2015 KIA OPTIMA Complaints

While driving my 2015 Kia Optima, the engine failed completely without warning. The vehicle lost power while in motion approximately 300 miles away from my home. All warning lights illuminated and the car shut down during driving conditions, creating a serious safety hazard. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealership where it was inspected. I was informed the engine has failed and may be related to the known 2.4L engine defect and prior recall campaign involving this engine type. This vehicle has a history of multiple recalls, including engine-related recalls issued in 2018 for the same engine family. The failure occurred suddenly and without prior adequate warning, and the vehicle is now inoperable. I purchased the vehicle in May 2023, and at the time of failure it had approximately 133,000 miles. The engine began knocking loudly prior to failure, then stalled and shut off completely while driving. This incident placed me and others at risk because the vehicle lost propulsion while in traffic. I believe this may be related to a known manufacturing defect in Kia 2.4L engines that has been the subject of recall and/or investigation. I am requesting that this complaint be documented as a safety-related engine failure potentially associated with the existing recall and that it be reviewed for further investigation and manufacturer accountability

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle would require another engine replacement or extensive engine repairs. Additional defects included a malfunctioning moonroof that would no longer close properly and other mechanical issues affecting the vehicle's operation. The vehicle may be available for inspection depending on its current status and location. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The repeated engine problems created concerns about the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. Sudden engine failure while driving resulted in loss of power, inability to maintain speed in traffic, and being stranded in unsafe conditions. The ongoing mechanical failures caused significant concern regarding the vehicle's dependability and safety. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The original engine issue was confirmed by authorized service personnel and resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. The subsequent engine-related problem was evaluated by an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle required another engine replacement or significant repairs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected in connection with the original engine recall and replacement. It was also inspected by an independent mechanic regarding the subsequent engine issues. At this time, I am not aware of any inspection by police or insurance representatives related to these mechanical failures. 5. yes, right away

P1326 code flashing engine light knock sensor went out 3 times in 6 months and just replaced it again and this time engine light didn't go off I was reading that there was a recall on this but apparently mine doesn't state it. Car cannot pass emissions if engine light is on and the 15th of June is approaching. The car doesn't make any sounds or nothing.

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 unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was take to O'Reilly's to be diagnosed. The DTC: P1326; was retrieved. The contact attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact researched online and found NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V543000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the dealer refused to repair the vehicle because the vehicle was not currently registered and additional repairs were needed before a recall repair could be performed. The vehicle was being towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 137,000.

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while accelerating at 55 MPH, there was an abnormal burning smell detected. While driving, she was alerted by another driver who informed her that the vehicle was on fire. The passengers were able to exit the vehicle safely. The vehicle was engulfed in flames. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was previously taken to an independent mechanic, who said the engine was bad. The engine was previously replaced at 147,000 miles. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and slowing down to enter a parking garage, she observed black smoke emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle stalled. The contact then observed flames near the windshield wipers coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. She observed flames coming from under the hood and under the vehicle, and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact stated that the garage manager attempted to extinguish the fire but was unsuccessful. The police and fire department arrived shortly after the attempt, and the fire department extinguished the fire. The contact did not sustain any injuries. A police report was not taken, and she was not aware of any fire department report being filed. The vehicle was bulldozed out of the parking garage and towed to a tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was 75,309.

They were speeding with their phone in a phone stand watching a show while on the freeway

Factory paint defect/delamination known to Kia causing excessive paint bubbling, peeling, flaking, large chunks of paint falling off, a widespread issue documented inherent to appear on the roof, front pillars both sides next to windshield, trunk, door panels and hood rapidly expanding. Notorious on model Optima 2013 - 2017 with Snow White Paint (SWP). This issue comes with an extreme safety hazard I am officially reporting to you; Windshield at Risk of Detachment - Paint defect has expanded inside the glass layers of the windshield up and down both sides causing the adhesive to bubble/weaken, potentially could detach causing serious injuries to myself, passengers and all other drivers. Citrus Kia Ontario, CA inspected my vehicle May and June 2025, confirmed damages are a result of a factory paint defect known to Kia and their body shop has repaired many of these Optimas with SWP. I was directed to file a report with Kia Customer Care, they will issue a claim number needed to schedule an appointment for repair. Kia denied my claim. Contact Dealer reporting paint defect; 11/7/2017 repair made for peeling paint Confirmation X03S999EM3, 6/11/24 officially reported paint cracking bubbling Claim # 16453820, May & June 2025 Citrus inspected my vehicle explained the damages to my vehicle a factory paint defect known to Kia, their body shop has already repaired many model 2015 Optima SWP, confirmed my vehicle is eligible for repair. I was directed to file a report with Customer Care, a claim number would be issued for so I could schedule a repair date. I filed a report. Kia reopened Claim 16453820 & denied the claim. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporate requesting repair, no response.Kia's factory paint defect is a documented global widespread inherent issue affecting thousa+nds of Kia consumers, refusing to accept responsibility, refusing to honor TSB Extended warranty. This is a disgrace.Our vehicles look horrible & are safety hazards.

Was driving down the interstate and the engine lost some power and the engine blew and parts of the connecting rod was on the outside of motor which blew a hole in the block and oil went into the intake manifold and pieces of the piston ring was in there and engine shut off, and seen that this has been a problem with these cars

I was driving on the freeway and a system warning came up “check hybrid system” and the car went limp. Thankfully I was able to get off safely from the momentum this time, but it has stopped in the middle of the street before. This is the second time it’s shut down this year. I took it in last year for the same problem. I took it to the Kia dealership and they stated there’s nothing no wrong with it.