NHTSA Complaint #11553632 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA

ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number 11553632
Vehicle 2015 KIA OPTIMA
Component ENGINE
Date of Incident
Date Filed
Mileage N/A miles
Crash No
Fire No
Injuries 0
Deaths 0
Vehicle Towed No
State NJ

Consumer Description

I was driving when the vehicle began to shake and then the check engine light came on. I stopped at a red light and when the light turned green and I processed to go the car shut off while in traffic. I then waited to see if the car would turn back on and it did just long enough for me to get out of the roadway. I had the car towed back to the dealer from whom I purchased the car from. He had his mechanic check the vehicle out and informed me that the engine seized. He then had it towed to a repair shop and they also confirmed the engine seized. When I purchased the vehicle 9 months ago it came with a warranty. The warranty company is now saying that I am responsible for the cost of the diagnostic testing which is $2,500.00 before they will replace the engine. I reached out to Kia and they are also saying that I am responsible for the diagnostic testing and that the warranty company can choose a new or used engine replacement. I asked Kia if the engine was ever replaced during the first engine recall but representative refused to say if it was or wasn't. My car is still at the repair shop. These matter needs to be addressed as there may be others going through the same issue. This is the second time this has happened to me. I previously had a 2011 Kia Sportage that did the same exact thing. I returned it to the dealer whom I purchased it from and that vehicle was added to my credit report as a repo and resold at an auction. I hope and pray the issue was repaired before it was sold.

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