Power Train Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 1

Car was in park at our home and not running. I was outside and noticed the car rolling backward. I thought my wife was leaving at first, but then noticed no one was in the driver's seat. I ran after the car got the door open and was pulling on it to stop it when it became stuck in a ditch between my driveway and the neighbor's driveway. After getting the keys and trying to start the car, it would not. The shifter was all the way in the park position but the reverse light was lit up. I used the shift release so I could move the shifter. I moved it out of park down to drive and back into park. I could then start the car, but I could not get the car out of park. There is an active recall on telluride for a similar issue, and I have found other reports of 2013 kia Optimas doing the same thing. This is a major safety issue as the vehicle could start rolling at any time.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Engine is failing and using over 3 quarts of oil every 700-100 miles. Spark plugs have become oil fouled and replaced all 4 spark plugs June 11th, 2024 and replaced all 4 spark plugs again January 12th, 2025. Today July 7th, 2025 check engine light came back on with engine misfire code p0303 cylinder 3 misfire, changing spark plugs again today. My safety is put at risk because oil consumption is a know issue with kia gdi engines. At any moment my car can run out of oil if it is not check every other week causing my engine to completely fail or a spark plug become oil fouled and a spark plug needing to be replaced. In July of 2024 when this happened I was on the highway going 70 mph and my car just completed shut down. I could have been seriously injured had I not been able to pull over and only been 5 miles away from my home. I called kia today to start an oil consumption test, stated I am the 2nd owner and while this is a known issue I will pay for and upper engine clean which is only a band aid. This problem has been confirmed with kia that the gdi engines are consuming oil. I have also replaced all engine coolant, coolant temperature senor, thermostat as well as the pcv valve.

Engine knocking and stalling on interstate.

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

•rapid oil loss — topped off every 1–2 weeks •engine misfires, check engine light •spark plug fouling and performance loss •repeated advice to “just refill oil” and “wait for failure” •unsafe to drive, especially as a working single mom.

See all problems of the 2019 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

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.

On multiple occasions, the hev system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized kia dealership ([dealership name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles), I was recently informed that the necessary repairs would not be covered under warranty.

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.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

When the vehicle was about 3 years old and at 60,000 miles, the fuel injector went out. Kia took weeks to approve the replacement under warranty. Since then the engine light came on and said cylinder 3 has leak and fouls the plug. We've had it repaired 3 times. The mechanic said it would be too costly to repair and the engine should be replaced.

The power steering stopped working and the car became hard to turn because of it. The power steering light (red color with steering wheel and exclamation point to the right of it) came on also.

After complaining about clutch judder resulting in getting anti-judder logic software update, followed a month later by transmission serviced, transmission suddenly failed while driving in heavy traffic on the freeway. After repairs, judder keeps happening at low speeds on the freeway or slow speeds under load.

Several safety-critical systems failed on this vehicle. The engine (theta ii 2. 4l gdi) failed due to rod bearing wear, causing sudden power loss on the highway. The vehicle entered limp mode, once at 50 mph in 2018 and again at 70 mph in 2025, and had to be pulled over quickly to avoid collision. Additional issues: all four windows failed at different times, leaving them stuck open and creating safety risks in weather or emergencies. The trunk latch failed, causing unsecured cargo risk. Abs, tpms, and traction control warning lights illuminated repeatedly, indicating possible loss of critical safety systems. A loose wiring harness caused the turn signal bulb to burn out repeatedly, reducing visibility and signaling. The dealership performed the ksds software update after I reported engine trouble but did not resolve the issue. The engine soon failed completely while driving. Other issues, such as the fuse box blowing fuses from a standard usb charger have also been documented by a kia dealership but not always fully repaired. The most recent engine failure and electrical defects are being inspected by a kia dealership, and kia consumer affairs is reviewing the warranty claim. Prior to the engine failure, I smelled burning oil and topped it off monthly due to excessive consumption. The oil level light and check engine light only appeared during limp mode right before the failure. These repeated safety-critical defects, particularly sudden engine failure at highway speed, created a significant safety hazard for myself and others on the road. At the time of this report, I am in the process of seeking warranty coverage for the catastrophic engine failure through kia. The failure behavior (limp mode, flashing check engine light, and rod knock) is consistent with the safety defect described in the theta ii engine settlement. I am concerned that despite this being a known issue, there may be delays or denials in honoring the safety-related warranty repair.

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving when cylinder 3 completely failed (0 psi compression). Metal particles found in oil and excessive oil consumption (1 pint/100 miles). Kia dealer diagnosed as piston rings but ignored metal in oil that suggests bearing failure covered under recall campaign. Refused proper diagnostic testing. Vehicle now unsafe to drive with failed cylinder that could cause complete engine seizure while driving. Kia had all recommended services and oil changes since acquired in 11/2016. These service records demonstrate the progression of my vehicle's engine issues, from early oil consumption problems documented by york auto care in July 2023 (3 quarts low) to complete cylinder 3 failure with zero compression confirmed by kia's own diagnostic testing in may 2025. Despite this documented history and kia's own test results showing catastrophic engine failure, they have denied warranty coverage under their engine campaign that specifically covers bearing-related failures on my 2015 kia Optima 2. 4l.

See all problems of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Engine failed at 52. 350 miles due to excessive oil consumption confirmed by a kia dealership. Car was driving fine on 5/1/25, on 5/2/25, car started to stall with loud clicking noise, and wouldn't move fast, which then activated the check engine light.

I went to the garden grove kia to get my new 2016 kia Optima repaired for their knock sensor settlement repair. By their own terms of the agreement all original and subsequent ow ers can get vehicles repaired. They took my vehicle information, I gave them all details of my ownership of the vehicle and they said they would fix it. The next day I rented a trailer to take the vehicle to get repaired (vehicle still runs but don't think it's safe to drive like that) and upon arriving, a worker comes out and tells me that they will not repir the vehicle because I just purchased the vehicle. Craig, the manager, also refused to see ownership documents but gave me 2 things; legal advice saying that I should sue where I bought the vehicle from and a paper that said they will not fix cars owned by dealers and auctions. I am neither am neither nor. Craig, also stated that kia wont cover the repairs.

While driving vechile shakes violently between 35-45 mph. I was informed the right axle needed replacement. There is a recall for 2016 Optima axle replacement but kia says my car doesn’t fall under it even though is the exact issue as the recall.

Accelerating at a normal rate to get on the highway and the check engine light starts flashing out of nowhere and car goes into limp mode. Made it to local shop and they informed me it was a p1326 code and that a knock sensor would have to be replaced, but that kia has recalled the older models for this same reason.

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.

Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the kia Optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400. 00 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the kia shop.

The contact owns a 2016 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving on the highway at 65 mph, the vehicle began to jerk excessively, and the contact was forced to pull over to the side of the road. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the fuel injectors and valve cover gasket were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 112,260.

Power train: at low idle or while slowing down, the car will lose power for a minute until you get on the accelerator and it all comes back on. Alternator had been replaced. And is going to be replaced again soon. Not sure if it's just a bad part. Power steering pump was replaced. The pulley seized. Unrelated. Lighting: third brake light constantly flickers. All lighting including head lights flicker on and off. Worse when slowing down. Lights on dash board, dome, rear light and head light bulbs have been replaced. At night when the head lights flicker I cannot see the road. Airbags: the air bag light on dash is always on. Codes have been ran and there are so many. Tried resetting codes it comes back on soon after. Not sure how to go about trying to fix it. All of this has been happening since I purchased the car in November 2024.

See all problems of the 2008 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Code p1326 and oil pressure light keeps flashing.

Was driving going 50mph and all of a sudden with traffic accelerator stopped working. The oil engine and battery light all came on. When I tried jump starting it it began to smoke.

It burns oil constantly. I constantly have to get new filters put on because they become black very quickly same with the oil itself. The engine has a tic and I know other people with Optima’s that have the same problem. I burn through 4 quarts in two weeks- less than 600 miles.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The engine in my 2020 kia Optima s (2. 4l gdi theta ii) has been experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking, and loss of power, consistent with known issues in earlier model years of this engine. This component is still in my vehicle and is available for inspection upon request. The issue puts my safety at risk due to unpredictable power loss while driving and the potential for engine seizure or fire, especially during high-speed travel. I’ve had to top off oil multiple times between regular oil changes, and the vehicle showed signs of low oil without any dashboard warning. No ksds (knock sensor detection system) software was ever installed on the vehicle. I have not yet had a full diagnosis from the dealer, but I have opened a case with kia consumer affairs, who informed me that I do not qualify for recall repair based on the vehicle’s manufacture date — despite the engine matching those in previous lawsuits and recalls. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the dealer, manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. However, I can provide receipts for oil purchases and logs documenting how often I’ve had to refill the oil. I am also filing a claim with my third-party powertrain warranty provider. Symptoms first appeared at approximately 85000 miles engine knocking/ticking noise oil light flashing briefly or low oil found without warning needing to add 1–2 quarts of oil between oil changes rough acceleration or loss of power this issue is widespread, has been previously acknowledged in other model years, and should be formally investigated in the 2020 Optima as well. I am concerned for the long-term safety and reliability of this vehicle.

I was driving on the high way and the car loose power completely have to do change oil every two weeks and can’t find a solution.

I am filing this complaint due to severe and ongoing safety defects in my 2020 kia Optima ex, which has repeatedly stalled while driving, creating a life-threatening road hazard. Since September 2024, my vehicle has suffered from major failures, including a complete transmission replacement, multiple high-pressure fuel pump replacements, multiple oil flushes due to fuel contamination, and all fuel injectors replaced. Despite all of these “repairs” performed by a kia-authorized dealership, the check engine light continues to return, and the vehicle still stalls unexpectedly, making it dangerous to drive. On March 10, 2025, after kia claimed to have tested the vehicle for 200 miles, I picked up the car from the dealership, only for it to stall and trigger the check engine light within hours before I even reached my destination. This vehicle has been returned to me multiple times in an unsafe condition. Additionally, an independent mechanic discovered an engine oil leak and a torn axle that kia’s dealership never disclosed. This raises major concerns about their lack of proper inspection and repair procedures. This is a serious safety issue that kia refuses to take accountability for. I request an immediate investigation into this matter before this defect leads to an accident.

Bought car 2020, engine failed and was consuming oil like it was fuel after 50-60k miles in 2022, serra kia misdiagnosed and charged me $900 for ignition coil and combustion chamber cleaning that was not needed nor refunded when I was denied replacement due to me not letting engine lock up(service manager basically told me to do so to be approved) or a p1326 code, charged +\-$8,000 for engine to be replaced. Horrible experience, engine was fine at first, then shortly after the short mileage warranty they give, the engine started having minor non catastrophic issues here and there. Finally, around the same amount of time(last October 2024) and almost the same amount of miles on the engine, its doing exactly what it was when I took it to kia for the engine. One random day, on my way to work, I got to a red light and when I went to go at green the engine hesitated and I noticed a massive smoke cloud behind me and coming from my engine. It was consuming oil yet again the same way. Reached out to kcc(kia customer care) and provided them a 4 page personally written letter by myself explaining the full story and my experience. However they merely closed my case without any explanation or reason for doing so. So as I stated to them I would do if I needed to, I've reached out to the bbb and now you. I'm hoping to get justice, whats right, and what should have happened in the first place. My money back and or my engine repaired and no more charges to me. 2022 first engine failure(denied and paid for engine) oct 2024 engine failure again. (added copy of letter sent plus proof of service manager influencing me to lock the motor up to get covered the first time).

The vehicle experiences a dual-clutch transmission shudder in low gears and at low speeds. This issue causes a sudden loss of speed in situations such as merging onto a highway, leaving a parking spot, or while driving at approximately 30 mph. The shudder occurs randomly and poses a serious safety concern. The problem first appeared in 2020 when the vehicle had fewer than 5,000 miles on it. Beginning in 2024, at around 20,000 miles, the condition began escalating rapidly, with the shudder occurring more frequently and with greater severity. All incidents have been recorded on dash cam and provided to the dealership’s service department. The vehicle has been serviced multiple times for this issue and was kept at the dealership for approximately six weeks in total. Despite this, the dealer refuses to acknowledge the problem, citing the absence of warning lights. When the clutch was adjusted at my request, the issue temporarily improved but returned about three weeks later. The shudder now occurs more often and with greater severity, frequently forcing the driver to pull over for safety. This ongoing transmission defect creates unsafe driving conditions, and the lack of acknowledgement or permanent resolution by the dealer further increases the risk to the driver and others on the road.

My engine burns oil very bad. Black smoke comes out of my tailpipe and I burn through 5 quarts in less than a thousand miles. I just got my oil changed two weeks again and I just had to add more oil to my car bc it was empty. I’ve had to replace the spark plugs twice due to soot build up. I can’t afford a new car I’m 17 and can barely afford the maintenance let alone a whole new engine. Have spoken to many mechanics and they all say the same thing “it’s a kia it’s gonna burn oil” its a known issue. And yet kia will not resolve it bc they don’t want to spend their own money to fix their mistake. I got an estimate for a new engine which is basically crucial and it’s over three grand. No matter where I take it everyone always says the same thing- to get rid of it before it’s too late. But I simply cannot afford to do that and I know my car is not the only one with this issue so many other people with the same car/engine have the same issue. 2. 4 l gdi !!!!! I wish someone would have warned me before buying kia. A recall to fix this issue is needed now. I lose control of the speed sometimes. I will keep my foot at a set position on the throttle and the engine will take off because it’s jumping to the usual power it should have. ( it has reduced power most of the time bc of the struggling engine) sometimes on the highway I’ll get a sudden burst of power and I have to let off the accelerator. Not safe at all.

Was on highway going 65, check engine light started flashing loss power. Couldn't go over 2000 rpms car would struggle to accelerate, car had been using up oil like crazy the week before. Stopped at an autozone car read code p1326.

Complaint message – 2016 kia Optima engine failure without oil light warning I am the owner of a 2016 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated at any point to warn me. I am aware that kia previously recalled earlier model years (2011–2014) for similar engine issues under recall sc147 and others, related to the theta ii engine and oil pressure-related failures. Many owners reported the exact same symptom — catastrophic engine failure without oil light warnings — that I am now experiencing in my 2016 Optima. Although my model year is not included in the existing recall, the failure pattern appears identical. I believe this presents a significant safety issue that should be investigated. A critical warning system (oil pressure light) failed to function properly, which directly led to engine damage. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated by NHTSA and kia for potential expansion of the recall or warranty coverage to include the 2016 Optima. I have already contacted kia and am pursuing further review through the dealership and customer support. Please note that other 2016 Optima owners have reported similar complaints online and in forums, and this issue may affect a broader number of vehicles than currently acknowledged. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but failed to accelerate as intended or change gear as intended. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the triaxle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Engine locked in while driving on road no power an won’t start.

I started having clicking sound in engine around 50k miles . Then my check engine light came on and my engine has been using so much oil. I have to get an additional 3 quarts in between oil changes. The clicking sound is getting louder and my car is now having issues accelerating. . My engine is failing and I bought this car brand new and have regularly maintained it .