NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2015 Kia Optima. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Engine has seized Falls under engine recall they are refusing to fix because of because of a recall that wasn't fixed that I never received notice for
Engine locked up exactly like it is described in NHTSA ID Number 1147025. The manufacturer refuses to honor the civil suit judgement on this vehicle due to the previous owner and a Kia dealer not performing 1 recall.
I was driving my 2015 optima on 1-5-22 on a 4 lane road going up a hill the car stalled dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Car would not start I was stuck in heavy traffic. I had to have it towed to my house. This vehicle had a recall repair done in 2017 for this same issue. The dealership replaced the engine. I have not taken it to the dealership. Mileage at failure 173,000.Milage at first failure 57,000.
Something is so wrong with my car, I can not see through the UVO screen no sound at all, can not detect my car key unless I put my key on dashboard. UVO works and dies instantly. Something in computer part of my KIA is BAD not operating normal. I take my car to KIA in Lithonia GA still NO HELP!! NO KIA DEALER WILL HELP ME UNLESS I PAY A HIGH DOLLAR! My 2015 Kia Optima EX needs help.
Wife dropped car off to have oil change done at local mechanic shop we have done business with for years on 1/3/21 during her lunch. Wife picked car up after completion of oil change and drove back to her work approximately 1 mile away. Child seat was in the Optima so when I got off work I went and changed cars with her so I could pick up grandchild. When started it had a ticking sound and about 3/4 of a mile later it started shaking and making a loud rattling sound. I drove another 1/4 mile to home and parked it. No check engine light came on. My immediate thought was that the oil plug might have been left out. I checked the oil and it was full. I called mechanic and asked if it had any issues or sound and start up and he responded that it did not. He told me to bring back over and he would look at. He checked oil and it was full. He drained and replaced filter and oil again to see if that might possibly remedy. It did not fix or help issue. We talked and decided to leave it there for him to look into. At 5:31PM he called me back and stated there were several recalls on Kia. We decided for him to not tear into engine in case this was covered. Bought car 3 months ago from a local dealer and engine only has roughly 116K miles. Calling Kia customer service to see if this is covered due to so many engine issues from 2011-2016 models.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning odor detected inside the vehicle. There was smoke coming from under the hood. The contact pulled over and checked the oil, antifreeze, and other fluids. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who cleaned and changed the 02 sensor and informed the contact to keep the vents closed. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
I am writing because my vehicle was a waiting list for months since September 2020 in Mobile, AL at Dean McCrary Kia. I called daily to check the status of my vehicle. I took extended lunch breaks to check on my status of the waiting list. The customer service representatives told me my name remained in the same place for weeks on the waiting list, each time I inquired, due to them having only one technician. The staff was extremely rude. Kia of Mobile would not allow me to leave/park my car on their lot of the Mobile, Alabama location. They stated that I should keep my car at home and when they were ready to repair my vehicle, they would call me. Months went by. No call. In the year 2021, I had my car towed to Kia of Daphne in Daphne, AL. Trevor was the service manager. He was very pleasant and helpful in explaining everything. My car sat on their lot for about a month and a half until it was repaired. I had to pay nearly $6,000 for repair out of pocket. I postponed paying other bills because I thought that I would have my reimbursement check by now. This experience has truly left a mark and nasty taste in my mouth regarding Kia. I need assistance with getting my reimbursement back. I would like to point out that it was not my fault that my car sat on a waiting list for months. It would be still sitting if I have not taken to right precautions. Kia changed their policy several times to avoid refunding customers. Customer service representation keeps telling me of a deadline. This entire situation is causing me to suffer headaches and high blood pressure. I paid a large amount of money. I need my money back to pay other bills. I have been a loyal customer of Kia for a while. This situation is making me feel dishonored as a customer. I have no drama in my life only but this with Kia. Last year, I spoke with the Regional Manager, Billie, thinking that things would move faster. I had been leaving messages for him since November 2020. At first when I reached out to
Driving one day in Dec 2021, and there was a hybrid system warning and vehicle suddenly stopped on the road. Called tow truck. We were unable to put the car in neutral to tow. Had tow truck deliver to dealership for diagnostic and repair. Dealer replaced transmission and stated it was covered under warranty. Finally got vehicle back and warning still pops on dashboard. We’ve taken it back several times and warning randomly appears. Dealership unable to recreate the warning to diagnose. Unable to drive the vehicle over long distances due to safety concerns.
I HAVE 2015 KIA OPTIMA GREY OR PLATINUM GRAPHITE EXTERIOR COLOR SINCE AUG 2019 I HAD AN TBONE ACCIDENT LAST DEC 26 2021 WHICH IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF COMFORT CARE CLAIM IT WAS DURING COVID PANDEMIC I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GRIEVIANCE BEING HATE LEFT IN DESPAIR ALSO JOB LOSS WITH NO INCOME UNSTABLE LIVING SITUATION WHICH I WAS LIVING ON MY PERSONAL VEHICLE BEEN GOING THROUGH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP UNTIL PRESENT I HAVENT BEEN DRIVEN UNTIL I BROUGHT TO KIA DEALERSHIP JAN 1ST OF 2023 DUE TO MY PERSONAL INJURY AND CAR ACCIDENT IT WAS LEFT PARKED GOT TOWED WITH BUSTED WINDOWS HAD MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING GONE MISSING.... I HAVE ROUGH YEARS... IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET BACK UP IN MY FEET MY CAR HAS RECALLS ARENT BEING REPAIRED FAIRLY. THIS WILL BE MY FIRST TIME TO ADHERE MY CONCERNS I WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME ASSISTANCE IF POSSIBLE...I THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
I OWNED MY 2015 OPTIMA SLX SINCE THEY HAVE IT REPLACED MY ENGINE IN KEARNY MESA DEALERSHIP I PAID OUT OF POCKET FROM REPAIRS LABORS THERE IS A DEFECTS ON DOOR PANELS AIRBAGS ELECTRICL WIRING HARNESS NEVER RECEIVED ANY CLAIM COMPENSATION SETTLEMENT FROM THOSE CLAIM ACCIDENTS THAT IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR IT IS UNLAWFUL UNCONSTITUTIONAL UNFAIR I DESERVE A RESTORATION OF MY PERSONAL VEHICLE I OWNED IT I LIVED IN IT.
Granddaughter driving car, when car starting running erratic. Made it home and I check it and car was knocking and would not run over 30 mph. Engine light was flashing, changed oil myself and found medal particular in oil and filter. Motor is no longer safe to drive. Only has 122,000 miles. Engine was running fine up till this point.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated for several weeks. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH and approaching a traffic light, after depressing the brake pedal the vehicle began to stall. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact towed the vehicle to her residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,115.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed while at a fuel station, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration while the brake pedal was being pressed. During the failure, the RPM's suddenly increased although the accelerator pedal was not being depressed. The vehicle was turned off and restarted four times before the vehicle operated as normal. On a second occasion, the failure had reoccurred while driving approximately 35 MPH while slowing to approach a stoplight. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, but no information was available. The manufacturer was not yet notified. The failure mileage was 46,900
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine had locked up and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 72,000.
I have a 2015 Kia Optima and the paint (Pearl White) is starting to peel of. It started on the front left of the windshield last December (2021) There is now the back right of the vehicle, the top of the trunk and the hood. After research on line, it looks like it is common on this paint type on the Kia models. I am seeking out some help to resolve this problem for everyone. I talked to my car dealer about the problem and told me that the warranty for the paint stops at 36000 miles. My car has 96021 and is not covered anymore, even if it is a defect. My car is starting to rust, no recourse from the dealer, need some support from the NHTSA department to resolve this problem that is not isolated to my vehicle only but many more. Sincerely,
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle's speed decreased as the RPM's increased with the engine and battery warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost all power and was pushed to the side of the road as it failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who diagnosed the failure as a starter which was replaced. The vehicle failed to start, and the failure was then diagnosed as a seized engine. The engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to a dealer who confirmed the engine failure. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the manufacturer did not approve the repairs for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) as the previous recalls were not completed. The contact stated that he found out about the recall from an Auto Zone employee. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My car caught on fire under the hood about 15 minutes after I drove and parked it. It was not running at the time the fire started. We tried to put it out with 2 fire extinguishers but were not able to. By the time the fire department arrived my car was completely engulfed in flames. It burnt to the ground and was a total loss!
I was driving on the highway going about 60 an then all of a sudden the car loss acceleration and stopped. Lucky I was about to pull on the side of the highway.
I was in a accident in December where I went to brake at a light and hydra planed forward. Into the car I front of me. Which my driving record I can’t understand how the is happened is this a reflection of the recall and Kia’s parts took since just a few weeks ago to come in to the collision center from being back ordered since mid December I have been in a out of pocket rental practically begging to get my 4000$ I paid to enterprise since So because of this lengthy time my inspection was up in march but I can’t get it inspected because the check engine light came in the very first day I brought it home. Went to turn on my ac being a warm day and no cool air I called the collision center they then decide to tell me they are waiting on three parts still the ac compressor a part for the bumper and the turbo sensor. Meanwhile since it is a insurance claim I cannot have them check the recall part. So I made a appointment with Fred beans Kia in langhorne pa for the recall and a oil change they had the car all day to tell me that I need the part and it will be ordered that was April 23. Meanwhile Iam still driving with expired inspection. I then noticed my car started to shake and make loud sound when started and is feeling like Iam going to stall out and it does. It feel safe me being a single woman I don’t want to get stuck I called bot the the collision center and the dealership inquiring about the parts ordered and now my car is running horribly one pointed the finger at the other leaving me worried scared frustrated and upset. Please help me.
For one my car is very sluggish when taking off and shifting gears Jerks badly. MY electrical is messing up on my radio and camera. Sometimes I smell rubber burning. When I have my cruise on it will speed up on its on and jerk when it does and when i press my brakesbto slow down it doesn'twant to slow down unless iash really hard. When taking off from a hill or a dead stop it doesn't want to shift and slags and rattles when it shifts. Bluetooth works sometimes and sometimes it doest it depends on when my backup camera works or not. I bought this car used in June of 2021 with a little over 92000 miles. I know when something doesn't sound right and when something is messed up, there is something wrong with my car. So far I haven't been in an accident but I don't want to be either.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds with the steering wheel in the straight position, the steering wheel experienced resistance when attempting to turn from the 12 o'clock position in either direction. The contact indicated that the resistance would suddenly cease causing the driver to over steer and potentially lose control of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 34,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle made rattling sounds and was shaking and jerking. The contact pulled over and parked the vehicle. The check engine and oil warning lights were illuminated. Prior to the failure, the vehicle was taken to the dealer for weekly oil consumption tests. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle needed carbon to cleanse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 108,516.
Car was being driven and out of nowhere engine seized up without my prior warning lights, sounds, or issues. I took it to an independent reputable shop who confirmed the seizure which they admitted was a known problem with these theta Kia engines. Thankfully I was not On a heavily trafficked road so no accidents were caused.
The vehicle’s (2015 Kia Optima Hybrid) engine died suddenly in the middle of a busy intersection (I had the green light). It alerted suddenly that the hybrid battery could not charge the engine (first time this type alert has ever come up); the engine made a loud, metallic scraping sound and then died. The car stopped instantly after the sound and my safety, as the only person in the vehicle, was put in danger of getting hit by other vehicles driving through the intersection. I was honked at and had a near miss from the vehicle immediately behind me. The car was towed to a Kia dealer, has been inspected and is in the process of total engine replacement. The vehicle has just under 69,000 miles and has been out of commission at the dealer since November 27, 2021.
Our car began making noise Wednesday, we took it to mechanic who says there's internal engine knock, and engine may need to be rebuilt or replaced. The issue is consistent with Kia's recent billion-dollar class action settlement, where engines were prone to failure fire. The class action claims window is closed. I don't want money, I just want the car fixed. I cannot afford this repair, nor should I have to for a car with under 60k miles. (Kia says it's not under warranty as we're the 2nd owner) I'm looking for any help or guidance for Kia to honor their obligation to repair dangerous vehicles. Please call or email with any feedback if possible - [XXX], [XXX]. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
On November 24th, 2021 I was merging onto a busy expressway when everything on my dashboard started flashing and the car shut down. There was absolutely no warning that the engine had no oil. No smell , no engine knocking sounds, no oil low light, no check engine light prior too it happening. It was towed to the nearest mechanic and they confirmed the engine was locked up. There was absolutely no oil in the reservoir per the mechanic. The oil was changed by Big O Tires on September 4th, 2021 and wasn't due for an oil change until December 4th, 2021. I searched my VIN and realized there was an engine recall on my 2015 KIA OPTIMA. I contacted three different dealerships near me to see who could look at it. I had it towed to the dealership and it was confirmed that the engine was locked up. It was apart of the recall- however KIA consumer affairs' denied replacing my engine for free. They stated that I hadn't had the product improvements completed on the engine since the recall was issued. I was never contacted by anyone from KIA of the recall on the engine. They had an old address on file which is possibly why I never knew. Kia Consumer Affairs said there was absolutely nothing they could do. The rules are very cut and dry- no exceptions. Kia dealership offered to replace my engine for $7,705. I declined.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contact’s mother’s residence and then to the contact’s residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that a software update had not been completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no further assistance was provided due to a discrepancy. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
ENGINE FAILED, CHECK OIL LIGHT OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. HAD TO PUT A NEW MOTOR IN THE CAR AND KIA WOULD NOT FIX. PRODUCT UPDATE CAME ON THE CAR PRIOR TO US BUYING IT, SO WE HAD NO IDEA. CAR STOPPED ON A 2 LANE HIGHWAY WITH NO WARNING, LUCKILY NOONE WAS INJURED. THERE WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT REGARDING THIS ISSUE, HOWEVER IT WAS ALREADY CLOSED SO NOTHING WE CAN DO. KIA IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE THEY SHOULD BE RESPONISBLE FOR FIXING IT.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while parked the vehicle would make a clicking noise coming from the steering column. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the rack and pinion to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
I was on the freeway and out of no where I couldn’t accelerate and immediately my car slowed down and I had to get over the car behind me had to slam on breaks and I was almost hit twice car then flashed to pull over and charge battery but it’s a brand new battery everything still turned on just couldn’t accelerate so it’s now towed to Kia dealership to get diagnostics done scariest driving moment ever
The engine on my 2015 Kia Optima failed as I was entering a freeway at night time. There was no indication that anything was wrong with the car on the dashboard and it had been running fine for about 15 minutes prior to completely shutting off without warning. When my car was taken into the dealership in Carson, CA, it was inspected and I was advised by the technician that this issue was a recalled one. He stated that he had seen this issue in many cars but could not begin to fix it until it was reviewed by their corporate office. Days later, the corporate office advised that they would not cover fixing this recalled issue and had passed the problem on to the extended warranty company. Then, the inspector from the extended warranty marked the engine's inspection as inconclusive. Kia and their extended warranty partner say that we must pay them $1100 to take the engine apart and take pictures of it. Before the engine failure, there were no indicator lights from the car advising there was maintenance required. The oil has been changed on time and frequently throughout ownership and the records were in the glove box for the various inspectors to view. The brakes have been changed regularly and the battery had to be replaced one time within the first year of purchasing this vehicle. Besides that, there had been nothing to indicate something of this magnitude would happen to this vehicle.
I have a 2015 White Kia Optima and the paint started chipping a few months ago in just one area on the passenger side back door. I took it to a Kia dealer in Irvine, CA and they said it was not a covered item. I believe it should be a covered item and would like assistance getting it repaired please.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact was able to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the road after the failure. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The contact was then informed by the dealer that the engine had locked up and needed to be replaced. The dealer contacted the manufacturer and she was informed that since an engine software update was not performed on the vehicle, they would not assist with the repair of the vehicle. The contact spoke directly to the manufacturer and the manufacturer again declined to assist. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was 90,423.
DEAN MCCRARY OF MOBILE AGREED TO FIX ALL ACTIVE RECALLS ON THIS VEHICLE ON 11/3/2021. THEY KEPT MY CAR UNTIL 12/4/2021 CAUSING HUNDREDS IN RENTAL FEES. MY CAR STILL HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL WHICH WAS ISSUED IN MAY, 2021. THE SERVICE MANAGER ASSURED ME ALL RECALLS WOULD BE REPAIRED.
DEAN MCKRARY KIA HAD MY CAR FROM NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 12, 2021 WITH THE AGREEMENT TO REPAIR ALL EXISTING SERVICE RECALLS. THERE YET REMAIN SERVICE RECALL 21V331. THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT ALL RECALLS ISSUED WOULD BE REPAIRED. THEY DID NOT KEEP THEIR WORD.
Every morning when I start the car and try to accelerate the car has no power, I have to stop turn the car off and restart the car again for their to be power. This simple restart works for a couple months before the check engine light comes on. When I take the car to Kia they tell me that because the diagnostics machine isn’t giving them a code they don’t know what to fix, however the diagnostics machine resets the check engine light and the process starts all over. This all started right before Kia replaced the motor on a recall. The car is doing the same thing as it was when I had it towed to them and they said the motor was seized up.
It just started losing power. I looked it up online and there is a recall on the knock sensor harness/glow plug. Will not go over 60 mph.
The Bluetooth Ring volume is ear piercing loud. When a call comes in on a paired phone it startles the driver and may be loud enough to damage hearing. If adjusted to a lower setting the call volume can’t be heard. When adjusting call volume to a usable level it increases the ring volume again so the next call has the load ring alert. Kia has a TSB# ELE 100 (REV4) on the issue but expects the customer to pay for diagnosis and software update to an out of warranty radio. Instructions in the TSB indicate this could be corrected with a USB software update. Most customers could install themselves from a software download if provided. In my opinion it is a safety issue and a recall should be issued.
The piston and valve are failing and yes it is available for inspection. My vehicle lost power in the middle of the freeway. I took it to the dealer and they said there was loss of compression in number 3, and there was cylinder scaring which they then said the valve malfunctioning. They then sent my claim to Kia motors and they said they aren’t going to put it under the warranty. There was no warning or any type of message before the incident.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact’s dad stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and had the vehicle towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with needing the starter replaced. The vehicle was repaired but continued to experience failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under a recall for the starter. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle came to a complete stop at a stop sign and loss motive power. The contact towed the vehicle to his residence. The contact who works as an independent mechanic, self-diagnosed the failure as the engine seized and was not moving with the crankshaft. There was no metal found in the oil or oil filter. The dealer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
I own a 2015 Kia Optima Ex that is having paint issues. it is the Snow Pearl White and there are chunks of paint peeling off of multiple spots on the vehicle.
I was driving my car and was hearing a clicking/thumping sound, until I turned left into a street where the motor just started shaking and making a louder noise. I started to press on the brakes because the sound and feeling of the car was very unusual. I came to a complete stop and put my car in park and waited where finally the engine just cut off even though the lights stayed on. I turned my key back to turn of the car and tried to turn it back on but my motor would just shake and my car would not turn on. i stepped outside and noticed there was oil spilling from under my car. I got it towed to a mechanic where they informed me my rod bearing came lose and punctured a hole in my engine. I called the KIA assistance center and said this was due to the recall SC212, but when i called a KIA dealership they said they could not cover the damage. Turns out this issue was part of a product improvement campaign which KIA would update the ECU in my vehicle.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was in limp mode. The contact attempted to restart the vehicle with the PUSH TO START button however, the vehicle failed to operate. The contact mentioned that there was a waiting period before being able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was undetermined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 82,000. Engine has been replaced. At time of the incident on 9/17/21, no DTC code was registered.
Incident previously reported by telephone to NHTSA agent. On 11/19 while writing report online, [XXX] was accidentally disconnected from Internet at approximately 4:40PM CST. Lengthy comments with details. Can you retrieve? If not and again more briefly, an incident of dangerous unexpected engine shut down and engagement of limp mode occurred on 9/17/21 while [XXX], son, was traveling at 70-75mph in busy traffic on I-43 just north of Milwaukee. Engine eventually restarted but NO check engine light. Oil level okay. Fuel okay. Still precautionary check by [XXX] for possible engine error codes same day immediately after engine failure (limp mode) at Advance Auto in Manitowoc, WI and NO CODES FOUND. Subsequently NO CODES FOUND by dealer on 10/22/21 I have re-uploaded documents indicating Kia Tech Support states "Do not perform any repairs if the concern cannot be duplicated" and also "see if the customer can duplicate it for you." That is absurd and completely irresponsible nonsense! Customer or other driver should drive at high speeds hoping for engine shut-down? Personal injury? Property damage? Death? INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). Consumer stated 2015 Kia Optima engine replacement per Kia lifetime warranty on 2/16/22. Vehicle has been diagnoised.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was unable to be restarted and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer who also stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 98,123.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact had initially taken his vehicle to a local dealer to be serviced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). Upon return of the vehicle, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start up after multiple attempts. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where the alternator was replaced. The independent mechanic also informed him that the battery would charge to full capacity and referred him back to the dealer. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer could not find a failure after an inspection. After a few weeks, the contact stated that the failure returned as the ABS warning light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact also stated that while his son was driving at 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled while on the highway. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and had the battery checked by another independent mechanic. The contact’s son was informed that the battery was not linked to the failure. The contact’s wife had called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. The vehicle has been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available. Consumer would like to withdraw the complaint since it has been repaired.
While driving vehicle it started making noise and then loss of power
My Kia Optima needs/needed to have a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to installed. The Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) protects the engine from excessive connecting rod bearing damage. There was/is nothing to detect the onset of excessive connecting rod bearing wear and alert the driver at an early stage of bearing wear before the occurrence of severe engine damage, including engine failure. There is no indicative code to alert the driver and minimize the risk of a more severe engine failure. My car has experienced this inadequacy and is need of a full engine replacement because of it. There has been recalls on other years of the Kia Optima but, not the 2015. This is an increasing problem amongst Kia Optima 2015 owners and should not be treated separately from the other years that have experienced the same problem. My car jerked suddenly in traffic and came to a sudden stop almost causing me and my granddaughter to be in a collision with oncoming traffic, with no warning. Kia did a safety recall campaign for other models with this problem SC200**1 (Rev 1, 03/25/2021) but did not include the Kia Optima 2015.