Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 1

In 2024 the window regulator went in the drivers side back window costing me $700 and on 9/22/2025 the drivers side front window regulator just went costing me another $700. I see many are having this issue but no recall.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The car just shut off.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Car burns oil at significant rate which ruins the engine.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The wire that causes the car to crank start burning that in the wiring hardness. Which it make the car hard to crank.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Well my paint is peeling everywhere I only had car 4 years, I can barely wash it because the car wash takes more paint off, I seen Hyundai do a paint recall or something like that so I'm wondering if it's the same for kia.

White paint coming off.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

--- **summary of complaint – 2017 kia Optima** my 2017 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced sudden engine failure due to a damaged piston. There were no warning signs—no knock codes or dashboard alerts—prior to the malfunction. Despite regular maintenance and timely oil changes, kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me with significant repair costs. This issue appears consistent with reported engine problems in similar kia models and could represent a broader manufacturing defect. I'm submitting this report in hopes of prompting an investigation into a potential safety hazard. A recall may be necessary to prevent similar failures and protect information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

While driving my car I will get a sign that pops up flashing says “check hybrid system stop vehicle and turn off engine” with a hev inside of a yellow triangle. Some times it will go off on its own but most times I have to pull over turn my car off and then once I start it back it’s fine. Some times my car will loose power but no too often. It’s very unsafe and happens randomly. I also notice that if I turn my air conditioner on high it triggers my car to do that. I changed my hybrid battery twice and my 12v battery. I’ve taken it to kia and other mechanics but no one can figure out what’s going on.

While driving at approximately 45/50 mph, the right rear window suddenly dropped into the door panel without warning. This unexpected failure startled me and created a distraction while driving, as well as compromised my ability to hear and concentrate safely. My left rear window has also slipped into the door panel and is now being held up by shims and I have now discovered that the issue is due to a failed window regulator. This is a known issue in similar vehicles and poses a potential safety hazard, especially during adverse weather or high-speed driving. The manufacturer has not issued a recall only a bulletin and the cost that was quoted to me from hendrick kia of concord was over $900 dollars a regulator.

This is a general inquiry on kia white paint. My paint is chipping off all over my car. They told me it's inherent to white paint. Is this true or are the trying to get away without addressing the problem.

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.

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

2020 kia Optima lx 2. 4, less than 100,000 miles on car. Car started over consuming oil 2 quarts/1,000 miles. Cranked engine yesterday to go to work and serious knocking sounds, engine is rattling severely. Losing revving power, undriveable. Smoke coming out of exhaust that smells like rotten eggs. Will be taking this to get codes run but I believe this is due to theta ii engine failure issue reported in similar cars with the same engine. Kia needs to cover the 2020 Optima under lifetime warranty protection otherwise this is a $10,000 cost to replace engine.

The snow white pearl (swp) paint on the exterior body of the car is peeling-off in various places. The paint often peels completely off the hood in large sheets while in motion, and flies up and sticks to the windshield obstructing the driver's view while moving.

My steering wheel coupler has obviously gone bad and needs to be replaced. This was an issue with this year kia Optima and my car and kia has extended the warranty to 10 years/unlimited milage. I need this fixed because it sounds like my steering wheel is going to completely fall apart. Please help!!!.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Paint flakes and chips while driving or during car washes. Paint is "snow white peral". Numerous complaints have been filed about this paint to kia as well. Kia needs to make this right.

By the time I’m due for an oil change the car has no oil. There is no leak and no smoke to show car is burning oil.

I own a 2016 kia Optima ex with VIN [xxx] . The engine failed at 85,763 miles due to a rod bearing seizure. This matches the known defect in kia’s 2. 4l gdi engines, which has been the subject of recalls and service campaigns in the past. Despite being covered under kia’s extended engine warranty, kia America denied my engine replacement claim. They cited "vehicle reconditioning" and "multiple ownership" as reasons — neither of which are valid grounds to void warranty coverage, especially for a known defect. A certified kia dealership (mark kia in scottsdale, az) approved my vehicle for warranty replacement, and submitted the request. Kia corporate denied it. This creates a serious safety concern and shows that kia may be wrongfully avoiding responsibility for this defect. Please investigate. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My paint job is peeling away. I can not even wash my car with out it flicking off.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I was driving and as I was going to make a left turn, the steering wheel forced itself to the right and locked. And the whole car completely shut down. So I had to slam on my brakes as they were also locking on me.

The paint on my car is flaking off. We had a very bad storm and after it passed there was lots of paint gone from my car. I filed a claim with state farm and was denied as they state kia was responsible of the paint because it's a know fact that the snow white pearl paint us defective and kua knows this. I file with kia care and they say the paint warranty is gone. But they know that the paint is defective and they need to repaint my car. This issue started in 2011 through 2020. My car is a 2013 kia Optima and kia is responsible for fixing this issue.

A month in after purchasing the check engine light came on. My car did not want to accelerate, started shaking and having jerking movement while driving on the freeway with my newborn and 3 other children in the car with me. Got stranded 3 hours away from home. Car has been in the shop going on 30 days. Spark plugs changed, coolant thermostat changed and now the engine was reported that it has failed. Still in the shop currently.

I own a 2019 kia that is garage low milage 35,757 when not driving. The paint had a spot of paint missing on the hood and I ordered touchup paint to protect and before it arrived I noticed a larger spot. I drove to town and a large spot flaked. I call the dealer and they said they didn't handle that. I called kia customer service and they said would write a work order and I haven't heard any thing from them. I have gone to computer to see if any recalls and none. There are a lot of complaints from owners but no help from kia . I read an article from kia that they had stopped using the pearl white paint due to so many complaints. This need to be address and something done. I took to a reputable body shop today and received estimate and it was not just my hood found spots on right fender and trunk with estimate of almost $4,000. 00 . I can not make kia repaint my car and I can not leave it to rust nor can I afford a new car. Canada did recalls on this matter the united states needs to stand up for the people of the united states.

Doors unlock while driving.

Have a shake during accelerating 35-40 mph and then again at 70 mph. There is an axle, recall on 2016 kia Optima. For certain months, my is not included. How is the recall determined. Have not had it checked out yet. It seems to be getting worst, will check soon.

I bought the car odometer and title both said 98xxx on the car. 3 days after I purchased the car the motor started knocking. Come to find out the actual miles are over 240,xxx. The mileage has been rolled back on the vehicle.

The car caught on fire while I was driving. No warning lights came on and the car didn't show it was running hot. I tried to engage the brakes, and they malfunctioned. I coasted the car to the side of the highway, where the fire and smoke plumed from under the car. I immediately exited the car and ran. As I was running from the car the grass was on fire. The car was totally destroyed by fire. The car has not been inspected by my insurance or kia. Kia has a class action settlement for car fires the year, make, and model of mine.

Unknown.

There is a clean slit on my dashboard where the passenger airbags are it’s started to form a complete square around the air bag placement and I’m worried it might have a problem with the airbags and its not just cosmetic. When I googled the issue there are tons of kia drivers with the same clean sit appearing over the passenger air bag. I contacted kia dealership and they said I’d have to pay for a diagnostic fee to determine if it’s a problem but there’s clearly a problem with the 2016 kia so I’m sure all of us owners would appreciate it being recalled.

Had car for 2 and 1/2 years starting about 9 months ago started having issues with oil leaking issue. I noticed when starting car and made shaking sound bought to mechanic and told me the oil leaked have to replace spark plugs and have done about 4 times now sept 2024, Feb 2025, 03-14-25 and this morning 03-23-25. I'm still making payments on this car besides costs for repairs. Thanks appreciate any help. My mechanic said when engine was built not put in straight in vehicle wondering if this related to my issue.

Rapid delamination and paint peeling in the color of snow pearl white. The entire car is affected by this defect. Somewhere on the paint assembly line a missing step in the paint procedure is causing detrimental corrosion and overall safety and protection of the elements from outside.

After an oil change and spark plugs drove 3 miles and now car will not drive code is manifold p0106 need this fixed dealer cannot determine issue car is at nalley kia in stonecrest GA.

I was driving my 2014 kia ex and I heard a knocking noise, as I was driving my car stopped accelerating and went into limp mode. I took it to kearny mesa kia and they told me it was the knock sensor code p1326 I have looked and seen that there are plenty of recalls pertaining to this specific issue. Why are they telling me I have to pay for this when it is clearly something that is wrong with this on many vehicles across the board? I need my car fixed and back. Please help me.

The paint is peeling horribly.

My driver's side door lock actuator is stuck in the closed position, and will not allow me to close the door. I searched for a video on what to do, as I need the door to close to drive safely, and found hundreds of videos of people with the same car having this same issue. The fix that a video provided explained to hold the door handle open (the inside or outside handle work just the same) and to take a key or screwdriver and flip the actuator into the correct position, allowing the door to latch properly. I searched the internet to see how difficult it is to replace, and found more people with my car's make/model having issues with their door being stuck in the lock position, while the door is closed. This would be a nightmare in the case of an emergency retrieval. A faulty lock could literally be life or death.