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.
Engine caught fire! had picked the Kia Optima up the day before from the dealership, where they had installed a new engine, belts, and hoses. Had driven 40 minutes for a doctor appt. Got off the freeway. As I was approaching the light (about 3 blocks from freeway), noticed gray smoke coming from under hood on passenger side. With a broken left arm, had to get out and across traffic. Saw the flames as I was crossing the street. In under a minute, the front of car was engulfed in flames.
While driving at speeds higher than 45 mph, the steering wheel locks for a brief moment. This does not allow for a smooth way to keep the vehicle straight on the highway. Very scary. Antenna cover on top of car flew off on the highway. Read that it has happened to several other 2015 Optima models. Back up camera is foggy and I can no longer use it when reversing. Back taillights have condensation in them. I have already had one of them replaced early on.
Vehicle burst into flames without provocation. Vehicle was in perfect, pristine condition. Was in vehicle 5 minutes on way to work in am. Vehicle was being driven approx 5 miles per hour on a busy main road. Slowed down to stop at red light and the car died, instrument panel started flashing and engine burst into flames.
As I was driving on the interstate 3 vehicles passed waving frantically before speeding by. I noticed a reflective orange flicker along the base each vehicle. This was followed up by a loud knocking sound before I lost all accelerating power but retained RPM revs as I pressed the pedal. I allowed the momentum to get me as far up the exit ramp as possible prior to pulling over onto the grass. I placed the car in park and turned it off to be met with an instant roll of smoke up the front windshield, out of the front grill, and from the passenger side tire area. I exited the vehicle to the sound of liquid hitting a hot surface and hissing. I stepped away from the vehicle and looked underneath to be met with rolls of fire dripping to the ground from beneath the engine and along the bottom center of the undercarriage of the car. I immediately cleared the area and my vehicle was complete engulfed in flames in less than 4 minutes. No sensors or alarms notified me of any type of malfunction.
The antenna fin on my vehicle flew off at freeway speeds. Kia states it is not covered by the extended warranty. I have done research and have found 2014, some of 2015, and 2016 Kia Optima have been recalled for this reason. I have contacted Kia and they told me my vehicle was not part of the recall. The antenna fin on my vehicle has come off in the same manor as my of the vehicles reported and are a part of the recalls. I have attached a picture that shows the screws had been sheared off which you can see in the photo. This could have and may still cause a serious safety hazard to other drivers on the road.
- California City, CA, USA
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I have lost 2 of the trim panels above the doors on the exterior of the car. The brackets are not secure enough and the glue holding the brackets are no longer sticking. I cant drive long distances without the trim coming loose.
I was traveling East on a 4 lane road at 45 mph. As I was passing thru a green light, a westbound vehicle made an illegal left turn in front of me, causing me to "T-bone" his vehicle. All of his airbags deployed.....none of mine did. The car was repaired, surprisingly; yet I do not feel safe driving it. I sustained cervical and lumbar spine injuries, as well as a severe whiplash and concussion. I am unable to work, due to surgery that was necessary. I just need to know if this car is safe?? I was also in a side collision that was not my fault; two years ago, where someone hit me, and no airbags deployed. At that particular accident, I was stationary; at a stop light.
Took my car into the dealership ( atlanta West Kia, douglasville, ga) for an oil change, tire rotation, etc. I was notified when I checked in that there was a computer recall for an upgrade of the computer/electronic system. They informed me that they would do that while performing the other service work. 3 weeks after the oil change I was driving on the interstate the car sudddenly lost power after a big puff of white smoke and loud noise. I worked my way over to the nest exit and proceeded to turn around to go back home. No warning/engine/oil lights came on during this time. I called the dealership and never returned my call, with no results. We checked the oil the car was 3 quarts low. Continue to notify the dealer to no avail. The car needed 3 quarts of oil everytime I checked it weekly. Let me reinterate that the car was running fine before I took it in for service in Nov 2018. I called Kia Corp. They infomed me that my car was not under recall and that there's nothing they can do becasue I had 68K on the car. They asked me to have it towed in for diagnostic test. Now they want me to provide all the service records. The service records was in the Kia dealership system as I have used that dealer (prior owner) for most of my work. I am not sure what happened to the service records. At this point they refuse to replace the engine. Kia has recalled every year but 2015 - apparently they think they got it right in 2015 since the motor was built in a different location. The engine I S pracically gone and I have had the car less than 4 years. I purchased band new off the lot 9/2015. I feel like they should be made to add the 2015 Kia Optima to the engine recall list before someone get seriously hurt either by the car stopping in highway traffic or catching on fire. Door handle on the driver's side contiues to stick and the dorr will not open from outside or inside.
At approximately 4:30 a.M. on November 12, 2018, the engine became fully engulfed in flames while the car was parked on the street in front of our house and turned off. No one had driven the car for several hours. The fire destroyed the entire front end of the car, melted the tires and filled the interior of the car with smoke. Fortunately, the fire department arrived and put out the fire before it spread to the gas tank.
Body paint is peeling on hood and rear bumper ; Kia dealer said Kia only warrants the paint job for only 3 years. I am contending Kia knows this and is deceiving its customers from day 1; unacceptable !
Shark fin antenna cover fell off. This is reported to happen to many 2015 Kia Optimas. There is no replacement fin and to fix the issue a whole antenna kit has to be installed. Apparently the screws that hold the antenna fin down rust overtime and eventually cause the fin to pop off. This presents a problem that would allow water to enter the vehicle and cause damage.
Was at light then proceeded once light turned green traveling on left lane on a 2 lane city road. Used turning signal to move to right lane when another car that had turned at the traffic light on to the road I was traveling on. I did not see the car after turning to look due to the blind spot in rear of my car. At the time I hit the other cars front left fender/tire area causing minor damage to both cars. I was ticketed for improper lane change even though I turned my signal on & looked. I now have to go to traffic school to keep points off my license & pay out of pocket for repair damage to my car. There have been a few other close calls when attempting to change lanes due to the blind spot area in my car.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Hesperia, CA, USA