Equipment Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 2

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.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The car just shut off.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

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.

--- **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.

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!!!.

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.

The clock spring keeps failing which is causing the air bag light to remain on; the horn to not work; various functions of the dashboard; and steering wheel heat.

My vehicle has the factory snow white pearl paint. It is always parked in a garage. Since may 2025 the paint has been bubbling and cracking causing it to peel completely off of the car.

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.

Code : p1777 transmission- oil pump a issue with the valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia Optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. I believe later down the line the engine will stall out and it should be fixed now while under warranty. However I received no help from the dealership unless I am willing to pay upfront. In addition to this there are electrical issues the front seats aren't moving immediately when the button is pressed. The steering wheel buttons barely work along with the radio. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.

As in may 2025 , I purchased 2013 kia Optima lx sedan with airbag already deployed before bought it. And in June 2025 I took my car to nearest kia dealership , I found out that I had recalls over other things as well. I made kia dealership to look at the airbag and do inspection on it. None of kia employees did not informed me about the airbag, carfax information about previous incident to this car before I purchased.

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.