Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Kia Motor Optima Hybrid - part 1

Kia Motor Optima Hybrid owners have reported 60 problems related to engine and engine cooling (under the engine and engine cooling category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Kia Motor Optima Hybrid based on all problems reported for the Optima Hybrid.

1 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 09/27/2025

I was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. I had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in hybrid mode. The vehicle suddenly lost all its power and a warning light came on flashing saying "check hybrid system turn off engine". I was forced to put on my emergency lights and quickly move over to the side of the freeway because the car lost so much power so quickly. It felt like the engine died and when I tried hitting the gas the vehicle would jerk. Once I got to a safe spot on the freeway. I called aaa to get a tow, then called the dealer to tell them. My wife and I have now checked the recalls for this car and all the customer complaints. There seems to be a similarity with the engine recall and or the hybrid electrical recall. It seems like kia is making sure to cover its tracks with the cars so it doesn't have all the 2017 models in the recalls affecting the hybrid system as well as the defects with the engine components. There is definitely a problem. But I saw in the carfax that the vehicle was inspected a lot by kia and that is why I would like it to get inspected by a 3rd party. I would like to get the vehicle inspected by a 3rd party before taking it to a kia dealer but I don't have a lot of money. Can you help with this at all. Please contact me ASAP. You have the VIN. I told you I just bought the car so I am going to either see if the dealership I bought it from will fix the problem since it broke down the day I bought it. You should be able to see we bought the car from by looking at the carfax for the VIN. And you have my permission to also be able to get my phone numbers from that dealer I really don't think kia should get away with these hybrid/engine problems with the car. Its very unfair to the consumers. If they as a manufacturer and dealerships are doing quick fixes when doing regularly scheduled maintenance. Thats unethical.

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2 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 02/06/2025

The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 mph, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that dtc: p1326 was displayed on the instrument panel, with the message, “for your safety – please pull over” displayed. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and there was a green liquid sizzling on the heat on top of the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the upper radiator hose had melted, and that the battery was an oem part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.

3 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 12/16/2024

The contact’s son owns a 2017 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started leaking oil. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

4 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 12/05/2023

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 mph, the vehicle stalled, and failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, an unknown warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,223.

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5 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 11/27/2023

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 mph, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine, abs, service vehicle, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the warning message "hybrid system failure" message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.

6 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 10/15/2023

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The message "pull over and shut down vehicle" was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the road, and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact was able to drive to the nearby residence, where the vehicle was parked. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and advised the contact to park the vehicle outside and away from structures. The failure mileage was approximately 128,795. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

7 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 06/07/2023

The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 21v844000 (engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph the "hybrid" warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving in a rainstorm, the windshield wipers failed, and the contact pulled over. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the "hybrid" warning light remained illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the main propulsion battery needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was no longer able to be started. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

8 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2018 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 08/01/2022

The contact owns a 2018 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "turn engine off immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 mph and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

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9 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 07/24/2022

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated the engine was previously replaced under an unstated NHTSA recall. The contact stated that five months after the repair, the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the replaced engine was defective and affected the high hybrid battery. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to replace the engine and the high hybrid battery; however, the vehicle remained at the local dealer because parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was unknown.

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10 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 06/25/2022

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 50-60 mph, there was smoke coming out from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The check engine warning light and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the engine was cleaned and the spark plugs were replaced; however, the failure recurred while driving. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot and park the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the local dealer and failed to restart. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be serviced because it was out of warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 23v652000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and to kia campaign number: sc200. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 131,000.

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11 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 04/24/2022

The contact owns a 2011 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "stop vehicle" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled and shut off on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 30,000.

12 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 03/05/2022

The contact owns a 2014 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, the vehicle decelerated with the "check hybrid battery and check engine" warning lights displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 122,000.

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13 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 11/01/2021

The contact owns a 2012 kia Optima Hybrid. The vehicle had previously been serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power, causing the wheels to seize and the vehicle came to a complete stop in a ditch. The passenger's side fender was damaged from the failure. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with bearing damage to the bottom of the engine. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced however, the extended warranty only covered the top of the engine and not the bottom of the engine, where the failure had occurred. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

14 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 09/01/2021

The contact owns 2014 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the "check hybrid system - turn off engine" message displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. On two occasions, the vehicle shifted to limp mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine was replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,997.

15 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 06/23/2021

The contact owns a 2015 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30-45 mph, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to continue to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 18v907000 (fuel system, gasoline, engine) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

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16 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 11/23/2020

Tl the contact owns a 2012 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 mph, the vehicle started to overheat. A warning light illuminated indicating that the hybrid battery power was low. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact coasted to the side of the road and the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to jts kia of columbia (230 killian commons parkway, columbia, SC 29203) to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

17 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 08/01/2020

The contact owns a 2013 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the hybrid system failure, pull over warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with a blown head gasket failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer for almost one year. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000. VIN was unavailable.

18 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 06/14/2019

I was traveling on the freeway when the dashboard read �hev system warning. Pull over and shut off vehicle. � engine then shut off. After nearly being hit by a semi-truck, I coasted from the carpool to the off ramp exit. The vehicle was able to travel at approximately 5-15mph and made it home safely. I towed my vehicle to the citrus valley motors in the city of ontario. They ran diagnostics stating it was a fuse in the engine and it will cost me $686. 97. Kia released information to the public stating they know the 125 fuse amp for the hybrid systems was the wrong size which can cause a �blow out� turning the engine off while driving. Kia stayed they needed to replace it with the 150 amp fuse in order to sustain the power to the engine. I called kia expressing my concern under the federal policy �lemon law. � kia told me �your warranty is expired by 3 weeks. We can not give you assistance. � my vehicle sits in the shop with a wrong size fuse and want me to pay for the correct size that should have been placed in their in the first place.

19 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 06/07/2019

On 6/07/19 while travelling to work on the highway, travelling about 65 mph, the dash display read check hybrid system, and suddenly shut down. Engine stopped running, steering wheel began stiffening, I coasted from the passing lane to the right lane and then to the shoulder without incident and was able to safely park the car. Kia failed to provide roadside assistance since the car has over 60,000 miles(actually has 95,000 miles), however I am still under the 10yr/100,000 miles warranty. The car was towed to the kia dealership via my insurance coverage. After the assessment I was told I had a blown main hybrid fuse. Charged $201. 24 to replace the fuse. I present this as a safety issue because had I been on a major highway with my grandchildren in the middle of traffic, there would be no way possible to reach a lane shoulder without possible harm or death. According to kia's own "technical operations notice - ps515(rev 2, 02/28/2019" dated August 2017), they are fully aware of this problem. The battery fuse is to be replaced from a 125 amp to a 150 amp. This fuse is part of the safety plug located in the trunk. As a owner I should have been warned of this possibly happening to the car and given the option to have this fuse replaced. . . . At kia's expense. For those still driving this year and make Optima Hybrid,please be aware of this occurrence. The 125 amp hv battery fuse should be replaced with the newer 150 amp hv battery fuse(part #375f2 4r150. See kia's pitstop: technical operations notice #ps515. Unfortunately my communication with kia proved fruitless.

20 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 05/11/2019

Hybrid warning light suddenly came on indicating that I should pull over while I was driving on the freeway. I immediately veered to my left to get to the shoulder, as the car had already died, and I was moving only on momentum. I was almost hit by a car behind me. I waited a while, and the car restarted. The engine light came on and went away later that day. This was a Saturday, and I took the car to the dealership on Monday. This was not the first occurrence. The first time I experienced the same scenario and also almost got hit by a car as I was trying to get to the right shoulder. My car did not start in that incident, and I had to get it towed. The second time was again the same scenario, and it did restart. Each time I took it to the dealership. Each time they said they couldn't replicate the problem, and they made ancillary updates, which didn't help. The third time it happened, I was adamant that they fix it because they were at risk of serious liability because I was being placed in extreme danger. Further, it brought about much anxiety knowing that this could happen without warning at any time while driving. My car is still within the 100k warranty. The first time, they refused to address it under warranty, and they argued with me about it only to concede later that, in fact, it was covered under warranty.

21 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 04/16/2019

The hybrid system broke down at 85k. Was replaced by kia after threatening legal action. At 103k. We never missed maintenance or a oil change. The engine through a rod on a 5 lane interstate doing 65mph, blowing and destroying the engine. Putting my family of 5 at serious risk. Kia wants 4500k or 8000k to replace the faulty engine. Optima engines were recalled for this exact reason. The Optima Hybrid engines were not recalled despite suffering the same failures as normal optima engines. Joining the class action.

22 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 04/07/2019

My name is ulugbek, I had problem with my engine on April 7th my engine suddenly knocked and stopped, but I had under the warranty when I took my car to dealership they said you're 2nd owner ,warranty works only for 1st original owner but im 100% sure it was recall issue. When followed by google same problem was with another people, I fixed it from my pocket 4400$ where is a justice I require justice, dealership have to pay for me please help me for this trouble.

23 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 04/01/2019

My active air flapp system is defaulting and transmission going out. Not to mention the hesitation when accelerating.

24 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 02/27/2019

Hello my kia engine seized on the highway I get routine oil changed and maintenance done that I could prove on my car the 2012 kia optima non hybrid has this recall on the engine . Kia did not include the hybrid engines but my hybrid engine is the same engine in the recall as the non hybrids.

25 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2011 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 02/24/2019

Ecu malfunction causing misfire in cylinder one resulting in ignition coil melting and and causing electrical fire in engine bay while in motion on local street. Vehicle is now inoperable.

26 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 02/18/2019

Tl the contact owns a 2012 kia Optima Hybrid. While driving approximately 45 mph, the "battery low, hybrid system failed, please pull over and turn engine off" message appeared on the instrument panel. The contact waited approximately five minutes, but the engine never restarted. The vehicle was towed to cavenaugh kia (3315 stadium blvd, jonesboro, ar 72404) where it was diagnosed that the battery was fine, but the engine seized due to sludge. A new engine was needed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

27 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 01/28/2019

Driving veh on hwy at about 70 miles per hour when within seconds the car just turns off completely. Scary!!! after taking to local kia dealership and them being stumped so much they called and spoke to kia engineers,( tech line case ref #13028149) I was told I needed to replace the pressure source unit. I did, did not fix it. In fact when I returned the part they said it is now not working. Mechanic suggested a new abs system. I also replaced that. . . . Veh is still not repaired. I have spent over $1600 and can still not operate my veh safely. Kia does not have a clear answer, and I have seen this complaint on this site more than once. Please recall this vehicle before someone gets hurt.

28 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 11/01/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2012 kia Optima Hybrid. While driving 40 mph, the "pull car to the side and turn off" warning message appeared on the instrument panel. When the contact turned off and attempted to restart the vehicle, all the instrument panel gauges and indicators illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart and was towed to kia of waldorf (3188 crain hwy, waldorf, MD 20603, (301) 645-1711); however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

29 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 10/18/2018

Tl the contact owned a 2015 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that ten minutes after parking the vehicle, it burst into flames without warning. The fire department extinguished the fire. A fire report was filed. The vehicle was totaled and towed away by the insurance company. The dealer was not called. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and planned to investigate the matter. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was approximately 60,400.

30 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2014 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 10/16/2018

When starting up the car you can smell a rubber burning smell comimg from the air vents. When driving the vehicle sometimes while driving it the car accelerates on its own.

31 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 09/11/2018

Vehicle would't start the engine randomly. Kia dealer wasnt able to find the issue since I brought my vehicle in and it was running at that time. Randomly shows hybrid system is not properly working.

32 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2013 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 09/03/2018

1. Driving vehicle on freeway and the engine blew. Kia rebuilt the top half of the engine. 2. Driving vehicle on street and the power steering went out. Took a lot of strength to steer to the side of the road. Kia reset main control unit to fix issue. 3. Driving vehicle on street and the power steering went out again. Kia wants to replace main control unit. Car has passed the warranty by 10k miles. Not covered.

33 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 08/18/2018

Driving and the dashboard said turn car off. Had towed to the dealer and they said $8500 for a new engine. . . Said the oil drain bolt was laying of top of the splash shield and no oil left in the engine, they wanted to know if someone was after us. . . What the heck. Fought with them for 2 months.

34 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2012 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 08/12/2018

Vehicle has 130,000 miles. While driving on a highway vehicle started to lose power when in cruise and motion is lost. Stepping on the gas does not get any acceleration. This occurred again on a highway and display gives me the hybrid error do not drive warning. This occurs when cruise is set and also not in cruise. I step on the gas and there is no acceleration. After shutting the vehicle off for a few seconds the car functions normally. I am also having back up camera issues which leads me to believe this may be an electrical issue. My display gives me the warning message about objects behind me but the image sometimes does not show. The image sometimes is there when I put the vehicle in reverse and sometimes not. These problems all started at the same time. Kia was contacted as we thought it may just be a computer upgrade. They told the dealer there are no upgrades. We also had a non dealer check the vehicle for error codes but there weren't any. The vehicle checked out fine.

35 Engine And Engine Cooling problem of the 2015 Kia Motor Optima Hybrid

Failure Date: 07/13/2018

Tl the contact owns a 2015 kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, smoke was seen coming from engine. The contact coast to a parking lot and parked vehicle. The contact got out of the vehicle and noticed flames coming from underneath the hood. The contact stated the fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot and deemed a total loss. The contact called seelye Ford of kalamazoo (3820 stadium dr, kalamazoo, mi 49008 (269) 375-3820). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 60,600. As.


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