This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I've seen in other forums about engine recalls. I was never notified and the engine in my car disintegrated. It was replaced with an engine from a wrecking yard. This should be covered by manufacturer. I had issues with the brake lines rusting out. This should not have happened either. Not being able to service the transmission and arguing with the dealership about this should be replaced by manufacturer!
On Saturday 9/14/19 my daughter was driving on the highway when she heard a noise and the check engine/oil light came on and then a driver pulled up next to her and told her that the car was on fire. The engine ended up in full flames.
My check engine light keeps coming on. At first it would go off and on with no code. Now it stays on with the code P0420 for the catalytic converter. Also I heard about an air bag recall
My Kia Optima began consuming large amounts of oil but it wasn't leaking out or burning off anywhere. I began to watch the oil levels closely and was down 2 qts every week. At some point the oil pressure got too low and we think sucked air into the engine. The check engine light came on and then off again as it has been for the ppast yr but for an evap problem - a very small leak kept getting detected. I spent $1800 at Firestone the previous ur the colder kept coming back on and off. But this didn't explain the sidden massive oil consumption. Suddenly on Oct. 21 my car suddenly idled very high without moving and the the check light came on again and stayed on. The engine began to knock loudly especially when accellerating or climbing hills. My mechanic friend told me one of the engine rods was damaged and the computer code check verified that the crankshaft timing oil control valve was not working properly. This would explain the low oil pressure and damage to the engine. I was able to find the problem on Kia's website with many complaints regarding the same issue. Kia had a recall regarding this problem for many of their cars but of course not mine. I was very upset over it. I had gotten the car only 3 years prior and it only had 150K miles on it. I took really good care of it. Kia said they could do nothing. My only option was to junk the car and have to buy a new when I wasn't in a position to do so. Kia has disappointed me greatly. Because of this problem I may never but another Kia. I was so excited about getting my Kia as it had all the features I wanted in a car and at a very good price but it iis only good if it runs. This problem should have been included in thw recall for my car as it is a huge problem as I read complaint after complaint online from other Kia Optima owners. The engine computer code that came up was PO600011
Engine taps even after an oil change. Had a mechanic look at it said it was my engine the back end. Said that their was a recall on my engine because he has had to replace several of them already. Looked it up and there is no recall. This happens while vehicle is in motion, stationary.
- Georgetown, DE, USA
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The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 mph, the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road, without any warning indicator. The vehicle was pulled to the side and was towed to a local dealer the following day. The technician diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000. The VIN was not provided.
The contact owns a 2007 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 50 mph, the engine started to make an abnormal noise. The engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the main bearing in the engine failed causing one of the rods to fracture. As a result, the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
My husband and I used a premium oil filter (not Kia), and a few weeks later had a knocking in the engine. I took the car to a shop up the street and was told that since we used an oil filter that was not Kia, the filter caused metal in the engine which now needs to be replaced. I called Kia Consumer Affairs and explained the issue. With all the information that was sent to me in 6 years, not one piece stated that you are required to use a Kia oil filter. The shop that I originally took the car to had to do some research and stated that there are bulletins out that are only around 2 years old. While speaking with Consumer Affairs, I was told that the car needed to go to a Kia dealer to be diagnosed. I then had the car towed to a local dealer which stated the same thing. Now, the kicker, they will not help in fixing the engine because I am over the 100,000 mile mark. On top of that, I am now charged a tow bill and more diagnostic fees on top of what I already paid in which they will not pay for either (since they required the car to be at a dealer for assistance). I call the Consumer Affairs lady that I have been working with, and she will not return my call until I call the 800 number and tell them I need to speak to someone or I will be going to the local media as well as any social media avenue I can. The dealer that I purchased the car from will also not honor the "engine for life" that I signed unless I can provide all receipts from the last 5 years on any maintenance that I did on the car outside of a dealer (air filter, etc). I have recently been married and the account closed. And - who keeps their receipts for 5 years on air filters?? this is not only poor customer service for a loyal consumer, but the lack of follow through with what you "agreed" to and signed upon purchase not being honored.
I was in a crash and I have to say that this is a problem. After I received my car back from the body shop the car has been malfunctioning ! the 2.7L has stumble on and at acceleration the failure is the throttle position switch this is a safety problem for all driver's that drive a 2007 Kia Optima. The malfunction occurs five times in one day. This problem may cause severe or fatal injuries to the occupants in the vehicle. Nothing was done to correct the failure and the old throttle position switch is available! I really thank that this is found to have a defect that affects safety and the automakers need voluntarily announce a recalls on all the 2007 Kia Optima that have the same throttle position switch as this vehicle.
I was driving and without warning. The car suddenly stopped. I managed to get it to the side of the road. It started smoking and a small fire from engine. No warning lights, nothing. I purchased the care brand new in 2007 and had all required maintenance including new tires. This car just stopped while I was driving. I could have been seriously injured, but it was late and no traffic. I the was towed to Kia dealer. The said the engine is shot. I towed to another dealer, they said there is a whole in the engine. Repair cost $7,000. The car only has 62,000 miles on it. I'm appalled!
I was driving the vehicle and it started shaking and slowing down on it's own. Then it just cut right off on me. I pulled over and tried to restart the vehicle...to no avail.....there were no warning lights or anything going on.....I had to get it towed to my mechanic who informed me that he felt it was either the starter or the alternator...he replaced the starter first and then told me the engine had ceased and I would need a new or rebuilt on put it. I had just changed my oil a week or two ago...so it could not have been that...so I'm hoping by writing this someone will look into it since I bought the car from a dealer and have only had it less then a year.
While driving my 2007 Kia Optima at approximately 70 mph, I heard a loud pop from the engine compartment. I immediately lost electrical and engine power. I managed to steer to the shoulder where I came to a stop. Once my Optima came to a stop, white smoke began billowing into the passenger compartment. My wife and I got out. Once we did, there was another explosion from the engine compartment which sent burning shrapnel out from under the engine compartment and the entire front end of my car erupted in flames.
The back turn signal, back lights and front low beams continue to burn out. They have been replaced multiple times by professionals and continue to blow. I would guess there is a short some place. Recently the right low beam headlight went out, had it replaced and it blew fuses. Once the fuses and relay switch had been replaced the left low beam light will work if the right one is disconnected. I have come across multiple complaints about this, I contacted the dealer and they claim this is not a common issue, and want $115 to run test. Also the blower motor for the heat/air makes lots of noise and I was told that is just the way it is, I know that's not true. When its cold out the car makes lots of squeaking noise and I was also advised that's is "normal". I purchased the car new in 2008 I have approx 67,800 miles and have had to replace the tires 3 times.
I came to a complete stop and proceeded to turn left when I noticed the check engine light came on and as I pulled over there I noticed a thick cloud of blue smoke out of my rear view mirror. I opened the hood and saw flames at the back of the engine around the transmission and airconditioner area of the car. Flames continued until the interior began burning and windshield broke.
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- Alliance, OH, USA