Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 1

My car suddenly caught fire in my driveway tonight 2/6/26 roughly around 9:40 pm. Fire department has been dispatched to come out and investigate if the fire has been properly extinguished and it does warrant any further safety hazards until kia can be notified and resolve this issue.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Unknown.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Yesterday, [xxx], my 2015 kia Optima engines reved up wothout me pushing the gas & within seconds later a loud noise and metal fell from under the hood. After pulling over, popping the hood on the passenger side and under the engine a fire had started. My daughter was seated in the back passenger side her door had locked, thankfully the passenger door was left opened bc within minutes the entire car was filled with smoke and engulfed in flames. Prior to this the steering wheel would jerk even while at a red light. This car just did have 100,000 miles & no knowledge this prior. Thank god I was able to get my daughter out of this vehicle & this didnt end in a tragedy due to negligence if this was a prior known fact. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My car has a engine light on an I was told it has a recall on it it a fuel sending unit-n and a fuel pump lock ring -n.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I was sold an unsafe vehicle at j and j auto house 6446 wilshire bl la,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied request to return car for refund.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I received a recall notice for my 2013 kia Optima, VIN #: [xxx] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the closest safe location at the time. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. No injuries occurred, and the fire department was not called because the fire stopped once the vehicle was turned off. I believe this incident is related to a known safety defect and recall involving kia Optima engine fires. I have contacted kia multiple times regarding this issue, and there have been delays in addressing or repairing the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I’ve gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I’ve spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.

The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound, the cruise control was inoperative, the infotainment screen darkened, and the charging outlet was inoperative. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence, and the contact used a vehicle scanner to scan the vehicle. The contact stated that dtc: p1326 for the knock sensor detection system (ksds) was found, which detected excessive engine vibration. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

In September of 2025, my radio and back up camera stopped working. I contacted hayward kia and was informed by staff member, eraca craig, that my 2015 kia Optima needed a software update that was covered by a recall. I waited several weeks for the dealership to contact me once the update was available. During the waiting period my car's battery started to drain intermittently. I had to have the battery recharged multiple times by aaa. The battery would stay charged for a few days, maybe a week, then I'd experience the same issue. Aaa towed my car to kia hayward on October 3, 2025. They charged my battery and kept my car over night to see if the battery would stay charged, it did not. Eraca told me that the ac delco battery I purchased on January 16, 2025 was not "compatible" with my car. She recommended a factory kia battery which I purchased on October 7, 2025. By November 1, my kia battery had drained. Aaa recharged the battery and it held a charge until November 25, 2025. When I took my car to kia on November 11, 2025 for the software update, I was told that the update did not apply to my malfunctioning radio and camera therefore I needed to replace the entire unit for $4,080. 49. On December 6, 2025 I had a diagnosis performed on my car, it reported codes c1102, b1102, b1112, and p000. C1102 indicates an issue with the hecu. My 2015 kia Optima has had three recalls related to the hecu (#sc284,#sc212, &#sc197). On December 8, 2025 I made a request, via e-mail, to eraca craig that my hecu be inspected for leaks and to have the hecu fuse replaced. I understand that these services were recorded as performed in the past, but I need them performed again because I'm not satisfied that kia has remedied the situation. I've also filed complaints with the kia customer care center. My case numbers are #25697367 and #25723089.

My 2015 kia Optima has a failing abs/hecu module consistent with the kia abs fire recall. The brake lights stay on constantly even when the brake pedal switch is unplugged. If I unplug the abs/hecu module, the brake lights immediately turn off, which confirms the abs module is back-feeding power into the brake light circuit. I also previously experienced the abs pump running with the vehicle turned off. Currently the abs, esc, eps, and brake warning lights are illuminated and all stability/abs functions are disabled. This is a clear safety hazard affecting braking, electrical safety, and vehicle fire risk. I have already been to the kia dealer twice and they dismissed the issue after only checking the recall fuse. They refused to address the abs module itself even though the vehicle is unsafe. The recall appears insufficient because the module has now failed. I need kia to replace the abs/hecu module under recall safety remedy.

The incident took place on Sunday, December 30th. I was driving to pick up my children from their father and on our way home my car stopped accelerating entirely. This had only happen one other time a few days prior. I was in a gas station parking lot and initially when I turned my car on and went to put it into drive it wouldn’t accelerate. I thought that was odd so I did the only thing I knew how to, I checked my oil levels. Levels were full and no other issues were there. The check engine light had popped up when I turned my car back on but my car did accelerate so I thought nothing of it. I took my car to auto zone for a diagnostic and they told me my “b cam shaft” sensor needed to be moved and that could be causing the engine light to come on and ticking in my motor. I called a few shops getting quotes and eventually was forced to tow to the closest shop to me after my car refused to start overall. They replaced the battery and the b cam shaft censors and still were unable to get the car started. They told me 3 recalls were open on my car, including the motor and to have it towed to kia for a full replacement. After calling kia to have the repairs done, they refused me service based on a previous owner not handling prior recalls.

I turned the car off, it had difficulty turning back on and the brake pedal got really hard. I had to wait about 30-45 minutes and then I was able to get the car started and brake pedal back to normal and no lights. Recently, I left the car on to run into a shop real quick and come back out. When I got back to the car, the power steering light, battery, and warning light?(amber triangle with ! in the center of it) were all on. I rev the engine and the issue went away for a quick second but then came back on. To avoid turning my car off and being stuck, I just shift to reverse and tried to leave. I’m backing out of the spot and now the backup camera is going in and out lights flashing on the dash and I’m trying to brake but the brake pedal isn’t registering and next thing you know, I’ve backed into a guard rail. On the way to drop my kids off at the babysitter, I was coming to a stop sign, and my car wouldn’t brake, I went through oncoming trafic and had to run off the road. Kia did a multi point inspection a few months apart from one another. One the car tested fine, then the second time they are saying a brake booster and no engine oil in the vehicle and that the car is basically trash. The oil light goes on and off and I can smell burning oil. I still owe 7 grand on this car and I just bought it last year and it was seamingly fine.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way to get to safety. In researching online this is a common problem and there is a part in the lock mechanism that gets stuck so the door does not unlock and cannot open. It appears it has been reported several times on the year of my car and other years but nothing has been done. There is no warning that this will happen, you just lock the doors and then it doesn't unlock.

See all problems of the 2002 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

During a drive after startup, vehicle flashed the hybrid electric vehicle (hev) error and put the car into limp mode. Car will idle fine, but the issue is intermittent upon acceleration. Error code is p1775 electric oil pump hall ic sensor failure. Took it to a mechanic and they had performed a test on the sensor and pump and found no issues after stress testing and checking cabling. Issue occurred at mechanic when they tried to move the vehicle and suggest replacing the electric oil pump and sensor even though they found no issue the parts themselves without tearing down the mechanism. Car is undrivable because of this issue.

Administrator national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) 1200 new jersey avenue se washington, DC 20590 USA subject: formal safety defect claim regarding unaddressed recalls — 2012 kia Optima hybrid (VIN: knagm4adxc5036228) from: alexander?pancioha email: pancheh5@gmail. Com phone: +32?465?794?320 vehicle information: - VIN: **knagm4adxc5036228** - make / model: 2012 kia Optima hybrid - mileage: approx. *,000 miles** - current location: moldova (vehicle manufactured in korea for the us market) --- ## summary of the problem I am writing to file a **formal safety defect claim** regarding my 2012 kia Optima hybrid, VIN **knagm4adxc5036228**, which, despite having documented recall campaigns, has never had critical parts replaced. As a result: 1. **internal scoring and scratches (zadir)** have been detected within the engine, consistent with **metal shavings / debris** circulating in the oil system. 2. There is **metallic residue (shavings)** found in the oil pump, which strongly suggests that worn or damaged components (likely from a manufacturing defect) were never replaced during the recall. 3. Given the extraordinarily high mileage (??250,000?miles), the continued use without the required recall repairs poses **significant safety risks** and potential for further engine failure or fire. 4. I was not provided with a proper remedy when recall notices were issued — in my case, the relevant parts were not replaced in a timely fashion (or at all), despite the recall campaigns being active, leading to the deterioration of the engine. --- ## legal and technical basis ### recalls applicable to my vehicle - NHTSA recall **20v750** for the 2012 kia Optima hybrid: this is a recall related to engine defects, including risk of engine fire. [oai_citation:0‡static. Nhtsa. Gov](https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/rcl/2020/rconl-20v750-8140. Pdf?utm_source=chatgpt. Com) - NHTSA recall **23v652**: this relates to the hydraul.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My oil pressure sensor failed and is leaking oil into the electrical wire harness and all over the engine including intake and exhaust pipes which is a fire risk. It is the exact same issue as another recall affecting 2011 to 2014 kia models/years: 2019 safety recall (rconl-19v101-0000) that involves replacing the oil pressure switch in certain 2011-2014 models if a leak is found. Additionally, a 2022 technical service bulletin (mc-10210268-0001) extended the warranty for the oil pressure switch replacement to 15 years/150,000 miles for eligible vehicles. The recall addressed potential oil leaks, and the warranty extension covers the switch itself. 2019 safety recall (rconl-19v101-0000) what it covered: the recall was for certain 2011-2014 kia models and involved inspecting and potentially replacing the oil pressure switch (ops) and the oil pan if an oil leak was detected. Unfortunately at this time the dealership is claiming that this recall does not include my specific vehicle by VIN and I will have to cover the repair outside of warranty/recall to make the vehicle function properly/eliminate the oil leak/fire risk. It would be great if other kia Optima owners could be protected and covered by the recall I mentioned above.

While I was driving on this day oct 22 all of a sudden my car started to shut down and I couldn’t give my vehicle any gas really. I got a hybrid system warning, and my red brake light came on, and I got indicator for me to check the brake. My brakes felt like they were grinding and hitting the ground. I managed to get my kia into the dealership where the service manager, jose looked at my car briefly. Of a visual inspection he said that the brake pads looked good, but your brakes are hitting the ground. He charged me a diagnosis. I told him to check to see if there are any recalls active, he said I do see a recall, but this doesn’t have anything to do with your car. The next day I heard from the service manager told me I have an update. I have attached the diagnosis of my car. This is what they say needs to be repaired in my vehicle. I asked my service advisor questions about how related the recalled part was to the issue. You can see the conversation in the pictures. At this point, I created a case with you all when he started to argue over terminology. I had a conversation on the phone with jose and my service advisor later where they then told me that there is no recall that is showing up. I said I need to look over this because I saw a recall there. I verified this and messaged the advisor back. There were no further conversation conversations over the phone. Everything was done over messages and you can see them below. I was being threatened to be charged storage fees. And they said that they performed the recall, but the car was not confirmed to be in drivable condition. I did not go by to pick the car up. I called corporate numerous times. I was told on one day any additional information from text messages is not needed. Until alicia gave me the email and said to please send over the info. I called the corporate office, the corporate office did not do anything to solve the situation. My car is still not drivable condition.

Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. It would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.

[xxx] , [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] email: [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] date: October 5, 2025 kia America, inc. Consumer affairs department [xxx] subject: request for goodwill repair – defective paint on 2014 kia Optima lx dear kia consumer affairs team, I am writing to formally request assistance regarding the defective paint on my 2012 kia Optima lx. The paint has begun to peel and flake on several areas of the vehicle, including [insert locations — e. G. , the hood and roof, if you want to specify], and the problem continues to worsen over time. My vehicle details are as follows: •year/model: 2014 kia Optima lx •VIN: [xxx] •mileage: 187,000 miles •color: silver after researching this issue, I learned that many other kia owners with similar models and colors have experienced the same paint defects. It appears to be a known issue related to the factory paint or clear coat used on certain kia vehicles from this period. I have always maintained my Optima properly and have not had any repainting or accident-related body work done. The paint defect significantly impacts the car’s appearance and resale value, and I respectfully request that kia provide a goodwill repair or repaint under its customer satisfaction or defect resolution policy. Please let me know how I should proceed to have the vehicle inspected or evaluated. I have photographs of the damaged areas available for your review upon request. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] email: [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 kia Optima hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025. Incident summary: while driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, I noticed that the vehicle was not entering hybrid mode, which is abnormal for its typical operation. I reduced my speed to 45 mph, then down to 35 mph as I began to observe smoke coming from the vehicle. At no point did the vehicle show signs of overheating, and there was no check engine light until shortly before I was able to safely pull over. Within moments of stopping the vehicle and exiting with my passenger, the vehicle was engulfed in flames and ultimately burned to the ground. Fortunately, both occupants escaped unharmed. The vehicle has been inspected by my insurance provider; however, I have been waiting over two weeks for kia to inspect the vehicle or provide any official response regarding a possible cause. This delay is concerning, especially given the severity of the incident and the potential safety risk to other drivers. Vehicle details: make/model: 2016 kia Optima hybrid VIN: [xxx] mileage: 54,300 date of fire: October 5, 2025 location: us-60 noncard & mp-118 morristown, az I am reporting this incident in hopes that NHTSA will investigate whether this is an isolated case or potentially part of a larger safety defect within this vehicle model or hybrid system. The lack of adequate warning and the total loss due to fire raises serious safety concerns. Please let me know if any additional information or documentation is required to support an investigation. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving my 2015 kia Optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence. My car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed. So I had it towed to the kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it. Then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,and something dollars to have my car diagnostic done. Whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for diagnostic test to be done she replies yes,but I’m thinking they are just trying to make money off customers.

Abs system failing.

While in park and driving the instrument panel will show, "check brake" and "hybrid system warning! safely stop and do not drive". This is accompanied by the engine not responding to the gas pedal. The brake pedal will also loose pressure and once pushed the brakes will lock up making a grinding noise. The problem has not been able to be duplicated by the dealer. However there are multiple forms and online communities dedicated to try to resolve this issue since it's so prevalent. This issue causes a major saftey hazard as the car comes to a grinding halt and does not respond to the driver. From online sources it seems the problem is prevalent across years and models and only tied to hybrid vehicles.

All recalls were not done false input information they never fixed engine bearing recall I’m getting a consultant to handle all the false information being provided by kia federico in woodriver.

On August 26, 2025, I brought my 2018 kia Optima plug-in hybrid to an authorized dealer for recall sc218 (engine inspection and ksds software update). The dealer verbally stated both sc218 and sc278 recalls were completed, and the repair order (ro #xxx) lists them as performed. In September 2025, kia America emailed me showing recall sc218 still open, and a warranty coverage report dated September 26, 2025, again listed sc218 as unclosed. On November 4, 2025, NHTSA’s official VIN lookup confirmed the recall remains “incomplete. ” on October 21, 2025, kia America emailed me under case #xxx stating that sc218 was “confirmed completed” and that the dealer performed a software update to the ecu, referencing ro #xxx. However, NHTSA’s database still lists recall sc218 as incomplete. This contradiction between kia America’s internal record, the dealer’s invoice, and the federal NHTSA database raises a serious safety concern that the recall inspection or software update was never actually performed or was never reported correctly. I have requested written proof and diagnostic data (battery soh report) multiple times but have not received them. If accurate, this means I was led to believe my vehicle’s engine-safety recall had been repaired when federal records still list it as open. I am requesting NHTSA to review this reporting discrepancy, ensure kia America and the dealer produce verifiable proof of completion, and confirm that the federal record is corrected. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On August 25th around 7:00 pm, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked after a short test drive. The car had just been purchased a few days prior and was taken to a mechanic for a precautionary inspection. During the test drive, the mechanic parked the vehicle in a residential driveway. After backing in, smoke was observed coming from the engine bay. When the hood was lifted, the engine area was already on fire. The fire department was called immediately and was able to extinguish the flames before the fire spread to surrounding property. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle. The vehicle had no warning lights, unusual performance issues, or prior signs of trouble, and it appeared to be in good condition prior to the incident. This fire posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injury or property damage. Component or system that failed: the engine area, likely associated with the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) fuse/fire risk. The vehicle may or may not be available for inspection, as it is severely burned. Safety risk: the fire posed a serious hazard to the mechanic, surrounding property, and anyone nearby. Rapid ignition could have caused injury or significant property damage. Problem confirmation: the fire was observed firsthand by the mechanic. The open recall related to the hecu fuse/fire risk indicates a known defect consistent with the incident. Inspections: the fire department responded and documented the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but the recall status is verifiable through official records. Warning signs: there were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. This incident appears consistent with the conditions described in the open recall for the hecu fuse/fire risk, suggesting a possible link between the recall defect and the fire.

I was just driving then noticed lack of acceleration and the engine light flashing. Loosing acceleration mid driving posed a great safety risk because no other drivers would know the issue I was experiencing and risked causing an accident. The vehicle was taken for a fault code reading which indicated a knock sensor code, later it was inspected at the dealership who confirmed an ecu issue. The police or insurance have not inspected the vehicle for this particular issue.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The wire that causes the car to crank start burning that in the wiring hardness. Which it make the car hard to crank.

My motor bearing is knocking very loud I was refused service upon arrival dealer was making my service very complicated asking me to go dig up old receipts and various other things that was not actually caused for and I was at risk by driving the car there until it shut off due to engine failures when the car has fire risk and could possibly explode and they have confirmed it’s the engine but have not done any maintenance to my engine the check engine light flashes heavy non stop as well was even denied a loaner car still until today.

While driving kia Optima, unable to turn steering wheel. No notice when first starting vehicle. While driving, a traction and steering wheel light turns on without a sound(ding) to notify driver. Then once driver attempts to turn, unable due to steering wheel locked. Unsafe to drive on the road. Dangerous for all passengers. Our safety is put at risk due to unable to turn steering wheel while driving. Must turn vehicle off in middle of road, then it resets so steering wheel to turn. Code c12 60 returns for power steering sensor malfunction.

While driving my car I will get a sign that pops up flashing says “check hybrid system stop vehicle and turn off engine” with a hev inside of a yellow triangle. Some times it will go off on its own but most times I have to pull over turn my car off and then once I start it back it’s fine. Some times my car will loose power but no too often. It’s very unsafe and happens randomly. I also notice that if I turn my air conditioner on high it triggers my car to do that. I changed my hybrid battery twice and my 12v battery. I’ve taken it to kia and other mechanics but no one can figure out what’s going on.

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.

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.

The car is literally burning through oil so bad every other week I am putting more in, the electrical system continues to fail and shorts, the motor sounds like it is ticking now due to the oil consumption.