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

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.

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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.

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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).

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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. ”.

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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?.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 failure had occurred while driving on the highway. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact used a portable diagnostic machine but failed to retrieve a fault code. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was advised to tow the vehicle to the dealer. In addition, the contact was informed of an unknown recall for the year, make, and model vehicle. The vehicle was 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. In addition, the contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed that the vehicle was purchased used. In addition, the contact was informed that the recall mileage limit was 100,000. The failure mileage was approximately 99,325.

I got the car was running good week or 2 later I see the oil light flash after my oil change I go back top it off repeat the cycle almost weekly burning losts of oil then I get a code p1326 for a knock sensor same day car go into limp mode no power rpm won’t go over 2 car won’t go over 60-65 I park it go outside to take it to the dealership next day it ain’t start I haven’t had the car 4 months only have 138,000 miles.

Car keeps stalling while driving.

The engine lost cylinder 3, piston came loose and broke the spark plug. This happened because the rod bearing came loose which has been a known issue with kia. There’s already been a class action law suit, and recall with warranty. Now the kia dealership in lynchburg has refused to honor this warranty. Stating they can’t do the required rod bearing clearance test because the engine doesn’t have compression. The engine has no compression because the rod bearings came loose and shoved the piston into the head.

My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They had to replace all 4 coil packs and 4 spark plugs due to dark, tarry oil covering the parts. The repairman told me my engine was at risk of failing, and that the repairs he did would not last without a new engine. I am worried about the car stalling or failing while driving, which puts an accident occurring at greater risk. My complaints resemble symptoms tied to previous Hyundai/kia engine recalls. I am requesting investigation and manufacturer action related to this issue.

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.

Brought vehicle in for recall-sc340 theta ii 2. 4l gdi ecm s/w upgrade. After service was performed I took my vehicle back home and noticed that my down shifting was different, jolty and clunky. Prior to the upgrade my vehicle shifted flawlessly. Took my vehicle back in to have them check it out and they told me that they couldn't feel it and that the upgrade wouldn't cause that. Called kia corporate and filed a complaint.

While driving, the vehicle suddenly developed a loud knocking noise from the engine. Within one block the vehicle began smoking heavily from under the hood. I pulled over, opened the hood, and flames were visible. This is a 2016 kia Optima with the 2. 4l theta ii engine. Approximately one year ago the original engine seized and was replaced by a kia dealer under the theta ii engine recall (sc172/sc147) and class-action settlement. This is the second catastrophic failure of a theta ii engine in this vehicle. The replacement engine has now failed in the exact same manner as the thousands of other documented cases — rod bearing failure leading to knocking, overheating, and engine compartment fire. The dealership (fowler kia of windsor, CO) inspected the vehicle and quoted over $6,000 in repairs (melted engine wiring harness, ecm connector, battery cables, airbox, intake boot, etc. ) while claiming the fire was “unknown cause/not the engine,” despite the clear knocking immediately preceding the fire. Kia consumer affairs has an open case but has not yet resolved coverage. This is a known, ongoing safety defect covered under multiple NHTSA investigations (pe21004, ea22002) and kia recalls. I no longer feel safe in this vehicle and am requesting immediate investigation and inclusion in any expanded recall or remedy.

Out of the blue I get a code for a misfire on cylinder one. Got in to head to work as normal and it was stalling and shaking so bad that I am scared to drive it. The next day the check engine light was on when I started it to seek out the issue. Car was manufactured in September 2019 but is the 2020 model year. I was told by a license mechanic this is related to an internal kia engine issue. I contacted 800 333 4kia to see if this was a known issue that they had a solution to. Of course I was told to self repair that my VIN is not covered under the recall. Can you tell me how kia assumes that engine issues with the 2019s model year would have been fixed before the 2020 models were assembled? sounds like my dream car is now my nightmare. 3rd white kia Optima but I am likely leaving the kia family if this requires a new engine.

Red oil light came on along with check engine light took to shop got oil change and they test pressure all is good but oil light and engine light still on replaced oil pressure sensor switch and variable valve solenoid lights still on took to kia dealership they said say thing as first shop replaced oil pressure sensor switch again because they said the aftermarket one doesn't work on my car so bought part from dealer changed it light still on.

It is an oil burner and engine failed and went into limp mode less than 5 years when drove off dealership brand new.

I recently had the engine replaced less than a year ago due to an engine recall on this model car, today 11/11/2025 the engine caught fire. We’ve kept up with oil changes on time and I had no alerts in the vehicle on the dash claiming the engine was hot.

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.

My engine blew up and started smoking while driving.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine failure, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the dealer refused to repair the vehicle. The contact was informed that the hecu recall repair needed to be completed first. The contact was unaware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle remained at the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

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.

Car stop accelerating when I went to get my oil change the shop reported my engine eating up my oil found out kia have a recall on engine.

While driving my 2015 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ) at highway speed, the engine suddenly shut off without any warning lights, alerts, noises, or check-engine indicators. This created a dangerous situation for me and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had passed state inspection only 3 months earlier with no issues. The sudden shutdown is consistent with the known theta ii engine defect investigated by NHTSA. The car is now completely undrivable. Two kia dealerships refused to assist, claiming that they cannot perform ksds because the engine is already dead. These reasons directly contradict the kia theta ii engine settlement terms. This sudden stall is a safety hazard and could have caused a severe crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential recurrence of the engine-stall defect already documented in Hyundai/kia vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2014 kia Optima is burning oil heavily and emitting fumes into the cabin. The dealership confirmed an engine issue but said they are waiting on paperwork to replace the engine. I’ve been told to continue driving it even though the burning smell enters the car and causes headaches. I believe this is a safety hazard.

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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.

Unknown needing help with new purchased car. Bought this car October/2025 with 93k on engine. Already been to dealership I bought it from to have current issues im dealing with checked out and they only listen to it and said it was injector ticking clatter. Since then ive seen white smoke and the car burning excessive oil. I am adding oil to the car every 2-3 days. Still noticeable smoke and smell of burning oil. No recall on this VIN. It seems as if this is a huge problem with this engine. Please help.

Metal contamination found on vvt solenoid of 2020 kia Optima 2. 4l gdi engine. Firestone autocare confirmed metal debris in oiling system. Vehicle exhibits symptoms identical to prior theta ii bearing recall sc172/sc200/sc227 but not covered under recall range.

I have had 2 incidents of engine ceasure in my 2013 kia Optima sx w/ limited package. Once it ceased on the freeway causing me to have a minor collision with the offramp guide rail and just recenting on 10/18/2025 it happened again on the 405 with loud knocking sounds engine light flashing and no real engine power after ceasing. My engine was previously repaired under warranty with case number xxx which should have extended the warranty along with the existing recall for the gdi engine. I need help to get kia to repair/replace under warranty as my engine is covered in the theta ii class action settlement. Kia repeatedly tries to Dodge responsibility for repairing my car under warranty. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).