NHTSA Complaint #11681001 — 2020 KIA OPTIMA

I own a 2020 Kia Optima. My vehicle has experienced repeated low-pressure fuel pump failures, causing hard starting, loss of power, and stalling risk. These issues first appeared in July 2023 and have recurred despite multiple repairs. The dealership has replaced the upper portion of the fuel pump three times (July 10, 2023; March 1, 2025; June 9, 2025) for the same issue, but the problem persists. Most recently, in August 2025, the vehicle again exhibited difficulty starting and loss of power. Diagnostic code P123300 was found, indicating the pump is not generating enough pressure. The dealership confirmed the entire fuel pump assembly needs replacement. This is a serious safety concern because the vehicle has gone into limp mode three times while driving — twice previously on the freeway, and again on [XXX]. On that date, I experienced sudden loss of power while driving, but I had a scheduled oil change on July 29, 2025 so I waited until then to bring the car in. At that visit, the dealership claimed the problem was only an old code P0456 and that my car needed a software update. However, the very next day, my vehicle went into limp mode yet again, creating another hazardous driving situation. My check engine light has repeatedly illuminated, and each failure matches the conditions described in Kia’s extended warranty program (WTY028) for low-pressure fuel pump failures on my model year. The warranty extension letter (WTY028) for my vehicle states that “repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure” are covered for 15 years/150,000 miles. It does not state that only the upper portion of the pump is covered. However, my dealership (Sands Kia Surprise) insists that Kia will only cover the upper portion, even though my issue requires replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly to correct the failure. This repeated failure creates a dangerous driving condition and appears to be part of a larger defect affecting this model’s fuel delivery system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION