Engine Rattling And Whining Sounds problems of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Three problems related to engine rattling and whining sounds have been reported for the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid based on all problems reported for the 2012 Optima Hybrid.

1 Engine Rattling And Whining Sounds problem

Failure Date: 04/11/2019

While driving on a highway around 45mph, the engine suddenly made a rattling noise, then shortly after, made a loud squealing noise and then a sudden jolt. The car shut down and showed an error about the hybrid system malfunction and I experienced a quick drop in speed and was unable to accelerate. After pulling over, the car would not start. Car was towed to dealer and they were able to start vehicle, but it makes a loud �clanking� noise and car vibrates. Dealer informed that appears a part inside engine had failed and will need complete engine replacement.

2 Engine Rattling And Whining Sounds problem

Failure Date: 03/06/2018

Upon entering the freeway, my car suddenly made a loud rattling noise. The screen on my dashboard wrote along the lines of "hybrid system warning: safely stop and do not drive!" then my car's engine begins to rev randomly and became unresponsive to my control. I'm not even sure how I managed to pull over, but made it to the side and turned on my emergency lights on a very busy freeway at night. The emergency lane I was pulled over in was so narrow, I had to stay in my car. My car then began to turn on and off repeatedly until it became completely dead and all my lights went out, including my emergency lights. I was praying no car would hit me as I waited for a tow. Had it happened even a second later, such as when I would be traveling at highway speeds, I would more than likely have been in an accident today.

3 Engine Rattling And Whining Sounds problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2017

I started my car and started driving back home and as I got onto the freeway and the engine turned, I could hear a rattling noise that would match the rpm of the engine. By the time I got home the engine was loud and squealing. I towed it to the dealership the next day, where they said that I needed a new engine due to a"bearing/ connecting rod issue". Which is a reason there is a recall on select optima models. But the hybrid models are not included for some reason. I suspect the failure rate on the hybrids to be abnormally high as well.




Safety Ratings of Optima Hybrid Cars
Fuel Economy of Optima Hybrid Vehicles
Optima Hybrid Defect Investigations