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.
May 13, 2024, we received a letter from Kia America that parts were available to correct the fire hazard detailed in NHTSA Recall Number 23V652000. This followed the Interim notice that was communicated to us on November 12, 2023. Around June 1, we made an appointment to perform the recall work on [XXX] at Classic Kia in Texarkana, TX. After a two hour wait on [XXX], we were informed that the replacement part was not available. They apologized and said that they would order the part and let up know as soon as possible when the repair could be made. On June 20, we followed up with the Service Manager and were told the part would arrive the next day and he would call and confirm a new appointment. Rather than doing this, on June 21, we were told that the part was unavailable and on back order, they didn't know when the part would be available. They hoped it would be in a week or two and they would call us when it was available. It seems unacceptable that the replacement part for such a serious safety concern is not immediately available given the time frames involved. Kia had six months to plan the solution, we provided approximately 3 weeks for the dealership to order the part, and we are still being told that it could be more than 2 weeks before it is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
After driving the car over 15 miles, the Check Brake Light comes on, activating my emergency brake, slowing the car down and preventing me to accelerate. This happens on the freeway, where traffic is fast and my decelerating car puts me and those around me at risk of collision. Once it occurs the first time, it happens again a few minutes later. I have to frequently veer off the side of the freeway, turn off the car, and then turn it on again for the Check brake light to go away and for me to travel once more. This has been a problem for a couple of years with me trying to get the issue repaired, and documented in my visits. Kia and other service operatives have repeatedly not been able to replicate the error in their care, however they never drive it long enough for it to occur. I-??ve spent a lot of money now trying to fix this problem and have videos and photos of it occurring. The last time it was inspected they only drove it 6 miles and said there were a lot of little codes going off but weren-??t again able to replicate the problem I had been describing. It first appeared 2 years ago and I can feel it start to come on when I-??m not able to accelerate my car any further like there is an added resistance. This then amounts to the check brakes display to appear with the emergency brake icon always accompanying it. It makes a scraping, gargled sounds and slows down the car. Overall it has affected the overall drive of the car and braking system as it is growing harder to stop the car when driving. The brakes have been repeatedly checked as well as the fluid and it-??s normal, so it should be braking normally. This car has had other issues in the past that have been fixed but this has continued and has been a growing issue that is not being resolved. I-??ve googled this issue with others expressing the same issue without ANY viable solution from Kia so I know I-??m not alone in this. It-??s not safe to drive. Also I tried uploading the videos but it only allowed the pictures.
I was driving out of town and when I went to accelerate and the engine had seized, the brakes had locked up and I lost power steering which almost resulted in an accident. On the dash was showing the engine, oil, and esc light, which were not on the dash before and there was nothing wrong or weird going on with the car prior to the first incident to even indicate that something was wrong. Had to get the car towed home then realized there had been a recall on the engine. Contacted the kia manufacturer and they had towed it to a kia dealership where they replaced the engine. Waited 2 Months to get my car back, the dealership let me leave with the ABS and Eps light on the dash, and couldn't give me a reason why the lights were still on. I had it for 3 days, it drove okay and now it no longer drives nor does it start. I was stranded because the car wouldnt start again giving the same issues as before the recall repair was done, with only accessories turning on. On the dash it only shows Engine, Oil, Eps and battery light. Found the Serpentine belt already coming apart and misplaced, found strips of the belt laying in the bottom of the hood. Also had found out the entire engine block ROCKS BACK AND FORTH while car is in motion. If I had driven the car any longer the belt would have completely snapped and would most likely result in an injury or worse. With the Engine movement that is also going to cause other damages to the car and more safety hazards. I have not even known about the engine recall on this car until after everything happened and when the car was purchased no one had notified me in anyway about the recall. Now they refuse to cover towing costs back to the dealership because the "5 year warranty had expired" When this in no way is my fault. Second incident was Oct. 17th 2022.
- The Dalles, OR, USA
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The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the rear brake light failed to illuminate properly with the brake pedal depressed. The traction control warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that when the vehicle was turned on, the transmission shifter became difficult to move without depressing the brake pedal. An appointment was scheduled at the dealer bob bell Kia of baltimore (7900 eastern ave, baltimore, md 21224) to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 13V114000 (service brakes, hydraulic, exterior lighting) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Kia Optima 2011 took a turn for the worst on July 2 2018, my Kia Optima caused me to plummet into traffic after my brake didn't perform L. that's car had been taken to Kia for all service need and car still perform poorly. Have to restart my car multiple time just for it to act right. Car stops one me in the middle of the street one day. I have a 3 old and that day she could have been with me. I lost my license and my money I invested for a safe car for me and my child.
While parked in various locations (on street, at gas pump, in parking lots), and on about 8-10 occasions, I was unable to get the car to start after depressing the brake and start button on my car. All the lights lit up on the instrument panel and the radio went on as well - the rest of the car electrical system worked fine. The brake pedal became very stiff and was hard to depress. I put my key fob into the bypass in the trunk and it still would not start. The only way to get the car to start was to depress the stiff brake pedal, then shift from P to D and back again. Then the brake pedal seemed to loosen up and I was able to start the car successfully. I had researched the remedy through you tube. The first time it happened was October 2, 2018 and it has happened about 8-10 times since then. I have a video of the problem, but not of the solution that I found online, therefore I am unable to attach any documentation. I noticed that the replacement of the brake switch was "voluntary" NHTSA # 13V-114, but feel that this should be a mandatory fix instead since it has happened so often to me. Just last week when it happened again, I remembered what to do quickly as I was stuck in a long line at the gas station just last week, with cars honking at me to move when I could not. It happened to me the last time just yesterday 10/8/2019 inside my garage. Please look into making this a mandatory recall. I will be contacting my local dealer this week as well. Thank you.
I have continued to replace my headlight and taillight over a 5 month period. I was stopped the other day because my brake light and tail light weren't working. I replaced the lights and the brake light wasnt effectively working but the turn signal was working. Now today the brake light and turn signal are working but my light that makes the car visible at night isn't and my yellow lights on the headlights only work when I press the brake.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact received an unknown recall notification regarding the engine. The vehicle was taken to sunset Kia of bradenton (4770 14th St w, bradenton, fl 34207, (941) 752-1000) where the engine was tested and passed. The contact stated that the engine had been sputtering prior to the test. The dealer stated that the failure was due to lack of oil, although the vehicle recently had an oil change. The dealer also stated that they did not find metal shavings while conducting the test and the check oil indicator was not illuminated. Approximately one week later, while driving, the engine seized in the middle of the road. The vehicle was towed back to the same dealer who stated that a new engine was needed due to the recall. The check engine indicator illuminated and the vehicle was towed to another unknown dealer where additional recalls were discovered. The unknown dealer found a deteriorated clamp that caused the hose to become loose and the engine to jolt. The vehicle was repaired, but there was no mention of the deteriorated clamps on the invoice. When the contact retrieved the vehicle, the air bag indicator illuminated. The dealer stated that the indicator was illuminated when they received the vehicle. The contact also noticed a fuel odor and noticed that the fuel pump was gushing fuel. The contact researched the failure and found that it was caused by the initial engine replacement and the brake booster hose was not properly secured. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 86,000.
Takata recall- while traveling to work going 40mph I attempted to slow down my car approaching a red light on burlington ave/ mo-9. as I pressed the brake pedal, the brakes made a thumping noise but did not slow or stop the car. I lifted my foot and pressed down on the brake pedal again, and as before the brakes made a thumping noise but did not slow or brake my vehicle. There were cars stopped at the red light that I was approaching thus I turned my wheel to the right avoiding hitting the cars at the red light, jumped the median, and crashed into another vehicle. Both vehicles have been totaled out.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. While driving at unknown speeds, the brake warning indicator was continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 84,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. While driving various high speeds, the brakes malfunctioned. The contact stated that the vehicle would not stop completely when the brake pedal was depressed and the front end of the vehicle shook upon attempting to stop. The contact was able to eventually stop the vehicle. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000. Updated 09/06/17
On September 7, 2016, I was driving down the highway at 70 mph in my 2011 Kia Optima when all of a sudden the engine shut off and all of the lights on the dashboard came on. I could hear the engine rev slightly when I stepped on the gas, but the car would not accelerate. The engine just shut off. It was 7:30am when this occurred so luckily there were not many cars on the road yet. I was able to get the car over, however, because the engine was off, the breaks would not work well. I was finally able to get the car to stop by continuing to hit the breaks and applying the emergency break as well. Kia recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles, however, I usually have mine done every 5,000. I had zero warning signs that something was wrong with my car. The last oil change was performed on August 31, 2016, and the mechanic that performed the change said everything looked fine. There was zero smoke coming from the engine or exhaust and no "knocking" sound in the engine. I had the car towed directly to the dealer. Once there, we tested the battery and it seemed a little low. Mind you this is a new battery purchased from costco about 2 months ago. We tried jumping the car and after trying to start the car a 3rd time, the engine started shooting out black smoke and had a foul smell to it. Several hours later, I received a call from the dealer authorizing $280 to open the top of the engine so they could take pictures and send it to Kia.. I searched on the internet and found several other 2011 Kia owners experiencing a similar issue and was just told by a friend the same thing happened to her 2011 Optima as well. Looks like Hyundai had the same issue and it is the same engine as the Kia and had a recall. My car had 101,500 miles (mostly highway miles) and the only issue I ever had was to replace a clockspring in the steering column about 6-months ago.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. While driving at various speeds, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to slow down. The contact stated that the brake pedal had to be depressed with extreme pressure for the vehicle to stop. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the vehicle was operating normally. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Travelling at approximately 30 mph (had just turned onto road)when engine seemed to accelerate on its own. Pressed brake pedal (hard) and did not slow car at all. Continued to press brake and also pumped but nothing slowed vehicle. Although saw truck well ahead of me stopped, I could do nothing to stop or even slow down. I wrecked into back of truck stopped ahead of me waiting to turn. Approx $8000 damage to my car mostly due to truck having a sizable trailer hitch on back that busted through a lot of front end plastic, cooling system, etc and buckled hood. No injuries but if would have happened at higher speed it would have been tragic. Officer upon arrival also noticed thatbrakes seemed to fail and noted it on his police report. I have since found internet sources indicating that some 2011 Kia had in fact has a tsnb issued for unintentional acceleration problems. I never received such a bulletin and have had numerous services performed at Kia dealership. Also, have had brakes checked multiple times at dealer and delaer inspection never indicated any problems. I hav ealso found documentation online that says if you have an unintentional accelleration, pressing the brake hard is the first step to do, but once you let off the brake, you totally lose brake pressure. Who possible would know that ? this accident is totally the result of a system failure of the vehicle and I am asking for assistance in persuing my damages as a result of this failure.
If there is light wheel spin upon takeoff (especially turning and accelerating, such as pulling out of a parking lot onto a road) it causes car to lose power for a few seconds. When this happens accelerator can be depressed all the way to floor and vehicle does not have power and will not accelerate. Car also activates anti-lock brakes when lightly pressing the brake pedal while driving over a small bump at speeds greater than 25 mph. These symptoms occur with stability control engaged (default setting when car is turned on) stability control / traction control is overly sensitive, and can cause an accident.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. While the vehicle was parked, the stop lamps failed which caused the brake warning light to illuminate. In addition, the transmission shifter would not move out of the park position. The vehicle was serviced under NHTSA campaign number: 13V114000 (exterior lighting, service brakes, hydraulic), but the remedy failed to repair the vehicle. The contact mentioned that the brake warning light would illuminate intermittently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 72,000.
I have a 2011 Kia Optima LX, 2.4 liter engine. Always keep up on the maintenance and oil changes, car is in great shape. I was not experiencing any issues, warnings, no check engine/oil lights, no noises, absolutely nothing. Then last night my car just sputtered and cut off while being driven. Apparently when the engine cuts off, so does the brakes. There was no way to push the brakes, so I had to try to safely coast to the side of the road, with no brakes and no power steering. I finally pulled over, tried to restart the car and there was such a loud knocking noise, and some squealing noises as well. The car will no longer start either. I had a mechanic look at it today and says the engine is "just gone." No explanations at all. I verified that the Kia Optima and the Hyundai sonata are the same manufacturer and use the same engines. I see there are way more complaints about the 2011 Hyundai sonata with this same issue. I will try to notify Kia and see if they are willing to step up and correct this even with the warranty expiring 7,000 miles ago, since I am the second owner. I have found many complaints about this same thing for both the 2011 Optimas and sonatas. This is so dangerous because there are no warnings, and the engine cuts off in traffic, which also causes the brakes and steering to go out. Not safe at all.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Magnolia, AR, USA