Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 1

In order to repair the recalled equipment on the vehicle the dealerships and kia want us to pay for them to open the trunk ($280/hour service fee to remove the back seat to gain access to the trunk and then return the back seat once completed). If the trunk latch was not broken to begin with they would not have to remove and replace the back seat of the car at $280/hour you would be able to push the button and open it. I don’t feel it is the car owner responsibility to pay for that access to the trunk.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Stable track control failed to work, the driver seatbelt did not tighten & stayed loose, & air bags did not deploy upon hitting the ditch & small trees resulting after hitting ice/water upon coming to a stop sign at a “t” cross road.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The paint is bubbling and falling off in spots. This is ruining our trade-in value. The dealer says it always happens to white vehicles.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I was sold an unsafe vehicle at j and j auto house 6446 wilshire bl la,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied request to return car for refund.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Paint defect, this is a well documented issue with the snow white pearl paint color. Need to get the vehicle repainted so it looks as good as it drives. There is the bubbling, flaking and in some spots down to the bare metal.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I’ve gotten my vehicle fixed four times now thinking it was an electrical issue, not aware of the recall. Did my research this fifth time when my brake lights completely went out and smoke at some point in times come through my air-conditioning. I’ve spent more money trying to fix the vehicle with no idea that there were issues already about it.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Paint peeling off hood.

Immediately after getting kia's latest recall "voluntary emissions service campaign" software update, my transmission began to hard-shift between neutral and 1st gear, and when slowing down, from a gear to a neutral position with the transmission. The car has lunged a few times when going from neutral to 1st gear position--concerning. This is most noticeable when car is cold, but is still always noticeable. Stop-and-go traffic it's also most noticeable. I have notified local dealership by phone message and email but have not heard back in 2 weeks.

The car is experiencing the same problem reported on technical service bulletin sa187 (blind spot detection (bsd) system logic improvement (sa 187)) but kia states my VIN number is not listed under the service bulletin and therefore I have to pay $189 to get a software upgrade done. The "check bsd system" illuminated in the instrument cluster has been cleared twice by my mechanic and still comes back after a few days. To me this issue should have been made a recall because of its criticality. . . The bsd system is a core safety feature of cars and reduces accidents substantially. There was no way for me to know my car has this problem unless it is made a recall. I have not had any accident related to this issue but I had to pick an incident date to complete this complaint. I have called kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542 twice to find out whether the VIN number should be included in the service bulletin and the answer was no and whether I should report this to NHTSA with the possibility that certain VIN numbers were left out of the service bulletin in error. No answer as to what to do to investigate this was given by kia. That's why I'm reporting this on here. The service bulletin has been attached to this complaint. My question to NHTSA is whether certain vehicles were left out of the service bulletin in error and whether the manufacturer is liable for the repair at no cost to the consumer. If NHTSA finds out the manufacturer is liable will you notify them to pay on a case per case basis or will you make this service bulletin a recall? again this is safety hazard that can cause crashes and accidents. Https://static. Nhtsa. Gov/odi/tsbs/2015/sb-10089984-5448. Pdf.

My kia Optimalx had no check engine light not running any different no warning or light indicators turned on but car caught on fire while parked after only driving less than 5mins less than 1 mile from home. Entire front dash burned all the way to the gear shift. Every recall notice recieved was taken care of as soon as I was notified that there was a recall and they had the part to change it out. The engine was part of the recall and was replaced and a fuse module box was replaced 1 month or less from the time of the fire. Car is considered a total loss from insurance company.

Paint defect causing paint chipping on vehicle due to lack of proper layering of paint on vehicle.

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.

The paint is cracking and peeling off by the back window on the roof creating rust areas.

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.

Paint on all four door handles are bubbling and chipping. I rarely use the backseat handles and passenger door, which makes it more likely to be a malfunction in whatever paint was used for the handles. There is no fading, chipping, or bubbling on other parts of my car.

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.

While I was driving on this day oct 22 all of a sudden my car started to shut down and I couldn’t give my vehicle any gas really. I got a hybrid system warning, and my red brake light came on, and I got indicator for me to check the brake. My brakes felt like they were grinding and hitting the ground. I managed to get my kia into the dealership where the service manager, jose looked at my car briefly. Of a visual inspection he said that the brake pads looked good, but your brakes are hitting the ground. He charged me a diagnosis. I told him to check to see if there are any recalls active, he said I do see a recall, but this doesn’t have anything to do with your car. The next day I heard from the service manager told me I have an update. I have attached the diagnosis of my car. This is what they say needs to be repaired in my vehicle. I asked my service advisor questions about how related the recalled part was to the issue. You can see the conversation in the pictures. At this point, I created a case with you all when he started to argue over terminology. I had a conversation on the phone with jose and my service advisor later where they then told me that there is no recall that is showing up. I said I need to look over this because I saw a recall there. I verified this and messaged the advisor back. There were no further conversation conversations over the phone. Everything was done over messages and you can see them below. I was being threatened to be charged storage fees. And they said that they performed the recall, but the car was not confirmed to be in drivable condition. I did not go by to pick the car up. I called corporate numerous times. I was told on one day any additional information from text messages is not needed. Until alicia gave me the email and said to please send over the info. I called the corporate office, the corporate office did not do anything to solve the situation. My car is still not drivable condition.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Driving car on the highway then the car started smoking and shut down completely. It would not turn on or anything. It smell burnt.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My fiancée and I just recently bought this car with the 1. 6t-gdi engine I immediately replaced the oil even though the dealership said that he just replaced it. I put 7 quarts of oil topping off from awk consumption after I initially changed the oil filter. Those 7 quarts were added over the period of three weeks and it’s just progressively gotten worse. I’m putting a quart to 1. 5 quarts of oil in here every other day. Worried about it causing total failure & being at risk of being stranded with 2 kids due to the only engine I’ve been able to find that kia doesn’t have any recall touched base on is the gamma 1. 6 engine. The turbo gamma 1. 6. The n/a 1. 6 was covered but it has ungodly pop/clunking backfiring sound coming from either intake manifold or valve train please help. Times are hard enough as it is to be without a vehicle due to a fault other than none of my own the dealership extended powertrain warranty isn’t being honored by kia even though they said it would just don’t want something to happen to me or the car that’s beyond my capabilities and knowledge and ultimately result in my spouse not having a reliable and/or safe means of transportation to/from work and commuting kids as well. Thanks in advance.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

The car just shut off.

The turbo system on the car burns oil at a rapid rate. Had to pay $4000 to replace and still continues to give me problems and check engine light. Violates lemon law. Had replaced in September but was giving me problems well before and finally took it to the dealer for repair.

Car burns oil at significant rate which ruins the engine.

“my vehicle, a 2017 kia Optima, had repeated safety issues documented in service records. Despite multiple repair attempts (per attached records), the problem remained unresolved and put my safety at risk. I’m seeking further investigation or resolution. ”.

Trunk latch broke leaving it impossible for someone in the trunk to get out and very difficult for someone on the outside to open the trunk.

I have a 2016 kia Optima sx turbo with 33,500 miles that the windows one by one are failing due to a defective regulator drum gear. This very flimsy gear fails and the window will not roll up. I have had 3 out of 4 fail in the last month. The only way to keep the window up is to shimmy them. This creates a huge safety risk in the event of an accident and also can impact the collision safety system including airbags. Kia is aware of this situation as outlined in their technical service bulletin dated March 2021. I believe it's bulletin mc-10189544-0011. I've contacted the dealer who doesn't think there is a recall on this issue. This issue creates a safety issue that after only 33,500 miles should not exist.

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

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.

--- **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).

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.