly drops down and cannot be let up. On each occasion, the regulator gears appear to have just desecrated. The car windows are rarely let down. The passenger side rear was the first to fail. The driver's side rear failed 4 months later. The passenger side front was the third to fail 3 months later. It seems like this is a very common problem, but Kia has not set up a recall. Instead, they are raising the price of the window regulators. Interestingly enough, the new regulators have a blue gear instead of a white gear.
Mar 11, 2023
Complete power window failure (driver and 2 rear windows). Estimated repair cost is $2,084.90. This model has a history of power window defects that Kia Motors is well aware of. Over time, this defect becomes increasingly severe until you have a complete without warning failure like in my case. Kia Motors refuses to acknowledge problems and stated there is no recall by NHTSA. I want a full reimbursement for my out of pocket payment for untimely repair cost.
Nov 24, 2022
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
6 complaints
All 4 of the window regulator motors blew in my windows at the same time, only about 9 years into the vehicle's life. The little plastic pulleys that move the cables degrade over time and then ruin the rest of the window motor when they break, and since they decided not to make this an easily repairable part it requires the entire window regulator assembly which is half of the door to be replaced, not just this plastic part. I had to replace all 4 of them out of my own money, KIA REFUSED to replace something that is completely 100% their fault and it cost me over $3,500 to repair all four windows that went out pretty much at the same time. It's insane silly that anyone's windows can just break at anytime and be stuck in the down position. I can't just put up trash bags and then not be able to see a thing while I wait to get it fixed if it happens again. I was lucky enough to be in a position to get it looked at quickly, but it is absolutely insane that KIA would refuse to cover such a defect. There is already a class-action lawsuit over this I believe but they haven't even attempted to remedy the situation. Not everyone has time to wait for a lawsuit to settle. There should absolutely be some kind of recall/extended warranty on their windows. My engine blew at 57,400 miles only a few months later which is separate and was replaced but it's just insane that I was promised a car but got a piece of trash that consistently breaks while all I can get is a replacement engine with the same exact problem and no confirmation that the same thing won't just happen again while they continue to use the same defective engine over 10 model years. I want them to fix their issues not slap a band-aid over them and hope for the best. This company has been knowingly selling cars built to end up in a landfill within 10 years and they don't care.
May 28, 2025
The front and rear windows come down unexpectedly. The power controls do not control the windows. This is especially dangerous when younger children are riding in the car and can reach their hands out the windows because the windows just come down. I have to manually lift my windows up
Nov 04, 2024
Every window in my car has come off track within a 3months time period . The motor steady runs in the door and the window will not move up or down.
Sep 14, 2022
THREE OF THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME AND THE FORTH TWO WEEKS LATER. I HAD THEM REPAIRED FOR A ALMOST $ 2000 SINCE THE THE VEHICLE HAS 62K MILES AND THE WARRANTY WAS GOOD TILL 60K MILES.
Mar 17, 2021
THE CLUSTER STARTED BLINKING OUT WHILE DRIVING THEN EVENTUALLY GOES OUT COMPLETELY. AT THE START OF THE PROBLEM IT WOULD GO OUT AT TIMES THEN POP BACK ON FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS.
Oct 08, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
While driving the car will not accelerate past 49mph in turbo mode and 61mph in regular mode and rpm will not go above 1800. And it jerks and studders. Blinking check engine light and consumes a ridiculous amount of oil even though regular maintenance performed. I have read several engine issues with this model and cannot find recall info
Sep 30, 2024
Car was at about 70,000 upon purchase. Once driving it regularly, I immediately noticed a faint knocking noise upon acceleration. Also, when coasting the speed adjusted on its own intermittently, both up & down, not by much but enough that I felt it on the gas pedal. Other times it fails to accelerate when pushing on the gas pedal. I have to release the pedal & try again, sometimes more than once before it finally accelerates. Despite doing regular oil changes, my engine burns through oil long before next oil change is due, so I have to add 1 - 2 quarts of oil in-between changes. I was barely at 80,000 miles when engine started seizing & the following day the check engine light came on. It had to be towed to be serviced. They said the fuel injector or pump (not sure which) was allowing fuel to flood my engine which caused its damage. Even with what the warranty covered I had to pay $500 out of pocket so there were a lot of repairs. I can get a detailed print out of service if needed. When I do oil changes there's oil under the oil pan somehow, but its not leaking because there is no oil where I park. As of lately, even though all fluids are good, when the car is idle with a/c on, the temperature starts to go up until the car is in motion again, then the temperature goes back down quickly. It has only overheated once, which was the first time I noticed the problem because I was parked at a gas station on a hot day checking my phone & the a/c started blowing warm & dash said, "engine overheated". Only happen the one time because I have been cautious about watching the temperature to avoid it happening again. I recently passed emissions & had AutoZone do code reader check & nothing came back. In order to figure out problem I'd have to get diagnostics test that requires I leave the car for at least 2 days so it hasn't been something I can manage yet. My car is available for inspection if needed & I'm happy to provide detailed print out of repairs if requested.
Jun 09, 2024
When accelerating the car will randomly loose all power from the engine. The electrical systems will stay on but the car RPMs will drop to zero. The accelerator will not provide acceleration when being pressed. The car has to be turned off and then turned back on for power to be restored. The check engine light, the oil light and another warning light will come on.
Nov 24, 2023
It started shaking really bad out of no where , then wasn’t going faster than 80 then down to 65 but wouldn’t go more than 80 with my foot all the way on the gas. As soon as I made it to work tonight the car cut off. I got a jump the car was still shaking & wouldn’t stay on if I let my foot off of the gas. I started it again without the cables but it cut right back off. I saw on cars.com it’s a recall for the similar thing, number Sc172. I have been having fuel leaks for a while and had my knock sensor replaced from a previous recall. Now I have no way home.
Oct 31, 2023
On 2/24 I was driving on Ben Hill Griffin Parkway, I was in the middle lane going thru an intersection, when suddenly while attempting to accelerate to go thru the light, all of my dash lights came on and the gas petal stopped working completely. I had cars in front, behind and on sides of me and I was unable to move out of the way. I attempted to restart the car to no avail. This could have been an incredibly deadly and dangerous situation and was extremely scary. With help I was able to move my car out of the way, call a tow truck and have it taken to the nearest Kia Dealership (Galeana Kia, 14483 Tamiami Trail, Ft. Myers) who advised they would evaluate the car and get back to me the next day. Tuesday I got word that my engine had seized and there was less than 1 qt of oil in it. I couldn't believe this as I just had an oil change 6 weeks prior. The service advisor, Jeff, said when an engine seizes they report it to Kia to see if they will replace but that Kia tech team advised they were declining replacing my engine as I didn't take my car to Kia for service and there weren't enough carfax reports to show proper care. This made no sense as I get my oil changed every 5k and use syntenic oil. I proceeded to send many oil change receipts only for them then tell me "it's owners responsibility to check oil between oil changes" and they aren't going to assist in any way. Sharing this story with others led me to learn that Kia is supposed to warranty these engines to 150k due to this being a known issue and multiple class action lawsuits about the engines burning oil and seizing while driving. I was in the middle of an intersection, that could have cost me my life! I called Kia Corp and they told me to work with dealership and they couldn't do anything for me. This after just replacing 4 window regulators where the regulator dies and your windows fall down (another safety hazard.) I appreciate you looking into and addressing this safety injustice for me.
Mar 31, 2023
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
Heavy oil consumption , unintended acceleration , car jerks . Back window occasionally won’t roll down .
Feb 28, 2024
My Kia Optima randomly stops working while driving. I get a notice that says, "HEV: Check Hybrid System. Stop Vehicle and Turn Off Engine." Also the gas pedal stops working, leaving me to try to coast to safety. The car essentially stops working in the middle of driving, without warning. Once this happened and blew out the spark plug, requiring a new one. Then, a day or two later, the car returns to normal. The Kia dealership could not reproduce the problem, nor could my service center. They say it's fine. I took my car in for previous recalls, and it is currently "up to date." This appears to be the same electrical issue as a recent recall for electrical failure, but the dealership told me the spark plug was fine and that I should change the battery. I did and this still happened. I do not feel safe driving this car, and Kia won't help me find the problem.
Jan 08, 2024
The engine was has blown twice the first day 95000 miles and again at under 6000 miles. And there is still a bad knock and major vibration and ticking noise coming from the car. We told the car we no longer have faith in this car and didn't want it no more and all he did was see if he could get us another loan to trade it in. We're now scared to really ride in to and can't get no one to help us on this my man is about to lose his job over this car
Sep 21, 2023
On July 4th, my vehicle lost engine power and flashed a quick prompt of "engine warning" before turning off completely, smoke from under the hood which resulted in a fire. I was able to extinguish it fortunately. I have since discovered there are three open recalls, which I received no notification about. I frequently check for recalls and all sites say there are none.
Jul 08, 2023
Since purchasing this car I’ve had to have electrical repairs done every year. If it’s not the seat it’s the window. If it’s not the window it’s the dash. A couple of days ago my husband said he noticed that the oil in the car was running low really fast. We had just done an oil change on the car not even 30 days prior to this. We were driving late at night back from a work trip when al of a sudden the check engine light came on and the motor started to shake and a thudding noise was getting louder. We were able to pull over and saw that there was literally no oil in the car. No warning nothing. Again we had just had an oil change not even 30 days prior. My father had to come tow us home an hour and a half away because he was worried with the sounds it was making that it might blow. There was smoke coming from the exhaust and the motor was shaking like it had no control. I’ve read multiple issues just like this one and of course my car just passed warranty. I’m not even done paying the car off. This should be an issue Kia has to fix by now with so many similar complaints. It’s dangerous and fraud. I’m just lucky the car was able to pull over safely as my husband and our 8 month old were in the car with me. Please help get this fixed. I’m now out of a car that’s only 5 years old and not paid off.
Sep 25, 2021
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
5 complaints
Vehicle: 2016 Kia Optima LX Turbo – Approx. 114,155 miles** This complaint concerns ongoing systemic defects affecting the electrical, braking, and engine management systems of the referenced vehicle. Despite multiple documented repair attempts, the failures persist, creating continuous and significant safety hazards. The vehicle has experienced repeated electrical system malfunctions, including multiple battery failures (three replacements within one year), sustained low-voltage conditions, and intermittent lighting loss. Notably, the headlights and exterior lighting have shut off unexpectedly during extended highway operation. The brake control system is also compromised. The electronic emergency brake has engaged spontaneously while the vehicle was in motion, causing abrupt deceleration without driver input. Additionally, the vehicle exhibits continuous fuel vapor and engine performance defects. The purge valve has been replaced four times, yet the failure recurs. The vehicle frequently hesitates upon acceleration, exhibits delayed throttle response, and jerks during takeoff, creating hazardous conditions when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. Given the repeated nature of these defects and the lack of resolution through standard repairs, I believe the vehicle may contain inherent design or manufacturing defects affecting the electrical charging system, ECU, fuel vapor management components, and electronic braking controls. I request that NHTSA conduct an investigation into these safety-related defects.
Nov 17, 2025
A month in after purchasing the check engine light came on. My car did not want to accelerate, started shaking and having jerking movement while driving on the freeway with my newborn and 3 other children in the car with me. Got stranded 3 hours away from home. Car has been in the shop going on 30 days. Spark plugs changed, coolant thermostat changed and now the engine was reported that it has failed. Still in the shop currently.
Jun 10, 2025
While driving down major highway the engine failed and the electrical system started blinking and I lost all power. No warning, dashboard just lit all up and engine seized up.
Mar 10, 2023
On Sept. 21, 2021, my Kia Optima Hybrid ex shut down and would not start. I took it to King of Hybrid EV Auto Repair where they ran a diagnostic test and found that there was an issue with the Hybrid System affecting the transmission and the High-voltage system. I paid $3,000.00 out-of-pocket. On October 26, 2022, while driving 75mph on Hwy 15 to Las Vegas, my car randomly shut down. The dash warning lights read "STOP VEHICLE TO CHARGE BATTERY". I was in an unsafe position with cars speeding past me. I was afraid that I would be rear-ended by another car. I had to have my car towed. I believe that these cars have issues with faulty high voltage systems and transmissions. Please investigate. Thank you.
Dec 08, 2022
MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON AND OFF EVEN AFTER REPLACED PARTS! BURNING AT LEAST 2 QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK! BRAKE LIGHTS STOP WORKING IF HEADLIGHTS ARE ON! HAD TO START USING SUPER TO ELIMINATE A RATTLE WHILE ACCELERATING UPHILL! ENGINE SHAKES!!
Dec 11, 2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER
5 complaints
All window regulators failed before 100K miles. This does not allow for windows to open in case of emergency, This problem has been personally confirmed by dealer and also in service bulletin SA418. This is a common problem in this car make/model/year. This component has been known to the manufacturer for defect. No warning lights, just instant lack of window use.
Oct 03, 2025
All 4 of my windows regulators went out within a week without any warning the two front windows went down and I can’t get them back up the two back windows are up but I have something holding them up which is dangerous because I can’t put the child lock on for my children because I can’t let the windows in case I have to get them out
Sep 06, 2024
3 of the 4 windows have had failures in the window regulators and the windows do not work.
Jul 19, 2023
THE RIGHT REAR WINDOW SUDDENLY ROLLED DOWN WHILE DRIVING. CHECKS REVEAL THAT THE MOTOR THAT CONTROLS THE UPWARD/DOWNWARD MOVEMENT WAS INOPERABLE. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY CONFIRM THE MOTOR NEEDED CHANGING. I EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT I AM THE ONLY USER OF THE CAR AND THE BACK SEAT HAS NEVER BEEN USED, THEY STILL CHARGED $650 TO REPLACE THE MOTOR. SIX MONTHS LATER THE SAME THING HAPPENED TO THE REAR LEFT WINDOW. I AM NOT IN A POSITION TO PAY ANOTHER $650, SO I TRIED TO PLACE PAPER IN THE SPACE TO HOLD THE GLASS IN PLACE. NOW TODAY THE RIGHT FRONT GLASS JUST ROLLED DOWN WHILE DRIVING. I SPOKE WITH A KIA DRIVER I SAW IN THE PARKING LOT AT WALMART AND HE STATED THAT HE HAD SIMILAR PROBLEMS.
Feb 19, 2021
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT THIRTY MILES PER HOUR IN TRAFFIC I HEARD A BANG AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED. THANKFULLY THE SUN SHADE WAS CLOSED OR SHARDS OF GLASS WOULD HAVE HIT ME. THE CAR BEHIND ME SWERVED PROBABLY TO AVOID THE GLASS. IT WAS SCARY AND I INITIALLY THOUGHT AN ACCIDENT HAD OCCURRED. THE MANUFACTURER NEEDS TO FIGURE OUT HOW THIS HAPPENED AND CHANGE THE DESIGN TO PREVENT IT.
Jan 09, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
The car is burning oil rapidly causing potential issues with the transmission and engine. The oil burns and does not leak after a few hundred miles and has to be refilled continuously causing alot of money and potential issues with other components of the car. I notice jerking when accelerating and smoke if dont fill every 1 to 2 weeks.
Sep 26, 2025
Four times in less than one year, car stutters, or stalls completely, check engine light flashes, and I have to maneuver to highway shoulder or slow lane to get towed. Very unsafe. Kia keeps it for a week , forces a software update repeatedly, sends me on my way and a few months later the sane thing again. Error codes always indicate engine knock amongst other things/an issue they know is theirs but “have to exhaust all options before they will approve replacement” according to service mgr. I have a car that I don’t feel safe driving because I drive alone and can’t trust it to get home home so I end up in the highway at 4am every time.
Apr 30, 2022
CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS BLINKING, THERE IS A NOTICEABLE DECREASE IN POWER, AND IT JERKS OUT OF FIRST GEAR. TOOK IT TO AUTOZONE FOR A FREE DIAGNOSTIC WHICH WAS P1326. ALL FLUID ARE IN ORDER. MILAGE IS 123,000. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I WAS DRIVING HE FR WORK.
Sep 01, 2019
SHUTTER/HESITATION UPON TAKE OFF. I SIGNED MY LEASE ON 9/29 AND WAS AT THE SERVICE DEPT FIRST OF 7 TIMES ON 10/4. AT FIRST I WAS TOLD THE CAR HAD TO "LEARN THE WAY I DRIVE" THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH MY CAR. SINCE THEN THE DEALER HAS "RESET" THE TRANSMISSION, CHANGED FUEL INJECTORS, REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AND NOW HAS DONE 'SEVERAL UPDATES' (SERIOUSLY?) THIS CAR HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. WHEN I ASKED THE TECH IF HE WOULD DRIVE HIS FAMILY IN THIS CAR I GOT NO RESPONSE. I HAVE ASKED ON THE LAST 2 TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO SIMPLY REPLACE MY CAR. I AM CURRENTLY CONSULTING A LAWYER.
Aug 18, 2017
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaints
All the window regulators continue to turn but the windows stay down and won't go up. Leading cause, the gear that connects to the motor and window regulator wires is plastic and erdes over time causing it to shred itself. Now my windows will not go up.
Sep 30, 2024
I apologize if this is not filed in the correct place. Issue: 2016 Kia Optima, peeling paint on the hood and quarter-panel. New areas are popping up and old areas are getting worse. Color Paint: Snow White Pearl
Aug 29, 2024
My 2016 Optima has the Pearl White paint. In April 2018 I noticed that it started peeling on the hood. The dealership told me that since I was past the 36k mile warranty (I was at 39k miles then) that I would have to cover the cost out of pocket. It's sad that the vehicle was not even 2 years old and that the paint was coming off and the dealership basically told me "oh well". I am now scared to hand wash the vehicle for fear of it getting any worse. If Kia knew/knows there was an issue with the paint, why don't they just make it right? It's now all over the car that it has peeled off, not just exclusively to the hood, and theres even rust that has started to show up in aomw of those paintless spots. I have always hand washed the vehicle, waxed, never taken to a car wash either. You can see from the pictures provided that this is not caused by rocks or pressure. You see on the rear driverside how it starts to form bubbles or air pockets before it cracks and then peels off from the frame of the vehicle.
Nov 03, 2023
THERE WAS A NEW VIBRATION SOUND WHEN WE STARTED DRIVING OUR CAR YESTERDAY. IT SOUNDED LIKE A PANEL WAS A LITTLE LOOSE OR SOMETHING. WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF DRIVING IT ON THE INTERSTATE WE HEARD AN EXPLOSION AND IT WAS THE SUNROOF BURSTING INTO PIECES. FREAKED US OUT WITH THE LOUD NOISE. WE
Dec 23, 2019
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on several occasions when the vehicle was started, the vehicle started shaking and then stalled. The vehicle was restarted each time. Additionally, a quart of oil needed to be added weekly due to excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced or repaired. The vehicle was repaired but the failure reoccurred three years later. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Aug 23, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the turbo booster sensor and turbo charger. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.
Feb 16, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the check engine warning light started flashing. The contact stated that smoke was coming from underneath the hood and an abnormal knocking sound was coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that he pulled over, stopped, and had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact had previously had a software upgrade for the knock sensor performed; however, the dealer stated that the engine had already suffered engine block damage and the vehicle did not qualify for an engine replacement. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 138,769.
Aug 07, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that upon depression of the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would independently enter Limp Mode with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact had the vehicle towed to Quirk Kia Manchester (1300 S Porter St, Manchester, NH 03103) where they initially updated the knock sensor. The contact stated that the failure persisted and the vehicle was towed back to the dealer where the knock sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to KIA at Nashua (107 Daniel Webster Hwy, Nashua, NH 03060) where he was informed that engine oil had entered into the cylinder head and damaged the spark plugs. The contact was provided an estimate for a new engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Aug 30, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ENGINE
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The driver was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pipe and determined that the fuel pipe was leaking into the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 68,000.
Aug 20, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle was shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that a message "Do not drive - Tow to Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a loosened turbo hose needed to be tightened. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact also stated that she smelled an abnormal gasoline odor. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that an engine cylinder had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not repair under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) unless the engine was knocking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the engine was misfiring while driving and the vehicle would not exceed 40 MPH. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine was misfiring and oil was leaking onto the spark plugs. The dealer informed the contact that she had to pay a repair fee for spark plug replacements, and then the dealer would determine whether the engine should be replaced under the recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000. The VIN was not available.
Jul 29, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE MOTIVE POWER. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND THE DROVE THE VEHICLE BACK TO HER RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. UPON INVESTIGATION, THE CONTACT ASSOCIATED THE FAILURE WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE, ENGINE) HOWEVER, THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 70,000.
Mar 22, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
4 complaints
While we were driving home (3 people in my car), with no notice, my car lost complete acceleration and broke down while we were on the highway. We hardly had notice to understand what was happening, let alone the other cars/people behind us on the highway where we almost got hit before being able to pull over to the side of the highway. We then had to wait for a tow-truck, again, on the shoulder of a very busy highway. Later, I came to find out that this was "sudden and unexpected engine failure" that occurs in multiple models of Kia and Hyundai that was included in the Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation, Case No. 8:17-cv-00838, and Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation II, No. 8:18-cv-02223-JLS-JDE, New Theta II Class Action Lawsuit. Unfortunately, this was the first time I had heard of this, as I'd never received any recalls or notices for my car around this, even though my car is a part of this. As I am in contact with Kia Customer Care attempting to resolve this issue - which has been an awful experience so far - they have informed me that the RECALL CAMPAIGN PI1802B - PI1802 ECU UPGRADE - is a "product improvement" instead of a safety issue, in which I COMPLETELY disagree! This put the 3 people inside my car at the time of the engine failure in danger on the highway with zero notice except for when it happened, as well as the other people/cars on the highway surrounding my car. Clearly this has been a much wider issue for Kia and Hyundai that has called for class action lawsuits, and my experience has been terrible so far trying to get this resolved. I'm extremely unhappy with their customer service and "help" this far, and even more upset that this did cause safety issues that it feels they don't care at all about correcting or taking care of their customers.
Jan 10, 2024
Driving 80 miles an hour several hours from home on a major interstate and my car shut off. Pulled over on side of interstate and check engine light came on and car won’t accelerate and is making a knocking noise
Nov 12, 2023
ENGINE RUMBLES LIKE IT IS ABOUT TO DIE INTERMITTENTLY WHEN I LET OFF THE BRAKE AND BEFORE I PRESS THE GAS AFTER BEING STOPPED IN TRAFFIC ON CITY STREETS. I OFTEN HAVE TO PRESS THE GAS PEDAL HALF WAY DOWN TO GET IT TO GAIN SPEED ON CITY STREETS, IT FEELS SLUGGISH, AND SHIFTING DOES NOT FEEL VERY SMOOTH.
Jun 26, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND THE ENGINE RPMS DRASTICALLY INCREASED TO 6 OR 7. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE ENGINE. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS LEAKING OIL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CVT VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NUMBER 75 ON THE WAITING LIST FOR THE REPAIRS AND PROVIDED A LOANER VEHICLE. TWO DAYS LATER, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED BY THE DEALER THAT THEY PERFORMED AN INTERIM REPAIR AND THAT THE VEHICLE COULD BE DRIVEN. THE DEALER ORDERED THE PART FOR A PERMANENT REPAIR. THE CONTACT FELT UNSAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
Dec 23, 2016
SEATS
4 complaints
My seat back has been automatically going back all by itself WHILE I'M DRIVING!! It happened 4 times yesterday while driving on the highway!! This has happened a number of times while driving.
Dec 02, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the driver's side seat would inadvertently lower without driver input. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,249.
Apr 11, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE BUTTON BEHIND THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT TO RELEASE THE SEATS, THE HEADREST DETACHED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE LEFT EYE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EYE INJURY, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,400.
Nov 20, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS UNINTENTIONALLY MOVED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH SEATS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HINGES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT COVERS DID NOT HOLD THE SEAT CUSHIONS IN PLACE. DOUG SMITH KIA (495 W MAIN ST, AMERICAN FORK, UT 84003, (801) 692-4390) DIAGNOSED THAT NEW SEAT COVERS WERE NEEDED TO LOCK THE CUSHIONS INTO THE SEATS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.
Oct 02, 2018
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
4 complaints
I was driving at night when both of my lower beam headlights went out at the exact same time. My high beams work but not the low beams and it wasn't a blown fuse. Also, my engine has been consuming 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles since it hit roughly 58,000 miles. The excessive oil consumption started about 2,000 miles before my next oil change was due. The oil indicator light never came on to indicate my engine was low on oil. The oil indicator light flashed on and off one time as I was slowing down to turn which is what prompted me to check my oil because I knew something wasn't right that the oil indicator only flashed but didn't stay on.
Apr 26, 2023
We bought this car brand new and for the past two or so year it has started to consuming oil like crazy at least 3 to 4 quarts every thousand miles and they wont do anything to see what is causing the issue its not leaking anything at all. Secondly with the head light turned to auto we will be driving down the road and all of a sudden the lights shut off and you have to flip the light to on to get them to turn back on huge safety issues there but they will not do Anything for this issue either. I should have to do what im doing to a very well taken care of vehicle and its only 6 years old i get it if it was 10 years old but to burn this much oil this not right.
Nov 16, 2022
My oil light would flash on when coming to a stop. I was notified my car was low on oil my last oil change. However I was not made aware as to how much. About 2000 miles afterwards when checking the oil it looked to be empty. The oil light would again flash on when coming to a stop but then go back off seconds later. The dipstick was dry. I added the appropriate amount of oil to show in the safe zone on dipstick and again about 1500 miles later the oil light is flashing on when turning/stopping. Separately, the headlights have randomly turned off while driving at night and set on auto on multiple occasions.
Sep 05, 2022
SO I JUST TOOK MY WIFES CAR TO OUR LOCAL MECHANIC WHO NORMALLY DOES OUR OIL CHANGES. THE PRIOR WEEKEND I MOVED HER CAR TO MOW THE LAWN AND HER OIL LIGHT CAME ON THEN WENT RIGHT OFF. I LET IT GO BECAUSE WE WHERE DUE FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND DIDNT THINK ANYTHING OF IT( CONSIDERING IT'S A 2016 AND THOUGHT MAYBE THE OIL LIGHT WOULD COME ON STATING IT NEEDS AN OIL CHANGE). SO THE NEXT WEEK MY WIFE TELLS ME THAT HER OIL LIGHT CAME ON TWICE IN 1 DAY, I SAID OK I'LL CHECK THE OIL AFTER WORK AND ENGINE HAS COOLED DOWN. I CHECKED IT AND HAD NO OIL, GREAT! SO I BROUGHT IT TO OUR MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT I NEED TO CALL KIA BECAUSE IT HAD 1/2 QUART OF OIL IN THE PAN AND SOMETHING JUST ISNT RIGHT. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND NOBODY HAS HEARD OF THESE ENGINES BEING KNOWN FOR DRINKING OIL. SO I RESEARCHED THIS AND FOUND ALL THESE STORIES LEADING TO AN ENGINE REPLACEMENT. BUT EVERY NOW AND THEN( GETTING OFF SUBJECT) HER LIGHTS WILL JUST TURN OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. THANKFULLY I WAS DRIVING WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND WAS ABLE TO NOT RUN OFF THE ROAD. CALLED KIA AND ALL THEY SAID WAS BRING IT IN, WE WILL LOOK AT IT AND GO FROM THERE. I WAS TOLD NOTHING WAS WRONG, GOT AN OIL CHANGE AND WENT ON MY WAY. IT HAPPENED 7 TIMES AFTER THAT. IT'S A GREAT CAR! WE LOVE IT BUT NOW KNOWING WE WILL BE LOOKING AT AN ENGINE SWAP ISNT SETTING WELL WILL ME AT ALL! THIS IS NOT RIGHT AND REGARDLESS IF WE ARE THE ORIGINAL OWNER OR SECOND OWNER, KIA SHOULD BITE THE BULLET AND REPLACE ALL 2.4 ENGINES AND WIRING HARNESSES.
Apr 04, 2020
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after having a routine oil change and tire maintenance, the vehicle began making an abnormal clunking sound. The vehicle failed to start. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The message that the automatic brake was disabled was displayed. Additionally, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact called an independent mechanic and was referred to the dealer. The contact called the local dealer, and the vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where an unknown diagnosis was made. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer declined to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 149,020.
Dec 17, 2024
I found my car on a list of recalls. The recall is NHTSA ID: 23V-652000. Why was I not notified of this recall. This is a serious recall that Kia has no fix for. I can't believe that Kia is putting people and families at risk. This plan that Kia has is ridiculous and unprofessional. You want people to park cars outside of there garages. That does not work. Kia needs a better plan and thats to come up with a fix and NOW!
Nov 18, 2023
Emergency break stopped working. Engine misfires and heavy oil consumption or burning to quickly. Gets really really hot more than normal than any other car I owned.
Oct 19, 2023
ENGINE,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,175.
Jun 12, 2024
Oil started leaking from the car and checking underneath it looked as though it was leaking from the plug so i replaced the plug, which did not fix the issue, and accidentally forgot to put the gasket back on. took it to the local shop was given a gasket and an oil change. the car started leaking oil worse than before so i took the car back. The oil pan had a little over an inch long crack on the corner/edge where the oil pan plug is. Mechanic told me he’d never seen or heard of a steel oil pan cracking before. $400 for a new oil pan made from below par steel.
Aug 31, 2023
My dealership has confirmed oil consumption on my vehicle
Dec 12, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving in the rain at unknown speeds the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle did not respond and began to hydroplane. The vehicle swerved left and right, when the vehicle in front moved to the side, the contact's vehicle continued to roll until the brakes responded. The vehicle came to a stop and no warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they did not diagnose or repair it. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was stated that new tires may help and the tires were replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Mar 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact depressed the brake pedal harder and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the dealer the following day and the dealer was not able to identify a failure with the vehicle brakes although the transmission was adjusted. The contact stated that the failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no warning lights illuminated at the time of the failure. The dealer contacted the manufacturer, and a field inspector was sent to the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 92000.
Dec 15, 2023
AB S SENSORS FAILURE
Jul 08, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY
3 complaints
Both rear windows, independently and at different times, have needed to have the gear inside the door panel that rolls the windows up and down replaced due to spontaneous stripping and total failure. The dealer has replaced the offending parts, which are sold only as part of a much larger / very large component panel, i.e. it is not possible to replace only the small plastic stripped-out gear. My safety was at risk both times because the window would not go up, resulting in my inability to lock and secure my car. If I had small children who ride in the back seat (I don't, but surely others who have this car do), I would not be able to secure their safety inside the vehicle. The problem has been inspected, confirmed, and repaired by the dealer. It is a known recurring problem by the manufacturer Kia, but they refuse to issue a recall. The first time it happened the car was still under warranty so there was no charge to me. With the second window the car was no longer under warranty and I had to pay the full cost of the repair. There were no warnings of pending failure; the windows were rolled down and just failed to roll up. I wish to state for the record that although this is a 2016 model and therefore is now 7 years old (in 2023), it has only 14,000 actual miles on it, i.e. I drive the car only around town for errands, etc. From 2017 (when we purchased the car) through mid-2020, I drove it 18 miles per week to my part-time job very near my home. I retired in mid-2020 and drive the car even less now. Furthermore, I've had riders in the back seat probably less than a dozen times in 7 years, my point being that the rear windows are rarely used. Mostly they have been used by me as the driver when I want to release built-up heat from the car when it has been sitting all day in the NC summer sun and I'm going out once or twice a week to drive it somewhere (like the grocery store). This failure should not be happening with a car with so little usage on it!
Aug 26, 2023
Driver window back window (driver side) passenger window won’t let down and need window regulators. I’ve had one replaced before
Nov 14, 2022
Right passenger window dropped down. It came off regulator track for no reason with a child in a car seat sitting at that window putting that child's safety at risk.
Nov 08, 2022
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
3 complaints
I was driving and the car’s electrical completely cut out and locked my steering wheel up and ran us off the road and we hit a big rock on the driver side and then the power kicked back on and the steering yanked super hard to the right about 4 times and caught a fallen tree on the right side then completely died with me and my young kids . Took it to Kia to be serviced and got it back and it started to do it again
Jul 24, 2023
My steering wheel locked while I was on my way to work early Monday, March 28,2022. I was driving down county road Park Avenue around 30MPH and suddenly, I was unable to move the steering at all. Luckily, I was already in the right lane =; however, it was very challenging to steer to get off the road. I called the local dealership and they suggested I bring the car in for inspection to determine what the cause is. I took the car to the dealership and I was informed the vehicle was not drivable because the Steering Wheel Column Assembly and ECU needs repair. They also informed there was no recall on the vehicle. The mileage at the time was 67,400 miles which was very surprising. I received a letter from Kia Motors in February 2022 (6 years after the car was manufactured about the recall however, most cars at this point were out of warranty and Kia was aware no car met the warrantee qualifications). I was told by Kia Motors customer service that my vehicle was out of warranty at the mileage. I paid $3386 for repairs which should have been covered years in 2019 and 2020 according to other reports of the same incident occurring to other 2016 Kia Optima models.
Jun 04, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, A CLICKING NOISE WAS DETECTED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ONLY ALLOW THE CONTACT TO TURN APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL EVENTUALLY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH SHORE KIA (1128 SUNRISE HWY, COPIAGUE, NY 11726, (631) 991-3910) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,843.
Oct 18, 2018
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
3 complaints
Driving along the interstate approximately 70 mph, the vehicle jerked with knock sound then lost acceleration speed. At the same time, the check engine light started blinking. I pulled over to the side of the interstate put the car in park. I put it back in drive and slowly attempted to accelerate again. I was able to make it home because I was only about a mile and a half away, but I the acceleration was very slow and there wasn't much power behind it. At a speed of about 45-50, the vehicle barely seemed to have much power.
Nov 08, 2022
WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY, CAME TO A STOPLIGHT, AND AS CONTINUING WITH DRIVING THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTS BLINKING AND WAS NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE, AS IF IT WAS SLIPPING. CAR WOULD NOT GO OVER AROUND 30 MPH UNTIL FEELING THE CAR NOT ABLE TO ACCELERATE AGAIN. I USED A CODE READER AND GOT CODE P1326, WHICH I HAD LOOKED UP AND SAYS IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH A KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM. HAD BRING MY CAR IN TO GET IT CHECKED OUT AND WAS TOLD MY CAR HAD LOW OIL, ABOUT 2 QUARTZ. I DO REGULAR OIL CHANGES THOUGH AND HAD DONE AN OIL CHANGE A FEW WEEKS PRIOR. THE SHOP I WENT TO TOLD ME THERE MAY BE A SERVICE CAMPAIGN FOR THE CAR. WAS TOLD SPECIFIC YEARS HAVE HAD ENGINE PROBLEMS WITH OIL, LOSING OIL ALTHOUGH NO LEAKS OR SIGNS.
Mar 11, 2021
P1326 ENGINE CODE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. LUCKILY WAS IN FAR LEFT LANE WHEN ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WAS SAFELY ABLE TO GET OFF FREEWAY TO A NEARBY GAS STATION.
Dec 02, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
3 complaints
When starting to move from traffic light, engine revved to full throttle, brakes would not stop the vehicle. I swerved right to avoid the vehicle in front of me, then went over a sidewalk and struck a tree. Car still would not stop. Finally came to rest in a ( luckily empty) bowling alley parking lot. Vehicle sustained heavy right side front damage and had to be towed from the scene.
Jan 16, 2022
MY BREAK SERVICE LIGHT KEEP COMING ON AND IT'S MAKING A NOISE LIKE IT'S A HONDA I TOOK IT BACK TO GANAS SERVICE AND WEEK LATER THE BREAK LIGHT BACK ON
Jul 31, 2020
I WAS DRIVING IN THE EVENING AT 25-30MPH ON A CITY STREET. THERE WERE NO PARKED CARS, NO ONCOMING TRAFFIC, NO PEDESTRIANS OR BICYCLES FOR THREE BLOCKS AHEAD OF ME. WITHOUT ANY FORWARD COLLISION WARNING OR ROAD HAZARD, MY CAR'S AUTONOMOUS EMERGENCY BRAKING (AEB) SYSTEM INITIATED AND APPLIED FULL BRAKING FORCE TO MY CAR FOR NO REASON. THE CAR BEEPED CONTINUOUSLY AND FLASHED A RED "EMERGENCY BRAKING" NOTIFICATION IN THE DASH CONSOLE. THE VEHICLE ANTI-LOCKING BRAKING SYSTEM ENGAGED IN RESPONSE TO THE APPLIED BRAKING FROM THE AEB. I WAS UNABLE TO CONTROL OR STOP THE BRAKING DURING THE EVENT. ONCE THE CAR WAS FULLY STOPPED, THE RED DASH NOTIFICATION STOPPED, THE BEEPING STOPPED AND I WAS ABLE TO MOVE MY CAR TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD SO TRAFFIC BEHIND ME COULD PROCEED.
Jan 17, 2020
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
PULLED INTO NEIGHBORHOOD, PUT FOOT ON PEDAL TO ACCELERATE, AND CAR TOOK OFF. WOULD NOT STOP. WENT B/W 80-100 MPH ON IT'S OWN, BEFORE MY MOTHER DROVE OFF AN EMBANKMENT, AND FLIPPED HER CAR END OVER END. NEARLY KILLING HER, AS WELL AS HER DOG. CURRENTLY HOSPITALIZED.*DT*DT*DT*DT*DT
Apr 12, 2021
2016 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES WITH CONCERNS MALFUNCTIONS WITH ADVANCED SMART CRUISE CONTROL. *AS *TR
Oct 05, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A FEW SECONDS DELAY IN ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS A SENSOR DELAY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200.
Mar 09, 2017
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
While driving, the vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise from the engine. Within one block the vehicle began smoking heavily from under the hood. I pulled over, opened the hood, and flames were visible. This is a 2016 Kia Optima with the 2.4L Theta II engine. Approximately one year ago the original engine seized and was replaced by a Kia dealer under the Theta II engine recall (SC172/SC147) and class-action settlement. This is the second catastrophic failure of a Theta II engine in this vehicle. The replacement engine has now failed in the exact same manner as the thousands of other documented cases — rod bearing failure leading to knocking, overheating, and engine compartment fire. The dealership (Fowler Kia of Windsor, CO) inspected the vehicle and quoted over $6,000 in repairs (melted engine wiring harness, ECM connector, battery cables, airbox, intake boot, etc.) while claiming the fire was “unknown cause/not the engine,” despite the clear knocking immediately preceding the fire. Kia Consumer Affairs has an open case but has not yet resolved coverage. This is a known, ongoing safety defect covered under multiple NHTSA investigations (PE21004, EA22002) and Kia recalls. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle and am requesting immediate investigation and inclusion in any expanded recall or remedy.
Nov 19, 2025
There is a known issue with this motor burning oil in the engine at an excessive rate. This caused my car to shut down on the California freeway from 65 mph. Warranty wont cover, dealership says its a manufacturer issue that is known and the manufacturer isn't replacing the problem engines. This is a life safety matter
Apr 28, 2022
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
2 complaints
Dashboard shows a crack right where the passenger airbag is and Kia Motors wont change it, also the paint is flaking and noticed other Kia models with that same paint scheme that’s peeling off.
Aug 21, 2025
I GOT CAR ACCDINET AND THREE AIRBAG JUST POP OUT SO THAT MEANT NEED REPLACE?
Oct 25, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaints
1) Rear passenger window failed a couple months ago. I believe it was regulator, not 100% sure. Cost me a couple hundred to fix. Now, few months later, the driver side rear window has failed. I rarely use the windows so I believe the failing parts are Kia known manufacturing defect. The dealer acknowledged that it’s a known problem with the vehicles like mine and even suggested the other one is going to fail soon. Now it has. If the dealership is aware then it’s likely a Kia flaw. If it’s a know manufacturing flaw, shouldn’t Kia should be fixing them instead of making customers spend upwards of $1k+ to fix both windows? 2) cruise control cuts off or doesn’t set and menus won’t go back to speedometer. While trying to set cruise control, it gets into the menu and won’t go back to the speedometer. Sometimes I have to pull over and stop to get the cruise control to work again. It gets stuck in the menu and can’t see the speedometer. Might get stuck on the trip screen, or the range. This has been happening since about 75k miles. It also doesn’t work with the pedal to set sometimes. Messing with it while driving can be a real hazard and sometimes I need to have cruise control to work. It’s deforming more than just inconvenient
Jul 13, 2025
THE DRIVER DOOR LOCK DOES NOT WORK. IT IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT WILL NOT LOCK SOMETIMES. OTHER TIMES IT IS THE ONLY DOOR THAT WILL NOT UNLOCK. THE CRUISE CONTROL DOES NOT ALWAYS WANT TO WORK. IT WILL SAY CRUISE BUT WILL NOT LET ME SET IT.
Jun 07, 2020
STEERING,POWER TRAIN
2 complaints
While driving vechile shakes violently between 35-45 mph. I was informed the right axle needed replacement. There is a recall for 2016 optima axle replacement but Kia says my car doesn’t fall under it even though is the exact issue as the recall.
May 16, 2025
I WAS CHANGING OUT THE FRONT BRAKE PADS AND I NOTICED ON THE DRIVER SIDE THE BOOT AROUND THE AXEL HAD CRACKED AND THE GREASE HAD LEAKED OUT.
Sep 13, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
I purchased a 2016 KIA Optima from eCars in Wichita Ks in November of 2022. The car had no major issues until the Optima was stolen this last March. I recovered the car quickly but it was damaged. Had ignition pulled out steering column broken, window broken and lots of cosmetic damage. Was towed twice and in the shop twice. All has been fixed with auto insurance funds. I am part of the KIA theft settlement and waiting for funds to be dispersed. Second part of my issue is that on 07/22/24 the check engine light came on while I was driving to work. It was blinking which indicates a serious engine issue. I turned around and went home and parked it. I started researching KIA engine issues and found that my car is also eligible for the KIA Theta II engine class action settlement but the submission deadline was 12/07/23. Since I was not the original owner, I was never notified of this class action settlement so could not submit a claim. I contacted Midwest KIA in Wichita KS to see about their "Buy Back program" I found online that KIA will sometimes buy certain vehicles back due to quality or safety issues. They want me to drive the car over 30 miles from my house to their lot so they can see the car in person, which I am not comfortable with. My question is what kind of legal recourse do I have with KIA? Am I still covered under Kansas Lemon Law? I still owe over $15k on the Optima. I ended up buying a new car on Saturday from Rusty Eck Ford but didn't trade the Optima in because they told me it had a salvage title, which I wasn't aware of when I bought it. It caught on fire apparently. All the damage was fixed, which could have been covered under the settlement as a qualifying fire.
Jul 29, 2024
SOMETIMES WHEN I START THE CAR IT ONLY RUNS AT ABOUT 500RPM AND THE DIGITAL SPEEDOMETER STARTS GOING UP IN NUMBERS WHEN I'M IN PARK AND I HAVE NO POWER STEERING. I CAN PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND PARK OR OPEN THE DOOR AND IT STARTS ACTING NORMAL. IT ALSO ACTS LIKE IT'S GOING TO SHUT OFF WHEN I COME TO A STOP. I AM AWARE THAT THE RPMS DROP WHEN YOU STOP ALMOST LIKE A GAS SAVER BUT WITH IN THE LAST 20 THOUSAND MILES IT HAS GOTTEN REALLY ROUGH. IT BURNS OIL LIKE CRAZY THE DEALERSHIP IS AWARE OF THIS BUT CAN'T DO ANYTHING WITH THE ENGINE TELL IT THROWS A CODE AND THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE ANY OF MY OTHER ISSUES, THE FRONT END HAS MADE AWFUL NOISES FOR THE LAST 50 THOUSAND MILES OR SO AND HAS HAD THE FRONT SUSPENSION REPLACED BUT THAT DIDN'T FIX THE ISSUE. IV HAS THE KNOCK SENSOR REPLACED BUT I'M CONVINCED IT WAS JUST A GIMMICK SO THE CAR WON'T THROW CODES ANYMORE BECAUSE IT SHOULD BE WITH THE ISSUES I'M HAVING. LIKE WHEN THE ELECTRONIC STEERING GOES OUT I GET NO DASH LIGHT. I WISH KIA WOULD OWN UP TO THEIR ISSUES
Oct 07, 2020
STRUCTURE,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
I was told that my engine had a recall on it so I had an upcoming appointment with Kia in like 2 weeks for them to check my engine but the car didn’t make it. I was driving my car on interstate 20 my car had began to have a bad chemical smell and started smoking so I pulled over on the interstate and my car was in flames. Me and my daughter was in the car we could have lost our lives thank God we were able to make it out just in time. The fire department came and made a report on the incident. It wasn’t any engine light on at the time. I have contacted Kia about the tragedy that has happened but nothing has been resolved yet.
May 09, 2024
ON 1/12/2020, I WAS DRIVING MY CAR 2016 KIA OPTIMA FROM ALPHARETTA TO DECATUR TO ATTEND CHURCH. I PULLED INTO THE PARKING LOT OF THE CHURCH AND PARKED. A FEW SECONDS AFTER I PARKED, I BEGAN SEEING LOTS OF SMOKE COMING FROM THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CAR. THE POLICE MEN WHO WERE IN THE PARKING LOT DIRECTING TRAFFIC ASKED ME TO GET OUT OF THE CAR QUICKLY AND BEGAN ATTEMPTING TO QUENCH THE FIRE WITH A FIRE EXTINGUISHER. SHORTLY AFTER, THE DEKALB FIRE DEPT ARRIVED AND FOUGHT TO PUT OUT AND CONTAIN THE FIRE. IT WAS THEN TOWED TO THE TOW YARD. I CONTACTED MY INSURANCE COMPANY RIGHT AWAY AND AFTER A FEW DAYS OF INVESTIGATION, UNFORTUNATELY, MY CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. NEXT DAY, I CHECKED MY VIN # TO SEE IF THERE ARE ANY RECALLS BY KIA THAT I WAS NOT AWARE OF, BUT THE RESULTS CAME BACK SAYING 'NO RECORDS' AND '0 RECALLS FOUND'. ON 1/15/2020 AT APPROXIMATELY 12.50PM, I CONTACTED KIA CORPORATE AND FILED A COMPLAINT AND I WAS INFORMED WHEN I GAVE MY STATEMENT OVER THE PHONE THAT THERE WAS AN ' OPEN CAMPAIGN PI 1802 ECU UPGRADE' AND AS ADVISED BY THE KIA CUSTOMER SERVICE REP THAT HE WILL BE FORWARDING MY COMPLAINT TO A THE NATIONAL DEPT AND THEY WILL GET BACK TO ME. A KIA REP ASHLEY CONTACTED ME AND ADVISED KIA ENGINEERS WILL LIKE TO INVESTIGATE WHAT HAPPENED. AFTER 3 WEEKS OF WAITING, THE REP CONTACTED ME STATING THEY WILL LIKE TO PAY OFF REMAINING BAL ON MY CAR, AND PERSONAL ITEMS. THEY WILL NOT HELP ME WITH GETTING ANOTHER CAR AND I DECLINED BECAUSE I LOST EVERYTHING AND INCURRED A GREATER DAMAGE. THEN THE KIA REP WROTE ME STATING THAT THEY ILL NO LONGER PURSUE INVESTIGATING SINCE I REFUSED ACCEPTING $1001 MY LEFT OVER BALANCE OWED TO THE LENDER. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED ON HOW KIA HAS TREATED ME LEAVING ME HANGING AFTER SUCH A GREAT LOSS. I AM SEEKING LEGAL ACTIONS SINCE KIA HAS REFUSED TO COME TO A SUITABLE RESOLUTION.
Feb 16, 2020
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 65 MPH, after driving over a bump in the roadway, the trunk door opened independently, obstructing the rear-view line of sight. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Oct 02, 2023
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the trunk door locking mechanism had failed and the door would not remain securely closed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V594000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Sep 25, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
My 2016 Kia Optima has been consuming oil every 1.5months. I have multiple times had to replace my oil because my oil light kept coming on. I’ve checked it every single time and it is barely anything there. I have my breaks mess up and not work as properly with my safety and others being comprised. I have brought this up to my Kia dealership but they have just brushed it off and charged me for an oil change. I have seen and heard many cases like mine and it has happened worse to them to the point where the car stops in the middle of the highway. My car has been checked by others and they have all noticed the same thing - the oil levels extremely low only after 1 and a half months or way prior to when my next oil change should be made. Having this happen is expensive and life threatening when the brakes don’t work as they should or when my could possibly bust. I have received no help and would like to make this known .
Aug 31, 2023
5/9/23 appointment for 4 recalls -completed 2 and ask if we could bring back next day to finish and we said no because granddaughter in school so service manager said important to get it back in and finish and sent granddaughter home with car 5 days later while driving car caught on fire and lost brakes and transmission and swerved into vacant parking lot smoke and flames coming into car and girls had to jump while car was still moving both girls checked on sight for smoke inhalation. 15 year old had to go to emergency room for road rash and nerve issues. we have documents ,911 tapes, videos, text ,,,witnesses, pictures. very negligent on service dept. for sending car out without completing issues. we came ready to leave it but they sent it out.
Aug 15, 2023
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
2 complaints
MY AIRBAG LIGHT WAS FLASHING NOW IT STAYS ON PERMANENTLY. GOT AN INSPECTION AND FAILED BECAUSE OF THE AIRBAG LIGHT. THEY CAN NOT GET THE SPECIFICS OF WHY THE LIGHT IS ON
Nov 02, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN MY JERKED TWICE, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STARTED BLINKING, AND I COULD NOT ACCELERATE. I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY SAFELY, MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP NEARBY AND I WAS TOLD IT COULD TAKE 3-4 DAYS BEFORE MY CAR IS LOOKED AT. THIS PROBLEM HAS HAPPENED TWICE WHILE I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY. IT HAPPENED ON OCTOBER 3RD, MY CAR WAS TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP AND I WAS TOLD THE KNOCKING SENSOR WENT OUT. THE ISSUE WAS SUPPOSEDLY FIXED AND I PICKED MY CAR UP ON OCTOBER 8TH.
Oct 17, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
WHILE DRIVING THE CAR THE FUEL CONSUMPTION IN THE MOTOR WOULD BOG THE ENGINE DOWN TO WHERE IT WOULD BARELY GO OVER 40 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. AT THIS TIME THE ENGINE TROUBLE INDICATOR LIGHT WOULD COME ON AND NOT GO OFF. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP IN MT. HOPE, WV.. THE MECHANIC CHANGED OUT THE SENSOR THAT SHOWED UP ON HIS METER AND THE ENGINE SEEMED TO DO GOOD WHILE IN THE SHOP BUT WHEN THEY BACKED IT OUT OF THE SHOP BAY, ANOTHER SENSOR LIGHR CAME ON. WE HAD ALREADY PAID THE DEALERSHIP $206, THEY WOULD NOT RETURN OUR MONEY
Dec 31, 2019
THE CAR STUMBLES TO START AND WHEN I ACCELERATE IT FLUTTERS UNTIL PICKING UP SPEED. THIS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY 43.
Nov 28, 2018
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON SEPTEMBER, 5TH 2016. A SHORT TIME AFTER OWNING MY NEW VEHICLE, FIRST THE CAR STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN STARTING AS IF IT WAS STRUGGLING TO START, THE PUSH BUTTON WOULD TURN RED AND THE INDICATOR LIGHTS WOULD LIGHT UP ON THE DASHBOARD AS IF THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED IN THE CAR. THE CAR WOULD ALSO SELF ACCELERATE. ON OR AROUND AUGUST 16TH OR 17TH THE CAR STALLED OUT WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN,WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT TURNED ON LIKE NORMAL SO THE TOW WAS CANCELED. , THE SERVICE WRITER & KIA ALL HAVE COPIES OF THE VIDEOS THE MECHANIC HAS ALSO TOLD ME HE WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, THE SOLUTION WAS TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP AND SERVICE THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. UPON THE SERVICES BEING COMPLETED WE WERE CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND KIA THAT THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP ON SEPTEMBER 6TH 2017. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME WE NOTICED SOME HESITATION WHILE IDLE, ALSO SOME STRONG ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM RED-LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHILE PARKED WE NOTICED SOME STRONG VIBRATION FROM THE MOTOR WHICH THE CAR HAD NOT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEFORE SERVICE. ALSO AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF STARTING THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD EITHER START ROUGH, AND ALSO STILL HAD THE SAME ORIGINAL OCCURRENCE AS BEFORE WITH THE KEY NOT BEING RECOGNIZED IN THE CAR. WITH THE CAR NOT FULLY STARTING AND THE PUSH BUTTON TURNING RED WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING UP WITH THE KEY NOT IN CAR LIGHT ALONG WITH SOME OTHERS. ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 7TH, 2017 AT ABOUT 4:30PM I HAD THE CRUISE CONTROL SET TO 80 MPH, THE CAR HESITATED A COUPLE TIMES, THEN SELF DECELERATED TO 73 MPH, REACCELERATED TO 82 MPH THEN SELF ADJUSTED TO 80 MPH, I CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT AFTER THE OCCURRENCE I WAS TOLD I HAD TO WAIT TO BRING THE CAR BACK IN THEY HAD NO LOANER VEHICLES, NOT TO USE THE CRUISE CONTROL FEATURE.
Oct 31, 2017
SINCE I HAD THE CAR IN AUG2016 BRAND NEW WHEN I GIVE IT GAS THE VALVES PING AND PEAK EXTREMELY BAD NOT MATTER WHAT FUEL I USE ALSO THE AC KEEPS LOOSING POWER IT WILL BLOW FINE THEN IT ALMOST GOES OFF WHILE STILL DRIVING THE SAME SPEED. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE A MISS OR HESITATION IN THE ENGINE. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A POP NOISE IN THE BACK END WHEN I STOP OR SLOW DOWN SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR 6 TIMES TO THE LOCAL DEALER IN CHAS WV WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY KEEP SAYING THEY CAN'T DIGNOSE THE PROBLEM THEY HAVE TO CONTACT KIA AND NEVER HAVE AN ANSWER WHEH I TAKE THE CAR BACK OR CONTACT THEM.
Jul 10, 2017
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
I have pictures
Aug 04, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
The car caught on fire while I was driving. No warning lights came on and the car didn't show it was running hot. I tried to engage the brakes, and they malfunctioned. I coasted the car to the side of the highway, where the fire and smoke plumed from under the car. I immediately exited the car and ran. As I was running from the car the grass was on fire. The car was totally destroyed by fire. The car has not been inspected by my insurance or Kia. Kia has a class action settlement for car fires the year, make, and model of mine.
Apr 14, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Unknown
Apr 08, 2025
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
There is a clean slit on my dashboard where the passenger airbags are it’s started to form a complete square around the air bag placement and I’m worried it might have a problem with the airbags and its not just cosmetic. When I googled the issue there are tons of kia drivers with the same clean sit appearing over the passenger air bag. I contacted Kia dealership and they said I’d have to pay for a diagnostic fee to determine if it’s a problem but there’s clearly a problem with the 2016 kia so I’m sure all of us owners would appreciate it being recalled
Mar 25, 2025
VISIBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to operate properly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Good Year Service Center where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery, alternator, and drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, several miles later the engine seized. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that all four windows shattered, and the window regulators were replaced several times. The contact stated that the front driver’s and front passenger’s side windows had shattered, and moisture entered the cabin of the vehicle during inclement weather. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an undisclosed NHTSA recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,889.
Mar 05, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Vehicle went into emergency mode while in the highway system completely locked could not drive lost power and was forced to pull over and have vehicle towed, mechanic took a look indicated new alternator was required there for we purchased new alternator and new battery car turned on and same issue happened with in 20 minutes of test driving vehicle, this happened twice and could have cost our life’s! I am extremely disappointed and frustrated I have no means to fix the vehicle we used out saving to finally replace what we though was the issue but I’ve come across many same issues from other parties who experienced the same issue. The vehicle is paid off and we need assistance in fixing this issue it appears the engine or electrical issue at this point but I am scared to get on the road we have tried charging it back on but steering wheels locks up and dies a few minutes after please help
Feb 26, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
On [XXX] I was proceeding to come up to the stop sign when out of no where the car started rapidly accelerating and when I proceeded to step on the brakes it wouldn't stop it only sped up more. And caused a server accident that left me with serious injuries. And I cause of the defect they found me at fault said I failed to yield at a stop sign. The car never was fixed from the 2 times the motor has to be replaced by Galena Kia in fort Myers fl. They even caused the ac to go power retarded and wouldn't work half the time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Nov 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side windows and the rear driver’s side and passenger’s side windows were inoperable and would not open or close. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the window regulators for each window had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted regarding the failure. The contact also stated that the exterior door handles on the front and rear passenger’s side doors had fractured. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000.
Aug 21, 2024
VISIBILITY,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the traction control, Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, and auto high-beam warning lights were illuminated. The contact also stated that the four windows failed to function as needed. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 156,000.
Aug 01, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine, with the check engine, oil, and battery warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that all four windows failed to function properly and failed to roll up. The dealer was contacted; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Jun 03, 2024
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I brought this car [XXX] and the next day it broke down didn’t start at all I been saying I wanted my money back from day he didn’t take no for answer basically held me hostage until I paid everything. I brought this car and been without a car since this is totally unfair . The Clean state motors is a bad service communication place to buy car it was totally the opposite before I gave money for car. Once I gave money they all got mean and had attitudes was saying they was ready to leave instead of giving my money back kept going down finding different prices for car insurance reason why I really brought car I was mentally force and I’m mentally going threw a lot of things because of this . I don’t have no car and the car dealer shop called me and told me I couldn’t get no rental so I can stop calling . I need a new car . A rental . I have missed out on Money work and I have 2 kids going on [XXX] old this month on [XXX] these people do not care they took my money and still forcing me to pay 1000 and car note 284 when I haven’t had the car but for one day the next day the car broke down . I am sewing will hear from my lawyer He said I had 30 days to come get my Monet back the next morning I called for my money back they said no this unfair I turn in all information paid insurance 795 which is to high I just need my money back I didn’t even get to keep car a week literally next day car did not start he never said car was being brought as is if so I would have not brought it and I didn’t sign all those papers Delewin had to forfeit my signature this was fraud scam to me I need a car the engine broke down car batter was linking and white acid was everywhere inside front car and I wasn’t suppose to look at that car is was a white Kia 2019 This not right this unfair please help me on fixing this I deserve a car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jun 02, 2024
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
The high voltage battery and the ability to drive or turn on completely
Feb 28, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS,ENGINE
1 complaint
We have had two motor replacements in less than 6 months that we have owned this vehicle for the first one started started a knocking noise right after a flashing check engine light both Kia is by us totus will we can't get it in today wouldn't give us a rental and was going to charge us for a diagnostics fee right up front and told us it would still be a few days before they could get it in so we had no choice but to continue driving it not even 2 days later left my fiance on the side of the road wouldn't start wouldn't do nothing engine seized Kia dealer number one put the motor put it back together wrong and then when it seized again in less than 5,000 mi try telling us that they weren't responsible well if we did the engine again give it back to us notice that the ignition coils were not put on properly and orbital down properly You're still an electrical issue and the engines are starting to do the engine is starting to do the same as engine one and two. What I don't understand is why don't Kia just completely recall the entire car and take it off to fucking market and replace the people replace the cars that have that still have people owning them
Nov 20, 2023
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
2 of my windows drop when i go over a speed bump....i have already gotten the motors replaced for the windows (front driver, and back driver sides)....i don't even use the POWER up/down FOR the back windows AT ALL because i am the only one that drives my car (wondering why this is happening for this)....when i took my vehicle for these windows to be replaced, even my mechanic says there should be a recall on these windows and that this should not be happening....NOW my back passenger window is doing the same thing and again i don't even let the BACK WINDOWS down...someone can break in my car by just literally SLIDING the window down (OMG!!!!!!!!)....there are no warning lamps for this..i noticed this happening when KIA fixed one of my recalls
Nov 16, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
We were backing up of out a parking spot at the local 7 eleven and another car almost cream us till the associate that was outside at the moment yelled out a warning
Nov 01, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,ENGINE
1 complaint
The body shop later informed me that there is a recall for engine fire recently,but my year/make is not listedin the info obtained online. The car started stalling while driving down the off. Smoke started coming through the vents. I pulled over to the side of the highway. A passerby told me that the car was on fire. Called 911. To note I had just picked the car up from Jim marsh Kia for battery replacement and problems with steering after the car was stolen in July. I had no previous issues with my car other than routine maintenance which I have records for.
Oct 23, 2023
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I most recently started noticing that my oil changes were not lasting at around 46,174 miles. I found this to unusual in a car with low mileage. I had to result to buying oil from a local store. The light indicator started coming on when ever I apply the brakes. When I checked my oil, it was completely dry. So I started monitoring the oil intake, even after I had oil changes at the dealership in which I mentioned that it appears to be taking in an excessive amount of oil. What I noticed was that I was adding oil every week. I did not detect any outward appearance of a leak. In addition, I experienced on several occasion what felt like the car was having a seizure. As soon as I filled up the gas tank. The car froze up, steering wheel would not move and the car was in drive but not accelerating. I immediately shut the engine off, then restarted the car. That seem to alleviate the problem for that time. It then got really bad, that it shook and was running rough as if it was falling apart. So I drove it the dealership, explained the two problems I had, running rough and a high level of oil being used in between oil changes. I was given a diagnosis on cylinders misfiring and needing spark plugs replacement, and ignition coils. Nothing about the oil issue. I was later told that would be an additional diagnosis charge to check. I asked about engine warranty and possible complaints or recalls, and was told that my issues would not be covered under the warranty. I purchased the items they indicated needed to be addressed and took my car to someone else. That's where it was discovered, when the spark plugs were removed, that oil was sitting in each pocket or cup that holds the spark plugs. All of them were soaked in oil. Though the spark plugs have been replaced and the rough shaking of the car has subsided, the acceleration is still questionable and I'm still having to fill my car with oil weekly. I'm not due for oil change until 51,174 miles and I'm currently at 51, 098.
Oct 21, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
My ABS warning lamp came on braking seems okay. My blind spot is not working warning light is on.
Oct 13, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ENGINE
1 complaint
At 95000 car had problem accelerating and then all of a sudden on the side of the road did that 2 had 2 engine rebuilds done no but the problem is still there and the fuses all look burnt and half my lights don't work.
Oct 12, 2023
POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Pearl white paint peeling in chunks of hood. All four window regulators went out within six months. Transmission had to be replaced Hard shift rear end Motor replaced
Sep 17, 2023
AIR BAGS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Crack in dash along outline of airbag. Burns oil so it has to be refilled monthly Now mechanic says compression and combustion are problems Can’t get into Kia until February when warranty will probably be expired
Aug 24, 2023
VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
My complaint is regarding the rear windshield, which came with the vehicle when I purchased it new in 2016 from a Kia dealership (Santa Fe Kia, Santa Fe, New Mexico). The Optima has never been in an accident. Over the last several years, the rear windshield has become increasingly blurry making it difficult to see traffic behind me. This situation is worse particularly at night. The blurriness is both from the outside looking in and inside looking out. I have called several Kia dealers and they claim that they are not aware of the problem, and have told me that the windshield is not warranted.
Aug 15, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
We received a recall notice for our KIA Optima to get the software upgrade to restrict operation of the vehicle without a key. We took the car to the dealership on 5/5/2023 for the recall and picked it up on 5/5/2023 from the dealership at 3:30pm. On 5/8/2023 our car was stolen out of our driveway. It was recovered on 5/12/2023 by our local police dept. and it was stolen by using a USB cord and starting it without the key. Obviously the recall does not work. There is now damage inside and out of my car. I did notify KIA corporation last week that it had been stolen and have not heard from them. I also sent an email this morning letting them know that the car was returned and confirmed that they stole it they way the recall was suppose to fix so that it could only be started with the key in the ignition. Obviously that did not work.
May 15, 2023
ENGINE,TIRES
1 complaint
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact's daughter that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
May 02, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
Soonroof/Moonroof closed rattle noise. When the Soonroff/Moonroof is closed at highway speeds or windy weather it make a rattle noise to inside of the car, i try to do their reset method and nothing worked, i being looking in kia forums and most of the people had complained about this issue, and that kia doesnt wants to fix. I will like an investigation of this issue and if you can start a repair campaign recall due this soonroof parts are really pricey. And i think is a manufacturer problem.
Apr 25, 2023
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
Three of the 4 window regulators have unexpectedly failed leaving the window partially open. The passenger rear failed on 11/2022. The driver's side rear failed on 8/2022. The passenger front failed on 3/2023. On each occasion, the window failed where it was partially open. And none of the windows were in the process of being raised or lowered. The gears on each of the regulators had basically disintegrated. The window regulators are around $200 each for just the parts and they are not covered under the warranty. The new regulators come with a blue gear instead of the original white gear.
Mar 17, 2023
STRUCTURE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
My car has now been broke into twice because of the "kia boys" I have now had to replace two windows, and clean my car out from glass.
Mar 06, 2023
ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I purchased a brand new 2016 Kia Optima and have been experiencing a really bad rattling noise that is coming from the motor. I have taken my car back and forth from the Kia dealership and each time they inspect my car, they tell me that they can’t hear any rattling. As a mentioned earlier, the rattling noise is still there. I have been to the Kia in Durham, North Carolina and the Cary, North Carolina Kia dealership and still nothing has been done. I believe that my head gaskets or something like that in the more was defects when I purchased my vehicle. I also feel that the Kia dealership knew that my car had a defective motor and failed to inform me of that information. I would be glad to have my vehicle available for inspection upon request. How my safety and the safety of others are put at risk, is because the car could suddenly catch fire, it may stall in traffic, etc. The problem has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center but I do know that something is wrong with my car and has been since I purchased it brand new in 2016. Kia Motors did a quick look at my car and stated that they heard not rattling noises coming from the car. Other than that no other component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? There are no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the problem and it occurred over 2 months after I purchased the Kia Optima. If you are uncertain, simply state UNKNOWN, I am not sure as to why the vehicle rattles when taking off, but it is and have been loud enough for me to notice and my passengers as well. Therefore, I hope that this is something that you would look into and get some type of remediation. Thank You,
Feb 17, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
On Sept. 21, 2021, my Kia Optima Hybrid ex shut down and would not start. I took it to King of Hybrid EV Auto Repair where they ran a diagnostic test and found that there was an issue with the Hybrid System affecting the transmission and the High-voltage system. I paid $3,000.00 out-of-pocket. On October 26, 2022, while driving 75mph on Hwy 15 to Las Vegas, my car randomly shut down. The dash warning lights read "STOP VEHICLE TO CHARGE BATTERY". I was in an unsafe position with cars speeding past me. I was afraid that I would be rear-ended by another car. I had to have my car towed. I believe that these cars have issues with faulty high voltage systems and transmissions. Please investigate. Thank you.
Dec 08, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated upon activating the heater while driving, she smelled an abnormally strong gasoline odor. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to Kia Independent Recall Campaign Number SC172 (High Pressure Fuel Pump Outlet Inspection). Additionally, the contact stated while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle hesitated to respond and then lunged forward abruptly. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure and informed the contact that she needed to pay for a diagnostic test and the repair cost because the VIN was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Nov 15, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
I have a 2016 Kia Optima within the 2nd year all my window motors fail within a 6 month timeframe. My car in the 4th year started to burn oil quickly the oil light would not appear until I begin to hear a knocking sound. Also, in the 4th year of having my car there has been cracking in my passenger side (I think it is where the airbag is located). All of the areas could put my life in some type of danger or a family member if KIA doesn't see fit to remedy these areas. In 2018, my warranty was out and I didn't know until I received my bill the service person didn't advise me of this issue. So, I ended up paying $700 for a battery installment when I advised him that it was the issue, he insisted I get a diagnosis done.
Oct 05, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was firm while depressed. The vehicle failed to stop immediately. The contact's daughter drove over a curve to stop the vehicle. The contact's daughter pulled into a parking lot and parked the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Aug 19, 2022
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power with an unknown warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle occasionally overheated while the coolant level was full. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact related the failure to a faulty low-pressure fuel pump. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Aug 11, 2022
POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Despite maintaining the vehicle and replacing the battery, the car will have weird acceleration jumps during highway and city travel. It will also not start properly on occasion where it will idle rough and stall when trying to shift into drive or reverse.
Aug 09, 2022
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
My Seat Belt has never been that good but as of recently it won't retract at all
Jul 19, 2022
ENGINE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
My 2016 Kia Optima EX with the 2.4L GDI I4 engine has been ticking for roughly a year. The ticking coincides with acceleration (the harder you accelerate, the faster the tick). I took it my local Kia dealer where I've gotten my service done since purchasing the car. They simply stated, "these cars tick, don't worry about it." So I continued changing my oil regularly and monitoring it. Shortly after this, I noticed my oil levels would be lower than normal midway through an oil change cycle (I check my oil periodically because I do not trust the dealership). I took it back in with a concern and they did an oil consumption test, stating my car is burning excessive amounts of oil. After this service, the dealer said it "passed" and that it would no longer be an issue. Still, ticking persisted and I took it back in and forced them to do a full diagnostic on the vehicle (with a hefty charge on my part) to get to the root of the problem. They then recommended a valve deep cleaning service as the next step in the oil consumption service as my car was "still burning oil". There were never warning lights or any other cause of concern of a failure to indicate something was wrong. This is a HUGE issue with Kia and they will not accept the blame for manufacturing faulty engines. My car is no longer covered under warranty and the dealership states that if the engine blows from an oil consumption issue, Kia will not cover the cost. I expect Kia to issue a recall on these engines as hundreds of thousands of customers across the USA are experiencing the same issue.
Apr 08, 2022
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
My steering wheel will randomly lock in the middle of road while driving. I have to forcefully turn wheel to be able to pull of off the road meanwhile the there is on coming traffic. I have been told my car is having misfire and an engine knock code P1326 I have also got other codes and was told it could be a factory malfunction.
Mar 06, 2022
Other/I am not sure
1 complaint
Window regulator in the car 4 of them went out Oil light is flashing when but there is no leaks and just got a oil change
Feb 07, 2022
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Suddenly, the warning lights on my dashboard resembled that of a christmas tree. I was seeing warning lights for the passenger airbag, blind spot warning/assist, auto-hold, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, etc - were all suddenly offline. After finally getting an appointment scheduled with my local dealership, I was told that the airbag module had gone bad and needed replaced. With that module out, the car could not communicate with the other systems and thus was the cause of the errors/warning lights.
Jan 29, 2022
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
Air bag light came on after I also began having issues with blind spot detection warning lights. ABS lights on as well. Took vehicle to Kia Dealer in Gainesville GA and they told me it was the left rear wheel sensor. Wanted $800 to repair ( no longer under warranty). Took vehicle to my mechanic, who ordered the part and replaced sensor. ABS lights & BSD lights went off for almost 2 weeks, then came back on. Air bag light has not gone off.
Oct 17, 2021
SEATS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I have a flashing check engine light while driving my vehicle was not trying to give gas or anything
Jul 20, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
MID SEPTEMBER, 2020, I BEGAN TO NOTICE THAT MY HEADLIGHTS WOULD TURN OFF AS I WAS DRIVING. THEY WOULD CUT OFF FOR NO MORE THAN 15 SECONDS AND TURN BACK ON. I DIDN'T THINK ANYTHING OF IT, UNTIL I STARTED HAVING ISSUES WITH OTHER COMPONENTS OF MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA. ON 11/30/2020 I WAS DRIVING AT 30MPH THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA. AS I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN, MY ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR BEGAN TO JUMP AND HESITATE. NO MATTER HOW FAR DOWN I PUSHED THE GAS, THE CARE WAS JUMPING/SHAKING AND WOLD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 20MPH. I PULLED INTO AN AUTOZONE WHERE THEY RAN A DIAGNOSTIC TEST ON THE VEHICLE. ERROR CODE P1326 (KNOCK SENSOR) CAME UP. THE NEXT MORNING, I CALLED COASTAL KIA OF WILMINGTON IN NORTH CAROLINA AND EXPLAINED TO THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED. THEY SENT AN EMPLOYEE TO PICK UP MY VEHICLE (12/01/2020). THEY INSPECTED MY VEHICLE AND INFORMED ME THAT THE PROTOCOL WAS TO PERFORM A BEARING CLEARANCE TEST AND ECU UPGRADE. I PICKED UP MY CAR ON 12/02/2020. A WEEK LATER, I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND INFORMED THEM THAT ALTHOUGH MY ENGINE LIGHT HAD NOT COME BACK ON, THE ACCELERATION ISSUE WAS STILL OCCURRING. I ASKED IF THEY WOULD LOOK AT THE CAR AGAIN, TO WHICH THEY SAID NO, THAT THEY CANNOT TAKE A FURTHER LOOK AT IT UNTIL THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME BACK ON. ON 12/20/2020 I WAS DRIVING 40MPH WHEN MY CAR BEGAN TO STUTTER UNCONTROLLABLY. THE FOLLOWING MORNING I CALLED KIA AGAIN TO INFORM THEM WHAT HAD HAPPENED, AND THEY AGREED TO TAKE A LOOK AT IT. ON 12/22/2020 THEY CALLED ME AND SAID THAT MY CAR WAS BURNING OIL AND SMOKING EXCESSIVELY. THEY OPENED A TECH CASE WITH KIA AND INFORMED ME THAT THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING TO THE CAR UNTIL THEY HEARD BACK FROM THEM. ON 12/23/2020 THEY CALLED ME AGAIN TO TELL ME THAT THE ISSUE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER A RECALL, AND THAT MY NEXT STEP WOULD BE TO REPLACE MY ENGINE.
Dec 27, 2020
TIRES
1 complaint
MY SON HAD A BLOW OUT OF HIS COOPER CS5 ULTRA TOURING TIRE. 2 WEEKS LATER HE FINDS A BUBBLE IN HIS OTHER COOPER CS5 TIRE. BOTH TIRES HAVE ONLY BEEN ON HIS CAR FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS
Dec 07, 2020
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, DRIVING STRAIGHT IN LEFT LANE ON A CITY STREET IN EASTBOUND DIRECTION. ON ITS OWN, THE CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE WHILE TURNING TOWARDS THE LEFT SIMULTANEOUSLY. DRIVER WAS DRIVING ABOUT 40 MPH AND BASED ON AIR BAG MODULE, CAR SPED UP TO 55 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKE SEEMED TO BE LOCKED OR STUCK BECAUSE NEITHER COMPONENT WORKED WHILE THIS MALFUNCTION OCCURRED. DRIVER TRIED TO PRESS THE BRAKE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN, BUT BRAKE WOULD NOT PRESS DOWN. ALSO TRIED TO TURN STEERING WHEEL TO AVOID ONCOMING WESTBOUND TRAFFIC, BUT STEERING WHEEL DID NOT WORK EITHER. DRIVER HAD ABSOLUTELY NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE. THE CAR ACCELERATED AND VEERED LEFT FOR ABOUT A QUARTER OF A MILE UNTIL IT FINALLY HIT A CURB, THEN FRONT PASSENGER SIDE WHEEL, ROTOR, AND SUSPENSION BROKE. IT SEEMED AS IF CAR WAS STILL TRYING TO ACCELERATE AFTER IT HIT THE CURB BECAUSE THERE ARE SKID MARKS FROM THE TIRES AFTER IMPACT. WHEN THE CAR STOPPED, THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE BRAKE PEDAL WERE NO LONGER STUCK. THE STEERING WHEEL ROTATED PROPERLY AND BRAKE PEDAL PRESSED DOWN WITH EASE. BECAUSE OF BROKEN WHEEL, CAR WAS NOT OPERABLE AFTERWARD AND WAS TOWED TO COLLISION CENTER. COMPLAINT WAS FILED WITH KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND INSPECTION COMPLETED, BUT THEY SAID THEY DID NOT FIND ANY ERRORS WITH THE CAR ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OR ANY OTHER ERRORS. THE AIR BAG MODULE REPORT COINCIDES WITH THE MALFUNCTION CLAIM THAT I FILED WITH KIA ON THE DAY OF THE INCIDENT, BUT KIA STATED THERE WEREN'T ANY ERROR CODES IN THE REPORT. AFTER REPAIRS AND INSPECTION WERE COMPLETED, I TRADED-IN THE VEHICLE OUT OF FEAR THAT THIS MALFUNCTION MAY HAPPEN AGAIN. SINCE AN ISSUE WASN'T FOUND WITH THE CAR, THAT MEANS THE ISSUE WASN'T FIXED AND I DIDN'T WANT TO OWN A MALFUNCTIONING VEHICLE.
Nov 11, 2020
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
CAR LOST ACCELERATION WHILE DRIVING
Oct 25, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
IT BEGAN WHEN WE WOULD TRY TO START THE CAR IT SEEMED TO HAVE BATTERY ISSUES AND HAVE TROUBLE STARTING, AND FINALLY THE BATTERY DID DRAIN BUT ISN'T HOLDING CHARGE BUT TOOK IT IN TO GET CHECKED AND BATTERY IS FINE. THE HEADLIGHTS WILL RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT LIKE IF THE SENSOR WERE IN THE DAY TIME. NOW THE ENGINE LIGHT HAS CAME ON WHILE DRIVING IT AND WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS IT JERKS THE CAR AFTER 20 MPH. THIS HAPPENS ON AND OFF WHERE IT WILL BE FINE THEN SUDDENLY START DOING IT ALL OVER AGAIN EVERYTHING ALSO HAPPENS IN DIFFERENT OCCASIONS.
Oct 08, 2020
SUSPENSION,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,WHEELS
1 complaint
I'LL START WITH THE WINDOWS. PRIOR TO COVID MY RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WINDOW MOTOR AND REGULATOR WENT OUT. CITRUS KIA FIXED IT. RIGHT AFTER COVID WAS ANNOUNCED MY FRONT RIGHT PASSENGER WINDOW WENT OUT AND I COULDNT GET MY CAR IN. 2 WEEKS LATER MY FRONT LEFT DRIVER WINDOW WENT OUT. WHEN I FINALLY GOT MY CAR IN THEY TOLD ME I WAS 200 MILES OVER ON MY WARRANTY TO FIX IT. I HAVENT HAD THE USE OF EITHER OF MY FRONT WINDOWS FOR MONTHS. THEY DROPPED RANDOMLY GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IF I DONT LEAVE SOMETHING WEDGED IN THE WINDOW THEY DROP SO FAR I HAVE TO USE DUCT TAPE TO ADHERE TO IT AND PULL UP ENOUGH TO GRAB IT. ITS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE THAT I CANNOT USE MY WINDOWS. AND I DONT KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE DRIVE TRAIN , AXLE AND SUSPENSION BUT I AM EATING THROUGH BRAND NEW TIRES EVERY COUPLE MONTHS. THE DEALERSHIP BLAMED IT ON ME AND SERIOUSLY ASKED ME IF I WAS JUMPING CURBS. I HAVE HAD SO MANY ISSUES WITH THIS CAR SINCE THE MOTOR GOT REPLACED. NOT TO MENTION MY HEAT DOESNT WORK UNLESS ITS IN DEFROST MODE. THE DEALERSHIP KNOWS ABOUT ALL THESE ONGOING ISSUES. KAREN IS MY SERVICE ADVISOR. I EVEN TRIED TO TRADE MY CAR IN WITH THEM AND THEY TURNED IT DOWN. THIS CAR IS FALLING APART AND I AM ONLY ONE MONTH AWAY FROM HAVING IT FOR 4 YEARS. I AM THE ONLY OWNER IT HAS HAD
Oct 05, 2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHILE IN MOTION THE HEADLIGHTS TURN ON BY THEMSELVES AT RANDOM TIMES DURING THE DAY. ABS WARNING LIGHT, BSD WARNING LIGHT, AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. ON THE WAY TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY ALL WENT OFF. THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE SEES THAT THE WARNING LIGHT WERE ON, BUT THEIR COMPUTER IS NOT DETECTING A PROBLEM. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN BRING IT BACK. WELL, THEY'RE ON AGAIN. THE CAR HAS BEEN STATIONARY SINCE FRIDAY AFTERNOON, SUNDAY EVENING MY SON SENDS ME A PIC OF MY CAR, THE LIGHTS ARE ON!
Sep 06, 2020
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS THE CAR HAS VERY TIGHT STEERING AND CAR DRIFTS ALL OVER LANE. I AM ALWAYS MAKING CORRECTIONS. FEEL LIKE RACK AND PINION IS FAILING. CAR ONLY HAS 31,000 MILES ON IT.
Sep 03, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ALL FOUR WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED. THE CONTACT WAS UNABLE TO GET THE WINDOWS TO MOVE UPWARD AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO KIA DELRAY (LOCATED AT 2255 S FEDERAL HWY, DELRAY BEACH, FL 33483, 561-637-5500) WHO STATED THAT THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED FOR ALL FOUR WINDOWS AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED AUTHORIZATION TO REPAIR THE REAR WINDOWS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 13306734. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
Dec 09, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
LETTER FROM CONGRESSMAN EARL L BUDDY CARTER ON BEHALF OF CONSTITUENT, REGARDING ISSUES WITH A KIA PURCHASED IN SAVANNAH, GEORGIA. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED VARIOUS ISSUES INCLUDING THE BATTERY BEING REPLACED 5 TIMES IN 8 MONTHS, MULTIPLE ENGINE ISSUES, ELECTRICAL ISSUES AND A LACK OF ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED, WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED, THE VEHICLE WOULD SPEED UP TO CATCH UP TO THE DESIGNATED SPEED AND COME IN TO CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE VEHICLE AHEAD. THE FAILURE IS INTERMITTENT. *JS
Dec 05, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
I HAVE HAD THE STEERING GO OUT MULTIPLE TIMES - REPORTED IT TO KIA WHERE I LEASE FROM AND A LOCAL SHOP. JUST HAPPENED AGAIN TODAY (11/25/19) - IT HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST 3 TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR - I HAVE HAD IT TOWED TO THE PLACE I LEASED FROM AS WELL. ALSO, TWICE NOW - WHILE DRIVING THE ENGINE SHUTS OFF. VERY SCARY. AS I STATED, I HAVE TAKEN IN AND THE KIA DEALERSHIPS SAY THAT THEY CANNOT NOT GET IT TO DUPLICATE, THEY TREAT ME AS I AM MAKING UP. NOW READING THAT IT DOES HAPPEN TO OTHERS, I THINK THIS IS AN ISSUE. I WILL NOT LEASE OR BUY ANOTHER KIA
Nov 25, 2019
SUSPENSION,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I RENTED A VEHICLE FROM FAIR/UBER UNDER A CALIFORNIA PROMOTION. IN THE UNDERSTANDING THE VEHICLE WAS UBER READY. THREE WEEKS INTO USING THE CAR SQUEEZING BRAKES LET ME TO THE AUTHORISED SHOP FOR MAINTANENCE. IT WAS INSPECTED AND WHAT WAS FOUND MADE THIS VEHICLE UNSAFE. I COULD NOT USE IT FOR ITS PURPOSE. TO DRIVE IT FOR UBER. I HAVE SNAP SHOTS OF THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKES AND ROTORS. THE SHOCKS OR STRUTS ARE ALSO SHOT AND THE COOLANT RESIVIOR WAS CLOSE TO EMPTY. THE TWO FRONT TIRES ALSO WERE RECOMENDED TO BE REPLACED AS THEY WERE CUPPING. THIS VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED PRIOR TO THERE RELEASING IT TO ME FOR ANY SAFETY ISSUES PRIOR AND WHEN THE INVOICE WAS SENT TO DONLEN, 3 TIMES, WHICH TOOK A WHOLE DAY, WAS FULLY DENIED. REFUSAL TO CORRECT THIS SAFETY ISSUE. THIS CAR IS STILL IN THIS CONDITION. IT WAS REMOVED FROM PEP BOYS ON MISSION GEORGE BY MYSELF. THE NEXT DAY AT 5:06 PM I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FROM FAIR SUGGESTING I TAKE IT TO ANOTHER APPROVED SHOP. I REALISED THAT THIS WAS NOT MY DUTY OR MY PROBLEM. I COULD JUST RETURN THE VEHICLE. I WAS I AM DONE WITH THIS COMPANY. IT WAS GOING TO BE A 3 DAY JOB IN THE SHOP. AND FAIR TOLD ME REPEATEDLY THAT THEY HAD NO ABILITY TO PREVENT ME FROM HAVING TO PAY FOR THE WEEK IT WAS DISABLED. OBSURD. I'LL ATTACH SPECS AND PICS. THANK YOU.
Jun 30, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS,ENGINE
1 complaint
I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR A MONTH AGO AND HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO WORK IN IT AS A LYFT DRIVER BECAUSE THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT IT'S BEEN IN THE SHOP MORE THAN I'VE DROVE IT IT MAKES A KNOCKING NOISE AND I'M NOT SAFE IN THE VEHICLE I DID A HISTORY CHECK ON IT AND COME TO FIND OUT THEIR ARE A BUNCH OF RECALLS ON IT CAN ANYONE HELP ME PLEASE?I WAS DRIVING ON A CITY STREET AND HIGHWAYS.
Jun 10, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
ON THE EVENING OF MAY 17, I NEEDED A JUMP AFTER WORK. I WENT HOME, TURNED OFF MY CAR BUT WAS UNABLE TO START IT AGAIN SO I REPLACED THE BATTERY. I THOUGHT I HAD FIXED THE PROBLEM UNTIL THE NEXT DAY WHEN I WAS DRIVING 65MPH ON A LOCAL INTERSTATE WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE CAR, ALL MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON, I LOST NAVIGATION & RADIO AND MY POWER STEERING LOCKED UP. I WENT TO TURN ON MY HAZARDS AND THOSE DID NOT WORK EITHER. I CHECKED MY MIRRORS TO MAKE SURE NO ONE WAS GOING TO HIT ME AND I WAS ABLE TO GET OFF THE HIGHWAY AND PULL ONTO THE SHOULDER. I WAS EXTREMELY FEARFUL AS I HAD MINIMAL STEERING CAPABILITY & WAS UNABLE TO NOTIFY OTHER MOTORISTS OF MY DISABLED VEHICLE AS MY HAZARD LIGHTS WERE NOT FUNCTIONING. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TOWED TO A DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS TOLD I NEEDED A NEW ALTERNATOR FOR MY 3 YEAR OLD CAR. WHILE MY MILEAGE WAS AT 66,500 MILES, I DEFINITELY HAD NOT ANTICIPATED NEED TO REPLACE THAT PART OF A WHILE. DESPITE THAT, I WAS MORE UPSET THAT I LOST FUNCTION OF MY CAR AND WAS NOT ABLE TO WARN OTHER CARS WITH WORKING HAZARD LIGHTS.
May 31, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
I'VE BEEN HAVING CAR PROBLEMS WITH MY CAR FOR A OVER A YEAR, THE STEERING WHEEL GET STUCK, MY BRAKES WASN'T WORKING GOOD, SO I GOT NEW BREAKS, HOWEVER MY CAR STILL DOESN'T MAKE A QUICK COMPLETE STOP, I'M ALSO HAVING ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS, MY HEADLIGHTS BULB HAVE TO BE CHANGED ONCE A WEEK, I ALSO HAVE TO CHANGED MY OIL EVERY WELL, TODAY MY CAR IS AT THE DEALERSHIP WAITING ON A ENGINE, IT'S BEEN THERE FOR OVER THREE MONTHS.
May 29, 2019
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
INTERMITTENTLY CAR WILL SHUDDER (JERK FORWARD AND SLOW, JERK FORWARD AND SLOW) MANY TIMES WHEN ACCELERATING, EITHER FROM A STOP OR WHILE ACCELERATING FROM LOW SPEEDS (LESS THAN 45MPH) IT SEEMS POSSIBLE GEAR CHANGING IS NOT SMOOTH. AND CAN BE DANGEROUS WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC AS CAR DOES NOT ACCELERATE AS IT SHOULD. HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO KIA WHO REPORT THAT NOTHING WAS WRONG WITH CAR WHEN THEY TEST DROVE IT. PROBLEM SEEMS WORSE WHEN IT IS HOT OR COLD OUTSIDE.
May 20, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
AS I BEGAN CROSSING THE INTERSECTION (HIGHWAY) I ENDED UP GETTING T- BONED HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BY A PICKUP. HE WAS SPEEDING GOING ROUGHLY 60MPH IN A 45MPH ZONE MY KIA OPTIMA SUSTAINED PASSENGER SIDE/ AND FRONTAL IMPACT DAMAGE. THE IMPACT OF THE ACCIDENT SENT ME SKIDDING ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND NONE OF MY FRONTAL AIRBAGS ACTIVATED NOR DID THE SEATBELT LOCK UP. THIS LEAD ME TO SUSTAIN HEAVY CHEST INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO THE CAR COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE STAYED RUNNING UNTIL EMT DISCONNECTED THE POWER TO IT.
Mar 08, 2019
STRUCTURE,SEATS
1 complaint
I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPED IN BREAKDOWN LANE OF A SECONDARY HIGHWAY (40 MPH) PROBLEM THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS IS THE INADEQUATE CUSHIONING IN THE HEADRESTS OF THIS CAR AND PROBABLY MANY OTHERS. SUFFERED A CONCUSSION THE EFFECTS OF WHICH ARE STILL ONGOING. I THINK THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE STANDARDS APPLIED TO HEADRESTS TO HAVE ENERGY ABSORBING CUSHIONING. *TR
Aug 23, 2018
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, STOPPED, IN THE WEST CONSHOHOCKEN MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY BUILDING PARKING LOT, 112 FRONT STREET, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. I WENT TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I PRESSED THE IGNITION BUTTON, A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THEN A LOUD JACK HAMMER SOUND STARTED. CAR SHOT BACKWARDS IN REVERSE AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE FLASHING AND A BELL RINGING. I PUMPED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. IN HAD JUST BEEN TURNED OFF, AND WAS ALREADY IN PARK AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. CAR WENT ON OUT OF NOWHERE, AND WENT IN REVERSE THE LENGTH OF APPROXIMATELY 25 CARS AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED CAR.POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THEY REPORTED THE ACCIDENT AND IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. MURRAY KIA WAS WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME IT WAS AN INSURANCE PROBLEM. NOT TRUE!! MY PASSENGER AND I WERE LUCKY NOT TO HAVE ROLLED INTO THE STREET AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND COULD BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR INJURED OTHERS. THANK GOD THE PARKED CAR WAS THERE AND ONLY THEN DID THE CAR CRASH INTO IT, AND STOP.
Jul 02, 2018
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN DECELERATING, THE CAR JERKS AT EXACTLY 35 MPH WHETHER IM ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE CITY AND THIS HAPPENS . I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAVE EVEN DROVE MY CAR THEMSELVES AND FELT THE SAME THING THAT I WAS FEELING AND ALL THEY SAY IS THAT WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THRER IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT AND I JUST HAVE TO "LIVE" WITH IT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND KIA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT CAUSES ANY ACCIDENTS OR WORSE DEATH. I SPENT WAY TOO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR FOR IT TO BE HAVING THESE ISSUES. BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE NOT A SAFETY HAZARD.
Feb 20, 2018
POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
WHEN THE CAR ENCOUNTERS A HILL AND NEEDS TO DOWNSHIFT, EITHER TO CLIMB OR TO HOLD BACK THE SPEED WHEN IT DESCENDS, THE CRUISE CONTROL REMEMBERS THE DOWNSHIFT AND WILL NOT RETURN TO HIGH GEAR UNTIL A) IT IS MANUALLY OVERRIDDEN, BUT WILL STILL DOWNSHIFT UP TO 2 GEARS, WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED BACK TO AUTOMATIC OR, B) WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF. THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO BELATEDLY REACTS TO LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL AND OVERCORRECTS WITH TOO MUCH POWER, RESULTING IN A CRUDE RIDE, AS WELL. THE WORKLOAD IS INCREASED DEALING WITH GETTING THE CAR TO ATTAIN TOP GEAR ON FLAT ROADS, AND IS CREATING UNSAFE CONDITIONS, IN MY OPINION. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET THIS ATTENDED TO AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY CONTINUE TO NOT FIX THE ISSUE, AS WELL AS INFORM ME I SHOULDN'T BE USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS. MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA DID NOT EXHIBIT THESE ISSUES, NOR ANY OTHER OF MY CARS WHICH HAD CRUISE CONTROL. THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THESE PEOPLE WILL NOT FIX IT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAT DOES ENTER THE FOOT WELL AREA. *JS
Feb 05, 2018
AIR BAGS,SEATS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 49 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS DETACHED FROM THE HINGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE INJURIES SUSTAINED BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT NOT TO LET ANYONE VIEW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD BE SENT TO PERFORM AN INSPECTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.
Feb 01, 2018
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
PURCHASED A 2016 KIA OPTIMA EX WITH THE PREMIUM PACKAGE WITH LESS THAN 30 ODOMETER MILES IN APRIL 2017 FROM A KIA DEALER (VIN [XXX]). AT 4200 MILES THE CAR STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. SCREEN FLASHED "ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM - POSSIBLE ENGINE CONDITION. " TOOK VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALER ON 07/08/2017 WHO INDICATED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR NEEDED ADJUSTING AND CLEANING. THEY ASSURED ME ALL WAS GOOD AND THEY HAD RESOLVED THE ISSUE. LESS THAN 24 HOURS LATER THE CAR STALLED AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER KIA DEALER WHERE IT SITS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH KIA AS IT POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Jul 10, 2017
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN DECELERATING/BRAKING, THE CAR JERKS HARSHLY FORWARD AT 52,42, 32 MPH. ON WET HIGHWAYS A WHEN IT JERKS THE REAR OF THE CAR FISHTAILS. KIA KNOWS THE FAULT IS BECAUSE OF THE DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFT TIMING AND HAS NO SOLUTION. I BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES ON THIS. FISHTAILING ON WET HIGHWAYS HAS A SERIOUS RISK OF AN ACCIDENT. THEY JUST SAY LIVE WITH IT EVEN THOUGH THEY HAVE NUMEROUS SIMILAR COMPLAINTS AND FELT THE PROBLEM WITH ME ON A TEST DRIVE IN MY CAR AND OTHER CARS OF SAME MODEL IN THE NEW CAR LOT. IT IS TIME THEY FACE THIS SERIOUS HAZARD, AS BRAKING IS SUPPOSE TO THE THE #1 SAFETY ISSUE IN A CAR, NOT CREATE A SAFETY ISSUE. I HAVE STATED A DATE BELOW, BUT THAT DATE IS WHEN I FIRST WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH THE PROBLEM, IT HAPPENS EVERYDAY, AND EVERY TIME AT THOSE SPEEDS.
May 28, 2017
POWER TRAIN,SEATS,ENGINE
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE SUFFERS FROM A HESITATION DURING TAKE OFF. ACCORDING TO KIA THIS HESITATION COME FROM A 7 SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION(DCT). WHICH CAUSES THE VEHICLE THE DRIVER TO FEEL A SHUDDER SENSATION. THIS VEHICLE HAS A DOUBLE CLUTCH. I HAVE TAKEN MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA DEALERS FOR REPAIR TO THIS PROBLEM WITHOUT ANY SOLUTION. RUNS ROUGH.
May 08, 2017
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
WAS HIT HEAD ON BY A SLIDING VEHICLE WITH BALD TIRES. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND SEAT BELTS DID NOT HOLD US IN PLACE.WE WERE DOING ABOUT 15 MI.PER HOUR OR LESS ON A MT PASS BECAUSE OF WEATHER CONDITIONS THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS DOING ABOUT 45 MI. PER HOUR OR MORE WHEN HIT US. HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATED ACCIDENT.
Jan 11, 2017
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2016 KIA Optima have?
The 2016 KIA Optima currently has 709 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 2016 KIA Optima?
The most common problems reported for the 2016 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 2016 KIA Optima problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2016 KIA Optima comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - KIA Optima
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2018 Problems
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2015 Problems
2014 Problems
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2012 Problems
2011 Problems
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