NHTSA Complaint #11478723 — 2012 KIA OPTIMA
ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA
Fire 1 Injury
Complaint Details
| ODI Number | 11478723 |
| Vehicle | 2012 KIA OPTIMA |
| Component | ENGINE |
| Date of Incident | |
| Date Filed | |
| Mileage | N/A miles |
| Crash | No |
| Fire | Yes |
| Injuries | 1 |
| Deaths | 0 |
| Vehicle Towed | No |
| State | CA |
Consumer Description
After the rod bearing engine replacement was preformed. My engine light came on a few days after picking it up from dealer. I immediately reported it to the dealer that I need to bring it in mainly for smog check, and no response. 2 weeks later I told them about it again. No response. 3 weeks later began a fuel smell and I immediately reported that as the smell got stronger. No response. 3 days later the fuel smell was really bad and I was really worried about a fire. This time I called general manager and he never provided any advice or return call. 3 hours later the engine caught on fire. Car is totaled and I could of been seriously injured. I sent pictures and thanked them for their negligence. He finally gave me a phone number for consumer affairs. showed no remorse and claimed that the new engine they just put in has no warranty and they are not responsible. If they would of directed me to bring back in. Or bring it somewhere. Or tell me not to drive it. But completely ignored me. And had the nerve to let me know that was their 4th fire this week. Kia management needs to step it up. I was denied a loaner or rental. And they will try to get back to me by Friday. You must put a stop to this behavior asap!
Related Complaints for the 2012 KIA OPTIMA
Other ENGINE Complaints
#11717968
•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car com...
#11717790
The car seized operating, shut down with zero warnings. It has been a reliable car and maintained. We towed to a mech...
#11708758
On or around October 17th 2025 I purchased a 2019 Kia OPT un aware that the vehicle had recall problems. Once I reali...
#11703721
Subject: RECALL VIOLATION: Kia on the Boulevard (Philadelphia) - Refused Remedy, Charged $199, Returned Unsafe Vehicl...
#11701499
To: Administrator National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington...
Recent Complaints for the 2012 KIA OPTIMA
#11718777
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the engine was knocking at startup. The contact reference...
#11717968
SERVICE BRAKES
•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car com...
#11717968
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
•I’m not sure what failed, the car was parked. And yes it’s available for inspection. •I had just parked the car com...
#11716303
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER CLOCKSPRING/SPIRAL CASSETTE
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the buttons on the...
#11714024
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle, the gear shifter was shifted i...