Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 2

Kia is aware of the engine oil consumption causing misfires, failed emissions test, blowing a rod and engine lock up. Their solution was a class action lawsuit that state once the car is locked up or rod has blown through the engine then they will fix it. I have had to add oil at least 3 times every 3000 miles and continue to replace the oil filter as well. The spark plugs have been replaced mutliple times also to help with this issue. Kia advised that my vehicle did not fall under this recall even though my vehichle is having the same issues as the recall states. This is a known issue with this make and model and they should not be able to get away with selling defective vehicles and not repairing the issues they knew they had prior to selling the vehicles. Something needs to be done.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

While driving my 2017 kia Optima (theta ii engine) at approximately 115,900 miles, I suddenly experienced engine failure. The vehicle began to stall and produced a burning smell shortly before the engine seized completely. I had the car towed to a kia dealership, which confirmed an internal engine failure and noted that there were no signs of external oil leaks or neglect. The failure occurred only 4,500 miles after my last oil change, which was documented and professionally completed. The kia technician mentioned verbally that this was due to excessive oil consumption and burning — an issue I later found to be widely reported in other kia vehicles using this engine type. The estimated repair cost is over $14,000, which is more than the value of the vehicle. Despite my warranty being expired, this type of failure appears consistent with known manufacturing defects. I am reporting this for public safety and accountability. The vehicle failed without warning and could have caused a dangerous situation on the road.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My 2012 kia Optima experienced engine failure due to a dropped valve. The dealership (kia of des moines) performed a borescope inspection but stopped after discovering the broken valve. This means rod bearing failure was not ruled out. Two separate service reports conflict, one citing cylinder 2 and another citing cylinder 3. Kia denied coverage, citing that the failure was unrelated to the settlement and outside the mileage warranty.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

The vehicle unexpectedly stalled while idling at a complete stop, posing a serious safety concern. Shortly afterward, the check engine light illuminated. These events occurred around 78,000 miles. Prior to the stall, the engine had been making occasional knocking or tapping noises, particularly at idle. The vehicle was immediately taken to a certified kia dealership, where a technician diagnosed the issue as engine failure consistent with a known manufacturer recall affecting this vehicle model and year. A recall claim was submitted to the manufacturer, but the repair has been delayed for over a month with no authorization to proceed. No loaner vehicle has been provided. The engine failure puts the driver and others at risk, especially if the vehicle were to stall during active traffic conditions. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership but has not yet been resolved by the manufacturer. Inspection by the manufacturer is still pending. Warning symptoms included the engine light and knocking sounds, which began shortly before the stall occurred.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving. The contact stated that during the second failure, the vehicle was unable to be restarted. The vehicle was towed to the person who the contact purchased the vehicle from who was a certified mechanic and was diagnosed with engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall or warranty. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

On 3 July 2025, while driving the car suddenly lost power and started smoking under the hood. I pulled over, exited the vehicle, and an engine fire started a minute later. The fire department put out the fire. The safety of myself and my child were at risk. We were driving at 40 miles per hour when the car lost power and caught fire. There were no warning lights. The car was towed to an independent repair shop to be evaluated, but results have not yet been gathered. There are known issues and recalls associated with 2014 kia Optima and with its engine losing power and catching fire, but my VIN was not included in the recalls when it should have been. This could have resulted in injury or the loss of life. At a minimum it has caused a loss of financial stability for my family due to kia failing to produce and maintain safe vehicles.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Driving towards town on freeway car suddenly die at high rate of speed and lost power at the wheel had to sway to side of road opened up hood of the car and smoke came out had recker pick me up and drove it to the house and started to find the issue and the starter module burn up . The gas line was near started . Replace starter and now the car doesn’t crank so is used wrench to trunk motor and now more seized up remove spark plugs and tried manually turn motor nothing lookup recalls on the matter and it said it was recall on the main bearing of the car are premature and kia won’t honor the recall due to no oil change records I have all items bought and tow truck expense.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that after having the vehicle for a month, while driving approximately 30-40 mph on a residential street, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle and the vehicle went into limp mode. The vehicle failed to accelerate above 35 mph and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle had a salvaged title but should still be covered under NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with engine rod bearing failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted regarding the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

The 2. 4l theta ii engine in my 2018 kia Optima is failing, exhibiting excessive oil consumption, with oil loss documented at over 1 quart per 1,000 miles, leading to secondary failures in the catalytic converter, clogged with oil carbon and breaking into pieces that may damage the cylinder walls, and the spark plugs, which are fouled with carbon, causing misfires. The engine and related components remain intact and un-repaired, pending kia’s required 3,000-mile consumption test. Safety of drivers have been put at significant risk. The excessive oil consumption and potential engine seizure threaten sudden loss of power, especially on freeways where car fails to accelerate to city and highway speeds, increasing the chance of a collision. The clogged catalytic converter poses a fire hazard, (reported by NHTSA investigations into theta ii) where oil leaks or debris can ignite on hot surfaces. Risk is heightened during the mandated 3,000-mile test as well. Problem has been confirmed by both a dealer and an independent service center as recent at 1 July, '25, documenting oil loss and new engine recommendation. Symptoms began with noticeable oil loss during oil changes, starting at least 1 quart per interval on may 10, 2023 (mileage 43,374), with the loss increasing over time. Misfires and rpm loss during acceleration first appeared after the oil valve gasket replacement in late may 2025, and freeway pickup issues became apparent around mid-June 2025. The full engine failure was confirmed by spitzer on July 01, 2025.

Engine knocking and stalling on interstate.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The vehicle went into limp power mode while driving.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000. The VIN was not available.

Heavy white/gray smoke on acceleration after driving for 30 min.

See attached document for complaint.

My vehicle is experiencing engine issues consistent with the known theta ii gdi engine defects — including rod bearing failure piston rings engine stalling, I understand that kia has offered extended warranty coverage through the engine defect settlement, provided the knock sensor detection system (ksds) update was installed before failure. I am unsure whether this update has been applied and would like to confirm my eligibility. I respectfully request: 1. Confirmation of ksds update installation on my VIN 2. A review of my eligibility for engine inspection and coverage under the extended warranty 3. Assistance with coordinating service and coverage at my local dealership (leblanc kia, new iberia, la) I am the second owner of this vehicle and want to ensure I am treated fairly under the known warranty extension guidelines. Thank you for your support. I look forward to your prompt response.

My 2018 kia Optima lx began using excessive oil (>3 quarts/1000 miles) just over 100k miles. I researched and found that the theta ii engine in my car is known for this. When I took my car to dealership (stokes hodges kia, north augusta, SC), with the check engine light on, they told me me plugs were fouled (they were just replaced 1 yr prior), cylinder 3 misfiring, and that I needed to pay a few thousand dollars to have repaired. When I asked them to guarantee the soaking process they recommended, they responded that they couldn't, that it "only worked 80% of the time. " I have the ksds download since 2019 and asked them to follow the guidelines of their TSB eng 222 for the class action lawsuit and start a 1000 mile oil consumption test. They refused, basically telling me the only way to get a new engine from kia, since my car is over 100k miles, is to drive it until the engine seizes. I expressed my fear for personal safety, but they wouldn't help me. I am original owner and have all services, etc documented. I called kia customer affairs, then was told only local dealership could help. They stuck me in a loop between them without helping. Please help me.

Engine seizures.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

•rapid oil loss — topped off every 1–2 weeks •engine misfires, check engine light •spark plug fouling and performance loss •repeated advice to “just refill oil” and “wait for failure” •unsafe to drive, especially as a working single mom.

The engine locked up while driving down the highway at 60mph. Not possible for inspection vehicle currently broke down at shop. I barely had braking power to stop vehicle. Has been confirmed by kia dealership. Yes vehicle has been inspected by vehicle manufacturer. Check engine light came on 5 seconds before locking up. Happened [xxx] at [xxx]. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5 mins and had to turn around due to me leaving something at work. When I arrived back at work I parked and cut my car off as I normally do and when I returned to start it back up it never did. I have previously been having to add 5 quarts of oil frequently at least once or twice a month for the past 7 months since last year. Was told my car had an oil consumption problem by a previous mechanical shop last year. Noticed that these cars have recalls on them and that my car and year do fit the requirements. I do owned my car with the tittle in hand. It’s not a salvaged tittle. I have a service appointment on the 24th of June next Tuesday at kia of gastonia located in gastonia,nc. I have to get my car towed to this establishment on Monday or the morning of my appointment. I’m asking that this situation can be properly investigated and properly and honestly handled under kia policy. My name is demario anderson my # is 704. 860. 3952 thanks.

I took my car to the kiaoflynchburg dealership for get the recalls done and diagnostic test on my engine as it was knocking and they had it since may 06, 2025. The dealership said at first I had a code to get the engine replaced no cost. Now got a phone call on June 19, 2025 saying how my car was on fire but the fire department made it on time to put it out. So did the claim on it they denied me saying it’s due to a aftermarket but tell me it cause of oil leak. And I do not have no aftermarket hook up in the vehicle. Now they won’t take responsibility for the damage they did to my car.

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

Engine failed despite maintenance and repairs. The car is part of the active class action for kia engine defects. The ksds software was never installed as we were never notified about the recall by kia. As a result, kia denied coverage under the engine defect class action settlement. We need this vehicle repaired or compensation for replacement.

The component that failed was the engine of my kia vehicle. The vehicle was purchased in 2020. In q4 2022, I received a recall notice by mail regarding the engine. I immediately took the vehicle to kia of mckinney, TX, and requested that the recall repair be performed. I was informed at that time that the engine could not be replaced until it actually failed. This forced me to continue driving a defective vehicle for several years. The engine ultimately failed in the second week of June 2025, when the car would not start. It was towed to southwest kia in texas, where it remains available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because I was instructed to continue driving a vehicle with a known defective engine. Kia’s refusal to remedy the recall in advance increased the risk of sudden stalling, engine seizure, or loss of power while driving — all of which pose serious hazards on the roadway. The problem has been confirmed by kia’s own service centers. Southwest kia acknowledged the engine failure but denied coverage, citing a supposed “gap” in maintenance records. However, kia never informed me that there were specific maintenance requirements tied to recall eligibility, and I was never given a clear diagnosis of if the failure aligned with that of the recall. Kia corporate has denied responsibility for replacing the engine despite the active recall. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine failure. The car simply failed to start in June 2025. At no earlier point was I warned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, nor was I given any proactive remedy other than waiting for failure. I am requesting that kia be compelled to honor the recall and replace the engine, as their refusal has left me with a significant financial loss and ongoing safety concerns.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 mph, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost power. The contact exited the vehicle and pushed the vehicle to the right side of the roadway while awaiting roadside assistance. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Subject: urgent request for engine replacement – 2018 kia Optima dear kia consumer affairs, I am writing to formally report a recurring and increasingly dangerous engine issue with my 2018 kia Optima, and to request immediate assistance, including consideration for an engine replacement due to ongoing safety and reliability concerns. Since June 2024, I have routinely visited the kia dealership on a near-monthly basis for service due to persistent problems with excessive oil consumption and spark plug failures. Each visit has resulted in service-related expenses, despite my efforts to maintain the vehicle in accordance with manufacturer recommendations. Unfortunately, the issue has not been resolved and continues to worsen. Most recently, on [xxx], I experienced a critical incident. While driving, the engine began shaking aggressively, the check engine light illuminated, and smoke was detected coming from the engine compartment. Out of concern for my safety, I immediately pulled over and had the vehicle dropped off at a nearby garage for emergency inspection. This incident, combined with the repeated monthly service visits and associated costs, clearly indicates a systemic issue that may be linked to known engine defects in similar kia models. I urge kia to review my case for warranty coverage, recall eligibility, or goodwill engine replacement assistance. I have attached supporting documentation including service records, receipts, and oil consumption logs. Please advise on the next steps for resolving this matter. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your prompt response. Sincerely, [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My engine went out at 100,000 miles I bought the car with 118,000 mi on it I drove it for 3 years and the engine went out need help.

The car makes a raddled noise when turn on and the car turns off when I press the brakes.

My 2015 kia Optima (VIN [xxx] ) case # [xxx] is covered under kia’s engine recall for potential engine failure/fire. However, kia and ray skillman northeast kia, indianapolis refused to perform the recall repair because I do not have the last two years of oil change records. This is a safety recall, not a warranty claim, and denial of repair violates recall obligations. I am requesting NHTSA’s assistance to ensure kia complies with the law and replaces the defective engine. Thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 30 mph, the contact heard a loud knocking sound coming from the engine compartment, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

The engine appears to be consuming an abnormal amount of oil. There are no visible leaks or external damage, and the vehicle has not yet stalled or failed, but oil levels drop rapidly between oil changes. The engine is available for inspection upon request driving with low or empty oil levels risks sudden engine failure while in motion, which could lead to loss of power, stalling in traffic, or even a crash. The oil warning light came on and went off at regular intervals unexpectedly during driving this week, which prompted me to get it to my mechanic ASAP to avoid potential engine damage or failure. They performed an oil change (even though I had done it there for this same car only 2133 miles ago not yet. I have contacted the dealership and have been advised to monitor the oil level or potentially conduct an oil consumption test. I have not yet received a formal diagnostic or confirmation from kia or a third party. Yes the vehicle was formally inspected by gettel kia of bradenton on 14th street for an engine stalling issue. . . Have experienced a stall only once since then yes. The oil warning light turned on (and off several times in 1 minute intervals) for the first time around 132011 miles. Upon the mechanic checking the dipstick, the oil level was significantly below minimum. No check engine light appeared. An oil change was performed only 2133 miles since the last one. Additional notes: I have discovered multiple similar reports from other 2016–2020 kia Optima owners via online forums such as reddit and kia owner groups, suggesting this may be a widespread issue related to the gdi engine design. These cases often go unresolved until engine damage occurs. I am requesting: a formal oil consumption test a full engine inspection repair or replacement if the issue is confirmed consideration for goodwill or warranty extension due to potential manufacturing defect I am maintaining oil top-off records and would be happy to provide them.

Car consumes a lot of oil. Approximately 5 quarts per week-faulty engine parts allowing oil to seep into the combustion chamber. The oil is then ignited along with the fuel, creating blue-tinted exhaust smoke. It is burning out spark plugs which is then wearing them out and almost caused car accident when car started sputtering and would not barely go once pressing gas. Has been inspected by kia dealership. Was told engine needs to be replaced-warranty expired and nothing can be done. Car only 2 years old when this problem started and they will not replace.

Car was purchased April 2025, I’ve had it less then 2 months and check engine light came on and then flashing. I had it scanned at auto zone and was told the code is vvt solenoid. I had it replaced 6/12/25. I was told by the mechanic that it didn’t solve the issue and metal shavings were on the old one. The car is still constantly going in to limp mode and there’s a knocking noise now. The auto zone scan listed the mileage as 150,000 yet the car dealership listed and sold it as 101,000. I have a 2015 kia Optima ex. The title does not list it as a rebuilt and appeared to be fairly clean and maintained . The mechanic told me the engine needs replaced.

Engine stalled out while driving lyft. Got passenger to their destination safely, however lyft is my only source of income big risk to stall out on a highway.