Power Train Problems of Kia Motor Optima - part 2

[xxx] 6:30am: 2016 kia Optima ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acceleration and immediately attempted to get over to the side of the road. Which was pretty [xxx] scary being that it's a busy freeway that early in the morning so everyone is laying on their horn while trying to get out of my way. It was either be stranded in the middle of the freeway or get over as quick as possible. My electronics were all still on however; my whole dashboard went from no "check engine" light to everything that could light up was lit up. I own a obd2 scanner so I plugged that in and scanned it. I received a code that read "p0014: exhaust camshaft position timing - over - advanced (bank 1)". I then had my car towed to a mechanic that diagnosed my engine and claimed there was "metal shavings" in my engine. And my engine was not turning; it seized up. I didn't believe him so I got a ride over to the shop and sure enough he simply had me pull my dipstick out to see the shavings on there. He also manually turned my engine with a socket wrench and told me it was harder than [xxx] to turn which was not supposed to happen. I tried it myself and sure enough it was tough as [xxx] to turn. He claimed I needed a new engine! he said I have the option to get it towed somewhere else or he can try and find an engine for me. I then called a kia service center in visalia CA and explained to them what happened. They said they will not fix anything due to me not having a computer update recall fixed on my car. Yet I had never gotten a notice in the mail for it like they were supposed to do back in 2018. The only one I had gotten recently was a "safety recall" which was to fix my trunk latch. I knew that would not have any impact on my cars running condition so I did not get that fixed. However had I known I needed an update I would've gone in a heartbeat. I did not take it to the service center being that they told me they cannot fix my engine. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia),.

See all problems of the 2016 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

At gas, the vehicle jumps/judders as if it’s not getting enough gas to get up and go, and then at higher speeds it goes fine. Was reported to horne kia while under warranty. They never found the issues. Months later issue was found by a new mechanic, now the vehicle is no longer under warranty and the tra codes are posted online. [xxx] reported August 2021 [xxx] reported December 2020 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2020 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Car stopped accelerating on the highway. Check engine lights and other lights went on. Dealership is refusing to inspect the car without the cel staying on. My family's life is at risk as long as kia deems this car safe to drive. The dealer and corporate refuse to inspect it without a check engine light staying on when starting up again.

See all problems of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

My 2016 kia Optima lx 1. 6 has been burning oil really fast. It also has been losing power when I try to accelerate with know check engine lights on. Currently the engine has a shake to it & is un-drivable. Oil gets to the spark plugs. I previously took my car to a kia dealership before I had a check engine light. They told me they could not do anything because a check engine light was not on. Now that a check engine light is on I was told by a dealer that it has an engine misfire. It has been seen by a dealership. This problem could have been prevented now knowing that this is a problem for many kia automobiles.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while at a complete stop, the vehicle would shut off without warning. The vehicle would resume normal operation upon restart of the engine. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an inspection; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

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Subject: complaint regarding excessive oil consumption and engine hesitation in 2019 kia Optima sx to whom it may concern, I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding my 2019 kia Optima sx. Despite meticulous maintenance and care, I have been experiencing significant issues with the vehicle that are concerning, especially considering its relatively low mileage of only 107,000 miles. The primary issues are as follows: 1. Excessive oil consumption: my kia Optima sx has been burning an excessive amount of oil, necessitating frequent top-offs well before the recommended oil change intervals. This is not only inconvenient but also raises serious concerns about the long-term health and reliability of the engine. 2. Engine hesitation: the vehicle exhibits extreme hesitation during acceleration. This hesitation occurs sporadically, making it difficult to anticipate and presenting a potential safety hazard, especially when merging onto highways or attempting to overtake other vehicles. These issues are unacceptable for a vehicle with such low mileage and are not in line with the quality and reliability I expected when purchasing a kia. Given the prevalence of similar complaints from other owners of the same model, it is evident that these are not isolated incidents but potentially indicative of broader manufacturing or design flaws. I urge the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) to investigate these issues thoroughly. Owners of the 2019 kia Optima sx should not have to endure such significant and potentially dangerous problems with their vehicles. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt action and response.

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I could not brake and almost caused a car accident. Brakes gave out, no gas, it smelled like it was going to catch on fire.

See all problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

This vehicle is a lemon. It is a 2019 with 81,000 miles. How in the world does the engine start knocking when I have consistently, kept up with the maintenance on this vehicle. If I do not hear something soon im weakening legal action. Since may 18th I have been without a car. I am a single mom and this is so difficult. Mind you it was towed July 5th from where it broke down on me.

I am writing to bring to your attention a critical safety issue with my 2019 kia Optima sx 2. 0 gdi turbo, which has accumulated approximately 103,000 miles. This vehicle has recently developed several serious problems that I believe pose significant risks to both my safety and the safety of other road users. Firstly, my kia Optima has been burning an excessive amount of oil. Specifically, it consumes over 5 quarts of oil within just 2,000 miles of driving. Despite thorough inspections, even from kia dealers there are no visible oil leaks, making this issue even more perplexing and concerning. Moreover, the vehicle has begun to shake violently while driving on the highway, which has led to a substantial loss of power in the middle of traffic. This unpredictable loss of power is extremely dangerous, especially at high speeds, as it compromises my ability to maintain control of the vehicle and poses a significant hazard to other motorists. Additionally, the car now emits a loud knocking noise, which appears to be related to the engine's internal components. This issue further exacerbates the vehicle's performance problems and raises serious questions about its reliability and safety. I urge the NHTSA to investigate these issues promptly. The problems I am experiencing are not isolated and may affect other kia Optima owners, potentially leading to widespread safety risks. I believe it is crucial to determine if there is a manufacturing defect or other underlying cause that needs to be addressed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of all kia Optima drivers. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am hopeful that the NHTSA will take immediate action to investigate these serious safety concerns and provide a resolution to protect both myself and others.

Power train and engine failure and causing my kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train for over $9000 between repairs and labor and transmission and engine.

See all problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

The car has been to the dealer several times for a transmission judder update under TSB: tra 083 and recently TSB tra 098 - both times they have done a anti-judder logic improvement. The car still judders and its a big safety concern. Many times I will go to pull out into oncoming traffic and the judder can be so bad the car wont take off. This happens several times a month. I have complained about this since I bought the car and primarily they blamed it on being a dual clutch transmission. Years later they have now 2 TSB and the issue is not solving the problem. The imparticular dealer that I use has told me they have never had to change out the clutch on this car and dont have the tools. They also said the way that kia uses software to monitor the judder never warrants a change in the dual clutch. I believe that kia should take responsibility and install their new updated transmission into this car.

The hybrid battery continues to malfunction and, randomly shuts down at any speed (even after short engine block was "repaired" by kia dealership). Also, an odor of burnt oil happens often while driving the car. It is available for inspection, if need be. Safety of all drivers at risk because car shuts down on freeways and highways. It's dangerous where cars driving at speeds of 65 mph are unable to break and avoid collision. Kia calls their recalls "campaigns". The kia dealer has acknowledged this problem and has performed maintenance, however the problem still persists. I have the recent receipt of service/ maintenance on my 2016 kia Optima hybrid on hand. The first time it happened was on September 25, 2021. There were no warning lights or messages, the car simply shut down and had no power and was not drivable. I took it to a hybrid mechanic who ran a diagnostic test. The hybrid mechanic repaired my car. 6 months later, while I was driving my car seized on me while I was driving on the freeway going 65 miles an hour. This time a warning on my dashboard showed that there was a problem with the hybrid control system on the car. We took it to a kia dealership and they performed a diagnostic test and said that I needed a new short engine block and hybrid battery replacement. (I have the receipts for the maintenance performed by kia dealership) it took 3 months for the kia dealership to rebuild the engine block and replace the hybrid battery. On March 7, 2024, my 2016 kia Optimal hybrid seized on me while I was driving 40 miles an hour. The message/ warning now says "battery management system failure" "possible bms condition. " "check hybrid system". Kia does not acknowledge that there is a problem with the hybrid system in the kia Optima hybrids. I've called and tried to file a complaint, however they tell me there are no problems with the kia Optima hybrids. Please investigate. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.

I need remedy compensation in regards of my recalls my engine warranty was gone after being replaced due to engine seized 01/01/2023 I had engine warranty since 2020 and now my car was being rejected refused rejected excluded iam being discredited I own my 2015 kia Optima I lived sleep in my car iam hoing through financial hardship since 2021 I need legal advice help assistance please.

The high voltage battery and the ability to drive or turn on completely.

I was getting on the freeway and my car suddenly just stopped accelerating. I even tried pushing the pedal to the floor and all power was gone. I was almost ran down by a 18 wheeler who must not have noticed my hazards had been switched on. A warning came on “check hybrid system. Turn off engine” when the car lost its momentum as I was pulling over and eventually came to a stop I followed the warnings directions and shut the car off since I couldn’t get any further anyways. I tried turning the car back on and then all lights and power instantly started flickering on and off and going crazy and then the warning came back on and then the whole car shut off by itself. I have been too scared to drive it since and I just got it back in October and I need a car to get to work and school and I don’t know what to do but the amount of danger this issue put me in is unsettling and cannot be overlooked. Not sure what caused the malfunction because so many different things happened at once that it was hard to tell it is available for inspection upon request a service center confirmed that there is a problem and they believe it is related to the coolant pump and hybrid battery there was one other time that a warning came up and it just said “check hybrid battery” but it went away only like a minute later and then a couple days after that I came outside to go to work and the car was dead but then I jumped it and it was fine up until the issue I first mentioned happened where I was put in danger a warning light that said !hev and the check engine light both appeared.

See all problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

While driving on the road, I came to a stop at an intersection. While waiting for the green light the engine stopped running. I tried starting the car by pressing the brake and the push start button and the car only clicked and did not start. I pushed the car off the road. After several attempts to start the car it wouldn't start and it started smoking it looked like it was coming from the starter location. It appears that the engine seized and it won't turn over.

Leased this kia by force from rightway auto here in indianapolis in. Had for about 1 1/2. First notice after filling up my tank gas was depleted within 3 days on driving 12 miles to and from work in town. Then oil start disappearing a week after oil changes. . Around Jan 8,2024. Check engine light start flashing driving the highway to work. Speed jumped down to 45. Engine start shaking if I tried to go faster. Got a engine light scan says needs knock sensor. Had it replaced. 6 months later. Car did the same thing. Same code. Knock sensor. Had it re replaced. 3 hours later car did the same thing. Each time while driving the highway almost got me rear ended. On June 27,2024 took it to ray skillman dealership. Found out knock sensor needed to be replaced again, this time along with plugs n worse apparently knock sensor throwed off spark plugs. Was told it's consuming a lot of oil they don't know why cause there's no leaks. Spent over 800 at the dealership. After paying 320. Replace part. Then another 140. Replace that replaced part. Less than a week after spending 800 at the dealership. [xxx]. On my way to work my car did the same thing driving on the highway where the speed limit I think is 70. Cars flying. And almost got rear ended again. Cause the speed of the car dropped to 45, engine light start flashing. Car started shaking. . So again I'm out of a car cause it has to go back to the dealership. Not enough money for lift to work n home. About to lose my job. Just paid my car note on the 23 of June at 700 plus insurance 175. . 1300 for rent. And a minimum wage paying job at the airport. Apparently the 5 yr warranty on the car is up when I just reached 10000 miles . And I only had this car for less than 2 years I think it had 90 something thousand miles on it when I got it. . I guess the makers of this car knew this trash would only last 5 yrs . Reason why it came with a 5 yr manufacturer warranty can someone please help. We the people are out of money. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information.

The contact owns a 2018 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal growling sound coming from under the floorboard, and the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that the rpm gauge was revving high while depressing the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not running normally. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was consuming approximately one quart of engine oil per week and the transmission was hesitating and was making the vehicle jerk while shifting gear. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,270.

See all problems of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Dear national highway traffic safety administration, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding numerous premature defects in my 2019 kia Optima, which have led to serious safety hazards and compromised driving conditions. Firstly, the premature valve cover gasket leaking has resulted in dangerous fumes infiltrating the cabin, posing a significant risk to my health and safety as well as that of any passengers. This issue has not only caused discomfort but also raised concerns about potential long-term health effects. Additionally, the premature turbo gasket leaking is a further cause for alarm. Not only does this compromise the vehicle's performance and efficiency, but it also presents a potential fire hazard, particularly if the leaking oil comes into contact with hot engine components. Furthermore, the premature defect of the axle shafts and axle boots is a critical safety issue. This compromises the vehicle's stability and handling, increasing the risk of accidents and potential loss of control while driving. Moreover, the premature engine knocking and abnormal shaking and lag are indicative of underlying mechanical issues that significantly impact the vehicle's drivability and safety. Engine knocking can be a precursor to more severe internal damage, while abnormal shaking and lag compromise the vehicle's responsiveness, especially in critical situations such as merging onto highways or overtaking. These issues collectively present a clear pattern of premature defects that pose significant safety risks to both myself and other road users. As such, I urge you to investigate these matters thoroughly and take appropriate action to ensure the safety and well-being of kia Optima owners. I look forward to your prompt attention to this matter and a swift resolution to address these critical safety concerns.

The vehicle has a seized motor within the manufacturers powertrain warranty. They are denying to repair/ replace the motor because they claim a recall was not performed. The NHTSA does not currently show the recall that needed to be performed. The vehicle should still be covered by kia's powertrain warranty and the dealer is not accepting responsibility.

I was with my family on PA I-476. While traveling home in our 2014 kia Optima the vehicle’s dash lights such as oil lamp, battery, etc popped on. As soon as I noticed the lights the vehicle had completely lost all drivability. Lights operable and possibly radio and accessories but I had to react so quickly as it was so unexpected. The vehicle completely lost its function and I was unable to operate it but in the capacity of steering and hardly able to break. Lost all power components. We are so thankful I was able to make a split second decision to Dodge traffic while vehicle was decelerating, 18 wheelers going by 70+ mph (speed limit) and pulled off to one of the few shoulders. This scenario was so dangerous that if I didn’t believe in a higher being before, I do now! most the lanes are sandwiched by concrete barriers and there happened to be a coned off area I was able to decisively pull over to. There was no warning this was happening. The vehicle was operating normally. The engine compartment was smoking and all I could think was to get my family away from traffic. The look on my wife and daughters face and the words my daughter asked me was life changing. The vehicle is at kia dealership since Saturday night. It’s Wednesday and they cannot provide diagnostic yet but are charging me for a starter already? they began to inspect vehicle Monday.

See all problems of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima 🔎.

Unknown.

This is my 3rd or 4th complaint on here with no response, help, or acknowledgement! my 2020 finally got engine put in and car does not drive the same. Steering wheel acts weird, the engine has a sound, the anti collision lights went off twice, but could be due to weather. Kia told me that it's my responsibility since my yr is not on recall. I'm surrendering this car ASAP to give me piece of mind before another engine is due. I met several people at kia that are on their 2nd and 3rd engine and the mechanics told me they know I will be back for another engine! this is wrong and now I'm out of alot of money and surrendering this will add more negative factors. I have my receipts but im not posting publicly.

System failed to pick up speed.

My 2020 kia Optima had engine failure and engine is being replaced now. I've had this car for 1yr/84k miles. It went limp on the freeway 2 mos ago and I could've caused an accident when it shut down. Would not go over 30 mps, engine light kept blinking and had knocking sound. Diagnostic code as the other recalls, engine is same for the other recalls 2. 4 theta, oil was black and almost empty & just had oil changei called kia corporate and they told me that they are not covering it since its not a recall. I have extended warranty but cna national warranty will only approve a used engine and a new one I would have to pay $3,000! I have made 2 car payments for a car that is immobile, $200+ for deductible, and $600+ for car service, this is not right at all. How can I get kia to correct this. I do not want this car or any other kia! I cannot afford xmas this year all because I chose the wrong car maker!!.

My car is dragging/hesitant to pick up speed. While on the highway, it takes a while to reach minimal speed. No warning lights are on, but one mechanic advised code, under turbo boost. My steering wheel vibrates at speeds above 40 mph (unsure if it's related to turbo), but no one seems to be able to find the core of the problem for repair, kia dealership included. I've been trying to seek repair for close to a year, without satisfaction.

Car will not go pat 60mph and I haven’t had this car just over 6 months. And the camshaft sensors are gone out. Smoke comes out the pipe when mash on gas…. It is really a bad vehicle. And southeast auto refuses to fix it. I really honestly think the motor is bad in it. Because I been having issues with it since I had it.

My 2015 kia Optima ex with 56,462 miles which I am the original owner. On 09/07/2024, my vehicle oil light came on and the vehicle was taken to weston kia in gresham, or. This vehicle has had regular oil changes every 3,000 miles since purchased performed at weston kia. The service department found a leaking oil pressure switch and preformed the repairs totaling $248. 60 on 09/08/2023. Per kia 10yr/100,000 powertrain warranty for original owner "in the engine: cylinder block, cylinder head and all internal parts, timing gear, seals and gaskets, valve cover, flywheel, oil pump, water pump and turbo charger, pg. 6. " I believe this part is covered per kia warranty and the definition of drivetrain "a powertrain is a system inside a vehicle, in a car, a powertrain consists of the engine or motor and its internal components, such as the energy storage system, transmission and driveshaft. " after reviewing all kia warranty information and speaking to customer service at 800-333-4542 (who stated the repairs are not covered), there is no information to the contrary that a oil leaking pressure switch that is located within the engine block is not covered. Kia would not provide any detailed information that shows this part falls outside of the terms of my 10yr/100,000 mile warranty.

My car has been consuming oil and has locked up and will not operate. This issue has been reported to the manufacturer by several other customers, and my car is not a part of the recent recalls. This issue could have caused me serious harm, had I been on a highway, or busy intersection. My car engine now doesn't work.

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake and steering column were inoperable. The contact stated that all of the warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that she was able to safely get the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The contact stated that the engine started smoking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic shop. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in December 2020 and March 2023, recall repairs were completed for the abs and tcu modules. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 94,700.

Vehicle dash check engine light came on 08/31/2023 code p200a was found. Several weeks went by and vehicle started to hesitate pretty bad vehicle was towed to kia dealership on 10/04/2023 : was told engine failure which needed replacement along with intake and several other required parts. Covered under powertrain warranty, vehicle was completed and ready for pick up on 10/17/2023 on 10/24/2023, on my way home from work, dash warning "engine has overheated" has came on. Vehicle was towed back to original dealership. Kia reportedly found "air pocket" in cooling system. Vehicle was ready for pickup same day. On 10/30/2023, on my way to work, dash warning "engine has overheated" has once again came on. Luckily I was able to get off the interstate and happened to be by a kia dealership in the area. At this time, info is pending.

I have already had to have motor and transmission replaced once under warranty. The replaced transmission was worse than the original problem. The original problem was hard shifting. Now I have intermittent hard shifting, occasional lunging forward, occasional shuddering while pressing accelerator, and feeling like there is hesitation to change gears. I have not taken it back to the dealer yet. I always get the excuse that they cant replicate the problem. It took me 2-3 years to get it acknowledged the first time.

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power and stalled. Several attempts to restart the vehicle failed. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer but was not yet diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 57,000.

I'm reporting these issue pertaining to the engine within the first 3 weeks after the engine replacement recall was serviced and completed. The vehicle was exhibiting the same defects and major health and safety hazards as before the new engine. Intermittent engine failure, even worse, while I was trying entering the hwy at speeds of 45-50 miles it jerked very violently and loss total power while vehicles were behind me nearly rear ended. Prior to this I reached out multiple times to have it serviced at again. The original service department didn't respond, so I called other service departments and was told it needed to be serviced by the original dealership/service department that replaced the engine. I had the vehicle in normal working conditions a few days before it began exhibiting the same problems as before the engine replacement. It was in operable condition but still stalling and refusing to crank unless primed, until it ultimately just would not crank at all and is back in the same condition it was before the new engine but it is not locked up currently. The time frame and milage between first experiencing the issues to now, March 2023-64745 started shuddering, loss of power while driving, but would crank right back up without issues. Happened a few times, charged up battery thinking is was am electrical issue. April 2023 more frequently the issues occurred, still same severity levels. May 2023 began happening every time at an idle, whether I was at a fast food in drive through placing an order, or to wash the car. Every time at an idle this would happen, and would take a few times of trying to start the vehicle and after about 5 seconds of cranking it would catch and work. I began placing the vehicle in neutral while at idle and it would assist in the stalling out sometimes. After a few days of this it refused to crank due to the engine locking up. Milage at this time was 68048. Aug 2023-new engine, drove about 2k miles-70207 current.

Vehicles has most recently developed a "whizzing" type sound coming from the transmission just before it shifts into the next gear. It is most discernible when it shifts out of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. I don't profess to know if modern transmissions have "bands" that are adjustable or not. Clearly, it is a sound that has never been present. There's been enough wrong with this kia, so why not transmission issues as well. I was at my dealer today for PA state inspection & emissions along with an oil change (a problem arose out of the oil change that I just sent into the NHTSA) and they have me coming in on September 12th for a diagnostic look.