NHTSA Complaint #11672115 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA

I own a 2015 Kia Optima (VIN:[XXX]) with a 2.4L GDI engine. The engine has failed — a local repair shop diagnosed it as a “jumped timing” issue, which matches the well-documented Theta II engine defect. I never received recall notice or notice of the required KSDS update. Kia has denied me coverage, stating the update was not done before failure. I now have a vehicle that is undriveable and potentially unsafe. Kia confirmed there is no extended warranty or coverage for rod bearing failure — despite widespread issues — and they ignored my open fire-risk recall (NHTSA 21V331000) in their denial. I am requesting that NHTSA review why my VIN is excluded despite the same failure symptoms, and ask that Kia be required to expand recall eligibility or offer a goodwill resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)