NHTSA Complaint #11303066 — 2012 KIA OPTIMA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING AT 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED INTERMITTENTLY AND THE ENGINE AND TIRE SENSOR LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WHILE THE FAILURE OCCURRED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MOVE ONTO THE ROAD SHOULDER INSPECTED UNDER THE HOOD AND FOUND SMOKE AND WITHIN A MOMENT THE FLAMES WAS UNDER THE HOOD AND THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BEFORE THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER TO DOUG SMITH KIA (495 W MAIN STREET AMERICAN FORK, UT 84003 PHONE (801) 692-4390) TO HAVE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V907000 (ENGINE) PERFORMED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT A RECALL FOR UNDER FRAME CORROSION PROTECTION WAS ALSO PERFORMED. THE DEALER CHECKED THE ENGINE AND WAS UNABLE TO SEE ANY PROBLEM WITH THE ENGINE AND PROVIDED A FREE OIL CHANGE, AND REPLACED DIP STICK TO THE ORANGE COLOR. THE CALIFORNIA FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE CALIFORNIA STATE PATROL DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESENT A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUFFERED SMOKE INHALATION AND SCRAPES FROM GLASS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT HOME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM DID NOT WORK PROPERLY AFTER RECALL WAS PERFORMED AND CAUSED THE DEFROST SYSTEM FAILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 130,000.*BF CONSUMER STATED HE LOST EVERYTHING IN THE CAR.*JB