Electrical System Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 2

The engine of vehicle repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall while driving, which posed a serious risk to my safety and others on the road. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles and was maintained routinely and on schedule. The failure first occurred before November 18, 2025, when I reported stalling issues to kia authorized service & parts. The vehicle was returned as “fixed” on December 12, 2025, but the engine stalled again during normal operation. The vehicle was returned to kia authorized service & parts multiple times (December 12, December 18, December 23, January 9, January 12, 2026, and March 4, 2026), with repeated assurances that it had been repaired. Each time, the car continued to stall, including during a test drive at Subaru, demonstrating that the failure persisted despite repeated dealer intervention. The stalling created a significant hazard, as the car could lose power while on public roads, including highways, potentially leading to accidents. There were no consistent warning lights or messages prior to the engine stalling; the first symptom was intermittent loss of power while driving. The failure has been reproduced and observed by multiple service personnel at kia authorized service & parts and by Subaru during the trade-in test drive. The component(s) causing the failure were inspected by kia authorized service & parts staff, but no effective repair was made. Documentation of repair orders and dealer inspections is available for review.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the rear taillight socket wiring harness failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred every 6–7 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the contact. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

See all problems of the 2015 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.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

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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.

Unknown but we were driving home from friant in motion when the car died and started smoking, no indication light were on before until after the incident all warning lights were on dash. Our lives were put at risk due to this. We were not able to control steering wheel or to get out of the way of traffic.

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).

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

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.

The electrical wiring harness connecting to the hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) was found to have significant corrosion and a missing factory-installed protective covering. This is a manufacturing defect. The protective covering was never installed at the factory, leaving the wiring exposed to moisture and corrosion from the time the vehicle was built. Component that failed: electrical wiring harness to hybrid electric fuel pump(s). Missing factory protective covering caused corrosion. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: corroded wiring in a hybrid vehicle electrical system poses serious risks including electrical shorts, potential fire hazard, and sudden loss of hybrid propulsion while driving. The vehicle is currently inoperable and unsafe to operate. Confirmed by dealer: yes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized kia dealership where it remained for approximately 8 months. The dealership and manufacturer inspected the vehicle and confirmed the wiring issue but denied warranty coverage. Third-party confirmation: a third-party warranty representative independently reviewed photographic evidence and confirmed the missing protective covering is a manufacturing defect, not wear-and-tear or owner-caused damage. Manufacturer response: the manufacturer denied warranty repair, falsely claiming the hybrid component warranty does not transfer to subsequent owners. Federal warranty law requires transfer unless explicitly excluded in the warranty terms. Warning signs: no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms appeared prior to the failure. The defect was hidden beneath the vehicle and not visible during normal operation or routine maintenance.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

I purchased a vehicle from banter auto here in wichita, kansas. I reviewed the carfax beforehand and nothing stood out that scared me so I signed off and purchased the vehicle. I have had nothing but problems since buying which was 7 months ago and have spent $9000 on repairs. I’ve been told by several mechanics the last 5 times I’ve been in and out of mechanic shops it’s evident my car sat in deep water for a long period of time. I finally took it to an electrical auto specialist here in town and while he said it is evident my vehicle sat deep water for a period of time and while the corrosion hasn’t quite started to cause an electrical problem that it very well could down the road. I’ve given the man who owns the dealership and opportunity to make this right however he stopped responding. I believe that is illegal and I’ve been told it should’ve been a “flood title”. I will know for sure after seeing a I will know for sure after seeing an attorney this week. That was not disclosed to me or I would definitely would have not purchased the car. When I first got the car, the locks and windows were going insane flickering all over the place and kia dealership told me it was quite crazy and nothing they had seen before, however, they were able to fix it. I strongly believe that when my car was flooded it caused something to happen that I’m only going to have to keep paying for overtime. I’m already in debt from the $9000 I’ve had to getting personal loans. This is causing me enormous emotional distress. Please help.

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.

My car caught on fire just sitting under the carport. The investigator said that it was electrical. Our neighbor seen it and told us to get out the house and started popping. I tried to get in for the brake line but no one would call me back to see about it. When I go thru water and get on the brake it jerk like.

3 of windows do not roll up.

My car started having electrical issues, started smoking and stopped completely while driving, now it won’t turn on / start.

The car just keep doing weird stuff with the lights. It want go off all the time the key went work the cv joints are popping. Have to trigger the battery sometimes to start up.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Car thought I was breaking when I was pressing the gas and I was merging into a left lane. I was able to turn on the car without pressing the brakes due to the latter. The car doors are unlocking while im driving without warning. Also traction light on car cameo on.

On multiple occasions, the hev system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized kia dealership ([dealership name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I was driving on the freeway when I noticed smoke coming out of my hood. I immediately exited the freeway, pulled over, popped the hood open, and my engine was on fire. There were no warning lamps on my dash. I don’t know which components were involved and inspection of the components after was not possible, because everything under the hood burned by the time firefighters responded.