NHTSA Complaint #11684870 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA

The component that failed was the engine of my Kia vehicle. The vehicle was purchased in 2020. In Q4 2022, I received a recall notice by mail regarding the engine. I immediately took the vehicle to Kia of McKinney, TX, and requested that the recall repair be performed. I was informed at that time that the engine could not be replaced until it actually failed. This forced me to continue driving a defective vehicle for several years. The engine ultimately failed in the second week of June 2025, when the car would not start. It was towed to Southwest Kia in Texas, where it remains available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because I was instructed to continue driving a vehicle with a known defective engine. Kia’s refusal to remedy the recall in advance increased the risk of sudden stalling, engine seizure, or loss of power while driving — all of which pose serious hazards on the roadway. The problem has been confirmed by Kia’s own service centers. Southwest Kia acknowledged the engine failure but denied coverage, citing a supposed “gap” in maintenance records. However, Kia never informed me that there were specific maintenance requirements tied to recall eligibility, and I was never given a clear diagnosis of if the failure aligned with that of the recall. Kia corporate has denied responsibility for replacing the engine despite the active recall. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine failure. The car simply failed to start in June 2025. At no earlier point was I warned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, nor was I given any proactive remedy other than waiting for failure. I am requesting that Kia be compelled to honor the recall and replace the engine, as their refusal has left me with a significant financial loss and ongoing safety concerns.