Other Fuel System Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 1

I received a recall notice for my 2013 kia Optima, VIN #: [xxx] related to engine issues and an increased risk of fire. After receiving the recall notice, my vehicle began smoking and briefly caught fire while in operation. I immediately shut the vehicle off, and the smoke and fire stopped. For safety reasons, the vehicle was towed by my insurance company to my aunt’s residence, which was the closest safe location at the time. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. No injuries occurred, and the fire department was not called because the fire stopped once the vehicle was turned off. I believe this incident is related to a known safety defect and recall involving kia Optima engine fires. I have contacted kia multiple times regarding this issue, and there have been delays in addressing or repairing the vehicle. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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After routine maintenance replacing the valve cover gasket, the low pressure gdi fuel line developed a leak in an area away from where the maintenance had occurred. After a 10 minute drive, the car developed a fire in the engine compartment. Upon investigation by an independent auto mechanic, it was determined that the fuel line had become brittle and developed a crack that had sprayed fuel into the hot surfaces of the engine compartment. This appears similar to the scenario affecting earlier kia Optima models with the 2. 0l turbo engines. The heat from the fire caused the brakes to start to fail and the amber check engine light to come on within about 5 seconds before smoke was observed coming from the engine compartment. Fortunately, the fire occurred as the vehicle was pulling into the owner's driveway and a fire extinguisher was nearby and used to put out the fire. The vehicle's occupants were able to exit the vehicle with no injuries.

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Motor blew going down the road.

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12-01-2025 driving to work in the morning approx 7:00a. M. And turned on the heater and had a very strong smell like fuel so immediately turned it off. Cracked my windows to air it out and then was super cold again and had turned on the heater to try again. Immediately had to turn it off and rolled windows down to air it out because the smell was intense and had started to feel nauseas. Later in the day, about to head to lunch and had started the vehicle and smelt a lot like gas and turned it off and had someone come out to double check the smell. Co worker had strong smell from the hood area and looked underneath the car and can see a little drop puddle. Opened the hood and lifted the cover to engine where you can see the leakage coming from the center hose and spill puddle. Service tech came to take a look and advised its the fuel feed to the high pressure pump. This is a safety concern because fuel is extremely flammable and can put myself in dangerous situation of firing igniting in the car or hurt others around. No check engine light and prior the vehicle incident car has been consuming oil putting in about 1- quart a week or so with commute miles about 270 weekly.

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My vehicle is consuming oil excessively. I have to put a whole quart of oil in my vehicle every 2 weeks. I am adamant about getting regular maintenance oil changes as well. My car had to be towed to a local auto shop due to the engine stalling and accelerator not working. They had to replace all 4 coil packs and 4 spark plugs due to dark, tarry oil covering the parts. The repairman told me my engine was at risk of failing, and that the repairs he did would not last without a new engine. I am worried about the car stalling or failing while driving, which puts an accident occurring at greater risk. My complaints resemble symptoms tied to previous Hyundai/kia engine recalls. I am requesting investigation and manufacturer action related to this issue.

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.

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While driving my 2015 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ) at highway speed, the engine suddenly shut off without any warning lights, alerts, noises, or check-engine indicators. This created a dangerous situation for me and surrounding drivers. The vehicle had passed state inspection only 3 months earlier with no issues. The sudden shutdown is consistent with the known theta ii engine defect investigated by NHTSA. The car is now completely undrivable. Two kia dealerships refused to assist, claiming that they cannot perform ksds because the engine is already dead. These reasons directly contradict the kia theta ii engine settlement terms. This sudden stall is a safety hazard and could have caused a severe crash. I am requesting that NHTSA review this incident as a potential recurrence of the engine-stall defect already documented in Hyundai/kia vehicles. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I purchased this vehicle on [xxx], with approximately 170,150 miles. On [xxx], during a routine oil change at approximately 172,636 miles, it was discovered that the engine had no oil present. Shortly afterward, the oil warning light began flickering intermittently while driving. On November 4, 2025, at approximately 175,495 miles, a certified mechanic again confirmed that there was no oil present in the engine. At no point were there visible external oil leaks, indicating excessive internal oil consumption. This condition creates a serious safety risk, as sudden engine failure while driving could lead to loss of power, stalling, or accidents. Based on my experience and publicly known issues involving kia engines, this appears to be a systemic defect rather than normal wear. I am requesting that NHTSA document and review this issue as a potential safety defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving my 2015 kia Optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence. My car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed. So I had it towed to the kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it. Then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,and something dollars to have my car diagnostic done. Whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for diagnostic test to be done she replies yes,but I’m thinking they are just trying to make money off customers.

I purchased the 2017 Optima hybrid from huntington beach Hyundai on [xxx]. I made sure to double check with the dealer if the engine and hybrid battery were in good condition, in which the salesman reassured me everything is good. The car was driving okay for a while, and I had oil change and tires/alignment changed recently. Just barely 4 months in after I owned the car, the incident happened on the night of [xxx]. I was driving on the highway near the getty going roughly 70 mph up the mountain roads while all of a sudden the "check hybrid system" warning came on in the car. The car immediately went into limp mode, and I did everything I could to slow the car to a complete stop, and stop on the freeway shoulder safely. It was a traumatizing experience to me, as this is a major safety issue with the vehicle, and other cars were travelling really fast in la mountain areas. I had the car towed to a auto repair shop the next day, the mechanics did a deep inspection and informed me the hybrid inverter has failed. I paid $2,177 to replace the hybrid inverter with the mechanic. The mechanic also informed me while they were test driving they heard a knocking sound from the engine. I did a look up and found out there is a class settlement and safety campaigns on the engine for 2017 Optima hybrid due to the faulty factory rod bearings, and the 150k miles extended warranty from kia should apply to replace my faulty engine free of charge. I will be getting my car towed to car pros kia in huntington beach on October 15th, 2025, and request the dealer to replace my engine per kia's extended warranty. I am filing the complaint because the car is having problems after problems in barely 4 months of ownership, in which I believe I have purchased a lemon, or huntington beach Hyundai knowingly hid the facts the components were faulty. I have also filed a case with kia corporate. Attached is the repair invoice for the hybrid inverter. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6.

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The engine began exhibiting symptoms consistent with the known bearing wear defect covered under the manufacturer’s safety recall, including knocking noises, loss of power, and engine malfunction. The condition worsened to the point that the vehicle became unsafe to operate due to the risk of engine seizure and sudden loss of propulsion while driving. The vehicle was inspected by a kia dealership, which confirmed engine damage consistent with the recall defect. The engine remains available for inspection. Despite an active, unrepaired safety recall for engine bearing wear that increases the risk of engine seizure and crash, the manufacturer and dealership have refused to perform the recall remedy unless the owner first replaces the engine at personal expense. The manufacturer has stated that the recall cannot be performed due to the current condition of the engine. This refusal leaves the vehicle with an open safety recall and no manufacturer-provided remedy, creating an ongoing safety risk due to potential engine seizure and loss of power while driving.

On Sunday, September 21st, 2025, my 2013 kia Optima ex suffered sudden catastrophic engine failure while driving on the highway. The check engine light was flashing, the car misfired badly, lost complete power, and became unsafe to operate. The vehicle was then towed to wagner kia of shrewsbury, MA. On Monday, September 22nd, kia diagnosed the engine with holes in the intake valves (cylinder 3) and multiple misfire codes (p2191, p0272, p0301, p0304, p0172, p0303). The dealership documented that major engine repairs would be required, including two intake valves, two exhaust valves, valve cover gaskets, hraf bolts, two ignition coils, and a valve job. This sudden engine failure created an immediate safety risk of stalling or losing power while in motion, which could have led to an accident. Despite kia’s history of theta ii engine recalls and settlements, my VIN is not included, leaving this major engine defect unaddressed. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and consider expanding kia’s existing engine recalls to cover this engine failure, as it represents a serious safety issue consistent with kia’s documented engine problems.

2019 kia Optima ex - 59,000 miles - car miss fires and shakes on start. After a few seconds the car calms down and I can drive. Very dangerous since the fuel can stop flowing and the car can stall at any speed. Very dangerous!! looks like several kia's from 2019-2023 have been recalled for the same issue - high pressure fuel pump - if my car is having the same issue at 59,000 miles why is this car not recalled, very dangerous! the kia k5 which took over for the Optima is on the list why not the Optima ex.

“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. ”.

On August 26, 2025, I brought my 2018 kia Optima plug-in hybrid to an authorized dealer for recall sc218 (engine inspection and ksds software update). The dealer verbally stated both sc218 and sc278 recalls were completed, and the repair order (ro #xxx) lists them as performed. In September 2025, kia America emailed me showing recall sc218 still open, and a warranty coverage report dated September 26, 2025, again listed sc218 as unclosed. On November 4, 2025, NHTSA’s official VIN lookup confirmed the recall remains “incomplete. ” on October 21, 2025, kia America emailed me under case #xxx stating that sc218 was “confirmed completed” and that the dealer performed a software update to the ecu, referencing ro #xxx. However, NHTSA’s database still lists recall sc218 as incomplete. This contradiction between kia America’s internal record, the dealer’s invoice, and the federal NHTSA database raises a serious safety concern that the recall inspection or software update was never actually performed or was never reported correctly. I have requested written proof and diagnostic data (battery soh report) multiple times but have not received them. If accurate, this means I was led to believe my vehicle’s engine-safety recall had been repaired when federal records still list it as open. I am requesting NHTSA to review this reporting discrepancy, ensure kia America and the dealer produce verifiable proof of completion, and confirm that the federal record is corrected. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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I was just driving then noticed lack of acceleration and the engine light flashing. Loosing acceleration mid driving posed a great safety risk because no other drivers would know the issue I was experiencing and risked causing an accident. The vehicle was taken for a fault code reading which indicated a knock sensor code, later it was inspected at the dealership who confirmed an ecu issue. The police or insurance have not inspected the vehicle for this particular issue.

It has problems with: high voltage battery voltage sensor circuit, the computer displays a code which is p1b74 and the car's dashboard displays a problem with the hybrid system and the initials hev.

I own a 2020 kia Optima. My vehicle has experienced repeated low-pressure fuel pump failures, causing hard starting, loss of power, and stalling risk. These issues first appeared in July 2023 and have recurred despite multiple repairs. The dealership has replaced the upper portion of the fuel pump three times (July 10, 2023; March 1, 2025; June 9, 2025) for the same issue, but the problem persists. Most recently, in August 2025, the vehicle again exhibited difficulty starting and loss of power. Diagnostic code p123300 was found, indicating the pump is not generating enough pressure. The dealership confirmed the entire fuel pump assembly needs replacement. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle has gone into limp mode three times while driving — twice previously on the freeway, and again on [xxx]. On that date, I experienced sudden loss of power while driving, but I had a scheduled oil change on July 29, 2025 so I waited until then to bring the car in. At that visit, the dealership claimed the problem was only an old code p0456 and that my car needed a software update. However, the very next day, my vehicle went into limp mode yet again, creating another hazardous driving situation. My check engine light has repeatedly illuminated, and each failure matches the conditions described in kia’s extended warranty program (wty028) for low-pressure fuel pump failures on my model year. The warranty extension letter (wty028) for my vehicle states that “repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure” are covered for 15 years/150,000 miles. It does not state that only the upper portion of the pump is covered. However, my dealership (sands kia surprise) insists that kia will only cover the upper portion, even though my issue requires replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly to correct the failure. This repeated failure creates a dangerous driving condition and appears to be part of a larger defect affecting this model’s fuel delivery system. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information.

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While driving my 2017 kia Optima (theta ii engine) at approximately 115,900 miles, I suddenly experienced engine failure. The vehicle began to stall and produced a burning smell shortly before the engine seized completely. I had the car towed to a kia dealership, which confirmed an internal engine failure and noted that there were no signs of external oil leaks or neglect. The failure occurred only 4,500 miles after my last oil change, which was documented and professionally completed. The kia technician mentioned verbally that this was due to excessive oil consumption and burning — an issue I later found to be widely reported in other kia vehicles using this engine type. The estimated repair cost is over $14,000, which is more than the value of the vehicle. Despite my warranty being expired, this type of failure appears consistent with known manufacturing defects. I am reporting this for public safety and accountability. The vehicle failed without warning and could have caused a dangerous situation on the road.

Purchased car about 4 months ago, before warranty ran out, the shop looked at it told me it was fine, it wouldn't accelerate. Few weeks later same issue but all my oil was gone, they found 11 things wrong with the vehicle, told me warranty wouldn't take care of it unless the engine blow up. The salesman scottie mitchell told me check kia for recalls, called kia 3 recalls, they were trying to finance another car higher, back wanted to know why the dealership didn't know about recalls, kia place did call a robert. One of the owners did know about recalls, why dealership didn't pass them on. They trying to sell me a higher vehicle to keep cover the cost of the one I got 1st.

My 2018 kia Optima lx began using excessive oil (>3 quarts/1000 miles) just over 100k miles. I researched and found that the theta ii engine in my car is known for this. When I took my car to dealership (stokes hodges kia, north augusta, SC), with the check engine light on, they told me me plugs were fouled (they were just replaced 1 yr prior), cylinder 3 misfiring, and that I needed to pay a few thousand dollars to have repaired. When I asked them to guarantee the soaking process they recommended, they responded that they couldn't, that it "only worked 80% of the time. " I have the ksds download since 2019 and asked them to follow the guidelines of their TSB eng 222 for the class action lawsuit and start a 1000 mile oil consumption test. They refused, basically telling me the only way to get a new engine from kia, since my car is over 100k miles, is to drive it until the engine seizes. I expressed my fear for personal safety, but they wouldn't help me. I am original owner and have all services, etc documented. I called kia customer affairs, then was told only local dealership could help. They stuck me in a loop between them without helping. Please help me.

Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5 mins and had to turn around due to me leaving something at work. When I arrived back at work I parked and cut my car off as I normally do and when I returned to start it back up it never did. I have previously been having to add 5 quarts of oil frequently at least once or twice a month for the past 7 months since last year. Was told my car had an oil consumption problem by a previous mechanical shop last year. Noticed that these cars have recalls on them and that my car and year do fit the requirements. I do owned my car with the tittle in hand. It’s not a salvaged tittle. I have a service appointment on the 24th of June next Tuesday at kia of gastonia located in gastonia,nc. I have to get my car towed to this establishment on Monday or the morning of my appointment. I’m asking that this situation can be properly investigated and properly and honestly handled under kia policy. My name is demario anderson my # is 704. 860. 3952 thanks.

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The car makes a raddled noise when turn on and the car turns off when I press the brakes.

The car is burning oil rapidly causing potential issues with the transmission and engine. The oil burns and does not leak after a few hundred miles and has to be refilled continuously causing alot of money and potential issues with other components of the car. I notice jerking when accelerating and smoke if dont fill every 1 to 2 weeks.

My engine locked ,.

My 2015 kia Optima hybrid poses a serious safety risk. While driving at highway speeds, the car has randomly shut off multiple times. A "check hybrid system" or hybrid battery warning appears on the dashboard, and the vehicle either loses power entirely or switches to electric-only mode and coasts to a stop. This happens without warning, putting my life and the lives of others at risk. I already had the relevant hybrid system recall work completed by a kia dealer, but the issue persists and the car remains unreliable and unsafe. This appears to be a known issue affecting many 2011–2016 Optima hybrid vehicles. Kia needs to be held accountable for continuing hybrid system failures that occur post-recall and outside of warranty. This is a dangerous, recurring defect.

Oil is getting into cylinders causing spark plugs to misfire. Very high oil consumption so I have to put oil in it every other day in between oil changes. I’ve been to kia service department several times in the past 2 months.

I was driving home at night around 8pm. I was merging into the slow lane and my car completely lost power. A semi truck was right behind me. Luckily I was able to get over to the emergency lane safely. My car had no acceleration at all or any control of the steering. Prior to this incident there was no problem or warnings of any lights on dash or car having problems. It’s a daily driver for me to work. It’s never gave me any problems prior to this. I’ve had the routine maintenance done on along with the recommended mileage maintenance done. It’s been over a month now and my car still won’t start I haven’t had time to get it towed to a dealer ship or repair shop because I work 17 hour days. Everything I’ve researched about my make and model is starting to indicate that the engine seized up. I really hope that’s now the case because my car will be paid off in 3months. It has 165k miles on it I need help on weather the engine is part of a recall.

After an oil change and spark plugs drove 3 miles and now car will not drive code is manifold p0106 need this fixed dealer cannot determine issue car is at nalley kia in stonecrest GA.

I have notice an ongoing issues with motor oil consumption. Over the past six months, I have added oil every 2,000 miles the technicians at oil changers recently inspected my vehicle and recommended having it evaluated as the issue seems to be occurring more frequently. There are no warning lights displayed on my dashboard, I have not noticed any oil leaks where I park. While my car has been running fine,I want to insure there are no underlying issues. But most important me and my family’s safety and everyone’s when operating the vehicle. Please let me know the next steps for further inspection.

Driving down the road trying to accelerate. My rpm's wouldn't go over 2000. The engine started fluttering and the accelerator stopped working. Went to take to local repair shop and they stated it was an issue with the engine. Problem listed after a scan: obd p1326 recall number: pi1802w/x (rev 2, 01/28/2019) with this stated. My vehicle under the same year, model, engine, and production date are all calling for a recall but my VIN doesn't have a recall. So I am wanting to enquire why my vehicle doesn't have this recall.

I am filing this complaint to urgently bring attention to a serious safety and mechanical defect with my kia vehicle's engine and fuel system. My engine is excessively consuming oil, to the point where it poses a significant risk of engine failure, which could result in a loss of power while driving and create a hazardous situation on the road. Details: I consistently have to add 5 quarts of oil approximately every month. During regular oil changes, there is barely any oil recovered from the engine, suggesting the oil is being consumed or burned internally. I took the vehicle to autozone for diagnostics, and they confirmed the engine is burning oil. They also mentioned it could be related to a rod or piston ring issue. There are no visible leaks under the vehicle, and the oil is not being expelled externally—it's being consumed by the engine. This issue is not normal wear and tear. It's a systemic engine defect that is causing rapid oil loss and is likely to lead to engine seizure or failure if not addressed. This level of oil consumption is not just expensive—it is dangerous. A sudden loss of engine power could cause an accident, especially at highway speeds. I am deeply concerned for my safety and the safety of others on the road. Urgency: I am requesting the NHTSA to investigate this issue and consider initiating a recall for affected kia vehicles. I am not the only one facing this problem—online forums and consumer reports are filled with similar complaints from other kia owners. This is a critical engine/fuel system safety defect that must be addressed immediately before someone is injured or worse due to engine failure while driving. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I am available to provide service records, photos, and further documentation upon request. Sincerely, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My vehicle is leaking gas from hose and it was already repaired but still happening. Only getting worse and I saw that it's recalled twice however mine is saying no recalls.

My vehicle received a new engine due to a component failure, which there was a recall specifically describing the failure, recall 17v224 (sc147). After the new engine replacement, April 2024, while driving my car I began to notice a faint smell of gas with inside my car. As time passed the smell grew heavier. Drove the car to the pueblo colorado dealership and had the service department take a look to confirm the leak. It was confirmed and one of the service personnel tried to torque the bolt tighter and that did not stop the leak. I was told by one of the service personnel that it was not covered under warranty and the cost would be mine out of pocket to fix. I found out this fuel leak is a recall (sc172), vehicles that received an engine replacement under previous recall 17v224 (sc147). ("kia motors America, inc. , pursuant to the national traffic and motor vehicle safety act, is conducting a safety recall campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the high pressure fuel pipe on certain 2011–2014 my kia Optima, 2012-2014 my kia sorento, and 2011-2013 my kia sportage vehicles that received an engine replacement under recall no. 17v224 (sc147). The remedy for the previous recall may not have been properly performed, and in some cases, the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak. Leaking fuel increases the risk of fire. "). I have spoken to the dealership and they do not recognize this recall as it is not showing up in their data system. I have spoken to the kia corporation and I have gotten nowhere. This was issued by your department and is recognized by kia corporation but the pueblo colorado kia dealership states it is not in their system as a recall. My car has been parked after notifying both parties of this issue since December 19, 2024. Your NHTSA: part 573 safety recall report 18v-907 manufacturer recall no. : sc172.

Engine burns over 2 quarts of oil every 500 miles due to carbon build up in engine resulting in engine ceasing up.