2014 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 586 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2014 reports, 20 involved a crash and 42 involved a fire. 22 people were injured and 2 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
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
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: other or unspecified
88 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2021
I DONT KNOW IF IS THE MOTOR OR WHAT IS IT BUET I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN N IT DOESNT WANT TO START BACK UP AGAIN
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2021
Brakes tend to lock up suddenly when applying minimal pressure to the pedal then jerks out of complete lock and then normal brakes. Engine HVAC system and AC suddenly stopped working and I have taken it to a shop for electrical testing with no luck.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jun 24, 2021
Traction control light has recently started coming on all the time and stays on. When you turn car off and it cools off then the light is off again. Another issue is when I place foot on brake the passenger side parking light comes on and the passenger brake light has had to be replaced 7 times since i bought car in February 2021
Other or unspecified, Jun 17, 2021
05/03/2021 I drove my vehicle to the local grocery store and upon leaving the store, I came to stop and the vehicle stalled and wouldn't start. I knew that it was not the battery, because all lights and dash board system was on. I tried starting the vehicle again and it would not start. My safety was put at risk because I had to figure out how to get the vehicle towed. The problem (PI 1803) with the engine is the problem and KIA Consumer Affairs verified that the previous owner never brought the vehicle in to get repaired. I was never notified to bring vehicle in. KIA Consumer Affairs verified that I did not have a profile and I was not notified because I was not in their system. It is my problem to get a rebuilt engine for $6000 to update software and extend the "Lifetime Warranty." It was inspected by Olathe KIA in Olathe, KS. They were not given any authority to repair this issue with the original engine failure. My insurance agent verified that they could not cover mechanical problems, only accidents. There were no warnings, no knocking (read other peoples statements on the PI 1803 KIA Forum testaments), no leaking, no smoke, or other signs. I had an oil change a week prior before this happen and there was no signs of any problems. My engine just gave out and never started again. KIA has ruined My Family's Life. We have no car to get to work. Losing my Job because I live 15-20 miles from my job. We only have 1 car. We are getting Evicted from our apartment. Domino affect with My Life. I still have a car payment and car insurance I have to pay for. Why, won't they fix their engines? It's there problem when the vehicle was manufactured. I see why they are trying to sell all kinds of KIA's even though there is a car shortage. So sad how many people are in my shoe's and many of lives are affected by this problem.
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2021, fire
On 5/23/2021, while driving my Optima on US94 in Indiana, I noticed a clicking sound. Uncertain if it was my car, or somerhing else, I turned off my media, and realized it was my car. I decided I would exit the next available exit, when I saw black smoke behind me. I realized I wouldn't make it the one mile to the exit, so I decided to pull off unto the shoulder of the highway. The instrumentation panel showed the coolant on normal, right in the middle of H and C. The Electrical Panel indicator was no longer in the middle as normal, which is right in the middle of H & L. Instead, it was berween the middle and Low. As I began to slow down, the panel showed a message of "Turn off Hybrid Now", then the red engine light appeared. I wasn't stopped yet, slowed to about 40 mph when I suddenly lost power. I coasted and brake to the shoulder, when I began to see smoke coming up from the hood. Mostly from the passenger side of the hood. I popped the hood of the car, then went out and opened the hood. I saw flames under the engine, more towards the passenger side of car. I grabbed my purse and ran to the field away from the car. The car burned up completely within about 5 to 8 minutes.
Steering, Other or unspecified, May 5, 2021
A CLICKING NOISE IN THE FRONT END STARTED WHEN THE WHEEL WAS TURNED TO THE RIGHT. THIS WAS ABOUT 2 YEARS AGO. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED A JOINT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. A COUPLE OF WEEKS LATER THE NOISE STARTED AGAIN, BECAME WORSE AND THE STEERING FELT LOOSER. THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL ALSO FELT LOOSE WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS. THEY REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND SOME OTHER RELATED PARTS. THIS TIME THE STEERING WAS LOOSER, THEY HAD TO REPLACE A BOLT AND SAID IT WAS FIXED. AS SOON AS I LEFT THE LOT I HEARD THE SAME NOISE BUT VERY FAINT. THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WASN'T AN ISSUE BUT IT GOT WORSE OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS. THE RIGHT WHEEL HAD THE LOOSE FEELING WHEN GOING OVER BUMPS AGAIN. BY THIS TIME THE NOISE HAPPENED WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE STEERING COLUMN AND THE SAME PARTS AS BEFORE AGAIN. THAT SAME DAY I COULD HEAR THE FAINT NOISE AGAIN, DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS FINE AGAIN. THE CLICKING NOISE BECAME WORSE JUST AS BEFORE AND NOTHING IS BEING DONE. THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAID THEY DIDN'T THINK IT WAS A SAFETY ISSUE BUT THEY OBVIOUSLY DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT THE PROBLEM IS OR THEY WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR IT. IT HAS BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE THEIR LAST ATTEMPT AND IT KEEPS GETTING WORSE. WHEN GOING OVER THE SLIGHTEST BUMP THE FRONT WHEELS HAVE A LOOSE FEELING WHICH IS ALSO GETTING WORSE. THIS LOOSE FEELING IN THE FRONT WHEELS HAPPENS WHEN TURNING AND GOING STRAIGHT. SPEED DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A FACTOR IN ANY OF THE PROBLEMS.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 10, 2021
FOURTH TIME THIS PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED: WHILE AT SPEED, THE ENGINE TURNS OFF AND I GET A HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING. THIS TIME I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, SPEED ABOUT 10 MPH. CAR BARELY DRIFTED OUT OF THE DRIVING LANE. I SHUT DOWN THE VEHICLE FOR 5 MINUTES. UPON RESTART, ENGINE LIGHT IS ON. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH THESE ENGINES SHUTTING OFF. IT'S BEEN ABOUT 10 MONTHS SINCE "REPAIR" AT A KIA DEALERSHIP FOR THIS ISSUE. KIA HAS FAILED TO FIX THESE ISSUES AND THERE ARE MANY REPORTS OF THE EXACT SAME ISSUE ON VARIOUS WEBSITES.
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE HOWEVER, AFTER DRIVING FOR ABOUT ANOTHER MILE, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE LOCAL DEALER - LEV KIA OF FRAMINGHAM (510 COCHITUATE RD, FRAMINGHAM, MA 01701, (508) 879-5555) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND THE MECHANIC FOUND NO ISSUES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Nov 17, 2020
CAR STOPS, LOSING ALL POWER AND FUNCTION WITHOUT WARNING WHILE YOU'RE DRIVING IT.AT THE TIME THIS HAPPENED, THE CAR WAS IN MOTION, BUT MOVING SLOWLY TO A STOP ON A CITY STREET. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO RESTART, IT DID AND I BROUGHT IT TO KIA DEALER. I BOUGHT THE USED CAR 60 DAYS AGO. IT HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT BUT SEEMED FINE. FROM A DEALER. I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE IT ANY MORE, BECAUSE THIS COULD CAUSE A FATAL COLLISION. TOOK IT TO DEALER AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. OTHER ISSUES THAT HAPPENED JUST BEFORE THIS HAPPENED: JUST 5-10 MINUTES BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, I'D INSERTED A PHONE CHARGER INTO THE USB PORT AND THE RADIO WENT OUT, BUT A MINUTE OR SO LATER, STARTED WORKING AGAIN. IN THE PRIOR TWO WEEK PERIOD, THE CAR DID NOT RESPOND TO STA RTING, NO SOUND, NO ANYTHING. THEN ON THE REPEAT ATTEMPT TO START IT, IT DID. I CANNOT DRIVE THIS CAR NOW, PARTICULARLY SINCE I TYPICALLY HAVE PASSENGERS WHOSE LIVES ARE ALSO RISK.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 25, 2020
AT DRIVING SPEED (ABOUT 50 MPH), VEHICLE SUDDENLY HAS BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ERROR. THE VEHICLE HAS LOSS OF POWER AND SAYS THAT IT MUST BE PULLED OVER AND TURNED OFF. THIS ERROR HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALER SUPPOSEDLY FIXED IT THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED SEVERAL MONTHS AGO. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THIS VEHICLE - THE ERROR OCCURS OUT OF THE BLUE AND LOSS OF POWER IS VERY DANGEROUS.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 8, 2020
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND STALLED DURING A DRIVE AND WAS UNABLE TO START. INTERIOR LIGHTS AND DASHBOARD TURNED ON ALONG WITH RADIO AND WINDOWS BUT BATTERY WAS DAMAGED. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FROM AN AUTO SHOP, IT WAS EVIDENT THAT THERE WAS ENGINE FAILURE. THIS OCCURRED WHILE TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT FROM A MAIN STREET.
Other or unspecified, Aug 21, 2020
DRIVING 65MPH WARNING COMES ON 'HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE PULL OVER AND TURN OFF' SO I PULLED OVER AND TURNED THE CAR OFF THEN IT WOULDN'T START.
Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Aug 11, 2020
THE TAIL LIGHT'S ON MY VEHICLE CONTINUE TO COLLECT CONDENSATION CAUSING PROBLEMS WITH THE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS. I HAVE RETURNED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON THIS ISSUE FOR A REPAIR. ISSUE CONTINUES TO OCCUR, AND I'M AFRAID THAT THE LIGHTS WILL STOP WORKING CAUSING FOR MY VEHICLE TO BE HIT FROM THE REAR IF THE TAIL LIGHTS ARE WET AND NOT WORKING PROPERLY.
Other or unspecified, Jul 12, 2020
THE FIRST THING MY VEHICLE SAID WAS TO CHECK THE HYBRID SYSTEM AND IT WOULD NOT DRIVE OR REVERSE, BUT THE STEERING AND BRAKES NEVER STOPPED WORKING. HAD TO PUSH IT OUT OF THE STREET MANUALLY. NOW MY CAR IS STARTING TO PUT IN PARK, SHUT OFF AND CHARGE THE BATTERY. I JUST REPLACED THE MAIN BATTERY LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AGO SO I KNOW THAT CANNOT BE THE ISSUE. MY KIA MANUAL SAYS NOTHING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND O CANNOT FIND A SOLUTION ONLINE TO THIS PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2020
CHECK ENGINE LITE KEEPS COMING ON WHEN DRIVING. TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC AND HE TOLD MY IT WAS A RECALL ISSUE, WHY SHOULD I PAY HIM IF KIA HAS A RECALL. I CALLED MY LOCAL KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST 70.00 JUST TO BRING IT IN. *TR
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2020
TOOK CAR TO DEALERSHIP TO FIX AIR CONDITIONING ISSUE. WHEN THEY WENT TO RUN IT THROUGH THEIR CAR WASH, THE TECHNICIAN SAID HE WOULD NOT DO IT DUE TO THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA BEING LOOSE. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD, I SHOOK THE SHARK FIN LIGHTLY AND IT CAME OFF IN MY HAND. ALL OF THE SCREWS HAD BROKEN THE PLASTIC OFF THE SHARK FIN. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM. THE COST TO FIX IS OVER $500. THIS IS A DESIGN FLAW WITH SUCH A WEAK DESIGN. LUCKILY THIS WAS CAUGHT AT THE DEALERSHIP AND DID NOT COME OFF WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, Oct 21, 2019
THE CAR WHEN PARKED AND OFF TURNED ON WHEN LOCKING DOOR. LATER CAR SHUT OFF ON FREEWAY DRIVING 70 MPH AND AFTER A SHORT MOMENT TURNED BACK ON LOST ALL CONTROL OF VEHICLE.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 18, 2019
NOTICED THE SHARK FIN MISSING. AFTER CLOSER EXAMINATION IT APPEARS THAT IT SNAPPED OFF TO REPLACE THE HEADLINER MUST BE REMOVED I ORDER A NEW ONE AND I AM UNABLE TO REPLACE IT. TAKING TO DEALERSHIP AND HOPEFULLY THE WILL IT WHEN CHECKING ON MY STEERING ISSUE.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 24, 2019
THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE KIA OPTIMAS FOR THE TOD BEARINGS IN THE ENGINE. I HAD THE RECALL DONE ON APRIL 8 2019. AS OF 7/22/19 THE SAME CODE P1326 AND SYMPTOMS ARW ARE HAPPENING AGAIN WHICH ARE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT BLINKING THE CAR IS IN LIMP MODE THE CAR WAS SMOKING AND IT CAN'T GO OVER A CERTAIN SPEED
Other or unspecified, Jul 3, 2019
WHEN GOING OVER 40 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT HAND TURN THE WHEELS LOCK UP AND THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT IS GOING TO FLIP OVER. YOU CANNOT TOUCH THE BRAKES OR THE GAS WHILE THIS IS HAPPENING AS IT CAUSES THE HAZARD TO HAPPEN MORE.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2019
P0705 CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CAR WAS OCCASIONALLY GETTING STUCK IN PARK AND HAD TO BE STOPPED / STARTED TO GET OUT OF PARK. VERY DANGEROUS. TOOK CAR TO REPAIR SHOP AND THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE NEUTRAL SWITCH. THERE IS A RECALL NOTICE FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE FOR OTHER KIA OPTIMAS BUT NOT THIS CAR'S YEAR. I STRONGLY BELIEVE MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER A RECALL NOTICE. I STILL HAVE THE DEFECTIVE PART IF NEEDED.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 25, 2019
'KIA PEARL WHITE PAINT RECALL' I HAVE HAD MY KIA OPTIMA FOR LESS THAN 2 YEARS. I AM FROM THE SOUTH AND I DROVE IT UP NORTH A FEW WEEKS AGO AND ICE AND SNOW GOT ON MY CAR AND MY PAINT HAS STARTED PEELING. IT'S $2,000 TO GET THE HOOD AND THE DRIVERS SIDE PANNEL FIXED AND ALL KIA TOLD ME IS THEIR PAINT WARRANTY ENDED IN 2016. I DID NOT EVEN OWN THE CAR AT THAT TIME. THIS IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE WITH THE WAY THEY PAINTED THE CAR. NO 2014 CAR SHOULD BE LOSING PAINT FROM DRIVING UP NORTH FOR A FEW DAYS. I ALSO CALLED KIA AND THEY STARTED A 'CASE' THEY TOLD ME TO SUBMIT A QUITE. I SUBMITTED THE NEXT DAY AND A FEW DAYS LATER THEY SAID THEY DECLINED MY REQUEST AND THEIR REASON WAS BECAUSE THE PAINT WARRANTY ENDED IN 2016. ALL PEARL WHITE PAINT CARS NEED TO GET THEIR CARS COMPLETELY REPLANTED. IF THIS IS NOT A COMMON CASE PLEASE GOOGLE THE PAINT ISSUES ON THIS CAR. THEY ARE EVERYWHERE. I WISH I WOULD HAVE KNOWN BEFORE BUYING THE CAR. (3 PHOTOS ATTACHED)
Structure, Other or unspecified, Mar 21, 2019
SUNROOF EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING. LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND WITHIN THE CABIN, GLASS SHARDS THEN BROKE AWAY FALLING INSIDE VEHICLE AND OUTWARD ON INTERSTATE.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2018
TAKATA RECALL'. WHEN DRIVING 70 MILES THE CAR GETS UNCONTROLLABLE AT TIMES SO YOU HAVE TO LOWER YOUR SPEED , WHEN PARKED AN I PUT MY FOOT ON BRAKE THERE'S A TICKING NOISE AN YOU CAN FEEL PRESSURE . THE ENGINE HAS BEEN TICKING A LOT MORE AM HESITANT I KNOW A LOT OF COMPLAINTS HAS BEEN MADE ON THE STEERING AN IT'S GETTING OUT OF HAND ! THE CAR IS NOT SAFE ON THE HIGHWAY COULD RESULT IN CRASH
Structure, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2018, fire
I WAS HEADING NORTH BOUND, CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 55 WHEN MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA THERA II MOTOR STARTED MAKING A GRINDING SOUNDS, LOST COMPLETE POWER AND STALLED OUT. CAR WOULD NOT TURN ON ANYMORE, A TEXAS STATE TROOPER AND SMALL TOWN COP HELPED ME PUSHED THE CAR INTO A PARKING LOT AFTER ABOUT AN HOUR, THE CAR STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE FROM THE ENGINE BAY. LUCKILY NO ONE GOT HURT BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSE AND I HAVE A FEELING KIA IS GOING TO GIVE ME THE RUNAROUND. THE THETA II DOES HAVE AN OPEN RECALL. THE MOTOR WAS CHECKED TWICE AND PASSED BOTH TIMES.