Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 1

The engine is a problem and all I’m ever told us “ this vehicle is know to have engine problems. This is dangerous to have in the road. Kia is aware of this. Why sale the vehicle knowing this and not disclosing this info to the consumer upon purchase. There is no truth in lending. It’s plain sight robbery. What if I’m far from home and stranded because vehicle set fire or broke down in hazardous condition weather. I constantly needing oil changes because of this engine. The dealership is aware. They tell me to trade it in or get rid of it because it’s going to go for a fact. I’ve never missed oil changes. I put oil every time the oil indicator light comes on. Now for the 3rd time the check engine light is on. 2 times for misfire code. The vehicle engine holds sludge no matter how much you get oil changes. The mechanic told me this year make and model is known for this very fact. I want my money back. Kelly blue book don’t give enough. I was scammed into this car but I managed to pay it off. A car the sales person scammed me and wouldn’t take the vehicle back. I complained to the general manager. They always act like he wasn’t available. They kept claiming new ones started. After almost a year of those games I had to move and the case never got solved. But even when I complained their maintenance person stole my rims. They told me prove it. Just all bad experience. I just want my money. Even if they gave me another engine. It’s still going to be the same problem. A bad engine. 2016 kia Optima’s should not have been continuously sold with them knowing it has bad engines. Even the headlights don’t work. Very dim. Car smells like burning fumes when driving. Please please help. This isn’t fair lending practice. People trust them and they are dishonest sellers.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The engine stalled without warning while I was pulling out of my driveway into the street, creating an unsafe condition due to sudden loss of power. After waiting briefly, the vehicle restarted and was moved back into the driveway. It was towed the following day due to loss of confidence in safe operation. The vehicle was diagnosed with engine failure consistent with known defects affecting kia Optima vehicles equipped with theta ii engines. Kia denied coverage under the extended engine warranty / class action settlement solely because the ksds (pi1802 ecu update) had not been installed prior to the failure. As the second owner, I was never notified of this update before the incident and had no opportunity to complete it. This failure was sudden, unanticipated, and safety-related. I am submitting this complaint to document an engine stall and loss of power condition posing a safety risk.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The check engine warning light and several other warning lights were illuminated. The contact raised the hood, and there was a burning odor coming from the engine. The vehicle was towed to the place of employment. A mobile mechanic arrived at the place of employment and used a handheld code reader to diagnose the vehicle, but no dtc was retrieved, and no cause for the failure was determined. The starter was replaced; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased six months prior to the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

After getting the vehicle back from the auto shop for repair in the fuel injector because my car wasn't starting after I purchase it from a third party. Anyways after I got the vehicle back my temperature gauge was sky rocket getting high and higher and my temperature blinker with the red light on the dashboard with the boiling hot water icon temperature and I took it in the shop and it stated on the invoice.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I've had car for not very long and rid bearings now all of a sudden went out and engine is bad at this point and don't understand why my vehicle wouldn't be included in all the different recalls for 2015 Optima because it's one of the years of theta 2 engine being recalled and mine says 0 recalls why is that?.

The vehicle experienced a sudden engine failure one day after undergoing a manufacturer emissions/service campaign at an authorized dealership. Prior to service, the vehicle operated normally with no warning lights, knocking, or drivability issues. After the failure, the dealership denied coverage and declined to inspect the engine oil. The vehicle was towed for an independent inspection, which found metal shavings in the engine oil, indicating internal mechanical engine failure. The sudden failure created a safety risk due to unexpected loss of engine function. The issue has been confirmed by an independent service center and the vehicle remains available for inspection. No warning lamps or symptoms were present prior to the failure.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The contact owns a 2020 kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering and vibrating abnormally while starting. There were no warning lights illuminated. The failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic out of fear of the vehicle stalling on the highway. Prior to the engine failure, the contact became aware that there were oil spots where the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was diagnosed, and the mechanic sealed two holes in the oil pan and replaced the spark plugs that were fouled by engine oil. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the same mechanic who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the spark plugs were covered in oil again. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer to check for engine failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and an oil consumption test was performed; however, the vehicle failed the oil consumption test. The dealer had not yet diagnosed the vehicle, but suggested that the engine needed to be disassembled to check for engine wear. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,185.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The vehicle is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The dipstick was completely dry before 5000 miles were up. I had to add some oil to the engine to avoid engine failure. I have reported this to jim ellis dealership in kennesaw GA but I was told to drive the vehicle until it knocks or the knock sensor goes.

See all problems of the 2017 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).

Kia engine settlement-kia America and grand forks kia dealership is refusing a mandatory diagnostic test for excessive oil consumption under the kia theta ii engine class settlement, despite the vehicle having the required ksds software update installed. The vehicle is consuming 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, requiring constant topping off to prevent engine seizure. Vehicle was brought to kia grand forks on 7/21/25 was told that the valve gasket needed to be changed. Engine light illuminated 10/2025 and car was unable to make it back to dealership from 58369. Vehicle was brought to local mechanic where I was told that the has failed and that the spark plugs had oil on them. Mechanic changed the spark plugs to make it to grand forks kia on 10/14/25 I was told that the turbo needed to be replaced for $3300 before they can do an oil consumption test. There were no issues with the turbo before it was driven to grand forks on 10/14/25. Kia America refuses to cover the engine warranty which will lead to "sudden engine stall, loss of power, or vehicle fire," which are primary safety concerns monitored by NHTSA.

While driving, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of engine power and entered limp mode. The check engine light began flashing and the vehicle had very limited acceleration, creating a safety concern when driving in traffic. The vehicle was towed to a kia dealership for diagnosis. The dealer retrieved diagnostic trouble code p1326 (knock sensor detection system – range/performance). During inspection, the dealer found metal contamination in the engine oil and oil control valves and advised that the engine has internal damage and requires replacement.

My 2013 kia Optima sxl experienced engine knock and shutdown after completion of recall sc147 (ksds software update). The recall did not repair the known theta ii rod bearing defect and now the engine is failing as detected by the software. Kia corporate and kia of merced (merced, CA) are refusing repair, citing auction purchase and pi1803, despite the engine being covered under the theta ii engine warranty extension. The vehicle is unsafe to operate and shuts down unexpectedly.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30–35 mph, the engine started knocking. The check engine warning light illuminated once the knock started in the engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was driven to the dealer. The contact stated that there was an open recall associated with the VIN; however, the dealer declined to repair the vehicle because the engine was knocking. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph, the speedometer started malfunctioning, and the check engine warning light was flashing. There was an abnormal burning odor, and there was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and allowed the vehicle to cool down for an hour. While attempting to restart the vehicle, several unknown warning lights were flashing, and the vehicle failed to restart. The contact was picked up by her daughter, and the vehicle was later towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer later informed the contact that the warning lights had turned off. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the tires, the oil, and the oil filter needed to be replaced. The contact declined to pay for the parts replacement because the oil and the oil filter had been replaced two weeks prior to the failure. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was ready for pick up. The contact stated that after a family member picked up the vehicle, the failure recurred while driving, and the vehicle stalled. The driver was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact stated that the dealer had informed them that an arrangement had been made for the vehicle to be towed to their location; however, no further update was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300,000.

Took to kia for engine burning excessive oil. They determined the cylinder wall was scorched due to piston ring. The warranty people say it’s normal wear and tear and won’t honor the warranty. It’s still sitting in their engine bay because they want me to pay for the diagnostic which I don’t have. $4000 roughly for that but it needs a new engine. The warranty should be covering this! never pay for an extended warranty!!! they will not help you.

While driving my 2016 kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was door dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 wolf creek dr sw, atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness for over an hour while multiple oncoming vehicles passed by, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be left on the roadside overnight. The following day, the vehicle would only start briefly when jump-started, ran for approximately 15 seconds, and shut off again. It could not move and was towed to an authorized kia dealership. At the dealership, technicians jump-started the vehicle, performed diagnostics, added engine oil, cleared codes, reset adaptive values, and conducted a test drive. During that test drive, the engine seized again, and the vehicle had to be towed back. Kia approved a full engine replacement under its extended engine warranty, acknowledging engine failure consistent with known defects. However, after the engine replacement, the vehicle would not start at all. Kia stated oil intrusion from the failed engine damaged electronic components, leaving the vehicle non-operational. Kia denied coverage for the resulting damage and issued an estimated $6,000 repair bill for engine harness, injector sub-harness, and ecu replacement. The vehicle remains inoperable following an approved warranty repair. This incident involved sudden loss of propulsion while driving, occurred without warning, resulted in repeated engine seizure, and left the vehicle disabled in traffic at night. This appears consistent with known kia engine defects and presents a serious safety concern that warrants investigation.

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.

Vechile is burning oil and knock sensor came on which indicated rod bearing. While driving the car lost power the check engine came on was abl to pull over and turned off the car. Did not drive it was tow home.

My 2015 kia Optima (VIN [xxx] ) experienced sudden engine failure and stalled while driving at approximately 90,000 miles. There was no oil pressure warning light and no knocking prior to failure. The check engine light illuminated shortly before the stall. Kia is denying engine coverage solely because an ecu/ksds update was not performed. I was never notified of this update because kia had an incorrect address on file for me. This failure is consistent with known theta ii connecting rod bearing defects that have resulted in recalls and warranty extensions. I believe this is a safety-related defect and am requesting review. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine seized.

The engine in my 2017 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ) seized and locked up, a known defect associated with kia’s theta ii 2. 4l gdi engines. When I contacted kia regarding engine replacement, I was told coverage would not apply because a required ksds ecu update recall was not completed. During multiple phone calls with kia customer care, kia admitted that they did not have my contact information on file and added it during my call. Because kia did not have my information, I never received any recall notification and was denied the opportunity to comply with the ksds update. Kia has also provided conflicting information regarding whether recalls were open on my VIN while still relying on recall completion status to deny coverage. I believe kia failed to properly notify me of a safety recall and is unfairly denying coverage for a known engine defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The engine failed after a prior engine replacement performed by the manufacturer. The failure caused the vehicle to become non-operational and created a risk of sudden loss of power and engine stalling while driving. The vehicle required towing and could not be safely driven. This is a repeat engine failure involving the same vehicle.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The engine in my 2015 kia Optima suddenly seized due to connecting rod bearing failure at approximately 55,000 miles. This vehicle is known to be affected by the theta ii engine defect. I was never aware of the seriousness of the recall software update and did not receive meaningful notice that failure to install it could result in catastrophic engine failure. Kia has denied engine warranty coverage solely because the software update was not installed prior to failure, despite the defect existing regardless of software.

Vehicle experiences sudden and dangerous loss of power while driving, including hesitation during acceleration, consistent with connecting-rod bearing failure risk known in this model’s gdi engine. Dealer estimate found timing and oil-flow component failures connected to internal engine damage. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and stalls/lacks power unexpectedly, creating a high risk of crash. ”.

I purchased a used 2019 kia Optima from a dealership in January 2025 with 103,000 miles. 11 months later it's burning oil. Every 2 weeks I have to add a quart of oil. I took it to my mechanic and they found cylinder 4 has been burning oil. They also found a technical service bulletin related to engine oil consumption. They recommended replacing long block assembly. They referred me to a kia dealership. Currently, my vehicle is at a kia dealership. They performed a "leak down test" and found cylinder 4 has been burning oil and recommend a long block assembly. I have a 3rd party warranty on my car. They are currently reviewing this claim. If they decide to replace the long block assembly, there will be additional uncovered costs that I feel kia should be responsible for. I have only put 7,000 miles on this car since I bought it 11 months ago. The car currently has 110,500 miles on it. I understand this is a used vehicle but engines should last 200,000+ miles. I'm trying to figure out my rights. By law isn't the dealership responsible for this oil consumption loss and long block assembly replacement?.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated several minutes before the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that because the previous owner did not have an unknown software update performed, the repair was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 138,000.

While driving my 2018 kia Optima s, the car suddenly jerked, lost power, and stalled in traffic. Multiple warning lights came on at the same time including the oil light, battery light, and check engine light. I had no acceleration and the brakes became very hard to press. The vehicle had to be towed for safety reasons. The kia dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed internal engine failure due to “cylinder failure” and stated the engine needs complete replacement. This failure occurred without any external leaks and without warning other than the sudden loss of power. The dealer stated the issue is not covered, even though it is clearly an internal engine malfunction. This is a major safety hazard because the stall happened while I was in active traffic. A sudden loss of power and braking ability puts me and others at risk of an accident. The problem has been confirmed by the kia dealership through diagnostic testing. The vehicle is still available for inspection. Warning lamps appeared only at the moment of failure, giving no advance warning. This appears to be related to the ongoing engine defects in kia vehicles involving oil starvation, loss of compression, cylinder scoring, and internal engine failure. Cylinder failure and sudden stalling should be investigated as part of the known safety-related engine defects affecting this model.

Car is burning a lot of oil, took to dealer went through several tests and they claim burning 1. 5 quarts was within limit for 1000 miles. Then started getting misfire codes and car went into limp mode a couple of times. They said to replace spark plugs because they were fouled and clean injection. Performed those requested actions, then 45k later getting misfire codes again, took to another dealer they said plugs are fould and clean injection again. Asked them to provide a permanent fix for the issue so the car does not keep fouling out the plugs and they said the only way to fix was to replace the motor. I asked, since you have no guaranteed fix why don't you replace the defective motor under warranty. They said because it is not locked up or throwing a specific code detecting a knock in the motor. So I said the motor will have to completely fail before a replacement would be approved they said yes (basically suggesting I somehow blow up the motor). This is wrong, a product under warranty from manufaturer and cannot be fixed without replacing the part should be covered. I do not know what my options are at this point, the milage warranty has run out and they will not do anything to fix it, just bandaids until it dies. The dealers would not put it in writing only verbally telling me.

Motor blew going down the road.

Subject: recall violation: kia on the boulevard (philadelphia) - refused remedy, charged $199, returned unsafe vehicle vehicle information: [year] kia Optima hybrid dealership name: kia on the boulevard dealership address: 11295 roosevelt blvd, philadelphia, PA 19154 complaint description: 1. The safety incident: while operating the vehicle, I experienced a catastrophic engine failure. Thick smoke poured from the engine compartment, followed by immediate stalling. This presented a severe fire risk and safety hazard. 2. Dealer misconduct & illegal charges: I towed the vehicle to kia on the boulevard (11295 roosevelt blvd, philadelphia) for the active engine recall remedy. The dealership: * refused to perform the recall repair free of charge. * forced me to pay a $199 "diagnostic fee" just to look at the recall-related defect, which should be covered by the manufacturer. * threatened me with $45/day storage fees if I did not pay the $199 and remove the vehicle immediately. 3. Current status: under the threat of accumulating storage fees, I was coerced into paying the $199 and towing the vehicle back to my residence. The dealership knowingly released a vehicle with a catastrophic engine failure (smoke/fire risk) back to the owner without performing the federally mandated remedy. The unsafe vehicle is now sitting at my home unrepaired. 4. Conclusion: I request an immediate investigation into kia on the boulevard's refusal to honor the recall and their practice of charging customers for recall-related inspections.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

12-01-2025 driving to work in the morning approx 7:00a. M. And turned on the heater and had a very strong smell like fuel so immediately turned it off. Cracked my windows to air it out and then was super cold again and had turned on the heater to try again. Immediately had to turn it off and rolled windows down to air it out because the smell was intense and had started to feel nauseas. Later in the day, about to head to lunch and had started the vehicle and smelt a lot like gas and turned it off and had someone come out to double check the smell. Co worker had strong smell from the hood area and looked underneath the car and can see a little drop puddle. Opened the hood and lifted the cover to engine where you can see the leakage coming from the center hose and spill puddle. Service tech came to take a look and advised its the fuel feed to the high pressure pump. This is a safety concern because fuel is extremely flammable and can put myself in dangerous situation of firing igniting in the car or hurt others around. No check engine light and prior the vehicle incident car has been consuming oil putting in about 1- quart a week or so with commute miles about 270 weekly.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle started losing motive power. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to pull over, the steering wheel was difficult to turn, and the brake pedal required additional effort to depress. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle; however, while attempting to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling); however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.