NHTSA Complaint #11553632 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA
ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA
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.
Related Complaints for the 2015 KIA OPTIMA
Other ENGINE Complaints
#11719695
Engine failure while driving on freeway. Almost hit by semi truck. Towed to Dealership. Engine check light flashing c...
#11719754
Engine seized and won’t turn at all
#11717931
On December 27, 2025, at approximately 150,556 miles, my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid experienced sudden engine knocking, p...
#11716870
Valve cover leaking and oil dripping oil on exhaust at 114k miles. Risk of engine fire.
#11714265
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized,...
Recent Complaints for the 2015 KIA OPTIMA
#11718562
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Paint is peeling off all over my car. I see this is a known issue with the white paint and nothing is being done abou...
#11717931
POWER TRAIN
On December 27, 2025, at approximately 150,556 miles, my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid experienced sudden engine knocking, p...
#11717265
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at...
#11715114
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver's side and pa...
#11713230
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Yesterday, [XXX], My 2015 kia optima engines reved up wothout me pushing the gas & within seconds later a loud noise ...