This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I was notified by Kia earlier this year that my vehicle was involved in a recall because the engine could seize causing a safety issue. On 6/12/17 I took my Optima to camelback Kia for recall work and inspection. On 8/1/2017 as I was driving northbound on AZ SR51, my engine stalled while moving about 40 mph in rush hour traffic. I then pulled over to restart my vehicle, a short time later I noticed smoke coming from under the hood. I was told by Kia upon their inspection that the starter is where the fire originated due to the seized engine. The vehicle burned and is now a total loss. This caused a 3 lane closure on the freeway at 5pm as well as a crash due to spectators.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While the vehicle was stationary, the computer did not recognize that the vehicle was in the park position. A beeping noise sounded and the error message displayed on the instrument panel. A series of unknown Kia dealers were notified and stated that the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The failure mileage was 44,000.
Airbag light is consistently on which means it won't deploy during an accident, buttons on steering wheel aren't working, and steering wheel heater isn't working. Dealership claims clockspring is worn out. Previous models of Optimas have had same problem and eventually a recall was made. Hopefully this gets resolves before a wreck happens and injury is caused by this airbag defect.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and all the instrument panel indicators illuminated. The vehicle was unable to restart. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, but was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was aware of the failure and stated that a recall would be issued. The VIN was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 17V224000 (engine). The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
My vehicle was in motion, when it all of a sudden stopped and the gauges began to act up. I then checked under the hood as smoke was detected my turbo seemed to be very hot and bright red. The engine became locked and the vehicle never started ever since.
- Eagle Pass, TX, USA
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Open car door and noticed a burning smell of electrical, smoke coming from door sill.by the time I got cover off smoke and flame coming from the lettering that lights up when door opens. The car was parked in garage.
My car started smelling like burning plastic and then it completed shut off. Thankfully I was already in a turning lane when this happened. I only had 60K miles on the car at that time. Seemed like after my engine was replaced my windows stopped rolling up. Then my fuel pump went out. I noticed that it felt like someone was pressing on my brake as I was trying to go and then my traction control light would come on. We fixed this. Now it not even a year later and its doing it all over again. This is not safe as people are behind me when this happens.
The care staled at low speed pulled over side of road and smoke was coming from engine, opened the hood and fire had started at front top of engine under the air cleaner, some ware, has not been determined what caused it.
Stopped at red light and car shut down. Checked under hood which had smoke coming from it. Ground wire was melted. Officer was contacted and helped push car to safety. Tow company was called and car was loaded we road with the tow truck driver. Half way to destination, the car was smoking heavily. We pulled over and looked under the hood and there were flames. We used the fire extinguisher and the flames got worse. Car burned with total loss. Tow truck partially burned...updated 10/04/16
2012 Kia Optima caught fire while driving 45 mph & was unable to accelerate/brake. Recently was taken for service with no items that would cause the issue...updated 10/04/16
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. While driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled and the instrument panel failed. The vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 44,935. Updated 09/30/16
I have sent in complaints on my Kia many of times and the one just came out about the latches, mine is not on the recall list. I have had the middle part of my glass crack the windshield that was and still under warranty and more but it seems I am being over looked on my car. I guess the only action to take is a class action lawsuit against Kia America. When you have the proof they still do not believe you.
Another problem with my 2012 Kia Optima ex. I started my car two weeks ago fine and drove to the store 3.1 miles away. After getting back to my car I click push button to unlock the door on the car, nothing happen. I had to remove the key from the key switch I carry to get in. I pushed the break to start it but no start. Words came up above the mileage telling me to insert key. When I bought the car I was told that in the glove box was a key charger and that was it. I got a person from the service department to come out to check it and he said it could be the battery in the key that might be dead. He replaced the battery in which they had one and it still would not start. He then said put the key in the charger, I did so and it started. This makes the second problem at this time that seems to be a electric problem with this car. Any help or has anyone had this problem on a keyless switch?
Im having intermittent electrical and suspension problems along with sudden increases of power increase and decreases. I was driving to my local mall before my evening class and noticed my car radio and instrument cluster where not operating no lights but car was running fine. I hit the brakes while coming to a stop light in a busy intersection hit a small bump the car decided to accelerate and it felt as if the suspension was loose on the left front side I heard it rattle now this bump wasn't big by any means as I hit the break I could feel the brakes fight with the engine the brake pedal also shook at my feet. I quickly put the Kia in neutral and shut the car off still at the light. Put it in park and restarted my car all light and instrument cluster came on along with radio.my Optima felt ok. But later I went to class got into my car and she wouldn't turn over I had to press on the gas to get it to start. I took it to the dealer they said they couldn't find anything besides my high temp fuel pump was giving low pressure codes. I only have 80K on this vehicle but Kia said they will not cover it. This a serious safety issue why if my kids where in the car and I did get into a serious accident with them. This needs to be addressed. Something needs to be done before there is a death no after the fact.
Just bought my car this year with 26350 miles on it. When it got to 30000 needed new tires. The car check engine light keeps coming on. I have took it to the shop and they turn it off. Then when I drive it and it comes back on again. It has broke down on the road four times. Twice I called road side help the other two times someone has helped me. It runs hot because it is bubbling if I drive for more then a hour. Bought the car from power of bowser
At 20000 miles my fog lights would not work, the weird put the directional signal to turn right they would come on for a short time, replaced bulbs nothing they don't work. Also had to replace brakes and the tires, tire brand are junk, poorly made they were beyond the limit for safty, then at 40000 miles both front wheel bearings had to be replaced, now at 78000 miles the struts are making a horrible clanking and the ac is blowing hot air even after 2 cans of the stuff the mechanic said to add. I travel on the highway to work 36 miles one way daily hense the milage but the high way is smooth as well. Very disappointed Kia owner, when called to ask about the fog lights was told your problem so im sure the struts will be and the ac will also be my problem. Sadly thought they would back up there product
2012 Kia Optima sx car went into auxiliary mode first, but upon pushing the button the push start button a second time the engine turned over and started. The consumer had to replaced the tires, there was an issue with the turbo actuator and the radio was making a strange noise. The consumer stated the vehicle would not start. The vehicle went into auxiliary; where the ac, radio and lights were on. She turned them all off and pushed the start button again. The vehicle turned off, went out of auxiliary mode and she removed her foot from the brake. On the second attempt, she realized the pedal was still engaged, she tried pumping it, to release it, but it would not. She verified the gear was in park. Upon pushing the start button again, the vehicle went into auxiliary mode again. After five attempts, she was able to start the vehicle.
The interior overhead lights periodically come on and go off while operating our 2012 Optima. This occurs with the switch in both on and off position and the lightbulbs tend to become overheated.they do not respond to manual operation, but go off on their own and this malfunction repeats several times in a ten minute drive. Best-case scenario results in the bulbs burning out prematurely, but I believe there is a real chance of a more serious short-circuit and potential interior fire.
Key fob was placed on the roof of the car to enable female adult to place child into safety booster seat. Key fob was left on roof by accident, but the car was still allowed to start. The car gave no audible warning that the key was still outside the car. The car was driven 10 miles. In the intervening time, the key fob flew off the top of the car and was lost. No audible warning was given to the driver that the key left the car's proximity. Upon arriving at the destination, the female adult and her child were stranded.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Phoenix, AZ, USA