10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
19,521 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

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.

2018 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 2 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #74

Dec 052023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have had this car in the shop multiple times for a engine light that kept coming on, they would reset and say they couldn't see anything wrong. Well my car died in Dec, it made a noise and would not accelerate. To avoid any further issues I parked it and had it towed to a dealership. They told me the catalytic converter had come apart taking out the turbo and it would cost me $6k to fix. I decided to see if i could find parts cheaper, to find no one anywhere in the US or Canada has a converter for this car and it seems many dealerships have customers on waiting lists to get one, so I am now wondering if this is in fact a pretty large problem Kia is not addressing. I called Kia and got a very canned answer that parts were hard to come by right now and it could be up to 2 years to get the part. So I am now paying for a car i cannot drive and have no idea at this point if I will ever be able to drive it. i am hoping you are able to do some research to see if this is a bigger problem that nobody seems to be talking about. thank you

- Erda, UT, USA

problem #73

Feb 152023

Optima

  • 88,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that on one occasion, 3 quarts of oil were added to the vehicle after less than 1,000 miles of driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who initiated an oil consumption test. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer twice after 1,000 miles; however, upon returning to the dealer the third time, the dealer informed the contact that they could not complete the oil consumption test because the vehicle had been driven 1,200 miles. The dealer initiated another oil consumption test. The contact stated that the local dealer was 45 miles away from his residence, which made it difficult to complete the oil consumption test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

- Winnsboro, LA, USA

problem #72

Dec 152023

Optima

  • miles
1- My 2018 Kia Optima engine seized while driving on interstate 64 West -Had the car towed to a mechanic (J TEAM AUTO REPAIR) and was told me to contact kia because after replacing the spark plugs and coils and knock sensor there was still no compressing in cylinder 4. My life and safety was at risk when my engine blew out on the interstate. When I went to Kia Dealership they confirmed that my VIN number was included in the recall and in the class action lawsuit. customer support told me since I wasn't the first owner of the car they weren't required to honor the recall -I asked why I was never informed they told me I bought the car as second owner my 60,000 warranty has expired and the extended warranty for engine doesn-??t cover compression issues - its stated on the NHTSA website that they are required to send notices to all owners.When I contacted (Escalation Case specialist) with this information they said the extended warranty only covers the rod bearing connectors, and not compression. Completely contradicting the first call I had with another employee at Kia. Kia is deliberately keeping people in cars with engines that were manufactured improperly. I had the KSDS update-It takes more than reading engine codes to get to the bottom of things. Compression is part of the engine block. Prior to the Engine failure, my Kia Optima, was constantly burning oil.

- Charlottesville, VA, USA

problem #71

Oct 022023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Car burning excessive oil in engine. 2 quarts every 1,200 miles

- Locust Fork, AL, USA

problem #70

Dec 062023

Optima

  • 57,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure engine oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and almost lost motive power however, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle received an engine oil change; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #69

Dec 082023

Optima

  • miles
I took my vehicle to jenkins kia-ocala back in march and may of this year for my check engine light lashing on and off and acceleration issues, car shaking, and excessive oil spilling into my spark plugs. The 1st time I took my vehicle to this location i was told to "drive my vehicle until it no longer had any motor oil to "allow the motor to lock up" to then be approved to have my vehicle engine approved under the GDI recall". I expressed my great concerns to the employees about that statement and also reported the issue to bbb. I recently took my vehicle to kia jenkins Dec 8th for the very same reason only this time I showed them paperwork from a different certified mechanic who indicated that I have an internal engine issue. Kia then created a tech line case after seeing the paperwork showing i took my vehicle to a different shop. Over the course of holding my vehicle for over a week without any answers i was able to contact kia consumer affairs who offered to repair my vehicle under good will. Kia jenkins employee told me over the phone that my car will not be approved to be fixed due to the high mileage on my vehicle. I asked them what the miles has to do with my safety and the volunteer payment that kia consumer affairs is willing to pay as that is not a reason to deny a good will payment. The employee proceeded to state its not going to be approved and I expressed I felt this is due to my previous report to the bbb. 12.8.23 i received an email from Kia consumer affairs stating the good will case has been declined due to my vehicle not being "routinely maintained" according to the feedback from jenkins kia service department. I went to kia to pick up my vehicle. I proceeded to question what maintenance was recommended that they are claiming i did not complete as they never advised me of any issues with my car pertaining to their new list of things, they added on the invoice of things they claim i denied.

- Ocala, FL, USA

problem #68

Mar 132023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled and jerked. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was purchased from. The contact was advised that the vehicle would be towed to a Kia dealer for service. The vehicle was towed to the Kia dealer and diagnosed with failed spark plugs. The contact was informed that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the Kia dealer and the contact was informed that the spark plugs were corroded due to oil consumption and the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The contact was also informed that the engine needed a combustion cleaning. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Piedmont, SC, USA

problem #67

Oct 172023

Optima

  • miles
Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking. Had to come to a stop as they were sparks coming from out under the car through it into park at around 15 mph steel jumped out of the car and within a minute the car was fully engulfed in flames.

- Fayetteville, TN, USA

problem #66

Oct 112023

Optima

  • miles
I purchased my 2018 Kia Optima directly from the dealership, brand new. I've had the vehicle since then and have followed all of the warranty guidelines and only went to them for oil changes & other maintenance issues. Since February 2023 I've noticed where i've been having oil loss, but no sign of an oil leak. When I first noticed this, I would take a turn and my oil light would come on. I'd check the oil and it'd be low so I would refill my oil. However, this was happening 2 months after my last oil change which wasn't normal. I took the vehicle to Kia and they did an "Engine Consumption Test" where I had to drive for 1000 miles with a seal on the drain plug. After the 1000 miles, I came back and I was only 1/2 quart low. According to Kia it didn't meet the guidelines for engine replacement so they topped off my oil and I left. About 2 weeks after, my oil light came back on. I went back to Kia and spoke with the Shop Manager who stated I was 3 1/2 quarts low! He added oil to my engine and we did another round of the consumption test. When I came back in after that, I was 2 quarts low so that meant I qualified for a "Consumption Cleaning". They kept my vehicle overnight & I had to drive another 1000 miles. When I came in after my 1000 miles again I was only 1/2 quart low and therefore Kia said there wasn't an issue. I've reached out to multiple auto repair shops who state it is a Kia problem, that the engine is using it and processing it out of the exhaust. I don't know what else I have to do in order for Kia to honor the 20 year, 200k warranty. I have all documentation for all of my oil changes and from the consumption tests also.

- Panama City, FL, USA

problem #65

Jun 292023

Optima

  • miles
Excessive Oil consumption. Manufacturer specs 1 quart of oil to every 1000 miles to be added. I'm adding 1 quart for every 500 miles. Advised kia and had oil consumption test and was told nothing is wrong. I am having to add extra oil 0so engine does not seize causing a safety issue for people in car. The car randomly spits smoke out.

- Schertz, TX, USA

problem #64

Sep 012023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My engine is under a million mile warranty because it burns 1qt oil/1,000 miles. My engine burns just under 2 quarts of oil about 800 miles. For long trips, this is very unsafe because my engine is going seize or burnout on the highway at some point. This will put my life and possibly that of other drivers at significant risk.

- Watertown, CT, USA

problem #63

Apr 162023

Optima

  • miles
Unknown

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #62

Jul 012023

Optima

  • miles
vehicle stated was consuming a large amount of oil by burning it. this was able to be determined by the lack of oil or residue anywhere on the engine or engine compartment. It was then taken to the dealership were it was determined an engine oil consumption test needed to be done. the test was done and was determined that it needed an upper engine combustion cleaning to correct issue. The vehicle was then scheduled to have this procedure done. upon completion of this procedure the vehicle continued to burn oil as it could be seen out of the tailpipe upon acceleration. a second oil consumption test was performed and was found to be within dealer specs of acceptable oil consumption at 1qt per 1000 miles. When the next oil change was done by an independent garage, it was noted that the vehicle was now leaking oil from what appeared to be the oil drain plug. The dealer was then informed with pictures of the oil leak. The vehicle began leaking more and more oil now at a rate of 1/2 qt a day as of writing this the independent garage inspected again and found that there was a crack in the oil pan just to the side of the oil drain plug. After doing some research it appears to be a very common problem. The vehicle in question is supposed to be taken into dealership to have the issue checked out on the 4th of October 2023. todays date is 9/26/2023.

- New Castle, IN, USA

problem #61

Sep 152023

Optima

  • miles
Car will NOT go pat 60mph and i haven-??t had this car just over 6 months. And the camshaft sensors are gone out. Smoke comes out the pipe when mash on gas-??. It is really a bad vehicle. And Southeast auto refuses to fix it. I really honestly think the motor is bad in it. Because I been having issues with it since I had

- Terry , MS, USA

problem #60

Jun 012023

Optima

  • miles
Excessive oil consumption 1-1.5 months approx. 1,000 miles into new oils change. It is available for inspection. Safety was put at risk due to not knowing there was no oil in my vehicle while constantly driving it as it did not display the oil warning sign on the dash board. The oil change dealership has confirmed an oil consumption issue two separate times. I am familiar with multiple people having this same issue with Kia and hyuandia vehicles. The dealership is requiring multiple steps to be paid out of pocket prior to using the full warranty i purchased to cover the issue even though they know what the issue is and how to fix it.

- Durham, NC, USA

problem #59

Aug 192023

Optima

  • miles
purchased my car in june of 2019. Ive scheduled regular oil changes and maintenance until june of 2020 where the engine light began to flicker and the car would shake. I took to Koons Kia owings mills md and it was repaired. Next year same thing. Oil compression issues all year round where i have to keep putting oil in. Now my car starts and shakes violently. the kia service modurator on the car indicated there were an engine issue. I cannot keep dishing money into this car with so many recalls (current fuel pump recall and anti theft issue) is also included. Please help

- Pikesville, MD, USA

problem #58

Aug 032023

Optima

  • miles
I'm reporting these issue pertaining to the engine within the first 3 weeks AFTER the engine replacement recall was serviced and completed. The vehicle was exhibiting the same defects and major health and safety hazards as before the new engine. Intermittent engine failure, even worse, while i was trying entering the hwy at speeds of 45-50 miles it jerked very violently and loss total power while vehicles were behind me nearly rear ended. Prior to this I reached out multiple times to have it serviced at again. The original service department didn't respond, so I called other service departments and was told it needed to be serviced by the original dealership/service department that replaced the engine. I had the vehicle in normal working conditions a few days before it began exhibiting the same problems as before the engine replacement. It was in operable condition but still stalling and refusing to crank unless primed, until it ultimately just would not crank at all and is back in the same condition it was before the new engine but it is not locked up currently. The time frame and Milage between first experiencing the issues to now, March 2023-64745 Started shuddering, loss of power while driving, but would crank right back up without issues. Happened a few times, charged up battery thinking is was am electrical issue. April 2023 More frequently the issues occurred, still same severity levels. May 2023 Began happening every time at an idle, whether I was at a fast food in drive through placing an order, or to wash the car. Every time at an idle this would happen, and would take a few times of trying to start the vehicle and after about 5 seconds of cranking it would catch and work. I began placing the vehicle in neutral while at idle and it would assist In the stalling out sometimes. After a few days of this it refused to crank due to the engine locking up. Milage at this time was 68048. Aug 2023-New engine, drove about 2k miles-70207 current

- Humble, TX, USA

problem #57

Jul 242023

Optima

  • miles
My vehicle is under a engine / oil consumption recall, I have contacted kia multiple time in regards to this issue as the vehicles are having engine fires due to this. I was advised by kia that my vehicle is under recall and has lifetime warranty but they will not fix or swap the motor until it goes out. This is a huge safety risk I am literally scared to drive my vehicle due to not knowing if the engine is going to go out at anytime or start on fire in the middle of the expressway.

- San Benito, TX, USA

problem #56

Jul 192023

Optima

  • miles
Vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil rapidly. Date of Purchase: 04/13/2023 - mileage : 94,000-96,000 Oil light and engine light began flashing about 1-2 weeks after purchase, then went off after first oil change. noticed burning smell on occasion. First oil change 05/23/2023 - mileage: 98,045 Mechanic reported no oil in vehicle. Traveled out of town, checked oil. no oil in vehicle upon arrival. Second oil change: 06/19/2023 - mileage ~99,641 Mechanic reported no oil leak. Checked oil: 07/18/2023 - no oil in vehicle, mileage: 100,790 Having to schedule an oil change before future date and mileage listed below. Next date of oil change: 09/17/2023 - future mileage: 102,641

- Little Elm, TX, USA

problem #55

Feb 172023

Optima

  • miles
Engine failure just like all the other optima-??s.

- Decatur, GA, USA

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