NHTSA Complaint #11677339 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA

ENGINE issue reported to NHTSA

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Complaint Details

ODI Number	11677339
Vehicle	2015 KIA OPTIMA
Component	ENGINE
Date of Incident	July 26, 2025
Date Filed	July 30, 2025
Mileage	N/A miles
Crash	No
Fire	No
Injuries	0
Deaths	0
Vehicle Towed	No
State	AR

Consumer Description

While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The car coasted to a stop and would not restart. When attempting to start it again, the starter smoked, and the engine would not crank or turn over. This is a serious safety hazard as the engine failure occurred with no warning and matches the symptoms of the known Kia Theta II engine recall for bearing and seizure issues. My VIN is not currently listed as part of the recall, but it experienced the exact same failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate and pressure Kia to include my VIN in the recall campaign, as this is a sudden engine seizure defect that could cause a crash if it happens at speed.

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