Kia Motor Optima owners have reported 5 firerelated related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common firerelated problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's firerelated (5 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Firerelated problems |
Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in kia safety recalls sc147, sc200, and sc201. On xxx, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition covered by the above recalls, which state that affected engines may seize, stall, or ignite. I have been in contact with both a kia dealership and kia consumer affairs for close to a month without any resolution. The dealership has confirmed that my car requires a complete engine replacement, but kia has refused to address the recall issue, claiming that other unrelated recalls were not performed. When I previously contacted dealerships to schedule recall repairs, I was told that parts were not available, which prevented me from completing them. In addition to the engine failure, the fire also caused my starter to fail. I was forced to purchase a replacement starter out of pocket, which has added to my financial hardship. I believe I am owed compensation for this expense, as it was a direct result of the safety defect. This situation has caused me severe financial strain, as I relied on my vehicle for work and currently have no income due to its inoperability. Kia has not provided a timeline for repairs, towing coverage, or written confirmation that they remain obligated to remedy this federally mandated safety defect. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate kia’s refusal to fulfill its recall obligations and intervene to ensure that my vehicle is repaired or replaced in compliance with federal recall requirements. My vehicle details are as follows: •year/make/model: 2012 kia Optima •VIN: xxxx •recalls involved: sc147, sc200, sc201 •incident: engine fire, vehicle no longer drivable; starter also failed due to fire please advise on next steps. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, xxxx xxxx information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The contact owned a 2015 kia Optima sx turbo. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic light, smoke was emitting from under the hood and entered the vehicle through the a/c vents. The contact pulled over to the side and immediately exited the vehicle. The contact opened the hood and flames were visible. No warning lights were illuminated, and the temperature gauge was normal. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The contact pulled over in front of robertson's tire, the employees used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire and called the fire department. No police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was notified of the fire and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a kia dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who inspected the vehicle, but the contact did not remember the cause of the fire. However, the dealer stated kia was at fault. The manufacturer advised the contact that a field inspector would be sent to inspect the vehicle. The field inspector has inspected the vehicle. However, the contact was awaiting the results. The contact notified her insurance company and was waiting on kia's decision. The failure mileage was 160,000.
The contact's fiance owned a 2011 kia Optima. The contact stated that while her fiance was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning light was illuminated. The contact's fiance then went outside to push the vehicle from behind while the contact steered the vehicle to the side of the road. The contact's fiance then noticed there were flames coming from underneath the hood and pulled the contact out of the vehicle. The vehicle was then engulfed in flames. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not received. The police and fire department arrived on the scene, and the fire department extinguished the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard; however, the insurance company was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 222,000.
The car caught on fire in our driveway.
The contact owned a 2017 kia Optima hybrid. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, a smoke odor was detected. Another driver alerted the contact's mother that there was a fire coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's mother pulled over and exited the vehicle. There were flames coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle, and within seconds, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. No injury was sustained and no medical treatment was received. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A fire department report was filed. The vehicle did not have insurance and remained on the side of the road, where it caught fire. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 21v844000 (engine) associated with the VIN; however, the contact did not receive the recall notification. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.