Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 2

Lights appeared on the dash and the vehicle locked and would not drive. This happened as I was actively driving. I had the vehicle towed and was told by the kia dealership that it was my abs/hecu. Before this happened, there was no warning lamps or messages. The car was driving normally.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My 2015 kia Optima hybrid poses a serious safety risk. While driving at highway speeds, the car has randomly shut off multiple times. A "check hybrid system" or hybrid battery warning appears on the dashboard, and the vehicle either loses power entirely or switches to electric-only mode and coasts to a stop. This happens without warning, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. I already had the relevant hybrid system recall work completed by a kia dealer, but the issue persists and the car remains unreliable and unsafe. This appears to be a known issue affecting many 2011–2016 Optima hybrid vehicles. Kia needs to be held accountable for continuing hybrid system failures that occur post-recall and outside of warranty. This is a dangerous, recurring defect.

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While driving home one day, the engine shut off while in traffic. The engine light had started to blink right before. The battery, starter, and oil levels were fine. A mechanic later confirmed the engine was locked. I see there are articles stating there were engine recalls for 2011-2014 kia Optima’s, but my 2014 kia Optima ex was denied. Please help. I love my kia. Thanks.

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Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the kia Optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400. 00 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the kia shop.

Unknown. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which I am aware there is a recall. However kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed a/c system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the car lost all power again turning back onto our street, again with the dash lighting up erratically.

I am leasing the 2013 kia Optima lx through a 3rd party dealership that apparently stated in their terms and conditions that they are not responsible for doing maintenance on the car before being sold. I was on the road after getting gas when all of the sudden, the car started to slow down and my emergency check oil, engine, battery lights all came on. I was able to safely pull into a parking lot but after that, the car wouldn’t turn on. After trying to jump start the battery with another car, the engine started to smoke. We thought the alternator died. The third party dealership has their own maintenance shop and said it was alternator one day, then said it was engine the next and it manually can’t be turned over. That’s when they said because I didn’t get a software update, I didn’t have a warranty and I need to pay for the engine myself. Kia won’t help and the dealership won’t lend a loaner car for this inconvenience. I was never made aware that there were recalls on the car or a software update that needed to happen.

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Hi, thank you for taking the time to look over my complaint. On Saturday March 22 while driving down the highway going about 75 mph, my car died. The check engine light was flashing and so was the oil light. I pulled over to the shoulder and when I tried cranking the car it sounded like a rumming noise and the car would not stay on. I had the vehicle towed to texas star auto shop. On Monday March 24th I spoke with the mechanic and he said there is an internal engine problem . Since I am a 2nd owner and the car has 105,736 miles kia will not honor their extended warranty and I am left to pay out of pocket for repairs est cost 10,000+. I am now without a reliable transportation. This has left me annoyed and unhappy with the assistance from kia.

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When I turned the ignition on the car wouldn't start. But the abs light and all other lights flickering when trying to start the car. The alarm kept going off. Passenger side front and rear windows won't function. Smell like something was burning. This is the second incident ([xxx]). Fuses had to be removed to silence the alarms on the first incident on [xxx] because the lights were still flickering on and off when car wasn't on. I had my car serviced at the west broad kia dealership in richmond, va. Thank you! information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

There appears to be an issue with kia USA regarding an oil switch fault that the company may be aware of but has not addressed through a service bulletin. We own a 2017 kia Optima with a 2. 4l engine and 84,000 miles that has recently started experiencing an intermittent oil pressure light. Thinking the issue was covered under warranty, I took the vehicle in for repair, only to receive a quote of $6,000. The faulty switch had pushed oil through the wiring harness, contaminating the powertrain control module and fuel injectors. I have found information indicating that kia issued a service bulletin in April 2022 for the same switch used in the 2. 4l issue affecting 2015-2018 kia models with 3. 3l engines. However, when I provided this information to the dealer, they insisted the switch in my Optima was different and not covered by the bulletin. I have repeatedly requested the part number for the faulty switch referenced in the bulletin, but have not received a response from the dealer or kia corporate. The information I found on-line is that the switch in both motors are the same switch. I understand that if this issue is not addressed early, the repair cost can reach upwards of $7,500. If kia had proactively notified 2. 4l owners about the switch issue in 2022, my problem may have been caught and resolved before the extensive damage occurred. Furthermore, if the faulty switch was used across multiple kia models during the same time frame, the company should have included those vehicles in the service bulletin. I am not concerned with getting my own Optima repaired, but I find it unacceptable for kia to take advantage of customers in this manner. An $18 part failure should not result in such significant damage, and kia's lack of transparency and action is disappointing. I hope that by sharing this experience, kia will be compelled to address this issue and prevent further financial hardship for their customers.

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Sometimes when I drive it will say my forward collision is blocked so it will disable but it normally shuts off. Tonight I'm driving on the freeway a steering wheel pops up then blind spot abs traction and a few more lights come on then it say check headlights those are dimming the radio is cutting off. The wipers aren't working but the car is still accelerating then all of a sudden the car goes from 55 to 0 the wheel locks and I have to coat to the side of the road.

Brake lights only work when car has lights off when libyans are on brake lights stay on entire time.

Code p1326 and oil pressure light keeps flashing.

The contact owned a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact noticed smoke that exited from under the front hood of the vehicle. The contact stated the smoke was intense. In addition, the contact was informed by a nearby driver that fire was coming from underneath the front of the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle into a nearby parking lot and exited the vehicle. In addition, the contact's disabled son was also an occupant in the vehicle making the situation very frightening. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow yard and mentioned the fire was electrical. The vehicle was condemned as a total loss by the insurance company. The contact was informed that due to the vehicle fire, the local establishment sprinkler system was activated and caused damage. The VIN was not included in a recall however the contact believed the failure was an electrical short which resulted in an engine compartment fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 147,000.

1. We were driving and the car just cut off. Not from the lack of fuel but cut off in the middle of traffic. (available for inspection) 2. The car stopping in traffic running about 65 mph causes the safety of all on the highway. A very dangerous situation. 3. The problem has showed itself numerous times. 4. The car had been inspected/checked after the incident. There was no errors on the computer after diagnosis. 5. No errors nor warning lights prior the incident. After the incident, the car cranks right back up without error.

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P1326 code. Check engine light flashing. Is in limp mode with limited power.

I was driving down the main street on my way home when my check engine light came on, and my car began shaking and sputtering, and I was unable to excel. I was barely able to make it home, less than 1/4 mile away. Cars had to go around me in heavy traffic. Taking it to the dealership Monday not the first time this has happened. I took it to a shop over the weekend and was told after diagnostic it was the ecu.

I got a cel (code p1326), three different times. Each time has been after a hard rain or a car wash. I have had to pay to have the knock sensor replaced each time, twice by a mechanic and once by a kia dealership. There’s a recall for this issue on model years older than my 2020. I was told that kia is aware but that there aren’t enough people having the issue to warrant them to investigate.

The car instrument panel showed two messages "check brake " and also "hybrid system warning safely stop and do not drive" the brakes stopped working and the car will not accelerate. I stopped reset the battery and started the car as if nothing was wrong. This happens intermittently when I drive the car for over an hour. The brakes are brand new the brake cylinder is working fine. Only when this warning come up the brakes feel like they are grinding. A lot of owners are complaining about this. I am wondering if there is a recall for this issue.

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Car cuts off while driving almost causing a accident. The brakes randomly stop working while driving also. The code says p1777 relating to the transmission/ hybrid system. Kia dealerships are charging customers to diagnosis their vehicles. Eventhough they already know this is a common problem with the hybrid cars. Also the 12v battery and hybrid battery needs to be replaced every 2 years, which is costly. The tech also advised that hybrids are the worst cars and I should sale my car. This is unfair to customers and a waste of money. Please make this a recall and extend all warranties past 150k. This is a huge safety problem and could cause deaths in the future.

Hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu) experienced an electrical short circuit and engine hardly running.

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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.

I brought my kia Optima sx in at kia atlanta south dealership for a hydraulic electronic control unit recall to be service since the problem can result in a engine fire while driving or parked but the dealership did not do the recalled service and told me that it was done. I checked my engine fuse to see if the new fuse were installed and new label was put on in place of old fuse label and none of it was done.

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.

Engine keeps shutting off.

The contact owned a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated while his husband was driving approximately 70 mph and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as the driver was pulling to the side of the road, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several drivers alerted the driver that the vehicle was on fire, and the driver immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the driver saw flames, and the front end of the vehicle became engulfed in fire. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle burned to the ground, and the front doors and the front windows sustained fire damage. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The contact's husband did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 20v100000(fuel system, gasoline) and 23v652000(service brakes, hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

When I was driving my car had stopped driving, the engine light had popped up. I put a new battery, and starter on to see if that was the problem, but it wasn’t. I then took the car to battleground kia in greensboro, nc. They confirm that the engine had stopped working due to being locked up and it had a recall on it. First they said they can’t fix the engine without my registration and license, I turned that in then they said they will not fix the recall if I don’t have enough evidence of oil changes which I’ve handed over to them multiple times. I thought a recall was suppose to be fixed without hassle. My kia advisor is matt cates. Email:mcates@battlegroundkia. Com.

I purchased a 2013 kia Optima ex from an on-line auction 11-15-24 in memphis, TN. After the car was delivered I noticed the vehicle engine had a slight engine knock. When I attempted to test drive the vehicle the engine knock grew louder, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was fortunate enough to get the vehicle back to my residence where I was able inspect the engine, and noticed "metal dust" on the oil dipstick. Service records showed the vehicle had been serviced at the correct intervals, and the oil had been professionally been changed at correct intervals, and the vehicle appear to be in excellent condition. After doing some research I notice kia had a recall for the "theta engine 2" for a rod bearing recall that was causing engine failure prematurely. I contacted kia customer services on 11-20-24. I was told the vehicle was in fact under the "rod bearing" recall and it had a lifetime warranty on it. I was instructed to contact a kia dearlership to have the vehicle serviced for possible engine replacement due to rod bearing failure. I contacted serra kia of jackson,TN, and inform them of my conversation with kia's customer services, and I was told they were pretty sure the engine would have to be replaced, and to have the vehicle towed to their dealership to perform the services. I had the vehicle towed to serra kia on 12-2-24. I sent an email to the service department on 1-16-25 for an update on my vehicle. On 1-16-25 I recieved an email from the dealership's service department stating a case was opened with kia tech, and they declined approval of an engine because I bought it from an auction. The dealership did offer to replace the engine for $6003. 71 for parts and labor. I contacted kia customer services on 1-18-25 and they said they wouldn't approve replacing the engine even though it's under recall because I bought the vehicle at an auction. I'm filing this complaint because kia is refusing to do an active safety recall for my vehicle.

While driving at night if the headlights will randomly turn completely off.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Was driving down the highway with no indication of any problems with my car. It just shuts off completely had to coast to the side of the road get someone to tow me home. While on side of the road opened the hood and saw white smoke come from the engine. Just had an oil change and coolant is fine.

The contact owned a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, he noticed an abnormal burning odor; however, the temperature gauge did not indicate that the vehicle was overheating. The contact stated that upon noticing that the burning odor was becoming stronger, the contact pulled to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact stated that while exiting the vehicle, he noticed flames coming out through the upper part of the hood, near the windshield. The contact opened the hood and noticed that there was fire under the hood. The contact stated that the fire expanded, and the vehicle significantly burned from the front end to the rear seats. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. The fire department advised the contact that the fire was caused by an electrical or mechanical failure. There was no injury sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and totaled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 101,000.

Oil pressure switch faulty only has 58168.

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.

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).

Complaint summary: I am the current owner of a 2014 kia Optima, which is affected by recall 23v652 related to the hydraulic electronic control unit (hecu). The vehicle was imported to the uae, and the recall was not addressed by the previous owner. As a result, I am now facing significant safety issues. Since taking ownership, I have encountered multiple engine problems, including sudden power loss, severe vibrations, and abnormal behavior from the throttle. These symptoms align with the issues outlined in the recall notice, indicating that the vehicle may pose a safety risk to me and other road users. Despite my efforts to diagnose the problems, I have already incurred costs exceeding 13 aed on various repairs and diagnostic services, all while being unaware of the existing recall. It was only recently that I discovered the recall information online, which has heightened my concern regarding the safety of my vehicle and the potential for further complications. Given these circumstances, I am requesting assistance from the NHTSA in resolving this recall issue and guidance on how to proceed with the necessary repairs while the vehicle is registered under my name in the uae. It is crucial for me to ensure the safety of my vehicle for my own protection and for the safety of others on the road. I appreciate your attention to this urgent matter and look forward to any support you can provide. Please let me know if further information or documentation is needed thanks alot.