NHTSA Complaint #11711035 — 2016 KIA OPTIMA

While driving my 2016 Kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was Door Dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 Wolf Creek Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness for over an hour while multiple oncoming vehicles passed by, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be left on the roadside overnight. The following day, the vehicle would only start briefly when jump-started, ran for approximately 15 seconds, and shut off again. It could not move and was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. At the dealership, technicians jump-started the vehicle, performed diagnostics, added engine oil, cleared codes, reset adaptive values, and conducted a test drive. During that test drive, the engine seized again, and the vehicle had to be towed back. Kia approved a full engine replacement under its extended engine warranty, acknowledging engine failure consistent with known defects. However, after the engine replacement, the vehicle would not start at all. Kia stated oil intrusion from the failed engine damaged electronic components, leaving the vehicle non-operational. Kia denied coverage for the resulting damage and issued an estimated $6,000 repair bill for engine harness, injector sub-harness, and ECU replacement. The vehicle remains inoperable following an approved warranty repair. This incident involved sudden loss of propulsion while driving, occurred without warning, resulted in repeated engine seizure, and left the vehicle disabled in traffic at night. This appears consistent with known Kia engine defects and presents a serious safety concern that warrants investigation.