I was driving my car in union NJ on September 25 2018. I was on my way to pick up my next passenger doing uber. When I get to the stop light less than a mile away from the customer I start seen smoke coming from the hood of the car. I accelerate the car so I can look for a safe spot to get out and inspect the vehicle. I took a right into the school parking lot and when I came out the vehicle the car was on fire! there was a police officer minutes within the car catching on fire and called the firefighters. Police called back up and another patrol officer came. Firefighters came in about 5 minutes and turned the fire off. The vehicle in totaled, everything in the engine bay burned. The police called a towing company and seton towing Inc came and took the car.

- Glenwood, NJ, USA

I've been maintaining the health of my 2012 Kia Optima ex since I purchased in 2014 like clockwork. Last month, I experienced all the dash lights come on while in motion on city roads and I was unable to use the gas pedal. I frantically pulled over and turned the car off then tried to start it, only to be met with a weird sound and a cloud of smoke from the hood. My starter was fried, according to my mechanic. I had it towed to my mechanic and when he changed the starter, the new starter burned again as well as the engine locked up/seized. After finding out a recall (SC147) was active at the time, I called Kia consumer assistance and they replaced the engine issues after confirming that was the problem. Once I picked my car up, I noticed the car was starting up in an odd manner but thought it was due to the engine replacement. About 3-4 days later, my car did the exact same thing as the first time (same smell, sound, and smoke cloud but luckily I was parked at the time). I assumed the starter would be a part of the recall since it broke down the exact same time as the recalled engine, I took the car back to Kia, who told me they wouldn't pay for a new starter even though the engine recall caused it to burn up in the first place and is considered a component of the engine. I contacted Kia consumer again and the case was given to an escalation manager. I had to speak to about 8 different agents and put an email in action to her supervisor to get her to even contact me on this issue. It took her almost a full month to contact and tell me Kia is not responsible for the starter. I'm confused as to why it would not be covered because I've never had an issue with my starter until the engine failed. I am at a loss as to what I need to do to get Kia to see who is really at fault. My mechanic also stated this is the 1st time he's ever seen those 2 parts break simultaneously.

- Fort Pierce, FL, USA

In November 2017 I continuously took my vehicle back and forth to the dealership due to my vehicle not started, and/or needing a jump. Jim marsh Kia had me replace my battery after 6 weeks of complaints and complications. Only for a week later to have me and my kids life at risk, heading South bound on I-15 my car flashed a warning sign stating do not start engine hybrid battery undetected and shut off while a semi truck was behind us. By the grace of god I was going down hill so I swerved to the side of the dessert and road to spare our lives. Just to have Kia tell me 4-5 different excuses as to why my engine failed.

- Henderson, NV, USA

Brake switch recalled on 2011 models, but my 2012 will not start mostly when it gets cold outside, brake pedal stiffens and wont decompress for engine to start, push buttn wont start car brake lights dont work. Vehicle will leave stranded without warning. It will work and then not work, intermitten.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 55 mph, the engine shut off and the engine caught fire. The fire extinguished on its own. There were no injuries. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited the same symptoms as listed in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not towed and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. It was unknown if the vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened investigation number: DP18003. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.

- Hickory, NC, USA

I have a 2012 Kia Optima sx. I brought it in for the engine recall the dealer said it passed no need to fix. A month later I was driving home from work. All of a sudden car gauges went crazy and engine seized. I saw smoke and popped the hood. I than saw a fire ignite inside the engine. By the time the fire department arrived the whole front end of car was burnt up. I see this is an ongoing issue with Kia vehicles starting on fire for no reason.

- Lake In The Hills, IL, USA

"takata recall"while driving this car on the highway I notice noise coming from the front. I've had problem with this same thing since 2012, first the string it would pull left and right on its own while drive straight. Kia said they would fix it. There was a recall on this problem, now my rack and pinion is broken, and that's because Kia refuse to fix that problem back in 2012 with the string. Kia sent us a settlement letter, which states they will paid us $531.95 by means of a check, it states it is understood and agreed that this settlement is a compromise of disputed claims and does not constitute, an admission of liability on the part of Kia. We did not sing that letter because Kia cars are no good! and there has been recalls since that letter was sent. They tried to black mail us we didn't fall for the scam. The company know this car is no good. If you need that letter sent to you I can do that to. Someone could die because of this problem its dangerous, I work in the mountains this problem needs fixing now not later now!!!. sincerely, need this problem fix

- Fresno, CA, USA

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 50 mph, the contact noticed smoke under the hood of the vehicle. The contact pulled the vehicle over, turned off the engine, and exited the vehicle. Seconds later, the vehicle caught on fire. There were no warning indicators illuminated. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was towed. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The vehicle was totaled. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Harvey, LA, USA

2012 Kia Optima sx. Consumer writes in regards to engine failure. The consumer stated the vehicle filled with smoke and the dashboard set on fire. The vehicle was a total loss.

- Oceanside, NY, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 65 mph, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle did not respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact stated that the vehicle began to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine seized and needed to be replaced. Palm springs Kia (located at 68130 kyle rd, cathedral city, ca 92234, (760) 844-7200) was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,725.

- Desert Hot Springs, CA, USA

On December 10th, 2018, my daughter was driving the Kia Optima 2012 from san antonio to houston on I-10 E. at 4:15 pm cst, the engine light and multiple other lights suddenly came on in the display and the car slowed to a stop before exit 591 (schertz). She was able to pull it to the right-side curb of the highway while the car was slowing and it stopped completely. She tried restarting the car a few times, it would not start, and she quickly noticed smoke coming from the front hood so she immediately exited the vehicle. She then called 911 as the smoke got worse and a few nearby drivers helped her quickly get as much of her stuff from the car as possible. Then they all moved across to a safe place and within 10 minutes the car had caught on fire (by 4:25 pm). See pictures attached. The police arrived and blocked the highway and after a while the fire truck arrived. It took some time to put out the fire as they were waiting until the half tank of gas completely burned. I had a few recall letters from Kia, so I had taken the car on November 30th to the dealership in conroe (cowboy Kia) and they took care of all the recalls ' a total of 3 items including the acu wiring extension installation. The dealer also did a multi-point free inspection and reported everything was in good condition. The car had around 54,000 miles. I also had an oil change recently on September 15th, 2018.

- The Woodlands, TX, USA

On December 9, 2018, I attended my son's soccer tournament on a cold Sunday afternoon (approx. 30 degrees). During half-time I decided to sit in my 2012 Kia Optima to warm up. After 10 minutes or so, I smelled something burning like the smell of a burning engine. I then noticed greyish blackish smoke coming out from the hood of the vehicle which quickly turned into flames. I immediately shut my car off and barely exited the vehicle in time. The entire bottom of the driver's door, driver's front wheel and hood was on fire. Within a matter of minutes, my entire vehicle was engulfed in flames. It should be noted that I got a brand new engine (so they say) installed by Kia just 8 months ago due to the recall. The car had been making a horrible noise so I took it to Kia and they informed me that my engine was bad and part of a recall. They ordered the engine and had it installed in a matter of days. Once again this was just 8 months ago!! I am currently working with my insurance company and the local fire department to determine the cause of the blaze however, due to the severity of the damages, we may never know what the true cause of the fire was is what was told to me. Kia needs to give me and the hundreds of others who have experience this type of trauma some answers as to why this is happening and how they plan to rectify this situation! this should not have happened. I should have been able to sit in my car in 30 degree temperatures for hours if I wanted without it going into flames. I am pleading with the federal government to investigate immediately. Please review all of the photographs below

- Magnolia, DE, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While the vehicle was being towed to a repair shop, the contact was informed that there were metal shavings in the oil. The contact was informed by the repair shop that the motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

- Winona, MS, USA

Waste gate rod goes out of correct specs causing loss of power on vehicle. Not able to accerlerate from take off while check engine light stays illuminated

- Suffolk, VA, USA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 35 mph, the contact noticed smoke under the hood of the vehicle. There was no warning indicator illuminated. The contact coasted the vehicle to the side of the road and exited the vehicle. Five minutes later, the vehicle burst into flames. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Monte Bello, CA, USA

SXT model 82K miles. Was driving on the highway and was accelerating to move into right lane when the engine cutoff. I was able to coast to the shoulder luckily without getting hit. The car would power on but the engine would not start at all. Check engine light and oil light were lit up. Called for tow. The next morning Kia evaluated the car the next morning and told me it was affected by the engine and cooling recall 17V224000. I had taken my car in months prior for the same recall but was told that I was not affected. This is a very dangerous thing to have happen to drivers especially after being told you are not affected.

- Atlanta, GA, USA

I was driving on the highway at 65mph when the pinging started. After getting off the highway it got louder as the RPM dropped. Becoming loudest at 3,000-4,000rpm. At this point the pinging became very loud. I pulled over to confirm noise coming from engine. Engine became rough as knocking continued. Power loss ensued and I drove the car several miles to my mechanic. He confirmed it was a rod knock. I was told a year ago, at san diego Kia, that my engine would not suffer the recall issued for my model. This was a year ago. Maintenance has been kept up with and no accidents have occurred since I acquired the vehicle.

- Waukegan, IL, USA

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and completely shut off. Also, the contact heard an abnormal noise under the hood without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then taken to Kia of greenville (2424 laurens rd, greenville, SC 29607, (864) 516-2700) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer stated that the VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was repaired. After the engine was replaced, flames were detected under the hood of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The fire department extinguished the fire. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot and declared a total loss. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 141,000. VIN is invaild

- Greenville, SC, USA

Driving my 2012 Kia Optima on the highway. Noticed the smell of smoke then visually saw smoke. Began to pull over and flames began to billow from under the hood. The brakes were not operational. Rolled to a stop and exited the vehicle. Car was fully engulfed within a minute.

- Miami, FL, USA

My car just turned off with several flashing lights while driving. I tried to start the car and nothing but a slight tick. I returned to the car with jumper cables to see if it was the battery and before I tried the jumper cables I tried one more time to start and the engineer caught on fire. The car did not turn over or seemed to be running.

- Canton, GA, USA