2015 KIA OPTIMA Engine Problems

605 NHTSA complaints on file

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All Engine Complaints — Page 4

#11557564 |
engine died while driving 45 on highway, tow to garage and was told to take to dealership because of a recall for my engine. towed the car to the dealership and they check and are telling me that my car engine wasn't covered and I would have to paid for the repair. I was told the problem was the engine manufactured with the rod bearing issue. My safety was at risk because car died on a state highway.
#11556739 |
Car was stolen due to Kia’s faulty ignition start my steering system was broken into and my car was stolen.
#11555425 | Crash
While driving on Hwy 19 the vehicle shut down. The motor turned off and I was able to slowly roll to the side of the road. The car did not start again.
#11555172 |
When driving down the highway car will beep a message on dashboad to pull the car over and turn engine off. the HEV light will be flashing. you can turn engine off and re start in a minute or so. the check engine light stays on and tells me to check hybrid system this willl ocur at random once a week or two times in a month. Kia dealership has not fixed the issue. I dont trust driving the car or safe when pulling off a busy highway. ON hand held obd did get a trouble code P0A37 Generator Temperature Sensor Hi Range .
#11554433 |
The contact leased a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the front passenger's side window, the rearview camera, and the brake lights were intermittently inoperable. Additionally, the contact stated while driving at approximately 10 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact shifted into neutral(N) and was able to push the vehicle to the side of the road with the assistance of several bystanders. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was leased, and it was diagnosed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the battery warning light and the steering warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shut off. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and...
#11554030 |
Engine failure & fuel leak. Also oil was burning extremely fast . I had taking it to the dealership while back ago for a recall and said it was fixed. Few months later gas started running out fast. A check light engine came on saying there was an evaporation leak. I did call the dealership to see what exactly they fixed, emailed them. They kept telling me they would call me back and never did. Wouldn’t get any emails back. I took it upon headquarters to let them know about the oil burning fast and emailed. And called them. Apparently there was nothing they can do and told me I have to call the dealership. I took the car to my mechanic because I trust him more than the actual dealership at this point. And I brought up concerns about my safety being in that car. No one heard me...
#11553632 |
I was driving when the vehicle began to shake and then the check engine light came on. I stopped at a red light and when the light turned green and I processed to go the car shut off while in traffic. I then waited to see if the car would turn back on and it did just long enough for me to get out of the roadway. I had the car towed back to the dealer from whom I purchased the car from. He had his mechanic check the vehicle out and informed me that the engine seized. He then had it towed to a repair shop and they also confirmed the engine seized. When I purchased the vehicle 9 months ago it came with a warranty. The warranty company is now saying that I am responsible for the cost of the diagnostic testing which is $2,500.00 before they will...
#11553545 |
Unknown
#11552924 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the side of the road however, the vehicle was not able to restart. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contacts home. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was caused by the engine seizing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
#11552409 | Fire
Engine lost power and when restart was attempted, it could torn turn over. Tried restarting 3 times with no success. After this, smoke started coming from the hood. I opened the hood and noticed a small flame at the driver side bottom of the engine compartment. Flame intensified and grew and eventually I extinguished with a fire extinguisher. I had just replaced the starter that same week and replaced some wiring at a local car repair facility.
#11552319 |
Bought car February 22 less than 5200 miles. Died on hwy October 6. Kia denied claim. Had no ideal of a software update. Never heard of that in my life. Almost lost my life with this car
#11552081 |
Kia has a Nation Wide Campaign for faulty engines, that will display a code (consistent in the campaign), my daughter purchased a 2015 Kia Optima, 76,000 miles, that was a rebuilt title, however the damage was on the back passenger door, body damage only. Was surprised it was even totaled out from the insurance, however due to the high theft issues with Kia's insurance companies are paying them out to avoid the theft as well as the engine issues. Currently, Kia is telling us that they will not replace the engine (even though this is the campaign they are advertising) due to the rebuilt title, even though the defective engine is from the manufacture and nothing to do with the body damage to the back passenger door. This car was repaired in full and cleared to be re-titled as a rebuilt title. These engine issues can cause the vehicle to...
#11550879 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle slowed down and then became inoperable. The battery and check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The vehicle had been diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty engine block. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.
#11550688 |
My engine locked while driving on the highway, I have got the car inspected twice since I purchased it and only had it for a year and it passed, everything worked fine and no hazard lights were on dashboard until it stopped then the battery and engine light showed when stopping! I had no problems with the car prior to it, just stopping on me I had my kids with me and we were going to another state so that’s dangerous! I had to get it towed to a Kia dealership and was told they had 4 recalls on my car and the problem was the engine locked but I was told they would not do it free of charge or under warranty because the car has a salvage title overall the car was still drive able and in good condition up until that point.
#11550399 | Fire
My car started smoking while parked at work for no reason and I had to call the fire department. It stop smoking by the time the fire department came. I had it towed to the Dealer. My brakes are a mess but especially on a wet road you have to pump them to try to stop. I have taken it to the Dealer and of course they find nothing wrong. I told them to test drive it on a wet raining day and try to stop hard. Supposedly they could not but I have almost been it several accidents and had to run through a red light because I could not stop. So, I try to drive this car on a rainy day or drive slowly. This car has been trouble since I got it and the dealer will not listen.
#11549901 |
Motor failed and Kia replaced the motor. Now my dim lights and fog lights will not work. All fuse, relay, etc.. has been tested along with bulb replacement…
#11549634 |
My Kia optima has been having engine issues regarding fluid spilling in different components of the vehicle, first started within spark plugs, then in the exhaust camshaft, once I fixed those two issues it's now spilling within my wiring hardness. I was told to fix my valve cover which I did but oil is still spilling out from the engine and into other components. The vehicle stalls while driving on the highway which is unsafe for myself and other drivers due to the speed slowing down without warning until after the decline in speed. I've went to an independent service center, but once new issues arouse I assumed he was just trying to get more money out of me but I even brought it to Kia and still seems to have issues occur. I received an engine light warning when the vehicle stalls, there is times where the car actually...
#11549285 |
Engine Rebuild/Replace: #4 CYLINDER WALL DAMAGE ALLOWING OIL INTO COMBUSTION CHAMBER I have kept very good care of my car and have provided appropriate maintenance including oil changes 3k-5k with synthetic oil and also recently had full tube up April 2023.
#11548919 |
1st problem happened when I was at a complete stop, at a traffic light, in rush hour traffic. All the sudden steam started coming out from underneath my hood. I instantly looked at my temperature gauge and it did not show anything however I knew something was wrong when the light turned green I immediately pulled over, out of the street as far as I can get without being hit by other cars. I put on my hazard lights. Pop the hood. I had a gallon jug in my trunk. And I walked to a store to fill it up with water. Came back, poured the entire gallon into the radiator. Waited for at least 30 minutes. Started the car and made it home. After that incident, the problems with this 2015 Kia Optima has snowballed. It just amazes me that it has started happening 2000 miles after my extended...
#11547903 |
I was driving the car 30 mph and the engine just cuts off completely and dies in the middle of the road in traffic. It wouldnt start. There was no time given to pull off the roadway. I get to safely call a tow truck which took them 3 hours to get there. They took it to Kia and there Kia says it has 4 recalls and the engine is seized up. Even though Kia is responsible for motor replacement and has replaced motors in other Kia's they have denied me of a new engine die to their recall. I have paid dearly for that car for 6 years now that im a thousand away from paying it off and having my sanity Kia almost gets me killed on the street and took what sanity I have left. They say they are not going to fix any of the recalls...
#11547143 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving after a stop, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that an unstated hose had failed, causing the engine to seize. The contact called an unknown local dealer and was informed that the warranty on the vehicle was under another person's name. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
#11545569 |
Excessive shaking of engine, stalled out while driving on highway, knocking in the engine.
#11544073 |
I had oil changed by Jiffy Lube for a very long time dedicated to getting it changed. Anyways, I was driving down the road and all of a sudden the motor started knocking I pulled over and had to have it towed because the knocking was getting louder and louder.
#11543474 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brakes and the steering column were inoperable. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to safely pull off to the shoulder of the roadway. The contact stated that the engine started smoking. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that in December 2020 and March 2023, recall repairs were completed on the ABS and TCU modules. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The approximate failure mileage was 94,700.
#11543483 |
My 2015 Kia Optima EX with 56,462 miles which I am the original owner. On 09/07/2024, my vehicle oil light came on and the vehicle was taken to Weston Kia in Gresham, OR. This vehicle has had regular oil changes every 3,000 miles since purchased performed at Weston Kia. The service department found a leaking oil pressure switch and preformed the repairs totaling $248.60 on 09/08/2023. Per Kia 10yr/100,000 Powertrain warranty for original owner "In the Engine: Cylinder block, cylinder head and all INTERNAL PARTS, timing gear, seals and gaskets, valve cover, flywheel, OIL PUMP, water pump and turbo charger, pg. 6." I believe this part is covered per Kia warranty and the definition of drivetrain "A powertrain is a system inside a vehicle, in a car, a powertrain consists of the engine or motor and its internal components, such as the energy storage system, transmission and driveshaft." After reviewing...
#11543067 | Crash
I HAVE 2015 KIA OPTIMA GREY OR PLATINUM GRAPHITE EXTERIOR COLOR SINCE AUG 2019 I HAD AN TBONE ACCIDENT LAST DEC 26 2021 WHICH IAM NOT AT FAULT FOR NEVER RECEIVED ANY TYPE OF COMFORT CARE CLAIM IT WAS DURING COVID PANDEMIC I WAS IN THE PROCESS OF GRIEVIANCE BEING HATE LEFT IN DESPAIR ALSO JOB LOSS WITH NO INCOME UNSTABLE LIVING SITUATION WHICH I WAS LIVING ON MY PERSONAL VEHICLE BEEN GOING THROUGH FINANCIAL HARDSHIP UNTIL PRESENT I HAVENT BEEN DRIVEN UNTIL I BROUGHT TO KIA DEALERSHIP JAN 1ST OF 2023 DUE TO MY PERSONAL INJURY AND CAR ACCIDENT IT WAS LEFT PARKED GOT TOWED WITH BUSTED WINDOWS HAD MY PERSONAL BELONGINGS BEING GONE MISSING.... I HAVE ROUGH YEARS... IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR ME TO GET BACK UP IN MY FEET MY CAR HAS RECALLS ARENT BEING REPAIRED FAIRLY. THIS WILL BE MY FIRST TIME TO ADHERE MY CONCERNS...
#11541841 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing an abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that she had been adding engine oil to the vehicle every 400 miles. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact was informed that the vehicle had to experience catastrophic engine failure to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
#11541660 | Fire
I WAS DRIVING NORTH ON THE 57 FREEWAY AND MY CAR STOP RUNNING AND I PULLED ON THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND MY CAR CATCH ON FIRE. EVERYTHING STARTED IN THE ENGINE. I CALLED KIA AND MADE A COMPLAINT AND THEY TOLD ME IT WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THEY COULD NOT HELP ME.
#11541193 |
I’ve had my 2015 Kia optima since 7/11/23. My dipstick showed oil full. I drove it 977 miles from 7/11/23 until August 23 2023. My oil went from full mark on dip stick to low. My vehicle I purchased had 66,892. I should think it shouldn’t be losing a quart oil in a little over a month. I had to add a quart of oil. This is unacceptable.
#11540791 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving into a parking lot at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact restarted and parked the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to the residence the following day. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 116,000.
#11539828 |
I recently got a 2015 Kia Optima LX, I loved the vehicle and decided to buy it. I had no issues until I decided to drive it, and after 30 minutes of driving, I faintly hear a sound coming from the engine, as if it's hitting some metal. Shortly after, a warning light on the dashboard turns on. I reach home and decide to scan it with a small OBD scanner I have, and to my surprise, it's showing error code P1326. The vehicle is running very poorly, making a sound like metal rubbing against metal, and it has no power at all. I'm stuck on the road with the vehicle like this. It has 104,600 miles on it.
#11539562 |
Car was driven to work and died on side of road a few weeks ago. Would not take a jump. Had funny smell when hood was up. Had to tow it home. 2015 (bought in 2016 from Kia Dealershop with 130 miles. We were the only owner. I think it was used for test drives? Dealership said engine seized ( only 35,000 miles). Haven't heard from them yet. No rental car! What can we do. Under Powertrain warranty. Thanks [XXX] and [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
#11539048 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at low speeds, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed that the warranty had expired, and there was no recall for the failure on the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 110,928.
#11537490 |
2015 Kia Optima engine seized on the highway at 70mph without any warning. Engine light illuminated and lost all power. This was a replacement engine with approximately 75,000 miles. Original engine was replaced at 125k due to excessive oil consumption (burned 1 quart in 800 miles). Vehicle has been at the dealership since the end of June awaiting engine replacement (again).
#11536785 |
engine oil leaks that may cause the vehicle to stall.
#11535896 |
Engine pinging Hesitates when pulling out at times
#11534422 |
The contact’s husband owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her husband was driving at undisclosed speeds, he heard a knocking sound coming from the hood of the vehicle before the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact's husband was able to coast the vehicle to a stop. The contact then stated that after her husband allowed the engine to cool, he was able to restart the vehicle. The contact then stated that the following day, her husband attempted to start the vehicle, but the vehicle failed to start. The contact’s husband then notified AAA to tow the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the starter might have caused the failure. The contact stated that her husband replaced the starter however, the failure recurred. The contact then notified a friend who is an independent mechanic, and it was determined...
#11533382 |
Driving down Interstate and car stopped with no warning. It was confirmed engine seized at 113,576 miles.
#11533417 |
I driving my vehicle is just started powering down and didn’t want to turn on again. We jumped started it thinking it was the battery but it checked out fine. The vehicle doesn’t want to start anymore and the mobile mechanic said the engine had ti be replaced since it was off the timing loop. No engine or vehicle lights were in and no prior issues were appearing.
#11531775 |
I noticed the car was stalling and then a engine knock, took it to the kia dealer they stated the engine needed to be replaced but kia was not going to cover it because I didnt do a recall?? I never recieved a recall and after researching this issue I saw thousand of articles about people having the same issue!!! also there was a class action suit against kia for this issue!!!
#11529346 |
Driving 2015 Kia Optima on expressway at night when car lost power and died. We almost got hit by cars and trucks trying to get over to side of road. Dash lights went crazy as did headlights and nothing worked. Had car towed to Kia dealership and they confirmed that engine locked up. Kia refused to cover because ksds updated (that we did not know about)was not done even though this engine is known to be manufactured faulty and are failing at astronomical rates. Kia knows they should be recalled. They refuse responsibility even after they settle lawsuit after lawsuit.
#11529458 |
My engine failed on a busy road on my home after a long day of work. I was at a red light when my car failed and was terrified a car was going to hit me. I was the first car in line and had barely made it past the light. Thankfully, I was able to have my car pushed into a nearby lot by complete strangers. I had just gotten off of the freeway, I easily could have been killed or hurt. My car was towed to the dealership where I purchased it from where it was confirmed that my engine seized and I needed an engine replacement. My car started knocking the day before it failed (Friday, May 26, 2023). This is the only symptom my vehicle had. I took it to Kia the same day and they told me to return on Tuesday morning after the holiday...
#11528236 |
As I was driving on International Drive in Myrtle Beach,SC my car suddenly died. The engine seized .
#11527556 |
While driving on freeway car lost speed. And did no ruan more than 20 milles. The motor sign was blinking and start making a sound coming from engine. Almost had a accident because culdnt keep the speed at that moment. Please let me know if there is a re-call for this problem. I have the car parked in may hause
#11527398 |
We are a used vehicle dealer. We purchased this vehicle for resale from a new vehicle dealer, while transporting it back to our lot, the motor blew up. Kia is willing to fix it, but not while it is titled in our name. They will only repair if it is in a private individuals name. There is an issue with the vehicle and why will they only repair if it is titled to a private individual?
#11526583 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the failure was related to an unknown recall not being performed. Additionally, the code PL1802 (Echo Logic Upgrade) was illuminated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
#11526684 |
Driving on highway auto lost all drive power and stopped running. Zero warning or lights were ever noted on car and no vehicle function had been observed in previous days. Auto towed and mechanic checked vehicle. Found engine seized and unrepairable. Shop reviewed this as a known recall from previous models repaired. Kia contacted by owner, VIN reviewed and noted to be part of a class action suit as well as confirmation this malfunction was a recall. Told by Kia that recall would not be honored since this is a second owner. However we researched this and could not find any recalls prior to purchase of this vehicle. This malfunction could have resulted in accident, injury or death and we as owner were given no choice to repair or even identify this malfunctioning vehicle.
#11526409 |
pearl white paint chipping away. also both power mirrors went out. one replaced with after market and other one available for inspection
#11521995 |
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
#11520995 |
Driving on highway at 65 mph and engine just died with no warning. Almost got hit trying to get off the expressway to the side of road. Had car towed home and checked engine. Engine is seized up completely.

Other 2015 KIA OPTIMA Problem Areas

Unknown Or Other 136 complaints Electrical System 124 complaints Structurebody 72 complaints Steering 67 complaints Service Brakes 48 complaints Power Train 47 complaints Fuelpropulsion System 44 complaints Service Brakes Hydraulic 37 complaints Vehicle Speed Control 32 complaints Air Bags 24 complaints Engine And Engine Cooling 23 complaints Exterior Lighting 22 complaints Electronic Stability Control Esc 10 complaints Fuel System Gasoline 9 complaints Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking 7 complaints Suspension 6 complaints Visibilitywiper 6 complaints Wheels 5 complaints Electrical Systemignitionanti Theftimmobilizerproximitykeysender 4 complaints Lane Departure Blind Spot Detection 3 complaints Seat Belts 2 complaints Tires 2 complaints Vehicle Speed Controlaccelerator Pedal 2 complaints Air Bagsfrontaldriver Clockspringspiral Cassette 1 complaint Electrical System Instrument Clusterpanel 1 complaint Electrical System12v24v48v Battery 1 complaint Electrical Systemalternatorgeneratorregulator 1 complaint Electrical Systempropulsion Systemtraction Batterymanagement Systemenergy Control Module Bmsbecm 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineengine Control Module Ecuecm 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingengineoillubrication 1 complaint Engine And Engine Coolingexhaust Systemmanifoldheadermufflertail Pipe 1 complaint Equipment 1 complaint Exterior Lightingheadlightsdaytime Running Lightsbulbs 1 complaint Exterior Lightingtail Lightsbulbs 1 complaint Firerelated 1 complaint Forward Collision Avoidance Adaptive Cruise Control 1 complaint Fuel System Gasolinestorageevaporative Emissionscanister 1 complaint Lane Departure Warning 1 complaint Power Trainautomatic Transmissioninternalbearingsbushings 1 complaint Seats 1 complaint Seatsfront Assemblyseat Heatercooler 1 complaint Structure 1 complaint Tiressidewall 1 complaint Visibility 1 complaint Visibilitydefrosterdefoggerhvac System 1 complaint Visibilitysunmoon Roof Assembly 1 complaint
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