NHTSA Complaint #11692583 — 2015 KIA OPTIMA

I experienced a sudden engine failure on the highway due to the known Theta II engine defect. The engine completely shut down in the middle of traffic, nearly causing a serious accident. I never received any notice from Kia regarding the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update or any engine recall programs. When I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, they told me they would not cover the engine replacement because the KSDS update was not installed prior to the failure. Kia admitted that the notice was sent to the previous owner, not to me, even though I am the current registered owner of the vehicle. I was never given the opportunity to install the software update or address the defect before this dangerous failure occurred. Kia representatives also stated that KSDS “was not a recall, only part of a class action lawsuit,” and therefore they are not obligated to cover the engine. This is misleading. The underlying Theta II engine defect was subject to NHTSA investigations and multiple recall campaigns. The sudden engine shutdown on a public highway created an immediate safety risk for me and other drivers. I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying coverage for a federally recognized engine defect due to their own failure to notify the current owner. I am requesting that NHTSA review Kia’s handling of this defect and their use of KSDS as a barrier to coverage. Their failure to notify current owners has resulted in dangerous, potentially life-threatening vehicle failures.