2012 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 919 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 25 involved a crash and 77 involved a fire. 34 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideSep 25, 2023
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.
Campaign 23V652000 on NHTSA.gov
Structure, body, roof and pillarsAug 1, 2022
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
Campaign 22V560000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, air bag/restraint control moduleJun 1, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.
Campaign 18V363000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, engineMar 31, 2017
Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
Campaign 17V224000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
919 reports, newest first.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 8, 2020
THE VEHICLE REQUIRES THAT YOU HOLD THE STEERING WHEEL TIGHTLY AT ALL TIMES TO PREVENT THE VEHICLE FROM VEERING TO THE RIGHT OR LEFT. THIS IS NOT AN ALIGNMENT ISSUE, NO UNEVEN WEAR OF THE TIRES. IN ADDITION THE STEERING IS QUITE HARD REQUIRING UNUSUAL GRIP ON THE WHEEL. ALSO EVERY SLIGHT BUMP IS FELT THROUGHOUT THE CAR. THE FAILURE OF KIA TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM FOUND IN MANY OF THEIR PRODUCTS, MAKES THIS COMPANY/MNF OF QUESTIONABLE CHARACTER.
Engine, Mar 8, 2020
I WAS DRIVING AND HEARD SOME KNOCKING AND SMELLED AN EXHAUST LIKE SMELL, AFTER GETTING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND STOPPING AT A STOP LIGHT, THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASS 25 MPH WHEN PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND WOULD STUTTER & HESITATE. I STOPPED FOR A DIAGNOSIS AT THE CLOSEST CAR SHOP. AFTER THEIR EVALUATION THEY THOUGHT IT COULD BE THE TRANSMISSION BUT SINCE THEY WERE A OIL CHANGE & TIRE SHOP THEY COULD NOT HELP. SINCE THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE, I THOUGHT I COULD MAKE IT BACK HOME VERY SLOWLY, I DROVE NO MORE THAN AN 1/2 MILE AND COULD NOT ACCELERATE PASS 10 MPH. I PARKED THE CAR AND HAD IT TOWED TO ANOTHER AUTO REPAIR SHOP 3 MILES AWAY. OUTCOME, THEY RESEALED TIMING COVER WHICH INCLUDED REPLACEMENT OF FRONT CRANK SEAL, VALVE COVER GASKET AND CLEANED RESIDUAL ENGINE OIL FROM ENGINE. ALSO, RESEALED LOWER OIL PAN AND REPLACED OIL AND AIR FILTER AND CLEANED RESIDUAL ENGINE OIL. EVEN AFTER THIS REPAIR, THEY TEST DROVE THE CAR AND VERIFIED THE CAR WOULD NOT ACCELERATE PASS 30 MPH AND WOULD STUTTER AND HESITATE. THEY INFORMED ME THAT IT MAYBE THE HYBRID SYSTEM. I WENT ONLINE REGARDING THE HYBRID SYSTEM(STILL UNDER THE FACTORY WARRANTY OF 100,000)AND NOTICED A RECALL ON THE NON-HYBRID KIA OPTIMA WITH MY SAME EXPERIENCE. I HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP CLOSE TO MY HOUSE. THE DEALERSHIP PERFORMED A DIAGNOSIS AND THEIR FINDINGS WERE 'COULD NOT DUPLICATE CUSTOMER'S CONCERN AT THIS TIME, THERE WAS NO OIL LEAK FOUND ON THE ENGINE AND VEHICLE DRIVE PROPERLY DURING ROAD TEST.' MY CAR HAS BEEN SITTING FOR OVER 11 MONTHS. I DID TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP RECENTLY FOR INSPECTION & EMISSION, PASSED AS CAR HAD LESS THAN 5,000 MILES FROM LAST SERVICE. HOWEVER,ON THE WAY HOME, 1.2 MILES AWAY, THE HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT CAME ON 'SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE'. I PUT ON THE HAZARD LIGHTS AND MADE MY WAY HOME AS I WAS HALF-WAY, THE CAR HAS BEEN SITTING SINCE. PLEASE RECALL'MAKE THIS RIGHT
Engine, Mar 6, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED WHILE IN HER RESIDENCE THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE, BY ANOTHER DRIVER. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FIRE MARSHALL INFORMED HER THAT THE FIRE STARTED IN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 3, 2020
SINCE ABOUT 40K MILES MY STEERING HAS CLICKED, LOCKED, AND MISSED AND HAS GOTTEN WORSE TO THE POINT THAT I HAVE ALMOST BEEN IN A FEW WRECKS FROM INABILITY TO CONTROL STEERING. A MECHANIC FRIEND OF MINE TOLD ME THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS AND TO CALL KIA OF CHATTANOOGA (WHO I PURCHASED FROM) TO LOOK INTO IT ALONG WITH OTHER RECALLS I MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT BEFORE TAKING A TRIP ACCROSS COUNTRY WITH MY SON. I HAVE TRIED CALLING AND THE DEALERSHIP HEARS RECALL AND HANGS UP ON ME. I WAS ABLE TO LEAVE ONE VOICEMAIL FOR THE MANAGER BUT WAS NEVER CONTACTED BACK AND CONTINUE TO BE HUNG UP ON. MY CONCERN IS MOSTLY WITH THE STEERING AND POSSIBLE BEARINGS WITH ENGINE. STEERING WILL CLICK EVEN AT A STAND STILL, LOCKS AND MISSES WHILE IN MOTION RATHER BADLY. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING SINCE AROUND 40K MILES. UNSURE OF ANY OTHER SAFETY RELATED RECALLS AS I HAD MOVED MULTIPLE TIMES AND BELIVE THAT IS WHY I DID NOT GET LETTERS.
Engine, Feb 25, 2020
HI IM FROM CANADA BUT HERE EXCEPT TAKE OUR MONEY GOVERNEMENT DO NOTHING , CAN YOU TELL ME WHY KIA OPTIMA HYBRID GAS ENGINE IS NOT RECALL BUT NON HYBRID IT IS ??? MAKE A QUIK RESEARCH IN GOGGLE FOR ENGINE SEIZURE OF OPTIMA AND SONATA HYBRID AND IN PERCENTAGE OF SALE THERE IS MORE ENGINE BROKE IN THE HYBRID . IS THE SAME BLOCK ENGINE AND THE ISSUE IS THE SAME , CONECTING ROD AND CRANCKSHAFT SEIZURE ITS THE SAME PARTE NUMBER FOR ALL ENGINE ESCEPT FOR THE HEAD . HOW MUCH DEAD KIA HYUNDAI IS WAITING BEFORE TO DO SOMETHING THERE IS THE SAME PROBLEM WHIT THE THETA ENGINE BUT IN RECALL NOBODY SPECIFIED (HYBRID SO THE STEALER ALWAYS DEFEND HERSELF BY SAYING HYBRID IS NON INCLUDE IN RECALL . HOW MUCH ACCIDENT DO WE NEED TO DO SOMETING FOR THIS CRAPPY ENGINE . MINE DO THE SAME THING THAN THE OTHER AT 60 MPH I LOST SUDDENLY POWER AND CAR STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF HIWAY ITS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN NO MATHER THE MILLAGE I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY KIA HYUNDAI REPAIR THE NON HYBRID THETA ENGINE BUT NOT HYBRID AND ITE THE SAME ENGINE BLOCK ECEPT FOR THE FUEL DELEVRY SYSTEM BUT THE PART WHO WILL BROKE IS THE CONECTING ROD AND ITS THE SAME ISSUE HYBRID OR NOT THANK
Engine, Feb 20, 2020
2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID STOPPED RUNNING. MECHANIC INFORMED ME ROD BEARINGS HAD WENT BAD CAUSING METAL SHAVINGS TO GET INTO ENGINE OIL DAMAGING THE ENGINE BEYOND REPAIR. NEW ENGINE IS NEEDED WITH ONLY 60,000 MILES ON CAR. 2012 KIA OPTIMAS HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS SPECIFIC REASON BUT WAS TOLD HYBRID IS NOT IN RECALL. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY THE SAME ISSUE AND DEFECT DOES NOT MATTER IF IT IS A HYBRID OR NOT
Steering, Engine, Feb 19, 2020
STEERING STICKS AND YOU HAVE TO FORCEFULLY PULL THE STEERING WHEEL IN THE OTHER DIRECTION TO UNSTICK IT. OIL IS BURNING WITH NO OIL LEAKS, NO LEAKS IN OTHER FLUIDS, NO EXPLANATION AS TO WHERE IT IS GOING BUT IT IS BURNING THROUGH A QUART OF OIL EVERY 7 DAYS.
Steering, Exterior lighting, Feb 19, 2020
ON FEB18 2020 HEAD LIGHTS AGAIN STOPPED WORKING NEW BULBS WERE PUT IN OEM REPLACEMENTS LIGHT GO OFF WHEN EVER THEY WANT THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS IF YOUR A RURAL ROADS INTERIOR LIGHT STAY ON OR GO OFF ON THERE OWN BUT MOSTLY IT'S THE HEAD LIGHT THAT WORK WHEN THEY WANT TO THIS ISSUE HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AND WHEN STATIONARY KIA HAS TO DO SOMETHING TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM THIS ISN'T A WEAR AND TEAR PEOPLE'S THIS IS SUBPAR CRAFTSMANSHIP ON A SAFETY ISSUE AND I'M AFRAID SOMEONE WILL DIE. I HAVE READ OTHER COMPLAINTS WHERE THE CAR OWNERS PAYED 400.00 TO REPLACE THE WIRING AND BULBS ONLY TO HAVE IT HAPPEN AGAIN. MY OTHER ISSUE IS THAT KIA USED A PLASTIC STAR LOCKING BEARING IN THE STEERING COLUMN THAT BROKE AND I HAD TO FIX AT MY EXPENSE MECHANIC SAID IT'S A PROBLEM WITH THE CARS. WHEN DRIVING THE CAR MAKING A TURN YOU WOULD FEEL THE GRINDING IN THE STEERING WHEEL AND HEAR CLICKING. THIS WAS ON REGULAR CITY PAVED STREETS.
Engine, Feb 16, 2020
ON FEB.14,2020 I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY GOING 65MPH WHEN MY CAR STALLED LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OF THE FREEWAY I TRY TO RESTART THE CAR NOTHING HAPPEN DIDNT CLICK OVER EVERY LIGHT WAS ON THE DASHBOARD I HAD IT TOWED TO MY HOUSE AND TRY TO START IT TWICE NOTHING CLICKED OVER I THOUGHT IT WAS THE BATTERY BOUGHT A BRAND NEW BATTERY $153 AND STILL NOTHING IT NO CLICKING OVER NO NOTHING I BELIEVE MY ENGINE FAILED
Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Feb 13, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE ROAD AT 40MPH WHEN THE ENGINE JUST STOPPED. THERE WAS NO NOISE AND THE VEHICLE LOST CONTROL. I WAS ABLE TO AVOID ANY SERIOUS BODY DAMAGE. ALL THE ELECTRICAL ACCESSORIES WOULD TURN ON BUT THE ENGINE STAYED DEAD WHEN I TURNED THE CAR ON. AFTER LEAVING IT OVER NIGHT PARKED ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET THE NEXT DAY SAME SITUATION ALL ELECTRICAL DEVICES TURNED ON BUT THE ENGINE WOULDNT TURN ON. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM IN ORDER FOR THEM TO TAKE A LOOK AT WHAT COULD OF GONE WRONG.
Steering, Feb 11, 2020
STREERING GET HOT
Steering, Feb 6, 2020
WHEN I'M GOING AROUND A CURVE MY STEERING WHEEL STICKS AND STAYS IN THE TURNING POSITION. I HAVE TO FORCEFULLY TURN IT BACK
Engine, Feb 5, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 30 MPH, APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE CONTACT MADE A LEFT TURN AND THE VEHICLE STALLED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO SAFELY GUIDE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH NO SUCCESS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE RESIDENCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT FAILURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE FAILURE STATED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED OR INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.
Seats, Feb 3, 2020
THE SEAT HAS COMPLETELY RIPPED OPEN JUST FROM GETTING IN AND OUT OF THE CAR. NOW I HAVE DUCT TAPE THE SEAT SO IT LOOKS VERY TRASHY.
Power train, Seats, Feb 3, 2020
THE CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE AT A SAFE TIME FRAME. FOR EXAMPLE IF I NEED TO CROSS A BUSY STREET. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THERE ARE ABSOLUTELY NO CARS COMING BECAUSE WHEN I ACCELERATE MY ENGINE REVS BUT DOESN'T MOVE. I'VE BEEN ALMOST REAR ENDED SEVERAL TIMES BECAUSE THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT GO INTO GEAR. THE ENGINE WILL HIT 8 OR 9 THOUSAND RPM THEN THE TRANSMISSION DECIDES TO CATCH AND THROW MY HEAD INTO THE SEAT. WHICH IF THERE IS A CAR IN FRONT OF ME I HAVE TO BE CAREFUL NOT TO REAR END THEM BECAUSE OF THE SUDDEN ACCELERATION.
Other or unspecified, Jan 30, 2020
CLICKING NOISE IN STEERING WHEEL
Engine, Visibility/wiper, Jan 30, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE ENGINE AND TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND SMOKE AND WITHIN A MOMENT THE FLAMES WAS UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DOUG SMITH KIA (495 W MAIN STREET AMERICAN FORK, UT 84003 PHONE (801) 692-4390) TO HAVE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (ENGINE) PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RECALL FOR UNDER FRAME CORROSION PROTECTION WAS ALSO PERFORMED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO SEE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND PROVIDED A FREE OIL CHANGE, AND REPLACED DIP STICK TO THE ORANGE COLOR. THE CALIFORNIA FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CALIFORNIA STATE PATROL DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESENT A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SMOKE INHALATION AND SCRAPES FROM GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT HOME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND CAUSED THE DEFROST SYSTEM FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.*BF CONSUMER STATED HE LOST EVERYTHING IN THE CAR.*JB
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Jan 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED ELECTRICAL FAILURE AND UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND DECELERATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS AN INTERMITTENT FAILURE WITH HEADLAMPS. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD WHILE DRIVING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO POWER KIA DEALER, (3705 MARKET ST NE, SALEM, OR 97301, (503) 585-7333) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE BATTERY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE UNINTENDED ACCELERATION RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND INFORMED THAT THE HEADLAMPS LIGHT SWITCH CAUSED THE BATTERY TO DRAIN. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER FOUR TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 77,874.
Exterior lighting, Vehicle speed control, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 23, 2020
ISSUE STARTED 2 MONTHS AGO. NOTICED THAT VEHICLE ACCELERATION IS SLUGGISH. SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TAKE FOOT OFF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL THEN DEPRESS IT AGAIN IN ORDER FOR VEHICLE TO ACCELERATE. ACCELERATION IS UNRELIABLE AND DANGEROUS. ELECTRONIC STABILITY SENSOR ALSO STARTED LIGHTING UP AND CRUISE CONTROL BECAME INOPERABLE. ALSO NOTICED THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS LIT UP ON ITS OWN (AND DID NOT TURN OFF) WHILE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND FOB NOT NEAR VEHICLE, DRAINING THE BATTERY. POLICE CAME BY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT TO REPORT THAT MY TAIL LIGHTS WERE ON. TAIL LIGHT DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN PRESSING THE FOB UNLOCK/LOCK BUTTON. HAD TO RESTART THE ENGINE, DRIVE AROUND THE BLOCK THEN TURN OFF ENGINE BEFORE THE TAIL LIGHTS CAME OFF... BUT IT TURNED BACK ON AGAIN ON ITS OWN THAT SAME NIGHT (IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT) AND HAD TO REPEAT THE PROCESS. MY BATTERY WAS DRAINED AND HAD TO REPLACE IT 3 DAYS AGO. I THOUGHT IT WAS A BATTERY PROBLEM (AND WAS INFORMED BY DEALER THAT IT WAS PROBABLY A BATTERY RELATED ISSUE) BUT PROBLEM PERSISTED. READ REVIEWS AND THIS SEEMS TO BE A RUNNING COMPLAINT WITH ISSUES ON BRAKE PEDAL STOPPER OR BRAKE SENSOR STOPPER. WILL BRING VEHICLE TO DEALER IN THE MORNING.
Engine, Jan 21, 2020
DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE ENGINE SEIZED GIVING ME KNOW ACCELERATION. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY FOUND METAL SHAVINGS IN THE ENGINE THAT MAY HAVE GOTTEN LOOSE VERY SIMILAR TO THE KIA OPTIMAS THAT WERE RECALLED BUT THE HYBRID MODEL WAS NOT RECALLED.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 20, 2020
THERE ARE A FEW RECALLS ON MY CAR. AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED TO GO TO GREENWAY KIA IN LONGWOOD, FL. HOWEVER, UPON ARRIVAL THEY TRIED TO CHARGE US FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND STATED THAT THE RECALL IS NOT VALID WITHOUT US PAYING FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS. THEN THEY PROCEEDED TO ADVISE US THAT THE PARTS THAT WE NEEDED UNDER THE RECALL WERE NOT COVERED BY THE RECALL AND THAT WE WOULD NEED TO PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO THEN MENTION THAT IT WOULD BE EASIER FOR THEM AND CHEAPER FOR US TO JUST BUY A NEW CAR. WE DECIDED TO LEAVE AND TRY TO DO MORE RESEARCH. I DID CALL OUR MECHANIC HE CONFIRMED THERE WERE RECALLS FOR OUR VEHICLE. I THEN CALLED ANOTHER KIA DEALER AND THEY ADVISED THERE WERE RECALLS ON OUR CAR AND THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHARGE FOR THE DIAGNOSTICS AND/ OR REPAIRING THE CAR UNDER RECALL.
Engine, Jan 17, 2020
I WAS DRIVING MY 2012 KIA OPTIMA ALONG HIGHWAY 102 WHEN IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING PULLED OFF THE HIGHWAY PUT IT IN PARK TURN THE KEY OFF TRY TO RESTART THE VEHICLE WITH NO LUCK IT WOULD NOT START HAD IT TOWED TO AN AUTOMOTIVE SHOP AND TO OUR SURPRISE THEY SAID THAT IT WAS THE MOTOR DUE TO THE CRANKSHAFT BORING AND NOT BEING CLEANED OUT PROPERLY WE TOOK VERY GOOD CARE OF THIS CAR HAD AN OIL CHANGE EVERY 3000 MILES FROM THE DEALERS GARAGE WHERE WE PURCHASED IT SHOULD BE WELL-DOCUMENTED
Steering, Jan 13, 2020
THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT LOCKS AS YOUR DRIVING PULLING THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT. I CAN JIGGLE THE STEERING WHEEL TO HELP CORRECT IT BACK TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS.THE DEALERSHIP ALIGNED THE FRONT END BUT THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THEY COULD POSSIBLY FIX IT IF I SPENT OVER A $1000 DOLLARS TO REPLACE PARTS ON THE RIGHT FRONT END. THEY WOULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THIS WOULD SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY TO "MAYBE" FIX IT.
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2020
MOST RECENTLY WHILE DRIVING MY CAR WITH VEHICLE IN MOTION ON CITY STREET (A STRAIGHT ROAD) IT ALL OF A SUDDEN DROPS POWER AND I AM UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT PUSH DOWN VERY HARD ON THE PEDAL UNTIL IT FINALLY DECIDES TO SPEED UP, ONCE THIS OCCURS THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT APPEARS ON THE DASH AND DOES NOT DISAPPEAR AND WILL NOT DISAPPEAR UNTIL THE CAR IS SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED AND THE LOSS OF POWER CONTINUES TO HAPPEN UNTIL THE CAR IS POWERED OFF. AFTER REALIZING THIS ISSUE I TURNED OFF THE CAR AND LET IT SIT A FEW MINUTES AND WHEN I POWERED BACK ON AND DROVE AGAIN THE SAME ISSUE OCCURRED AND THE TRACTION LIGHT REAPPEARED ON MY DASH. I AM CONCERNED THIS COULD BE A FAULTY PROGRAMMING ISSUE THAT IS TELLING THE CAR THE TRACTION IS NEEDED WHEN IT IS IN FACT NOT. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS THERE IS NO WAY TO PREDICT WHEN THIS POWER LOSS WILL HAPPEN AND DOES SO IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING WHICH SLOWS THE CAR WAY DOWN AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND ALSO HAVING TO CONTINUOUSLY KEEP THE ACCELERATOR DOWN UNTIL IT DECIDES TO REGAIN POWER IS DANGEROUS BECAUSE IT WILL SUDDENLY RAMP UP THE RPM AND TAKE OFF. THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN AND COULD BE HAPPENING TO OTHER CONSUMERS.
Engine, Jan 9, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA LX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH. WHEN THE CONTACT TURNED ON THE DEFROST THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PARKED WHEN THE ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE FIRE DEPARTMENT TO EXTINGUISH THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A JUNKYARD. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. HOWEVER THE CONTACT NOTIFIED THE MANUFACTURER WHICH THEY DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS AT 117,000.