Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I noticed my oil was not staying in the engine. Oil has been changed but seems not to retain. The car stalled out on February 2nd and would not restart. I believe it is seized. Noticed a very new and recent shake during braking days before it stalled. The fuel seems to show like 42 miles to go until empty but run out , I guess fuel pump or fuel float. Also a fuel smell. Also the digital service option does not work never a check engine light or anything . I've read many things by others who own same vehicle and had same issues. I purchased this car in August/September. I feel the dealer may have known of these issues and still sold the car. Please help me figure out how to address these issues to get it fixed.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I have requested that this recall be repaired and updated with the NHTSA, however I've made an appointment, taken this vehicle to the dealership, and called kia corporate, but they have yet to update this repair so that it shows repaired in the system. In addition to this, when I took the vehicle to have the recall fixed, there were other important recalls that I wasn't notified about, this includes the vehicle anti-theft software for this particular model, make, and year and another product improvement as I was also told by another kia associate that this one may be regarding the ecu on this engine.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

P1326 code. Check engine light flashing. Is in limp mode with limited power.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back. The motor start making a noise it’s been parked.

See all problems of the 2010 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

On 1/18/2025 my teenage daughter was driving down the highway at a speed of around 70 mph when she heard a loud boom and her sunroof front panel blew broken glass into her car and all over her. She did not run into anything or see any items fly in the air at her car.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Driver front side window, passenger front side window, rear driver side window. All windows not going up and down. I had to put door wedges down in the panel to keep windows from falling. I was informed that the regulator and motor in panels that control the switches for movement of windows are burned out. I was also informed from the mechanic this could of been a fire hazard. I was informed from the mechanic. No one around our area had these parts. If I were to purchase them from kia dealership it would cost $1300 to fix all three windows. I don't have that kind of money for repair. Especially when I am not the only person that is dealing with these issues. The list goes on unsatisfied kia Optima owners that is having the same issue with windows.

Unknown oil consumption spark plugs need replacement about every 500-1000 miles. Also needs oil every 500-1000.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Pearl white paint on my 2014 is chipping off on the trunk, hood and roof.

My car overturned/flipped over after I hit a very small bump in the road located on [xxx] in utica NY doing about 15 mph in a trailer park where I worked I have printed out all of my recalls on my 2014 kia Optima gdi there was some brake fluid on the ground around the area where my car landed in a ditch however the sheriff that came to the scene of the accident and the female state troopers failed to even check or smell the fluid after I informed both the officers and the deerfield fire department the only ones willing to give me any advice on how to handle this matter even though I could had lost my life then to show up to court for the tickets I got for literally driving 15 mph in a trailer park and my car flips over into a ditch and not be able to make a statement in court due to the paperwork not being in to the courthouses computer system in [xxx] at 6:00 to show the judge all my recalls as well as plead not guilty to them I find unprofessional and as for the damage sustained to my vehicle I need to find an independent property adjuster to do a investigation however it is set to go to the kia dealership located at 5056 commercial dr. , yorkville, NY, for the recalls on December 30, 2024 however due to the damage done in the roller I am unsure on what to do please help I paid for this car in full as a private sell and it had no issues with it at all no lights on the dashboard or anything was driving good at time of accident on [xxx] at [xxx] until I literally hit that bump in the road of the trailer park should anyone from your agency need to contact me to view the damage and pictures please contact me at [xxx] for I could not upload all documents and photos thank you very much [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Hit dig mark in road caused by a plow about a half inch to a 1 inch deep by 5 to 7 inches wide while driving 15 mph down the road into work on November 19,2024 around 1:03/1:10 pm next thing I know I am upside down in my car in a ditch about four to five feet wide by 3-4 feet deep.

I purchased a 2013 kia Optima ex from an on-line auction 11-15-24 in memphis, TN. After the car was delivered I noticed the vehicle engine had a slight engine knock. When I attempted to test drive the vehicle the engine knock grew louder, and the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road. I was fortunate enough to get the vehicle back to my residence where I was able inspect the engine, and noticed "metal dust" on the oil dipstick. Service records showed the vehicle had been serviced at the correct intervals, and the oil had been professionally been changed at correct intervals, and the vehicle appear to be in excellent condition. After doing some research I notice kia had a recall for the "theta engine 2" for a rod bearing recall that was causing engine failure prematurely. I contacted kia customer services on 11-20-24. I was told the vehicle was in fact under the "rod bearing" recall and it had a lifetime warranty on it. I was instructed to contact a kia dearlership to have the vehicle serviced for possible engine replacement due to rod bearing failure. I contacted serra kia of jackson,TN, and inform them of my conversation with kia's customer services, and I was told they were pretty sure the engine would have to be replaced, and to have the vehicle towed to their dealership to perform the services. I had the vehicle towed to serra kia on 12-2-24. I sent an email to the service department on 1-16-25 for an update on my vehicle. On 1-16-25 I recieved an email from the dealership's service department stating a case was opened with kia tech, and they declined approval of an engine because I bought it from an auction. The dealership did offer to replace the engine for $6003. 71 for parts and labor. I contacted kia customer services on 1-18-25 and they said they wouldn't approve replacing the engine even though it's under recall because I bought the vehicle at an auction. I'm filing this complaint because kia is refusing to do an active safety recall for my vehicle.

The windows will not stay up, front passenger window has come completely loose from its track and has fallen down in such away, that it slams against the inside door panel, the only part of the window you can see is the triangle shaped edge that would normally fit in the corner of the window. I'm newly widowed, with kids and this is my only transportation. Winter is here and the only window that stays up is the drivers side, and it's about to go too, it wobbles when rolling it up or down. My dad was a mechanic all his life, but he's 73 with cataracts. I use to help him work on cars every day. . I have a torn rotator cuff from turning my now deceased husband in the month long hospital stay, been with him since I was 17, I'm now 44, and can not do a lot of things I once did. . I do not have the money to fix this car as my husband died 2 months ago being flown in a helicopter twice to the hospital, is more expensive than any vehicle around here costs, I cant work due to my torn rotator cuff. No one in their right mind would buy my car with the windows. . I've done some research and my kia Optima is just one of thousands with this same issue. The only option I have is to walk the 5 miles into town to get what me and what's left of my family's essentials. I've never had a kia before, and I'll never get another one. My car also burns oil, I know this because I was raised to know how to check to see if it's burning oil, I took it into dardanelle tire and auto, I know the lead mechanic. I was informed that infact it was burning oil, and I knew that meant I would have to be checking the oil every other day. The exhaust pipe has so much black burnt oil all over the entire end of the pipe. . Check engine light came on 2 weeks after I bought it, something about the catalyst. The small dealership owner told me everything was perfect on this car, he lied, they have ways of turning the check engine light off, I've seen my dad do it. I think it's time for a recall already.

The paint/ clear coat all over the car is peeling rapidly and absolutely everywhere.

The window regulators in my 2016 kia Optima have/are failing. The white drum gear that rolls the window up/down shreds and the window falls. My safety is put at risk with this due to the fact that if the window glass were to drop abruptly, it would shatter. To add to the matter, I was out of town this past weekend when another one of my windows failed and had I had not known how to pull the door apart and pull the window back up and tape it, I could have been at major risk of robbery or more. The problem has been reproduced 3/4 times on my car so far. The first time was about a year ago, I repaired the issue myself (costly). Now I have 2 more windows that have failed and I have tape holding them up until I can afford to fix them because kia charges an ungodly amount to repair.

The clear protective coat has failed over the white paint. I was originally unbothered. However, now I've learned it is a known issue in this and other makes/models. I am fearful the areas where paint has chipped, are now showing wear and rust. I've learned rust can weaken the body and affect the safety/structure. What can be done to correct this? this is my first report, if I should begin elsewhere, please advise. Thank you in advance for any help. I would simply like to have a reasonably safe vehicle and dont want to be negligent in not reporting/caring for the issues.

Not sure what to do. I scheduled a recall fix for this hecu fuse with our city kia dealer. When I went they told me I'd have to come back because they didn't have one in stock. No one ever called me again so I phoned to make an appt and the service manager never gets back with me at this dealership. Next dealership is an hour away. Please advise. Thank you.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

I’ve had the 2018 kia Optima for a little over a year. I purchased it as a used vehicle. I’ve noticed that the car is utilizing an excessive amount of oil. Each time I get an oil change for the vehicle I am having to purchase oil to refill the vehicle about 2weeks to a month after. I’ve made multiple road trips where I’ve gotten the oil changed before leaving and I drove around 350 miles; halfway through the drive the oil was half empty on the dipstick. The first time this happened I was unaware of this issue and when I arrived to my destination after around 350 miles of driving, the car had little to no oil. I will provide store receipts of each time I had to purchase oil for the vehicle. I will also provide service interval receipts upon request. Dates of oil purchase are as follows: 1. 7/18/23 2. 8/16/23 3. 10/20/23 4. 12/18/23 5. 2/7/24 6. 2/29/24 7. 3/18/24 8. 5/4/24 9. 5/11/24 10. 7/9/24 service intervals for oil changes are kept up with every 3-5k miles and can provide maintenance receipt.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Engine may be blown not sure what all is affected. Engine died while driving. Trying to start makes a loud knocking in engine compartment.

The paint on my car has started to crack and peel. The car is 10 years old, but hasn't been in any accidents or anything toxic sprayed on it. I feel that this should be under warranty or recall, as it will effect the resale value.

All 4 of the window regulator motors blew in my windows at the same time, only about 9 years into the vehicle's life. The little plastic pulleys that move the cables degrade over time and then ruin the rest of the window motor when they break, and since they decided not to make this an easily repairable part it requires the entire window regulator assembly which is half of the door to be replaced, not just this plastic part. I had to replace all 4 of them out of my own money, kia refused to replace something that is completely 100% their fault and it cost me over $3,500 to repair all four windows that went out pretty much at the same time. It's insane silly that anyone's windows can just break at anytime and be stuck in the down position. I can't just put up trash bags and then not be able to see a thing while I wait to get it fixed if it happens again. I was lucky enough to be in a position to get it looked at quickly, but it is absolutely insane that kia would refuse to cover such a defect. There is already a class-action lawsuit over this I believe but they haven't even attempted to remedy the situation. Not everyone has time to wait for a lawsuit to settle. There should absolutely be some kind of recall/extended warranty on their windows. My engine blew at 57,400 miles only a few months later which is separate and was replaced but it's just insane that I was promised a car but got a piece of trash that consistently breaks while all I can get is a replacement engine with the same exact problem and no confirmation that the same thing won't just happen again while they continue to use the same defective engine over 10 model years. I want them to fix their issues not slap a band-aid over them and hope for the best. This company has been knowingly selling cars built to end up in a landfill within 10 years and they don't care.

I have gone to two kia dealers to get my recall on the hecu fixed and they will not help me. I was told that they did not have the part and did not know when they were receiving the part. I also called kia and they were no help either. What next steps can I take to get this matter resolved. Thank you.

My back windows will not roll up and down with the buttons and now whenever I hit a bump and even shut my door, the windows fall down. The only way to get them back up is to physically pull them back up. I cannot get the stay up.

Hi I have a 2015 kia Optima white(pearl). Like many other white kia’s on the road, my paint is continuously simply flaking off. This problem is being ignored by kia which is very frustrating. How is it that kia is able to avoid this problem when several kia’s are having the same problem but because our cars are “ out of warranty” for the useless first 3 years paint warranty they claim to have it’s ok. It’s outrageous a 2015 shouldn’t be having paint problems that insane to even think about.

Unknown.

My 2013 kia Optima, 80,000 miles has had a manufacturer paint defect problem for years now. Paint from my car is flying off in large chunks. I’ve seen thousands of other kia Hyundai and other like cars with the pearl white color having the exact same issue. Google search “kia pearl white paint defect” and you can see for yourself what everyone else has posted online about the exact same issue I am having. All it takes is the right person to read this message and google search what is happening to thousands of kia and Hyundai cars to understand the situation for something to be done about it. I’m not looking for a free paint job, I’m looking for the manufacturer to be held accountable for their poor quality workmanship. I’ve called kia consumer affairs and they are aware of the situation but “are not considering any sort of recourse at this time” if you’re reading this message, do the google search… help out thousands of people who paid extra for this style paint and were given a trainwreck instead.

There is an hybrid warning coming on which causes the brakes to loose it’s ability to stop for some reason. It also slows the car to a hault while the engine is in full rev. It’s a huge safety issue as this occurs intermittently with no warning. Last time I was on the freeway, luckily I was able to pull over to the curb without incident. I hit the bumper a little bit but was able to stop safely.

I was driving on the expressway onto the exit ramp going about 75 mph when my car suddenly slowed down even though my foot was on the pedal as I kept trying to drive, it was slowing down. The temp gauge was exactly in the middle and the rpm was at 0. The mph was at 60 mph even though it was slowing down it didnt change on the reader. When I realized the mph on the reader was not changing all the service lights came out on the dash. So I idled to a stop on the side of the road when I got out of the car I realized there was smoke coming from the hood and it had a really awful smell of something burning. I know the engine didnt over heat because the coolant reservoir is full and the upper radiator hose had pressure. Ive been having an issue with burning oil so I topped it off with a qt of oil. I left the car off for about 2 hours and then tried to start it and the engine would not start , the break pedal became hard to push down but the burning smell got worse. So I decided to turn the car off again. Meanwhile im still stuck on the side of the road. I watched a couple of youtube videos and there are many people having the same issue with the radiator fan, or a leak in a pipe or hose, or some sort of sensor.

I bought this from a dealer ship and it is having some issues when it is gearing down dont know if its the fuel injectors or what but its got some issue with it getting proper fuel.

I got on the highway after work, particularly hot day so I had the a/c running. Following nobody, and not next to any cars I hear a loud "crack," followed by yet another loud crack, glass flying to the back of my car, sunroof cover starts rattling back and fourth. I pull over after being jump scared, and come to find my sun roof to be blown upwards.

The back passenger door wont close, the door latch is broken making it to where it will fly open at any time driving down the road.

My car was stolen using a usb cord and they tore my steering column, key ignition and brok my driver side passenger window.

1- steering wheel. Yes 2- not sure if something was going to happen while driving whether da or night or long distance traveling 3- I spoke with the service center a while back and didn't have a good time to bring it by. 4- no no just loud shaking from the steering wheel. It's been going on for at least a month.

Has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall it smells like burning.

The oil feedline is gusting out oil but no where I could find a recall on this but I remember there was a recall. Could you send me the copy of the recall? thank you.