KIA Complaints

There is high oil consumption in my catalytic converter due to a failed oil pump or piston ring. I've just got this car in march haven't even put 10,000 miles on it. Kept up with maintenance oil changes. And currently undrivable.

Paint is peeling off in large pieces despite there being no damage. We have the pearl white color.

Not safety but I couldn't locate the complaint section you supposably have. The front rotors had to be turned with less than 18K miles. They have since been completely replaced twice at my expense and the car is less than 2 years old. Now the rear rotors have issues and it's going to cost me $360 to turn them or $700 to replace them. The dealer says it's either my driving or the weather. I've have literally been driving for 40 years and have never had to replace rotors. As for weather, unless Columbia, MO has some special weather that eats rotors that is not the case either. A parts counter employee told us it was an issue with the axle and that until we find a service tech smart enough to fix it, we'll just keep replacing rotors. He said he worked for Toyota, and they had the same issue. The Kia tech said he had no idea what he was talking about so again, we're paying to replace parts on a less than 2-year-old car and they won't even warranty their repair work. There is obviously something very wrong with this car.

This is the second time, while I was driving that the car would not want to pick up speed and shuddered. The engine light came on again. And stayed on this time. I brought it back to the Kia dealer. They ran a diagnostic. They first wanted me to pay the cost. It is under the warranty. Now I am waiting for the parts and was told to not drive my car until it gets repaired. No loaner was offered. They said to drive it home and they will contact me.

The gas tank wii not allow you to put gas in it. When you try to put gas in it won't go down in the tank hose and the fuel gauge is ready a 1/4 tank. The car jerks when pressing on the gas pedal. I have only gone around 200 miles and gauge fluctuates with different reads so you don't know exactly how much gas is in the gas tank. The engine light is on as. This is happening while I am traveling.

While driving home one day, the engine shut off while in traffic. The engine light had started to blink right before. The battery, starter, and oil levels were fine. A mechanic later confirmed the engine was locked. I see there are articles stating there were engine recalls for 2011-2014 Kia optima’s, but my 2014 Kia Optima EX was denied. Please help. I love my Kia. Thanks.

Complaint Message – 2016 Kia Optima Engine Failure Without Oil Light Warning I am the owner of a 2016 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ). My vehicle suffered complete engine failure due to oil starvation — without any prior oil warning light or indication. The engine died while driving, and it was only afterward that I discovered the engine oil was extremely low. The oil pressure light never illuminated at any point to warn me. I am aware that Kia previously recalled earlier model years (2011–2014) for similar engine issues under Recall SC147 and others, related to the Theta II engine and oil pressure-related failures. Many owners reported the exact same symptom — catastrophic engine failure without oil light warnings — that I am now experiencing in my 2016 Optima. Although my model year is not included in the existing recall, the failure pattern appears identical. I believe this presents a significant safety issue that should be investigated. A critical warning system (oil pressure light) failed to function properly, which directly led to engine damage. I am requesting that this issue be reviewed and investigated by NHTSA and Kia for potential expansion of the recall or warranty coverage to include the 2016 Optima. I have already contacted Kia and am pursuing further review through the dealership and customer support. Please note that other 2016 Optima owners have reported similar complaints online and in forums, and this issue may affect a broader number of vehicles than currently acknowledged. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Without warning lights coming on my engine started knocking on May 15, 2025. Turns out the bearing between the top of the motor and the bottom of the motor is stripped. 5 months before this happened they replaced the 2 fuel pumps, cvvt, cam shaft sensor and assembly, timing chain and spark plugs. Again I had no warning about that work that the dealership said I needed. Now I need a new motor and they won’t do anything for me except charge over $10,000.

I bought my car and then I received a letter stating that it had 1 recall. I called KIA to schedule the recall and they said there are 4 in total. I told them to get them all done because the closes KIA is about 45 min from my house. I took it in KIA called me said everything was done that I could go pick up my car. Then on 7/19/25 I am driving in the highway and my car stops accelerating I pull over turn off my car let it cool off and turn it back on. It moves and the moment I try to accelerate it the car stops again. Thank God I was able to arrive to a gas satiation at an exit and not have someone crash into me. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I tried turning it on again and smoke stated coming out from the engine. I had to tow the car to my house. I called my mechanic to check it and 3 codes showed up (C1611, C1612, C1613). I called KIA to let them know the codes and that I needed them to tow my car to their dealership. They proceed to inform me that 1 of the recalls were not fixed (the fuse) had to ordered and was not done. No one had informed me that when I picked up my car. They are not wanting to give me a solution and I have called 3 days straight.

THE PAINT ON MY 2015 KIA SORENTO (SNOW WHITE PEARL) IS PEELING OFF LARGE SHEETS, EXPOSING THE METAL UNDERNEATH. THIS IS A KNOW ISSUE AFFECTING MANY KIA AND HYNDAI VEHICLES. I AM CONCERED IT WILL LEAD TO RUST, SAFETY ISSUES, AND REDUCE VISIBILITY. A PIECE LADED ON MY WINDSHIELD BLOCKING MY VIEW. KIA HAS DENIED REPAIR AND HAS A CASE PENDING MORE RESEARCH. CASE NUMBER IS 25399760. THIS IS CLEARY A MANFACTURER DEFECT HAPPENING TO THIS COLOR ONLY. IT IS PEELING ON THE HOOD AND DOORS AND BACK SIDE. I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER