NHTSA Complaint #11639820 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle shut off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. An independent mechanic spotted the contact on the side of the road and helped. The mechanic was able to restart the vehicle; however, the vehicle immediately shut off with a loud clanking sound and a burning odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. Despite the failure, the contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was driven to the residence and a mobile mechanic inspected the vehicle. The contact was informed that the VIN was under recall and was advised to take the vehicle to a dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer and was diagnosed with engine failure, which voided the recall due to the diagnostic test. The contact was offered a buyback which was refused. The contact was then referred to the manufacturer and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty and that any repairs would be an out-of-pocket expense. The contact drove the vehicle back to the residence despite the failure and the vehicle repeatedly shutting off. The contact called another mobile mechanic and was informed about a recall and related the failure to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.