2014 Kia Optima Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while turning the steering wheel left or right, there was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the steering wheel. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

I’ve been smelling smoke inside the vehicle coming from the engine compartment while driving the vehicle this is a Kia Optima lx. I don’t know what causing it but worries me a whole lot. What should I do in this case

The White paint is chipping on the hood and roof of the car.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at unknown speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that an independent mechanic informed her that the engine needed to be replaced. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle stalled while driving. The contact manually pushed their vehicle to the side of the road and noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact opened the hood of the vehicle where more smoke was coming from the engine and fire coming from the passenger side of the engine. The contact ran to a nearby business to get a fire extinguisher to extinguish the fire. The contact was in process of the vehicle being towed to a local dealer. The contact concerned that NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 ( service brakes, hydraulic) was related to the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) and 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), however, the parts to do the recall repairs were unavailable. The contact had taken the vehicle to two dealers for the recall repairs. The contact stated that one charged her a fee for the recall repair however, there was no evidence that the recall repair was completed. The contact was referred by the manufacturer to another dealer who did not perform the recall repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

On November 11 2021 i was on the highway doing 65 mph. I heard a putting sound then, no pressure on gas paddle. After cruising about a half mile up the highway the i was finally able to pull to the shoulder. After about a week i took the car to Capital KIA in Columbus, Ohio. They looked at my car said my engine was most likely down due to the recall. We walk to the tech computer. I give him my vin number, and he see i have a salvage title and refuse to do the recall. I got the car towed there and back.

Lost power train while driving on the freeway. I put the computer on the car and I got code PO605.

The contact owned a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that as he attempted to merge onto a highway at 45 MPH, the brake pedal and steering wheel locked up upon the depression of the brake pedal without warning. Due to the failure, the contact hit an electrical box encased in concrete as the vehicle continued to roll into bushes before it came to a halt. The airbags deployed upon impact. The contact exited the vehicle and removed his son from the back seat. The contact was not treated for injuries at the scene. The contact's son had a few lacerations on his neck that did not need medical attention. A police report was filed. A few days, his insurance towed the vehicle from the scene to an independent junkyard where the vehicle was deemed a total loss. A week later, the contact sought medical treatment for pain in his chest and right arm; the contact was diagnosed with a hairline fracture to his sternum. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that his vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V331000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact attempted to reach out to the manufacturer by email but did not receive a response. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

Hello, as you are aware Kia finally issued a recall for engine failure and my vehicle is one of the many that experienced engine failure on 10/19/2021. My vehicle now sits at the local dealership with so many others waiting to go through the process of videoing the engine so they can send to corporate to approve a new engine. In the meantime, I, along with other customers are left helpless and frustrated with no vehicle to drive for several months from what the local dealership is telling me. Kia is not taking care of their customers upfront by providing a loaner/rental vehicle. Instead, thy say we can rent a vehicle and get reimbursed after our vehicle has been repaired. How many people have many to rent a vehicle for months? Not me! I was told it would be a minimum of four months without my vehicle and some have been there much longer. I am in desperate need of transportation for obvious reason (i. e. work, appointments, errands, unexpected situations, family obligations, etc....) I am hoping that you can advise what can I do to get Kia to step up and do the right thing upfront, especially for those who can't afford a rental vehicle. I am also wondering if my 2014 Kia Optima should've even been sold to me in September 2017 with this known engine issue? My research and websites show this issue was definitely before I made the purchase. Kia failed their customers and not wanting to step up and issue a recall sooner shows that safety was not their top priority. Thank you for any assistance you can provide.

I was driving down the interstate for my work commute apx 70 mph when HEV warning light engaged and vehicle went into limp mode. Had vehicle towed to dealership after running several tests determined the engine was knocking and needed replaced. After 2 months reman engine placed in vehicle. Vehicle function apx 6 months when the exact same problem occured on the highway traveling apx 60 mph. Vehicle is still in dealership. Thankfully, both times I was able to coast to the shoulder and avoid a collision. There is something wrong with these vehicles that need to be fixed.

Pearl White paint peeling around windshield, paint bubbling and lifting on roof and trunk lid.

My car has 80,000 miles and the paint chipping on the bumper, hood, and roof is starting to cause rust on the car body.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the electric power steering (EPS) warning light was illuminated, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The contact was able to drive to his residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 83,750.

Vehicle check engine light came on at 164000mi. Diagnostics confirmed trouble codes P2562 (Power train system) and C2130, C1611, C1612 (Anti-lock brake sytem). The begins to shake at 40mph and the turbo fails to run properly causing the car to accelerate poorly and make steering an issue.

Car cut off whilst driving without warning

Failed Emissions Test for Engine light being on. Took to mechanic and he specified that it was my gas cap that needed replacing and I did so, but light is still on. No leakage was present at the time when mechanic checked, however, in the past there was a smell of gas inside the vehicle but it's no longer present at the moment.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start after several attempts. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the turbo engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the engine was replaced with a non-Kia rebuilt engine. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer; Car Pros Kia Moreno Valley (12840 Auto Mall Dr, Moreno Valley, CA 92555) who diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was taken back to the first dealer who had replaced the engine. The dealer advised the contact that the engine had failed and advised the contact to no longer drive the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 56,127.

We’ve had our engine replaced by Kia for an issue with models with the turbo installed. The turbo seized up and in turn caused our engine to fail, so Kia said they knew about the issue and gave us a new engine and turbo at no cost to us and also gave us a unlimited mileage warranty for the engine because of the issue. Now just about a year later of them installing the new parts, the same issue has arisen. Turbo failed and in turn it messed up the engine, the Kia dealership we have it in has told us that they will not cover it under warranty and that the turbo isn’t apart of the warranty either.

I noticed a small spot of paint chipping one day. Then I was washing my car and noticed a lot of spots chipping. As I started watching them they kept chipping all over from my hood which is the worst to side of doors sides and roof around front window and front and back bumper. I looked online to research it and if anyone had this problem and it seems to be just the white kia that has this problem. I have contacted kia mutable times. I sent pictures of my car and 3 estimates. All I keep doing is getting the run around about what there going to do. It is now getting worse and starting to rust real bad.

Engine failed and the vehicle stopped in the middle of the road. The engine is now knocking.

On 8/26/2021 I was driving up the Hwy and my kia optima started to slow down on its own.. the battery light, and engine light was flickering on and off, and oil light came on.. I checked the oil and it read 70%. On dash.. I beared off to the right shoulder out of traffic. I was originally going about 65mph it dropped all the way down to 10mph. Pulled over and the the car stopped. Tried starting the car back up but it made a clicking sound. I called a tow truck. The tow truck hauled it to a local mechanic. Mechanic diagnosed the problem being that the car had medal on the oil timing sensors known as the vvt timing solenoid sensor. He changed the oil. But still did not fix the problem. I have had this car since July 1, 2021, about almost 2 months got a oil change 2 days after I bought the car. Car will not excelerate over 40 mph. Engine light is still on. The sensors was not changed because the mechanic said it wouldn't do any good because the engine had metal fragments in it by now because metal scrappings were on the sensors.

The rear lights develop condensation which causes the brake lights/turn signals to fail. This failure could easily lead to accidents and appears to be a safety issue. Kia has known about this problem since at least December 1, 2014 as it issued a “Pit Stop” PS364 to dealers regarding remediation of the problem on that date, yet Kia has not issued a (safety or non-safety) recall. My left light developed condensation in mid-2020. My right light currently has condensation.

Driving on the interstate just as I was getting off the car stalled on the offramp. I managed to get it going again about a mile down the road, I was making a left across the highway and it stalled on me again I managed to coast into a driveway without incident. I had an oil light the check engine lightAnd a battery light come on. After coasting into a driveway I could no longer get the car to start. I just bought the car four months ago with only 32000 miles on it. Brought it back to the dealer I bought it from and they recommended I tow it back to Kia as the engine may have seized as it is a known problem. Been almost a week stuck with no car after buying a practically brand new one. I’m still waiting to hear back from the Kia dealership.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a clicking noise was heard when the steering wheel was turned. The contact's wife also informed the contact that the vehicle was shaking while she was driving. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.

Brakes tend to lock up suddenly when applying minimal pressure to the pedal then jerks out of complete lock and then normal brakes. Engine HVAC system and AC suddenly stopped working and I have taken it to a shop for electrical testing with no luck.

The contact's mother-in-law owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his mother-in-law was driving 65 mph, she heard an abnormal loud clinking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle suddenly lost power and stalled. Several unknown warning lights along with the check engine warning light were illuminated. The contact stated as he opened the hood of the vehicle to determine the cause of the failure, he noticed the engine pistons had fractured and there was a hole in the engine. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence, then to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but advised the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) as it was out of warranty. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 165,000.

I DONT KNOW IF IS THE MOTOR OR WHAT IS IT BUET I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON THE FREEWAY WHEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE CAR SHUT DOWN N IT DOESNT WANT TO START BACK UP AGAIN

The engine seized up at 83,000 miles with all regular maintenance done. There is no specific cause of what caused that, as dismantling the engine would cost me more $. I have already spent $200 on the dealership and independents mechanic. I was merging on to the interstate and I lost all power, it was a narrow one lane, no shoulder section of the road, as it was also an interchange for a state hwy and the interstate. I had to limp over to the shoulder as traffic behind me began blaring horns. The shoulder I did find was a narrow gore, and I was very uncomfortable while getting a tow and ride setup. I was terrified I was going to be sideswiped at any moment. I was told by my trusted mechanic it was the Hybrid battery. The Dealership said the engine seized up, which also damaged the battery. In either case, my car does not travel forward under its own power. I had no warning until the event happened, I just lost power.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph the vehicle shut off and rolled in a parking lot. There were no warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the dashboard and vents melted and the air conditioner became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was informed there were metal shavings in the engine. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted who referred the contact to a local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

The contact's son owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving approximately 65 mph the vehicle stalled. The oil warning indicator light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact called the local dealer but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

UNKNOWN.. but the first time anything actually happen i was driving on the highway and all of a sudden I started to smell something weird and all the safety lights turned on the engine started smoking my acceleration wasn't working I can't put it in neutral nothing else is working I got lucky I was able to pull off to the side of the highway we where in a very dangerous spot the car wouldn't start back up at all and I have no communication we were stuck there for 3 hours until my dad found finally found us because he knew something was off why we weren't home for so long a close friend have to my house and that's words been parked ever since

I noticed that the pain on the hood had a chip in it. About two months or so later there were a few spots where the paint has bubbled and peeled off. Later I noticed the the paint was doing the same along both sides of the windshield and above both doors. The spots are continuing to bubble and peel.

My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, there was grayish smoke coming from the engine. The vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact was able to steer the vehicle off to the shoulder of the highway and had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic. The independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure. The vehicle was then towed to a dealer where they also diagnosed the vehicle with engine failure and stated that the vehicle was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

The electric power steering stopped working.

Traction control light has recently started coming on all the time and stays on. When you turn car off and it cools off then the light is off again. Another issue is when I place foot on brake the passenger side parking light comes on and the passenger brake light has had to be replaced 7 times since i bought car in February 2021

I bought the car from an individual in April. The end of May My engine started knocking while I was driving and it stalls out and will not drive. I contacted Kia because there was an open recall on the engine to see if they will look at it. They told me they will not even look at it or fix it because the person who owned the car before me did not fix other recalls.

I was getting into traffic and felt like power steering went on left turn Took to Kia repair shop on 5/26 RECEIVED call on 6/7 that repairs had been made costing $938.03 SAME PROBLEM NEXT DAY TOOK CAR BACK 6/11 RECEIVED message that car is repaired on 6/25 at NO Cost Picked up drove about 5 miles any took right turn to come home same it happened again They now have the car in the shop

On 5/23/2021, while driving my Optima on US94 in Indiana, I noticed a clicking sound. Uncertain if it was my car, or somerhing else, I turned off my media, and realized it was my car. I decided I would exit the next available exit, when I saw black smoke behind me. I realized I wouldn't make it the one mile to the exit, so I decided to pull off unto the shoulder of the highway. The instrumentation panel showed the coolant on normal, right in the middle of H and C. The Electrical Panel indicator was no longer in the middle as normal, which is right in the middle of H & L. Instead, it was berween the middle and Low. As I began to slow down, the panel showed a message of "Turn off Hybrid Now", then the red engine light appeared. I wasn't stopped yet, slowed to about 40 mph when I suddenly lost power. I coasted and brake to the shoulder, when I began to see smoke coming up from the hood. Mostly from the passenger side of the hood. I popped the hood of the car, then went out and opened the hood. I saw flames under the engine, more towards the passenger side of car. I grabbed my purse and ran to the field away from the car. The car burned up completely within about 5 to 8 minutes.

The contact's stepdaughter owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his stepdaughter was driving approximately 45 mph, the vehicle began to stall and she started to hear an abnormal sound. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The driver parked on the side of the road until the contact drove to her location. The contact towed the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with needing the engine to be replaced. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) and 20V519000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) which was related to the failure. The contact called the local dealer and was informed that since she was not the first owner of the vehicle, the recall repairs would not be honored. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the recall repairs would not be honored. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 78 mph, the vehicle inadvertently shifted into limp mode. The contact pulled over and the vehicle was able to be restarted however, the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE CUT OFF AND I HAD TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS, THE VEHICLE FINALLY STARTED. THIS IS THE 3RD TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED.

MY ENGINE SEIZED, I HAD IT TOWED TO A KIA DEALERSHIP, THEY SAID KIA WOULD NOT REPLACE THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF RECALLS NOT DONE BEFORE I BOUGHT THE CAR. THERE IS CURRENTLY A CLASS ACTION LAW SUIT FOR THIS ENGINE, BUT I HAVE TO PAY OVER 8,000 FOR AN ENGINE TO BE PAID BACK, I STILL OWE 10,000 ON THIS CAR. I CALLED KIA AND ASKED HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW ABOUT RECALLS MADE BEFORE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE, THEY SAID I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR BUYING A USED CAR. I'VE HAD MY CAR IN AT A KIA DEALERSHIP A WEEK BEFORE ENGINE FAILURE WITH 20 POINT INSPECTION AND NOTHING SAID ABOUT RECALLS. I WAS ON THE FREEWAY WHEN MY ENGINE QUIT, LOST ALL POWER. HAD TO DRIFT ACROSS 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO GET MY CAR TO AN EXIT, AND COAST DOWN THE OFF RAMP. PIPED THE HOOD AND SMELLED SOMETHING MELTING, MY DAUGHTER WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THIS IS DANGEROUS, NOW I'M LEFT FINANCIALLY DEVASTATED AND WITHOUT A CAR BECAUSE KIA CAN'T FIX THEIR WRONGS. EVERY ENGINE THAT HAD THE RECALLS DONE HAS HAD TO BE REPLACED WITH OR WITHOUT THE UPDATE. THE ENGINES ARE BAD. IVE ONLY HAD THIS CAR A YEAR.

05/03/2021 I drove my vehicle to the local grocery store and upon leaving the store, I came to stop and the vehicle stalled and wouldn't start. I knew that it was not the battery, because all lights and dash board system was on. I tried starting the vehicle again and it would not start. My safety was put at risk because I had to figure out how to get the vehicle towed. The problem (PI 1803) with the engine is the problem and KIA Consumer Affairs verified that the previous owner never brought the vehicle in to get repaired. I was never notified to bring vehicle in. KIA Consumer Affairs verified that I did not have a profile and I was not notified because I was not in their system. It is my problem to get a rebuilt engine for $6000 to update software and extend the "Lifetime Warranty." It was inspected by Olathe KIA in Olathe, KS. They were not given any authority to repair this issue with the original engine failure. My insurance agent verified that they could not cover mechanical problems, only accidents. There were no warnings, no knocking (read other peoples statements on the PI 1803 KIA Forum testaments), no leaking, no smoke, or other signs. I had an oil change a week prior before this happen and there was no signs of any problems. My engine just gave out and never started again. KIA has ruined My Family's Life. We have no car to get to work. Losing my Job because I live 15-20 miles from my job. We only have 1 car. We are getting Evicted from our apartment. Domino affect with My Life. I still have a car payment and car insurance I have to pay for. Why, won't they fix their engines? It's there problem when the vehicle was manufactured. I see why they are trying to sell all kinds of KIA's even though there is a car shortage. So sad how many people are in my shoe's and many of lives are affected by this problem.

The paint is bubbling and peeling after i wash the car and it rust after a while

ON APRIL 9, 2021 MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING MY KIA ON THE GARDEN STATE PARKWAY. THE CAR JUST STOPPED RUNNING AND MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO (BY THE SKIN OF HIS TEETH) VEER OFF TO THE SHOULDER. EVENTUALLY THE CAR WAS TOWED TO DIFEO KIA IN LAKEWOOD. AFTER ABOUT 1 WEEK OF TESTS, I WAS TOLD THAT THE ENGINE HAS SEIZED AND IT "SHOULD BE" COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE REPRESENTATIVE TOLD ME THAT APPROVAL FROM CORPORATE WOULD HAVE TO BE ESTABLISHED PRIOR TO ANY WORK BEING DONE. ON MONDAY APRIL 19, 2021 I WAS TOLD BY KIA THAT CORPORATE IS NOT COVERING THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF AN UNRESOLVED RECALL AND THAT THE NEW ENGINE WOULD BE $6,000+.. THERE IS AN UNRESOLVED RECALL ON MY KIA FROM AUGUST 2020. I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS RECALL, IF I DID RECEIVE NOTICE ON A RECALL, I WOULD HAVE BROUGHT MY CAR IN TO GET CHECKED LIKE I DID IN 2018 FOR A DIFFERENT RECALL. I HAVE FULL SERVICE RECORDS THAT CAN PROVE HOW I TAKE GOOD CARE OF MY CAR, AND WOULD HAVE HAD THE CAR CHECKED HAD I EVER RECEIVED A NOTICE. THE PRESENT RECALL ON MY CAR IS FOR A HECU ASSEMBLY ISSUE, NOT AN ENGINE SEIZING. I DO KNOW THAT KIA HAS RECALLED NUMEROUS KIAS DUE TO MACHINING ERRORS DURING ENGINE MANUFACTURING WHICH CAN CAUSE PREMATURE BEARING WEAR WITHIN THE ENGINE. MAYBE MY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED FOR THIS ISSUE AS WELL (?). I AM THANKFUL THAT MY HUSBAND SURVIVED THAT DAY ON THE PARKWAY, AND AM LOOKING FORWARD TO ANY ASSISTANCE YOU CAN GIVE TO HELP ME RESOLVE THIS.

Attempted theft of vehicle on 04/09/21 by breaking in the rear window since it is not armed by the factory alarm. Then breaking the steering column and using a USB charging cable to start vehicle. Vehicle is still with the dealer Russ Darrow Kia, Wauwatosa, WI. awaiting parts (back logged) due to the epidemic of break-ins on Kia and Hyundai models. Police report # 21-099-0033 and Insurance claims adjuster have been notified and paid for repairs - $3,000; claim # A00003252795 Vehicle is available for view upon request. Kia or Hyundai has does nothing to mitigate the problem nor have they acknowledged the problem. I have made several attempts to reach out to Kia for assistance, but to no avail.

Vehicle has engine failure at 156600mi. Bearings and axle are worn out which caused the engine to go into limp mode (code P1326). Car is accelerating poorly and does not oprate over 60mph. Vehicle required a new engine. Dutch Miller of Charlotte Kia, 7725 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC ensured that engine would be brand new. However, the engine was used, and obtained at LKQ costing $3600. Total cost for the engine and labor totalled $5117.18. Kia also confirmed the problematic suspension which led to the engine failure was fixed. Once again this obligation was not met.

The engine under recall they switch it then the trains mission goes bad