Engine Knocking Noise problems of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

While driving, the engine began making a loud cyclical knocking sound. We had it towed to the local kia dealer whose reported diagnosis was "characteristic of rod bearing failure" and we were informed that the only remedy was to have the engine replaced. Informed by local dealer that kia had declined the claim to have it replaced and that the only course of action was to take it up with kia consumer affairs. After multiple conversations with kia consumer affairs (including a 2 week time lapse during which they would take out calls but not notify us of decisions made unless we called them), we were finally informed that even though all other 2011 kia optimas had been recalled up to 125,000 miles, for "rod bearing failure" and thus had their engines replaced, our 2011 kia optima was not covered for rod bearing failure because it was a hybrid. They would not assist in any way with replacing the engine even though this is a well documented issue with kia optimas. The local dealer offered a used engine for the whopping price of $5474. 17 with no warranty or to rebuild the engine with parts they would have to order from korea for a whopping total of $5710. 75. The latter option would include a 12,000 mile warranty but would require a lengthy wait on the parts to arrive from korea. Evidently, kia does not keep needed parts in the entire united states which sounds sketchy at best. After much deliberation and agony, we will sell the car for scraps. We cannot risk spending almost $6000 on a car and cooperation that we now have very little faith in. We will never own a kia again.

While driving on the high way the engine started making a knocking sound and then there was a burning smell and the car would not accelerate then the car shut off. I was forced to switch lanes and get off the nearest exit.

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that the engine seized while driving 60 mph. The contact was able to coast the vehicle over to the emergency lane. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact was able to drive the vehicle. The contact also stated that the vehicle made a very loud knocking noise and sounded like something was dragging from the bottom of the vehicle. The contact coasted to the side of the road and was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown kia dealer in irvine, CA. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be torn down to determine what caused the failure. The technician diagnosed that the failure was due to a rod bearing and there were metal shavings in the oil pan; however, the vehicle was free of sludge. The manufacturer was contacted. Because the contact was the third owner of the vehicle, the vehicle would not be repaired for free. The contact was also informed that the failure was identical to a previous unknown recall. The vehicle had a 100,000 mile warranty, which was no longer valid. The approximate failure mileage was 67,000. The VIN was not available.