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

While driving to work, my 2020 kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code p1326 which indicates an abnormal engine and/or a catastrophic rod bearing failure. This problem has been confirmed by the kia dealership along with a 3rd party auto repair shop. However, kia is refusing to cover the inspection, diagnostic, or any repairs due to the vehicle not having any open recalls, having more than 100k miles and the model of my vehicle despite this being a well known and documented manufacturing defect issue to these engines. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

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The oil consumption in my 2020 kia Optima is low so fast and needs to be replaced frequently. The engine is always hesitant and bucking. The car when you press the gas shakes and doesn't take off properly I have brought this up to the dealership multiple times to be told nothing is wrong. When sitting at a light idle the car shakes and the rpm's drop and rev up. When you in reverse in the car and hit the gas the whole car shakes so bed the engine feels like its go to fall out. When you drive and press the gas the engine revs all the way before the car actually finds where it needs to be. There is something wrong with the 2020 kia Optima engine all though nothing will be done about it even with all these complaints!!!! this has been going on for years with this car and I maintain my car had all services done. . . Kia doesn't want to fix the problem.

The vehicle experienced a sudden and severe loss of engine power while being driven on the interstate at highway speeds. The vehicle lost the ability to accelerate normally beyond approximately 60 mph, the check engine light began flashing rapidly, and the vehicle entered “limp home mode. ” this sudden loss of power occurred in heavy traffic and created an immediate risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. The vehicle was subsequently inspected by an authorized kia dealership service center. Diagnostic testing confirmed dtc p1326 (knock sensor detection system). The dealership performed the manufacturer’s bearing clearance test (bct), and the dealership paperwork documents a “no pass bct” result. The dealership paperwork also documents that service campaign sc340 (theta ii 2. 4l gdi ecm software upgrade) was performed on the vehicle. Despite the documented p1326 condition and the manufacturer’s “no pass bct” result, the dealership is refusing to provide the engine replacement as a covered repair and has instead quoted approximately $9,000 for the engine replacement. I am requesting that NHTSA review this matter because the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of power at highway speeds, followed by a documented “no pass bct” result from the manufacturer’s diagnostic procedure. The vehicle remains an unresolved safety concern. I am also requesting review of whether kia is properly applying the applicable p1326/bct engine-replacement procedure and associated coverage to this vehicle. The vehicle and all diagnostic and service paperwork are available for inspection upon request.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

On December 26, 2023, this vehicle received a complete engine assembly replacement at an authorized dealership under a manufacturer warranty repair order. Following the engine overhaul, the vehicle developed a severe, raw gasoline smell entering the passenger cabin through the climate control ac vents while sitting at an idle. The vehicle was brought back to kia store east on September 10, 2026, specifically to report this volatile safety issue. On September 17, 2026, the dealership technician explicitly duplicated and confirmed the raw fuel odor coming from the engine area in writing. Despite confirming the gasoline smell, the dealership is refusing to perform a manual high-pressure fuel system pressure-drop test to isolate the physical vapor leak. Instead, they have listed a high-pressure fuel pipe assembly (part # 35305 2gga0) on a customer-pay estimate paired with an unrelated $1,819. 12 timing cover oil seal repair. The dealership is claiming the failure is out of warranty and is holding the vehicle while forcing daily rental car fees onto me, refusing to isolate the active fuel leak unless I authorize the out-of-pocket repair. The vehicle currently sits un-repaired at the dealership as an active cabin fire and occupant chemical exposure hazard that the manufacturer and dealer refuse to properly diagnose or cover under repair workmanship guidelines.

While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing or scooter-like sound. The vehicle became undrivable and had to be parked. I am concerned about a potential safety defect involving sudden loss of power while driving.

While driving, my 2020 kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code p1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle having 180,000 miles, despite this being a well-documented manufacturing defect inherent to these engines. Prior to the failure, the check engine light started flashing. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

I own a 2011 kia Optima, VIN [xxx]. My vehicle was taken to rockwall kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA safety recall 23v-652 / kia sc284tf involving the hecu fuse. The dealership replaced the hecu multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally. The same day I picked the vehicle up after the recall repair, the vehicle began dying while I was driving. I also noticed a burning smell. I returned the vehicle to rockwall kia. Their August 31, 2026 repair order documents my complaint and states that the vehicle would die while driving and that this problem “did not begin until after recall completed. ” the repair order instructs the technician to inspect whether the recall was completed properly and diagnose the concern. I am concerned because the hecu recall involves an electrical short/overcurrent condition and kia's recall documentation specifically identifies burning/melting smell and smoke as warning symptoms. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether the post-recall stalling and burning smell could be related to the hecu recall repair or indicate a continuing safety problem. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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Xxx engine seized while driving on freeway — lost power, no crank, dash lights work, coasted to shoulder — safety hazard. Towed to nayo's auto [xxx] then to kearny mesa kia [xxx]. Dealer confirmed 6 open recalls including recall 17v224 sc147 engine bearing failure / premature wear from machining defect. Kia corporate denied engine replacement under 15 year 150k extended warranty because product improvement pi1803 knock sensor update was not done. I never received pi1803 notification. I moved throughout [xxx] cities [[xxx] area] until moving to [xxx]. Kia mailed to old [xxx] addresses, forwarding expired, I never received at current address. All service since purchase was [xxx] not kia dealer, so update never caught during service. I did not refuse update, I never knew about it. Vehicle is inside 15 year 150k miles and years, known manufacturing defect, not maintenance neglect. [xxx] maintenance on carfax, diy oil changes with receipts. Requested goodwill exception due to missed notification from moves — corporate denied via email, case on file. Request NHTSA review — safety defect, known recall, denied warranty due to missed notification from moves. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Today as I was driving to work my car suddenly stopped while being idle at the stop light. It turned off. I was able to restart and drive to work safely and home. I googled the issue and saw many kia Optima owners having the same issues and they’re saying no codes or anything popping up. Should this be considered a recall.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was leaking fuel from the high-pressure pipe leading to the fuel pump. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine); however, VIN was not included in the recall. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired because the VIN was not included in recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 250,000.

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The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that for over 8 years, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that there was an oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions for the oil consumption failure; however, the dealer was unable to find a fault with the vehicle. The dealer had not yet provided a cause for the oil leak. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 123,000.

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The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised to return for an oil consumption test. There was no oil leak found and the contact was informed that there was an internal oil leak.

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The component was the engine. The engine has since been replaced. The safety of myself or others was not in immediate danger before the engine seized. Luckily my mechanics employee was test driving for other issues at the time. My mechanic said it was likely due to the recalls that have been issued from kia. Unfortunately the engine was seized so the dealership I had the car towed to was unable to inspect the motor for the recall because of the engine seizing. The vehicle was not inspected by any of the listed entities. There were no warning lamps messages or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure/seizure of the engine.

Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug. Oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often have all updateds and recalls.

On July 14, 2026, the vehicle's engine was replaced by an authorized dealership under an official kia recall. On August 16, 2026, while driving on the highway, heavy smoke suddenly began emitting from the engine compartment. When attempting to slow down, the braking system suffered a total loss of power and failed completely. To stop the vehicle, it had to be steered into the highway median to intentionally scrape against it to force a stop. Immediately upon exiting the vehicle, heavy flames were observed under the engine compartment before completely engulfing the front of the car. The fire department extinguished the fire, and the vehicle is a total loss.

The engine in my vehicle failed while putting the car into reverse to back into my garage. I thank god I wasn't on the road when this happened. I took the car into a mechanic who confirmed that the engine was locked and that the car was very low on oil(even though I had my oil changed by him a few months prior). There was an undetected oil leak that led to the engine failure. The warning indicators didn't appear on my dash until after my engine failed.

My 2015 kia Optima experienced a catastrophic engine fire while I was driving. There was no warning, I just heard a boom in the engine bay the breaks stopped working and all electrical cut out. As I'm coasting, because I'm unable to stop, flames started to come in through under the dash. I couldn't turn the car off, nor put it in park so the doors stayed locked. The driver window was opened just enough for me to grab the top and break it, allowing me to crawl out. The car coasted itself to the shoulder then blew up (I had a full tank of gas. ). All this happened in the manner of 30 to 35 seconds. It's important to note that kia just replaced the engine 2 months prior to this incident.

The contact owns a 2019 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph with the cruise control activated, there was smoke coming from underneath the passenger’s side of the hood before the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that moments later there were flames coming from the underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle was parked on the side of the road and flames quickly engulfed the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and arrived and extinguished the fire. During the fire the vehicle was destroyed and was later towed to a nearby storage facility. While attempting to quickly exit the vehicle the contact fell to the ground and sustained an injured left leg and left side. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The contact stated that the engine was recently installed related to a recall repair. No additional information was available. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

I was having trouble with my left driver tire. 2 mechanics went to test drive the car to see what the problem was. As they were driving, the car died. They got it started but it ran horrible back to the garage. When they pulled in the driveway of the garage, the car started on fire. It was an engine fire but undetermined what exactly was the cause. The vehicle was looked over by the insurance claims adjustor. I am not sure if sluggish driving had anything to do with the fire. The car is totaled.

Basically the engine secede up while driving from one place to another. Causing me to suddenly just stop in traffic almost causing an accident . Now the car won’t start with a new starter and battery. I have no light on the dash, it currently sits at 124,000 miles on it. It’s a grate car I just need the problem fixed.

See all problems of the 2008 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Fuel leak: I can smell heavy gas fumes inside the vehicle cabin. Fire hazard: the vehicle is unsafe to drive due to an imminent risk of a fuel fire. Corporate refusal: kia corporate refused to generate a case number and my local dealership refused to service the vehicle leaving a dangerous safety defect unrepaired on public roads. Mechanical symptoms: the car is experiencing slow cranking, engine sputtering, and multiple dashboard warning lights.

This is a formal vehicle safety complaint regarding a manufacturer's active refusal to remedy a known safety defect under an active recall campaign guidelines. My 2015 kia Optima turbo experienced an active internal mechanical engine knock, violent sputtering, and a complete engine seizure. The vehicle is currently sitting un-driveable at an authorized kia dealership. The required knock sensor detection system (ksds) software update was successfully completed on this vehicle prior to the incident, legally qualifying it for a 100% free long-block engine replacement under the manufacturer's active lifetime warranty extension. However, the dealership service department is actively withholding the safety warranty paperwork and refusing to submit the diagnostic photos and engine seizure data to corporate for warranty approval unless I agree to pay an additional $800 out of pocket for an external throttle body and O2 sensor. I have explicitly declined the retail accessory charges five separate times. I only authorize the replacement of my front sway bar links. Instead of separating the ticket and processing the free engine block safety remedy, the dealer is holding my safety warranty hostage to force a retail sale. Furthermore, a manufacturer consumer care representative recently refused to listen to my request on this matter and dropped the call. The manufacturer is using internal technical advice to block a court-ordered safety remedy and is allowing a dealership to use unauthorized retail accessory charges to deny me a safe, operating vehicle. I request immediate federal intervention to force the manufacturer to release the free engine block safety replacement order to the dealer and halt these predatory dealer practices.

The engine assembly completely seized and the vehicle is currently stored at an independent repair shop . While traveling at high speed on interstate 4 on July 24, 2026, the vehicle suffered a sudden, catastrophic loss of power and stalled in live traffic, creating an immediate threat of a high speed rear end collision. An independent service center officially confirmed the engine seizure after a dealership failed to perform an inspection during an eight hour wait, and no law enforcement or insurance inspections have occurred. Prior symptoms included severe, recurring oil loss requiring constant manual additions of oil between regular service intervals (most recently serviced in June 2026 at a kia dealership), and eventually the car completely shutoff on july24.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

While driving at highway speed, my engine began to produce a loud knocking noise without prior warning. Within few seconds, the engine seized completely causing sudden loss of motive power. This caused a dangerous situation— loss of power steering and barking at highway speed, leaving me stranded in traffic lanes. I was forced to coast to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the nearest independent repair shop because it was not drivable and I was stranded far from home. The shop diagnosis —- seized engine due to big end connecting rod bearing seizure, identical to NHTSA recall 17v-224 and kia recall SC 17/ sc165 and TSB p1803 related to theta engine bearing wear and engine seizure. My vehicle has the 2. 4 l engine covered by this recall/defect. The failure occurred exactly as described in the recall: knocking , the seizure. Kia has denied warranty coverage because the vehicle was initially diagnosed and repaired at independent shop after the roadside emergency. The shop was used only because the vehicle was immobilized on the freeway away from home. I did attempt to contact a dealership in fortworth, texas, morits kia, but they could not provide roadside assistance or a tow solution at that time. I am reporting because: 1) this is a sudden loss of power at highway speed, which is a major safety risk 2) this appears to be the same defect kia has recalled for, but the vehicle was not remedied or remedy failed 3) kia is refusing to honor the extended warranty for this known defect I request NHTSA document this failure as part of the ongoing monitoring of theta ii engine failures. Vehicle is available for inspection and defective engine have been preserved.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. During the failure, several unknown warning lights flashed on the instrument panel and there was smoke coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle, and there were flames coming from underneath the hood. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the failure, the vehicle was destroyed. A police report was filed, and the vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The contact stated that the original engine was previously replaced by the local dealer due to a previous recall. No further information was available. The failure mileage was 140,000.

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 kia Optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia Motors.

My engine failed while driving which put me and others at risk. It was confirmed by the kia dealership as rod bearing failure. Which is a known recall on the kia 2. 4l theta ii engine. My specific VIN number is not listed on the kia recall list. And kia is stating that it does not qualify for a warranty replacement. Although it is the same engine with the known defect.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be repaired under an unknown recall for an engine software update and key fob replacement; however, the dealer failed to honor the recall repair and recommended purchasing a new vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. The VIN and license plate number were unavailable.

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The contact owned a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After exiting the vehicle, the hood was opened, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact called an independent mechanic and, within two minutes, became aware of the fire. The contact called 911 for the emergency services. The fire department arrived and extinguished the fire. There was no injury sustained. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was previously taken to an unknown local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine was leaking with a blown head gasket. The engine was replaced. The vehicle was towed from the scene and was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 212,000.

My girlfriend was driving on interstate 95 to pick me up from the metro. The engine suddenly cut off in a manner that appears to have melted the wiring harness of the vehicle, risking fire. She was able to safely get to the side of the road and call a tow. After taking it to a local repair shop, they diagnosed the issue as related to the ksds recall. We had it towed to the dealership that has also confirmed it is related to the recall. The engine is completely seized following this incident and it's worth noting that kia is completely denying the engine repair claim as the ksds update was not installed prior.

The dealer is refusing to replace the engine under the previously completed safety recall campaign sc147 (NHTSA campaign 17v224000). The engine is currently exhibiting clear signs of connecting rod bearing failure—the exact mechanical hazard sc147 was issued to address. The dealership inspected the vehicle, confirmed internal engine failure, and verified that sc147 was completed on this VIN. However, they denied coverage citing an incomplete software update (product improvement campaign pi1803) associated with a separate class-action lawsuit. The dealer is incorrectly conflating the requirements of the class-action warranty with the vehicle's independent eligibility under the safety recall. Independent of the class-action parameters, I am requesting a repair under the standalone 15-year/unlimited-mileage extended warranty provided specifically for vehicles that completed sc147 (detailed in the sc147 safety recall campaign q&a dated may 22, 2017, and kia warranty bulletin 2017-09, both uploaded with this submission). The vehicle is well within this 15-year extended warranty period. Additionally, the pi1803 knock sensor detection system update is a diagnostic detection tool, not a physical remedy for the underlying crankshaft machining defects identified in 17v224000. A manufacturer and its dealer network should not be permitted to use an unrelated class-action software prerequisite to invalidate a pre-existing, federally mandated safety recall warranty.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I have a 2020 Optima, apparently there is a recall for the older models, yet mine is experiencing the exact same issues. Over oil consumption leading to engine failure. I have been in a rental for a month and a half due to fighting with kia to correct the issue all while they drag their feet. Smells like another class action.

Engine faílúre on June 26, 2026. Dies while moving. Engine died while turning from my side street onto busy street and traffic. I could've been struck in the rear had I not pulled out far enough in advance for the traffic to move around me. This is a second engine failure for my kia. The engine was replaced in December 2023/ January 2024. Incident #11558201. It does not immediately restart. After some time (about an hour) it takes a long time for it to kick over then finally starts. When beginning to move forward it travels approximately 100-150 feet then dies again. A gentleman stopped to see if he could help. He thought the fuel gauge was broken and just needed gas. (gas tank was full). Then he put the car in neutral and pushed me home with his truck. Then he helped me push it up into my driveway. I haven't gotten to the dealership (ferguson imports) kia because of the cost of towing which I am responsible for if I wish to have it seen by a service specialist. It is available for inspection upon requést.

Engine seized up on the highway going onto incoming traffic. Almost got into a car accident.