Kia Motor Optima owners have reported 4 hybrid propulsion system related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common hybrid propulsion system problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system (4 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Hybrid Propulsion System problems |
The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima. The contact stated that the low battery warning light was illuminated, and the message stating an electrical failure was occurring was displayed on the infotainment center. The battery was tested and found to be non-defective. The vehicle was taken to autozone, where a mechanic diagnosed and determined that the alternator had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact found information of NHTSA campaign number: 18v161000 (hybrid propulsion system) and linked the recall to the failure. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid battery system warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a short circuit fuse and a failed hybrid battery. The contact was informed that the battery and the fuse needed to be replaced. The dealer was made aware of the failure but confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer agreed to assist with fifty percent of the repair cost for the replacement of the hybrid battery. The failure mileage was approximately 132,165. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owned a 2013 kia Optima hybrid. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, a bystander alerted him that his vehicle was on fire. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the front driver side tire well had caught fire. Another motorist who witnessed the fire stopped and extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was called to the scene and inspected the vehicle to ensure that the fire was extinguished. The police department also arrived at the scene. Neither a police or fire report were filed. The vehicle was initially towed the contact's home and then to a dealer where an inspection discovered that the hybrid battery may have been the source of the fire. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for further investigation. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was deemed a complete loss. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2014 kia Optima hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 75 mph, the steering and brakes became inoperable. The vehicle began to coast and stopped. While driving, the vehicle shut off and failed to move. The hybrid system warning light was illuminated for approximately one minute. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where the fuse and brakes were changed. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, regal kia (1025 bartow rd. , lakeland, FL 33801), where there was an unknown diagnosis provided. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 62,348.