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

The rod barring failed in my engine. I broke down in the middle of the parkway with my daughter. This is my third kia Optima that has had this issue but the dealership is stating there is not a recall on this model. The check engine light did not come on except when the car lost all power.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My engine has failed. This is the second car I’ve had from kia that the rod barring has failed.

The engine of this vehicle is still exhibiting the issues that are under the class action lawsuit. Engine. Was not repaired properly by dealership. I must change my oil around 1700 miles.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Sudden engine failure while driving with no warning. Vehicle began jerking, shaking, and losing power. Rpms dropped unexpectedly and the engine stalled intermittently. Multiple misfire codes were present (cylinders 1, 3, and 4), and the engine was found to have low or no compression in cylinder 1. The condition rapidly worsened to near complete engine failure. The vehicle was operating normally prior to this incident. This failure is consistent with known kia engine defects involving internal engine damage, including rod bearing failure. This is a safety concern due to sudden loss of power while driving.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while his son was driving approximately 35 mph, there was an abnormal metal-on-metal sound coming from the vehicle, and the vehicle stalled. The contact drove out to the location and became aware that the oil and the battery warning lights were illuminated. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to restart, and the starter motor was smoking. The contact stated that prior to the engine failure, the starter motor had been replaced. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic who had recently replaced the starter motor. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The contact called the local dealer and the manufacturer but was informed that the vehicle would not be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

On March 23, 2026, I took my 2017 kia Optima plug-in hybrid (VIN: [xxx] ) to mark kia [xxx] ) solely for two open safety recalls: sc218 (engine inspection/replacement and ksds software installation) and sc278 (emergency trunk latch release) under repair order #6807251. No customer-pay work was performed. The multi-point inspection that day noted only the cabin air filter. During the drive home on March 23, a faint rotten-egg (h?s) smell appeared for the first time. By the morning of March 24, 2026, the smell was severe. I immediately returned the vehicle. Under new repair order #6807360, a second multi-point inspection suddenly recommended $1,134. 10 in customer-pay services (new 12v battery, fuel induction service, cooling system service, brake fluid exchange, and atf exchange) that were not flagged the previous day. Since the recall service, the vehicle has developed numerous new defects that never existed before: rotten-egg smell (h?s) intermittent ac that blows warm in stop-and-go traffic passenger-rear power window clicks but will not roll down brake warning (“stop vehicle and check brakes”) “key not detected” message passenger-side mirror pushed in with temporary motor malfunction 12v battery cover left completely disassembled and misplaced in the trunk complete no-start / dead 12v battery condition (will not crank even after multiple jump attempts as of March 30, 2026) on March 24, 2026, I sent a formal demand letter by certified mail (received and signed for by the dealership on March 27, 2026) giving mark kia five business days (until close of business March 31, 2026) to provide a free tow, free loaner, and free repair of all defects. I followed up with six supplemental addendums (dated March 24–30, 2026) attaching photos and videos of every issue. On April 1, 2026, service director [xxx] replied by email and admitted in writing (twice) that the dealership did not follow recall procedure information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Car is not holding oil it acts like it's gonna cut off while driving and it jerking was diagnosed with colitic converter p0604.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The contact owned a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, during a doordash delivery, the vehicle vibrated. The contact pulled to the side of the road and noticed smoke emitting underneath the vehicle from the right side. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed smoke emitting from underneath the hood. The state troopers were called. By the time the fire department arrived, the vehicle was engulfed in flames, and the engine had exploded. The fire department extinguished the fire. The contact was not injured. No police report was filed. The state troopers believed that the fire was caused by an electrical short. The contact stated that prior to the fire, the vehicle vibrated when idled. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a towing yard. The insurance company was not notified about the fire. The contact was unaware that NHTSA campaign number: 21v331000 (service brakes, hydraulic) was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was not notified of the fire. The failure mileage was approximately 174,000.

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Was driving then suddenly the engine shut off I was able to pull to the side tried to restart it I saw smoke coming out from the hood I did tow it to my apartment looks like the engine is locked I contacted kia they said I have a branded title they can’t do anything about it even if the car title was branded to a rear ending collision and the engine had oil in it.

The component that failed on my 2014 kia Optima was the engine. Prior to the malfunction there were no lights indicating a failure. My safety was put at risk several times as my car had completely shut down on the highway going over 55 mph in way of many vehicles causing police to shut down the highway. I took the car to several auto shops to test and there was no indication of engine failure. I’ve got my battery checked, front end alignment and oil changed on schedule. The car still malfunctioned. I had it towed to the kia dealership in March after learning about the recall on the engine. The dealership confirmed that the engine was faulty and had been recalled. There were several other recalls on that model as well. After keeping my car for a few days and charging me a service fee, they decided not to repair the engine saying that the software was not updated prior to the engine failure and they refused to repair. I was instructed to remove my car from the facility. I called their corporate office and a representative also denied my claim saying that the mileage on my car was too great. I have not been able to get in touch with anyone that can help. The car is located in a shared parking lot amongst hundreds of tenants and close to residential areas. I don’t believe it is a safe area if there is a fire risk but kia refuses to honor their recall. The car is available for inspection upon request if needed.

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The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 75 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle eventually stalled on the side of the road. The key, battery, oil, and engine warning lights were illuminated. There was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated the failure was related to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The engine failed to turn over. The mechanic had previously performed a routine oil change. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with low voltage. The spark plugs were checked, there were no oil leaks, and the vehicle was diagnosed with catastrophic engine failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 111,862.

1) motor failed on interstate and car towed to automotive shop. Currently still at the shop with hope to tow to kia to address issue. 2)my teenage daughter and her friend were placed in a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation due to what appears to be a catostrophic vehicle failure. While driving our 2013 kia Optima whith approximately 160,000 miles, the vehicle suddenly lost power while our daughter was traveling a major highway. The car quit responding to the gas pedal and she was forced to pull over on the side of the highway and was stranded in traffic with no safe way to move the vehicle. When she attempted to restart the car the engine light began flashing (it did not do so before hand), the car was shaking and undriveable. This was not a minor inconvenience, it was a serious safety hazard. A young driver was left sitting on the shoulder of a high-speed roadway with cars and trucks passing at highway speeds up to 80 mph. Had another driver drifted or had she not been able to reach the shoulder in time, this situation could have easily resulted in a major crash or fatality(-ies). The vehicle would not restart properly and had to be towed. Prior to this incident, there were no obvious warning sings of an imminent catastrophic failure. The mechanic's invoice of his diagnostics is attached. Vehicles should not fail in a way that suddenly leaves drivers stranded in active highway traffic with no warning. This type of failure creates an extremely dangerous situation not just for the driver but for everyone on the road. I strongly urge the NHTSA to review whether this model vehicle has known engine or safety defects that can lead to sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. No parent should have to get a phone call that their child is stranded on the side of a major highway because their car suddenly died without warning. I am requesting this vehicle incident be documented and investigared as a potential safety defect.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and it was determined that the turbocharger had failed, and the engine and turbocharger needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact received a letter from the dealer that the vehicle was covered under a manufacturer settlement for engine replacement; however, the dealer advised the contact that there was an out-of-pocket cost to replace the turbocharger. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

My car started shutting down while driving. After the engine started seizing the key wouldn't turn in my ignition. Took car to dealership immediately on 10, 2026. Took again in 2024 for recall and other repairs. Found out after requesting previous service incidents they failed to do recall repairs and never notified me of it, or to come back. I've requested current diagnostic report several times in writing and verbally with codes for this current service, with non compliance. My car is still at the dealership needing work and I need current diagnostic report before I pay for repairs. I am attaching a dealership diagnostic e-report for my 2013 kia Optima from 2024. While the report lists “no current dtc” for several systems, it also documents multiple “communication fail” errors across critical modules, including Smart key, head lamp, air conditioner, brake, and other systems. These communication failures indicate a broader electrical or network issue within the vehicle, not simply a failed battery. The report also shows that certain diagnostic scans were not properly performed. Additionally, there are historical fault codes related to tpms and weight classification systems, further supporting that the vehicle has experienced ongoing electrical issues. Despite these findings, the dealership attributed the vehicle failure solely to a bad battery and did not provide a current battery diagnostic test. They also failed to address an open recall related to electrical/fuse issues prior to this failure. Based on this past diagnostic report, I believe the root cause of my vehicle’s failure is an unresolved electrical defect, potentially related to the outstanding recall, rather than normal battery wear. This has resulted in my vehicle becoming inoperable and poses a serious safety concern.

I am submitting a complaint regarding my 2011 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ), which is currently experiencing significant engine issues and is undrivable. This issue is currently being reviewed under kia case #xxx. This vehicle is part of the theta ii engine group that has been the subject of recalls, service campaigns, and extended warranty coverage due to known engine defects, including rod bearing failure and potential engine seizure. The vehicle has also received the knock sensor detection system (ksds) update associated with these known issues. My vehicle is currently at the dealership and has been there since March 10, 2026. It is not drivable, and I have been without transportation during this time. The dealership has diagnosed the issue as oil consumption; however, kia has denied coverage, stating that oil consumption is not related to rod bearing failure. Kia has not confirmed whether a full internal engine inspection was performed to rule out rod bearing damage, nor have they confirmed that a techline engineering review has been conducted. Given the known history of engine defects in this model, I am concerned that the current condition may be related to internal engine failure that has not been properly evaluated. Oil consumption can be a precursor or symptom of internal engine damage, and I do not believe the issue has been fully or adequately diagnosed. Additionally, my vehicle has an open safety recall related to potential engine compartment fire risk, which further raises concerns about the safety and reliability of this vehicle. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed as a potential safety-related defect, as the vehicle is undrivable and may be at risk for sudden engine failure or fire. I am also concerned that the manufacturer is relying solely on a dealership-level assessment without a thorough engineering evaluation of a known defect condition. Thank you for your review of this matter. 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 🔎.

Even after regular oil changes car requires an additional 4 bottles of oil every 2 weeks. Now the car is jumping and having a misfire.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35-40 mph, the vehicle started shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, and the dealer declined to repair the vehicle under NHTSA campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The dealer stated that the vehicle had a branded title. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 163,814.

Engine oil light doesn’t work. Oil light flashed a couple of times in separate instances. Checking oil dip stick which smells like burning oil and dip stick hardly showed any oil left.

On Friday, February 27, 2026. This vehicle is being driven and vehicle seized and disabled on the road. In the middle of rush hour, traffic in a dangerous spot, local police had to be called out to assist, as no location was identified for a tow truck to be able to pick it up. . . The police had to dispatch their own tow service. After being towed from location where a car was disabled, mechanic looked at vehicle identifying there was no oil in the car. However on, September 9, 2025 an oil change was performed on the vehicle at 139,969 the car seized at 143,369. . That is approximately 3,399 miles driven from the time of the oil change up until the time it seized. . . There was no indicator lights that ever identified that an oil change was needed or low on oil on the vehicle prior to the car disabling. .

The contact owns a 2020 kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at a full stop, the red oil warning light illuminated; however, after driving off, the warning light disappeared. The vehicle was driven to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with an oil pump failure caused by low oil pressure while the vehicle was stationary, and the rpm was low. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 167,000.

Issue: my 2014 kia Optima has repeatedly experienced overheating, flashing check?engine light, and loss of coolant. The dealership has misdiagnosed the issue multiple times and returned the vehicle to me in unsafe condition. Safety concern: the vehicle overheats while driving, the check?engine light flashes, and the engine loses power. This creates a serious risk of engine failure while on the road. I am concerned about potential engine damage, stalling, or fire risk due to overheating.

While driving down the highway, my engine completely turned off. I was able to get to a safe location. When I tried turning the car back on, it would not turn back on. I took it to kia, and they said I was covered under warranty due to their settlement. However, due to the salvage title of the car, they will not replace the engine, even though that is what their recall settlement covers.

Engine light start blinking out of no where and speed started to reduce while on the highway. My fix finder gave me code p1326.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while approaching a freeway and attempting to merge, the vehicle suddenly stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

2016 kia Optima engine locked up, vehicle stalled on interstate,heard a rod bearing sound, left me in limp mode trying to get out the way of 18 wheelers traveling behind me. Towed into kia dealership which confirmed the engine locked up which has a recall #pi1802b ksds, but denied to cover it because I didn't have this recall done. I also called kia customer service, they denied me too and just gave me a case #[xxx]. I explained to them that I never received notice of this recall. So how could I prepare for something like this to happen while traveling from texas to louisiana to visit my grand kids. The dealership gave me a quote of $9735 for parts and labor, which I don't have, I am still making payments on this vehicle. Now I am stuck in louisiana with my vehicle, also it's going to cost me even more to have it towed back to texas. Please help me understand why the dealership won't stand behind a safety recall or what one person I spoke with called a campaign recall, which ever! that I never received notice about this recall. I hope the "president" or the "president of the company" will step up and help, after all we as citizens don't have a problem spending our hard working money on purchasing these vehicles from the dealerships, to have things like this to happen out of our control. Thanks for at least listening. God bless. . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Engine failure while driving on freeway. Almost hit by semi truck. Towed to dealership. Engine check light flashing complete loss of power. Kia refusing engine replacement under settlement.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, there was smoke coming from underneath the hood, and the engine overheated. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road and add coolant to the coolant reservoir. The vehicle slowly started and was driven to the destination. The contact stated that the engine was overheating if driven for more than 10 minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was determined that the vehicle was experiencing excessive coolant consumption, and coolant was added as needed. The mechanic determined that the failure might be related to the engine. The vehicle failed to start and was undrivable. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

My car burns oil. I had to have my spark. Plugs and engine coils replaced. I was driving and my check engine light came on. Also, my car was sputtering like you wouldnt believe. When I had the spark plugs and ignition coils replaced, the spark plugs were covered in oil. Last year, I got an oil change and within a few weeks the oil was empty. A neighbor told me my car was burning oil. I also took it to an independent mechanic and he said that was an issue with the kia Optima.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 mph, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway and contacted the highway patrol for assistance. The contact associated NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine); with the failure; however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. We towed to a mechanic who said it was engine failure. Thankfully we had just exited off highway and on a side street when it became inoperable or it would have been detrimental.

Drove roughly an hour from roseville mi to temperance mi. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. Kia after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken 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 and stated that the knock sensor needed to be installed prior to the failure for the engine replacement to be covered under warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 67 mph, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power, and the vehicle went into limp mode. The check engine and hev warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact entered the vehicle settings, and the ecu message was displayed. The contact stated that the failure had occurred three times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Odometer fraud. The contact owns a 2008 kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle's transmission failure. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after purchasing the vehicle. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 198,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the title was 217,000.

See all problems of the 2008 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.