2013 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 1,383 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 48 involved a crash and 114 involved a fire. 36 people were injured and 4 people died.
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 fittingsFeb 17, 2022
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
Campaign 22V093000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideMay 10, 2021
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.
Campaign 21V331000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/modulePark outsideAug 27, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.
Campaign 20V519000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsFeb 21, 2020
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
Campaign 20V100000 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: engine
650 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 28, 2020
I WAS COMING OF THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF A SUDDEN MY CAR JUST TURNED ITSELF OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO MANAGE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE QUICKLY ENOUGH TO AVOID ANY COLLISION. I TRIED TO CHANGE THE STARTER BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT WAS BAD. IT HASN'T BEEN ABLE TO START UP AGAIN SINCE IT FIRST STOPPED ON ME.
Engine, Nov 25, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS DECELERATING INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BEARING AND ENGINE SEIZED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Engine, Nov 24, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP AND ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE, THE VEHICLE HESITATED WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT FLASHING. ADDITIONALLY, THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD A DEFECTIVE KNOCK SENSOR THAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 166,000.
Steering, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 19, 2020
THE CAR MADE A LOUD NOISE AN THE STRINGL LOCK
Suspension, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 16, 2020
I WENT TO START MY CAR WHICH WAS ON AUGUST 24, 2020 AND IT WAS MAKING A VERY VERY LOUD NOISE I COULDN'T MOVE IT SO I HAD IT TOWED OVER TO A MECHANIC WHO DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE IN FACT HAS BEEN BLOWN ARE THE BLOCK HAS BEEN BLOWN SO THE ENGINE IS NO GOOD AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED I AM WAY AND THERE WAS NO WARNING ON MY VEHICLE AND WITH ALSO NO NOTIFICATION OF OIL WAS LOW OR NO OIL IN MY CAR WHATSOEVER THERE WAS A METAL SHAVINGS IN THE OIL PAN THE MECHANIC DISCOVERED AND IT THERE'S NO LEAKS IN THE CAR AT ALL AND SO NOW I PAY PAYMENTS FOR A CAR AND SOMEBODY ELSE TO TAKE ME AROUND TO WORK EVERY DAY FOR MONTHS ON MONTHS ANDPAYMENTS FOR A CAR THAT SITS IN MY DRIVEWAY BROKEN DOWN AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE KIA WILL NOT THEY FIX MY CAR THEY REFUSE TO BECAUSE OF A DISAGREEMENT PRIOR TO THIS I AM ON ANYTHING ABOUT MY CAR THEY WILL NOT DO I AM ACTUALLY THE ONE WHO DISCOVERED THERE WAS A RECALL IN THE VEHICLE SINCE FEBRUARY AND NOBODY HAS TOLD ME AND EVERYBODY HAS FAILED TO MENTION THIS OR CONTACT ME
Electrical system, Engine, Nov 14, 2020, fire
I WAS SITTING IN MY CAR AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDER THE HOOD,THE FIRE DEPARTMENT THINKS IT WAS SOMETHING ELECTRICAL. IT WAS IN PARK WHILE I WAS DROPPING SOMEONE OFF WHO WAS GETTING OUT OF MY CAR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 9, 2020, crash, fire
WHILE DRIVING ON A ROAD WITH MY LITTLE COUSIN. ALL MY FUNCTION LIGHTS CAME ON AND AND MY CAR BEGAN TO STALL AND SLOW DOWN SO STARTED TO PRESS ON THE GAS FOR ACCELERATION A BLOCK DOWN THE WAY WE STARTED SMELLING SMOKE I PANICKED TRYING TO GET OVER AND RAN UP ON THE CURVE AND CAME OFF IT PULLED TO A SAFE SPOT AND ME AND MY COUSIN BOTH EXIT THE VEHICLE QUICKLY WHEN WE GOT OUT MY IT WAS SMOKING REALLY BAD MY COUSIN NOTICED THAT IT WAS ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR SO I LOOKED AND IT WAS ON FIRE SOMETHING FELL TO THE GROUND ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE CAR.
Engine, Nov 5, 2020
2 DAYS AGO I LEFT WORK AND MY ENGINE STARTED KNOCKING. I DIDN'T MAKE IT OUT OF THE PARKING LOT. I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO SAID I NEEDED A NEW MOTOR. THERE WERE NO WARNING SIGNS BEFORE THIS. I HAVEN'T NOTICED ANY OTHER NOISE AND NO WARNING LIGHTS.
Engine, Oct 17, 2020
THREE TIMES- TODAY 10/18/2020 MY CAR IS NOT LEAKING OIL BUT BURNING OIL. DANGEROUSLY LOW I HAVE TO KEEP CHECKING. NO OIL ON THE GROUND. I SMELL OR A LIGHT TO SERVICE OIL COMES ON. FIRST TIME 6/10/2020 - 2ND TIME 10/1/2020 TODAY 10/18/2020 THERE IS STILL OIL BUT VERY LOW, 2QTS WERE PUT IN ON 10/1/2020 . THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL. I HAVE NEW SPARK PLUGS MAYBE LESS THAN A YEAR.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Oct 17, 2020
KIA KIRBY VENTURA HAS REMOVED (2) OR MORE ACTIVE DANGEROUS RECALLS FROM VIN# OF THE VEHICLE THAT IS UNFORTUNATELY IN MY NANE. RECALL 1, STEERING WHEEL MDPS UNIT. I HAVE A LETTER NOTIFICATION DATED APRIL 24 2017 NO RECALL#. PLUS RECALL 18V363000 AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT THAT SHOULD APPLY BUT NEVER RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE. RECALL#17V224 ENGINE STALL/FREEZE ISSUE I HAVE RECALL NOTIFICE PLUS A NOTICE FROM THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA ABT SPECIFIC RECALL THAT DOES EFFECT CAR. I MADE 2 ATTEMPTS AT KIA KIRBY VENTURA LAST YEAR, BEFORE COVID19, TO GET ENGINE RECALL FIXED CAR WAS EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS AS DESCRIBED ALMOST CASUED SERIOUS ACCIDENTS ON FREEWAY. I WAS DENIED BY SERVICE MANAGER DAVID BODJANAC SINCE DEALERSHIP, DURING 2ND VISIT TO HAVE ENGINE RECALL FIXED, KIA KIRBY VENTURA REMOVED RECALL FROM VIN# ASKED ME WHERE DID I GET RECALL NOTICE FROM? ENGINE ISSUE NOT FIXED. FAST FORWARD TO TODAY, THURS 10/15/20 EARLY EVENING IM COMING UP TO CORNER ENGINE STALLED TWICE AS I WAS SLOWING DOWN APPROCHING, TURNING. LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING AT SLOWER RATE OF SPEED. COMING OUT OF TURN CAR ULTIMATLY MADE INTO MY PARKING LOT W/OUT CRASHING LUCKILY NO ONE WAS OUT WALKING. ENGINE CAR FROZE. LUCKILY IN FRONT OF PARKING SPACE, MANAGED TO FORCE CAR IN PARKING SPOT. NOW DISPUTING W/KIA KIRBY VENTURA, SM DAVID BODJANAC, WHO DENIED ENGINE RECALL OR ANY RECALL. KIA KIRBY VENTURA SERVICE W/UNDOUBTEDLY TELL ME ISSUE W/CAR HAS NOTHING TO DO W/ANY RECALLS. HAD I BEEN ON FWY WHICH I DRIVE ON 2, 3 TIMES A DAY OR BEEN DRIVING AT HIGHER RATE OF SPEED ON STREET AS I WAS I WOULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. KIRBY KIA VENTURA SAID THEY W/GIVE 0 FOR CAR NOT RUNNING DUE TO RECALL BUT STILL IN GOOD CONDITION FULLY LOADED. IF CAR RUNNING THEY MITE GIVE ME $5500-$6000MAX..PER KB NOT RUNNING CARS VALUE $6923- $8852 IN FAIR CONDITION /MECHANICAL ISSUES & $7851-$9790 IN GOOD CONDITION.
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Oct 13, 2020
TURNER KIA DIAGNOSIS MY VEHICLE OF OVERHEATING CONDITION REVEALED COMBUSTION GASSES GETTING INTO COOLANT. INTERNAL ISSUE ALLOWING COMBUSTION PRESSURE TO GET INTO COOLING SYSTEM WHICH IS HAMPERING COOLING EFFICIENCY AS WELL AS CAUSING AREACTION OFF COOLANT. WHEN I DROVE THE CAR HALF WAY ON THE HIGHWAY IT STARTED TO SMOKE AFTER I JUST GOT IT BACK FROM TURNER KIA AFTER FIXING WHAT THEY SAID WAS THE PROBLEM AFTER THAT I TOOK IT BACK TO TURNER KIA AND THEY DIAGNOSIS IT AS NEEDING A NEW ENGINE.
Engine, Oct 12, 2020
I HAD BEEN HOME FROM WORK FOR ABOUT AN HOUR, GOT IN MY CAR TO GO RUN SOME ERRANDS, STARTED IT, AND IT HAD A KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I IMMEDIATELY SHUT IT OFF AND HAD IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY.
Engine, Oct 6, 2020
I WAS DRIVING AND ALL LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE CAR THEN IT STOP DRIVING, AT FIRST I WAS TOLD IT WAS THE STARTER BUT THEN WAS TOLD THE ENGINE WAS THE PROBLEM DUE TO THE STARTER NOT FIXING THE PROBLEM.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 28, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON A MAIN ROAD ABOUT 50 MILES AN HOUR WHEN CAR LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE, LIGHTS AND EVERYTHING WERE STILL ON. I WAS ABLE TO COAST TO A SIDE STREET TO PULL OVER AND PARK THE CAR. I SHUT IT OFF AND THEN WHEN I TRIED TO RESTART IT BLACK SMOKE WITH AN ELECTRICAL TYPE SMELL CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD. KIA DEALERSHIP SAID MOTOR WAS SEIZED AND REPLACED IT UNDER A RECALL. THEN THEY SAID IT NEEDED FUEL PUMP AND BATTERY (WHICH BATTERY WAS ONLY 6 MONTHS OLD), SO I HAD BOTH REPLACED. I DROVE FOR 2 DAYS AND HAD TROUBLE STARTING THE CAR SO I TOOK BACK TO DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A STARTER AND AN ELECTRICAL ASSESSMENT FOR A SHORT, AS STARTER BEGAN SMOKING WITH THE VEHICLE NOT EVEN RUNNING. NOW THEY ARE SAYING IT NEEDS A NEW JUNCTION BOX/FUSE BOX OVER $2900 AND MAY HAVE BEEN RELATED TO OTHER PROBLEMS BUT NOT COVERED AND I WILL HAVE TO PAY. I HAVE ALREADY PAID $900+ DOLLARS FOR FUEL PUMP, I EXCHANGED THE BATTERY WHERE I ORIGINALLY BOUGHT IT, AND $493 FOR STARTER. I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY THE JUNCTION BOX WOULD RANDOMLY FAIL OR SHORT AND NEED REPLACEMENT, UNLESS IT WAS PART OF THE ORIGINAL BLACK SMOKE ELECTRICAL SMELL THAT HAPPENED WHEN ENGINE SEIZED IN THE FIRST PLACE.
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Engine, Sep 26, 2020
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD DOING ABOUT 45 WHEN I HEARD A SMALL POP & ALL MY DASH LIGHTS CAME ON & I LOST EVERYTHING. CAR CLICKS WHEN TRYING TO RESTART BUT DOES NOT START. OIL LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, EPS LIGHT & CHECK ENGINE LIGHT STAY ON NOW. I WAS TOLD THERE IS A RECALL ON THESE CARS AND WOULD LIKE TO GET IT FIXED ASAP AS IT'S MY ONLY TRANSPORTATION.
Engine, Sep 25, 2020
2013 KIA OPTIMA [XXX] WAS TOWED TO SOUTHERN KIA LYNNHAVEN OF VIRGINA BEACH. VIRGINIA FOR A ENGINE FAILURE RECALL SC147 , UPON INSPECTION KIA DEALER REFUSES TO REPLACE ENGINE STARTER AS SUBSEQUENT FAILURE SAYING THAT STARTER IS NOT OEM PART BUT AFTERMARKET WHICH CONTRADICTS SERVICE BULLETIN SC147 AND WARRANTY BULLETIN SC 147 WHERE ON PAGE 7 STATES ANY SUBSEQUENT DAMAGE PARTICULARLY STARTER SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER WARRANTY OR GOODWILL. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Engine, Sep 16, 2020
STARTED VEHICLE UP AND IT STARTED SMOKING VERY BADLY. TOOK IT TO KIA DEALER. THEY SAID IT NEEDED A NEW MOTOR . PRICE 9400.00. AND IT WAS NOT UNDER ANY WARRENTY.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 15, 2020, fire
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A LONG DISTANCE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED DOWN ON ITS OWN AS ALL THE WARNING LIGHTS FLICKERED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT HE SAW SMOKE AND FIRE THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED IT WAS DIFFICULT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE SINCE ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS FAILED. THE ENTIRE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE WAS QUICKLY ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT FILED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT INFORMED THE CONTACT THERE WAS A ELECTRICAL FAILURE WITHIN THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A SALVAGE YARD. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET AND CONTACT WAS UNAWARE IF THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN DECLARED TOTALED BY HIS INSURANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,800.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 14, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING). THE CONTACT STATED WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 40 MPH, SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER STATED THAT THE OIL LEVEL WARNING LIGHT AND ANOTHER UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT WERE ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED HE ARRIVED AND PUSHED THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143,000.
Engine, Sep 7, 2020
THE CARS ENGINE LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER A YEAR. THE ENGINE IS CONSTANTLY BURNING OIL EVEN THOUGH OIL CHANGES ARE DONE EVERY 2000 TO 3000 MILES. THE VEHICLE ENGINE SOUNDS LOUDER EVERY MONTH. THE CAR PASSED TWO RECALL TESTS AT A KIA DEALERSHIP, ONE FOR WHICH I PAID OUT OF POCKET. I WAS TOLD THE ENGINE IS BURNING OIL BY MY MECHINIC AND THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL ON MY CAR. THE KIA DEALERSHIP CANNOT EXPLAIN TO ME WHY MY CAR IS PASSING THE RECALL EVEN THOUGH IT'S OBVIOUS THE CAR HAS HAD AN ENGINE PROBLEM SINCE I BOUGHT IT. THERE IS A DISTINCTIVE KNOCKING SOUND COMING FROM THE ENGINE AND YOU CAN HEAR THE ENGINE HICCUP WHILE THE CAR IS TURNED ON, AS IF WERE ABOUT TO BRAKE DOWN.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 6, 2020
9/5/2020 ROUGHLY 10:00 AM ENTERING THE ONRAMP TO GET ON I10 WEST. CAR LOST ACCELERATION, NEVER REACHED 40 MPH, THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES BEFORE, TOOK FOOT OFF GAS, ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE, CAR LOST ALL POWER AND TURNED OFF. I WAS ABLE TO PULL ONTO RIGHT SHOULDER AND PARK VEHICLE. CAR WAS TOWED TO MY HOME. I CALLED ALL STAR KIA IN SAN BERNADINO CA, UNABLE TO ASSESS VEHICLE FOR 7 - 10 DAYS. CALLED PALM SPRINGS KIA MULTIPLE TIMES ON EXTENDED HOLD. WHEN WE CONNECTED, I WAS INFORMED THAT MY VEHICLE WOULDNT BE LOOKED AT UNTIL 9/18/2020.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 4, 2020, fire
I NOTICED THE PROBLEM WHILE DRIVING ROUGHLY 65 MPH. MY VEHICLE PRETTY MUCH WENT INTO LIMP MODE. I WAS ONLY ABLE TO TRAVEL AT A CERTAIN TOP SPEED. OVER HEATING THEN BECAME A VERY DRASTIC ISSUE. I LOOKED ON THE NHSTA WEBSITE FOR ANY KNOWN RECALLS THERE WERE SOME FOR MY YEAR AND MODEL BUT MINE WASN'T LISTED? I CALLED A FAMILY MECHANIC AND DESCRIBED IN MORE GREATER DETAIL ABOUT MY ISSUE FROM START TO FINISH, HE ADVISED ME NOT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE THAT IT WAS DISPLAYING THE EXACT QUALITIES AS THE LISTED RECALL AND I SHOULD CALL KIA MOTOR COMPANY TO HAVE THE LOOK INTO MY CLASS OF VEHICLES FURTHER. LONG STORY SHORT I WAS BASICALLY LEFT HOMELESS IN A CITY AND STATE PRETTY MUCH BEAT ON THE WHOLE IDEA OF EVERY GETTING MY CAR BACK AT THE TIME OF THE INCIDENT IT DROPPED BELOW 28 DEGREES OUTSIDE. I WAS APPROXIMATELY 200 MILES FROM HOME. BECAUSE OF THIS CORPORATIONS NEGLIGENCE. I LOST MORE THAN A GOOD NIGHT SLEEP I HAD TO START BACK OVER AGAIN AND I'M UNFORTUNATELY AN ONLY CHILD WITH NO PARENTS SO IT WAS VERY MIND BOGGLING.. I MADE REPEATED ATTEMPTS TO COME TO SOME SORT OF AGREEMENT WITH KIA TO NO AVAIL. SOME ONE WENT SO FAR AS TO STEAL A SAFE OUT OF MY VEHICLE. WHICH I HAD PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED AND VANDALIZED THE INSIDE OF MY CAR BEYOND REPAIR. THANKS KIA, FOR VICTIMIZING ME TO MAKE YOUR MILLIONS.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 2, 2020
WHEN ISTART MY VEHICLE, SOMETIMES THE RADIO DOES NOT COME ON, SO I HAVE TO PULL THE FUSE AND PLACE IT BACK IN. ALSO, I CANNOT EXCEL PAST 40MPH, OTHERWISE IT STALLS. THE DEALERSHIP STATED I NEEDED A NEW ENGINE. I WAS STRANDED IN WYOMING, SO I HAD TO LEASE A NEW KIA. I STILL OWE ON MY 2013 OPTIMA, WHICH IS NOT DRIVABLE. I DID NOT WANT A NEW VEHICLE. I'M VERY FRUSTRATED.
Engine, Sep 2, 2020
FROM THE BEGINNING THIS CAR JOURNEY HAS BEEN COMPLETELY DEVASTATING ON ME I BOUGHT A CAR FOR COLLEGE RIGHT BEFORE GRADUATING HIGH SCHOOL DURING COVID SAVED UP $5000 TO PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE I WENT TO VINTON AUTO SALES IN ROANOKE VIRGINIA THE MAN APPROACHES ME I TELL HIM WHAT CAR I LIKE WE TEST DRIVE IT THEN I'M LIKE WELL I'LL COME BACK TOMORROW WITH MY FINAL DECISION HE WAS LIKE BASICALLY FORCING ME TO BUY THE CAR THAT DAY PROMISING A 3 MONTH WARRANTY I MEAN LET'S BE REAL WHO GOES TO DEALERSHIP AND BUYS A CAR WITHOUT DOING RESEARCH UNLESS THERE'S A WARRANTY INVOLVED ON IT SO 3 WEEKS INTO MY HAVING THE CAR I DECIDED TO MAKE A TRIP TO MARYLAND FROM VIRGINIA TO SEE HIM FOR MY GRADUATION I'M ON A ONE WAY HIGHWAY CLOSE TO ALMOST HARRISON BURG MY CAR JUST STOPS BEING ABLE TO ACCELERATE AND THE ENGINE LIGHT STARTS FLASHING MEANWHILE THERE'S ON COMING TRAFFIC BEHIND ME AND TRACTOR TRAILERS GOING 80+ MPH I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO PULL OVER AFTER ALMOST DYING I CALL MY DEALERSHIP THE GUY HANGS UP ON ME IN THE MOST RUDEST WAY TELLING ME IT'S NOT HIS PROBLEM ANYMORE THERE'S NOT A WARRANTY I NEED TO FIX IT MY SELF IN THE MOST RUDEST WAY WHILE I'M STRANDED ON A ONE HIGHWAY ALONE WITH A BROKEN CAR 2 HOURS FROM HOME SO I END UP PAYING $500 TOW BACK TAKE IT TO A MECHANIC HE FIXES IT I PICK IT UP ON THE WAY HOME FROM PICKING IT UP IT MISFIRED AGAIN ON A HIGHWAY I ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING UNABLE TO ACCELERATE BUT LUCKILY ABLE TO MAKE IT TO A GAS STATION MIND YOU I PAID THE GUY $500 TO REPLACE THE KNOCK SENSOR HE SAID WAS MESSED UP I TOW IT BACK TO THE MECHANIC HE TELLS ME TODAY HE CAN'T DO NOTHING IT'S THE ENGINE SO I'M OUT OF A CAR OUT OF COLLEGE AND OUT OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS DUE TO THE CAR THIS IS MY LAST RESORT I DON'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO I'M SUPPOSED TO BE A COLLEGE STUDENT THIS FALL BUT I CAN'T BE DUE TO THIS SHADY DEALERSHIP WHO RUINED MY LIFE I HAVE A 2013 KIA OPTIMA TO BE EXACT
Engine, Aug 31, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VIN WAS ASSOCIATED WITH NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V224000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING) AND NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V100000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 116,000.