Page 15 of 16 · complaints 701–750 of 760

2016 Kia Optima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2016 record →

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 201934,000 milesCA

MY CAR WAS MANUFACTURED ON NOVENBER 13, 2015 THE SAME DATE FOR THE RECALL NUMBER SC139 FOR THE POWERTRAIN AXLE BUT WASN'T INCLUDED ON THE RECALL. MY AXLE IS STARTING TO MAKE NOISE LIKE IF IT IS FAIL JUST AS THE RECALL STATES I'M TOWING IT TO THE DEALER TO GET FIXED BUT WAS MY CAR SUPPOSE TO BE APART OF THAT RECALL?

Power Train
Filed Apr 2, 201934,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT AXLE STARTED TO FAIL AND MADE ABNORMAL NOISES. PERRIS VALLEY KIA (707 E 4TH ST, PERRIS, CA 92570) STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 16V705000 (POWER TRAIN). THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

Engine
Filed Mar 22, 2019IN

AROUND THE FIRST WEEK OF FEBRUARY THIS YEAR. THEY DID A RECALL ON THE ENGINE ADJUSTMENT AND THE FOLLOWING WEEKEND THE ENGINE FAILED. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE CAR INTO KIA NAPLETON CARMEL/INDIANAPOLIS THIS WAS FEBRUARY 11TH I BELIEVE. WITHIN TEN MINUTES THE OPERATIONS PERSON CAME BACK AND SAID THEY HAD A RENTAL COMING TO PICK ME UP. THEY HAD TO REPLACE THE ENGINE DO TO WHATEVER THEY DID TO THE CAR IN THE RECALL. I THOUGHT ABOUT THIS FOR AWHILE, I WAS GOING TO PURCHASE THE CAR AT THE END OF THE LEASE. THE LARGE WARRANTY IS JUST ABOUT UP IN TIME, AND SHOULD ANYTHING OCCUR OUTSIDE OF THE POWER TRAIN, IT IS ON ME. THAT MEAN IF IT TAKES MONTHS OR WEEKS TO FIX THE CAR, I NEED TO LEASE A CAR AND WAIT FOR THE PART. I BECAME VERY IRRITATED ON THE 15TH DAY OF WAITING. THAT WAS NOW ALL MOST A MONTH AGO. KIA NAPLETON HAS NOW HAD THE CAR FOR A TOTAL OF FIVE WEEKS AND NOT ENGINE IN SIGHT. ENTERPRISE TOLD ME MY RENTAL WAS EXTENDED TO APRIL 14TH WHICH KIA MOTORS IF PAYING. I HAVE COMPLAINED FROM THE DEALERSHIP TO KIA LEASE, TO KIA MOTORS AND BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP. A LOT OF RUN-AROUND. FINALLY, THEY HAVE ISSUED A LETTER TO PERMIT ME TO PAY $19,040 TO BUY OUT THE LEASE OR AROUND $11,000 TO FIND A NEW LEASE OR JUST $3,000 FOR MY TROUBLES AND KEEP THE CAR. MY WORRY IS IF SOMETHING ELSE GOES WRONG, WHAT IF I AM WAITING FOR FIVE WEEKS OR LONGER FOR A PART TO ARRIVE FROM ASIA, AND WHAT IF IT HAPPENS ON THE OPEN ROAD. I WANT KIA TO TAKE ME OUT OF THE LEASE WITHOUT DAMAGES TO ME. I AM NOT PLEASED TO HAV

Air BagsCrash
Filed Mar 8, 201960,000 milesWA

AS I BEGAN CROSSING THE INTERSECTION (HIGHWAY) I ENDED UP GETTING T- BONED HALFWAY THROUGH THE INTERSECTION BY A PICKUP. HE WAS SPEEDING GOING ROUGHLY 60MPH IN A 45MPH ZONE MY KIA OPTIMA SUSTAINED PASSENGER SIDE/ AND FRONTAL IMPACT DAMAGE. THE IMPACT OF THE ACCIDENT SENT ME SKIDDING ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND NONE OF MY FRONTAL AIRBAGS ACTIVATED NOR DID THE SEATBELT LOCK UP. THIS LEAD ME TO SUSTAIN HEAVY CHEST INJURIES FROM THE IMPACT OF THE STEERING WHEEL. ALSO THE CAR COULD NOT BE SHUT OFF AFTER THE ACCIDENT. THE VEHICLE STAYED RUNNING UNTIL EMT DISCONNECTED THE POWER TO IT.

Engine
Filed Feb 24, 2019GA

ENGINE FAILED ON HIGHWAY AND CAR STOPPED ACCELERATING.

Engine
Filed Feb 7, 201996,000 milesLA

I CHANGE MY OIL CHANGE IN MY KIA OPTIMA 16 OIL GET LOW BEFORE 3000MILE IT LOSE OIL BEFORE IT REACH 3000 MILES IT LOSE 2 QUART OIL

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Feb 3, 201961,000 milesOK

I WAS INVOLVED UN A REAR END COLLISION. I WAS STRUCK FROM BEHIND WHILE STOPPED @ A TRAFFIC LIGHT. SEVERE DAMAGE TO THE REAR END OF THE CAR. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED FROM THE IMPACT. I ENDED UP HITTING MY HEAD VERY HARD ON THE STEERING WHEEL. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED @ ALL FROM THE COLLISION.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 16, 201915,000 milesTX

SHARK FIN ANTENNA COVER EASILY COMES LOOSE OR COMPLETELY WHILE HAND WASHING THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY WHILE WASHING.

Engine
Filed Dec 4, 201822,000 milesME

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CHARLIE'S MOTOR MALL (465 WESTERN AVE, AUGUSTA, ME 04330, 207-622-7327) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 92793557. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 22,000. *TT*JB

Electronic Stability Control (esc)
Filed Nov 28, 201857,529 milesCA

THE CAR STUMBLES TO START AND WHEN I ACCELERATE IT FLUTTERS UNTIL PICKING UP SPEED. THIS HAPPENED ON HIGHWAY 43.

Seats1 injured
Filed Nov 20, 201853,400 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE BUTTON BEHIND THE REAR PASSENGER SEAT TO RELEASE THE SEATS, THE HEADREST DETACHED AND STRUCK THE CONTACT ON THE LEFT EYE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED AN EYE INJURY, BUT MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NOT REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 53,400.

Unknown or Other
Filed Nov 10, 201871,000 milesCA

TAKATA RECALL - MY CAR IS STARTING TO STALL FOR SOME REASON BUT THERE ISN'T A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. MECHANICS CANNOT UNDERSTAND WHAT MIGHT BE CAUSING IT. THIS HAPPENS AS I DRIVE ON STREETS AND ON HIGHWAYS.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Nov 4, 201862,000 milesDC

HEADLIGHT ASSEMBLY: WIRING HARNESS MELTING, BULBS BURNING OUT EVERY 3 MONTHS OR SO. A SAFETY HAZARD POTENTIALLY A FIRE HAZARD. DRIVING VISIBILITY AT NIGHT WITH LIGHTS ON DIM CREATES A TREMENDOUS SAFETY HAZARD.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Oct 23, 201835,000 milesFL

HEADLIGHT MALFUNCTION SHUT OFF PROBLEM. AT NIGHT WHEN IN MOTION ON VARIOUS CITY STREETS THE FRONT AND REAR LIGHTS WILL, SUDDENLY AND RANDOMLY, WITH NO DRIVER INPUT WHATSOEVER, SHUT OFF COMPLETELY BOTH IN THE BACK AND IN THE FRONT OF THE CAR! THE HEADLAMPS AND REAR LAMPS WILL, AT THAT POINT STAY COMPLETELY OFF WITH ABSOLUTELY NO EXTERIOR LIGHTING FUNCTION EXCEPT THE BRAKE LIGHTS!! THE ONLY WAY TO GET REAR AND HEAD LAMPS BACK IS TO TURN THE HEADLIGHTS SWITCH OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN. THIS MALFUNCTION SO FAR HAS OCCURRED WHEN HEADLIGHT SWITCH IS IN AUTO MODE. THIS MODE OF LIGHTING DETECTS ENVIRONMENTAL LIGHTING CONDITIONS TO ACTIVATE EITHER DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHTS OR HEADLIGHTS. THIS HAS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED THIS CAR BRAND NEW IN 2016. THE DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED AND THE CAR HAS BEEN INSPECTED SEVERAL TIMES BUT THEY HAVE REPEATEDLY INSISTED THAT THE SYSTEM IS WORKING 'AS DESIGNED' OR SHOWS NO PROBLEMS. FORTUNATELY, I HAVE THE FRONT AND REAR CAMERAS INSTALLED WITH VIDEOS TO PROVE IT. MY VEHICLE MOUNTED CAMERAS HAVE CAPTURED THIS MALFUNCTION AS HAS MY IPHONE VIDEO.I WILL NEED A WAY TO SEND YOU THE VIDEO FILES AS THEY ARE TOO LARGE. I BELIEVE THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER MANY ATTEMPTS AND COMMUNICATION WITH THE COMPANY, THE CAR WAS KEPT FOR TWO WEEKS AND WAS RETURNED WITH REPAIR TO WHAT THEY ARE CALLING THE "MULTIFUNCTION SWITCH".

Electrical System
Filed Oct 18, 20182,843 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 15 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME LOOSE AND THE TRACTION CONTROL AND POWER STEERING WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO MENTIONED THAT WHEN TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT, A CLICKING NOISE WAS DETECTED. IN ADDITION, THE STEERING WHEEL WOULD ONLY ALLOW THE CONTACT TO TURN APPROXIMATELY ONE INCH TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, AND THE STEERING WHEEL EVENTUALLY SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SOUTH SHORE KIA (1128 SUNRISE HWY, COPIAGUE, NY 11726, (631) 991-3910) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE COMPUTER NEEDED TO BE RESET. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 2,843.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 16, 201830,000 milesGA

IN AUGUST 2018 I NOTICED THAT THE CAMERA ON THE FRONT GRILLE OF MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA WAS PRODUCING A BLURRY IMAGE. IT DID NOT DO THIS THE NIGHT PRIOR WHEN I USED THE CAMERA TO PARK IN MY GARAGE (WHERE I DID NOT HIT OR BUMP ANYTHING, I WAS NOT EVEN NEAR THE WALL AT THE FRONT OF THE GARAGE). THE LENS HAD A CRACK. SOME CONTEXT: THIS HAPPENED BEFORE IN 2017 AND THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN MCDONOUGH, GA REPAIRED IT AS A WARRANT ITEM. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP, WHERE THE SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE NAMED JOSE CAMACHO SAID THEY THEY WOULD COVER IT AS A WARRANT TIME AND THAT I WOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR IT. THEY JUST NEEDED TO ORDER THE PART AND WOULD CALL ME WHEN IT ARRIVED. I NEVER RECEIVED A CALL, SO WHEN I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP IN SEPTEMBER 2018 I WAS TOLD THAT THE CLAIM WAS DENIED AS A NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR PROBLEM AND THAT THEY SHOULD NEVER HAVE REPLACED IT THE FIRST TIME. I WAS TOLD THAT IF I WANTED TO DISPUTED IT, I WOULD NEED TO CALL KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS. KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TOLD ME THAT THEY WOULD CHECK WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND AFTER A FEW WEEKS, I CALLED THEM BACK AND THEY SAID THE DEALERSHIP WANTED MY TO COME BACK. I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ASKED FOR ME TO BRING THE CAR IN SO THEY COULD TAKE PICTURES. WHILE I WAS THERE I ASK WHAT THE ODDS WHERE THAT THE CAMERA LENS WOULD CRACK TWICE WITH NO VISIBLE DAMAGE TO THE CAMERA UNIT, THE GRILLE OR THE BUMPER, THE SERVICE MANAGER JUSTIN, TOLD ME IT WASN'T LIKELY. I NOTIFIED THEM THAT THERE WAS A 3 PAGE FORUM ON THE INTERNET WHERE OT

Power Train
Filed Oct 14, 201813,000 milesCA

THE TRANSMISSION HAS A VERY HARSH DOWNSHIFT UPON COMING TO A STOP. SOMETIMES SO BAD THAT IT WILL PUSH ALL PASSENGERS HEADS FORWARD HARSHLY.

Vehicle Speed Control › Cruise Control
Filed Oct 5, 2018CA

2016 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES WITH CONCERNS MALFUNCTIONS WITH ADVANCED SMART CRUISE CONTROL. *AS *TR

Seats
Filed Oct 2, 201850,000 milesAZ

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS COMING TO A COMPLETE STOP, THE FRONT DRIVER AND PASSENGER SEATS UNINTENTIONALLY MOVED IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT BOTH SEATS BECAME DETACHED FROM THE HINGES. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE SEAT COVERS DID NOT HOLD THE SEAT CUSHIONS IN PLACE. DOUG SMITH KIA (495 W MAIN ST, AMERICAN FORK, UT 84003, (801) 692-4390) DIAGNOSED THAT NEW SEAT COVERS WERE NEEDED TO LOCK THE CUSHIONS INTO THE SEATS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 50,000.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Aug 31, 201855,300 milesTX

WHILE DRIVING WITH MY AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS ON AT NIGHT, THE LIGHTS HAVE TURNED OFF SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS DRIVING. THE LIGHTS TURNED OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS EACH TIME THEN TURNED ON AGAIN.

Structure › BodyCrash2 injured
Filed Aug 23, 20188,000 milesRI

I WAS REAR ENDED WHILE STOPPED IN BREAKDOWN LANE OF A SECONDARY HIGHWAY (40 MPH) PROBLEM THAT I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS IS THE INADEQUATE CUSHIONING IN THE HEADRESTS OF THIS CAR AND PROBABLY MANY OTHERS. SUFFERED A CONCUSSION THE EFFECTS OF WHICH ARE STILL ONGOING. I THINK THAT THERE NEEDS TO BE STANDARDS APPLIED TO HEADRESTS TO HAVE ENERGY ABSORBING CUSHIONING. *TR

Exterior Lighting
Filed Jul 19, 2018IL

HEADLIGHTS SHINE ONLY ON THE ROAD STRAIGHT AHEAD.SIDE LIGHTING IS SO BAD YOU CAN'T READ THE ROAD SIGNS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR AT NIGHT ON COUNTRY ROADS. THE HEADLIGHTS DO NOT FAN OUT ON THE ROAD AHEAD AT ALL. VISABILITY IS VERY POOR AND THIS IS UNSAFE.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 13, 201836,000 milesNC

UPON FILLING UP THE CAR THE GAS NOZZLE NEVER SHUTS OFF UNTIL GAS (A LOT OF GAS) IS POURING OUT OF THE TANK. EVEN TRYING TO FILL IT UP ON YOUR OWN HOLDING THE HANDLE IT POURS OUT WHEN FULL. LEAVES GAS EVERY WHERE DOWN THE CAR SPRAYING THE PERSON PUTTING THE GAS IN. RUINING THE PAINT ON THE CAR.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights
Filed Jul 11, 201867,278 milesTX

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, BOTH HEADLIGHTS FLICKERED AND FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PARKWAY FAMILY KIA (22555 US-59, KIRKWOOD, TX 77339, (281) 312-6200) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT UNDER WARRANTY AND THE BULBS BURNED OUT BECAUSE OF THE MILEAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 67,278.

Power Train
Filed Jul 4, 20185,000 milesLA

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE SHUDDERS & HESITATES. I MUST ALLOW EXTRA TIME & SPACE FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC, WHEN PULLING OUT INTO AN INTERSECTION. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM. KIA SAYS THE VEHICLE IS PERFORMING AS IT WAS DESIGNED TO. I THINK A RECALL SHOULD BE CONSIDERED, AS I HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS, SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON VARIOUS WEBSITES REGARDING THIS PROBLEM.

Service BrakesCrash
Filed Jul 2, 201819,540 milesPA

VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, STOPPED, IN THE WEST CONSHOHOCKEN MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY BUILDING PARKING LOT, 112 FRONT STREET, WEST CONSHOHOCKEN, PA. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED. I WENT TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND WHEN I PRESSED THE IGNITION BUTTON, A LOUD EXPLOSION SOUND CAME FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND THEN A LOUD JACK HAMMER SOUND STARTED. CAR SHOT BACKWARDS IN REVERSE AND ALL THE LIGHTS ON THE DASHBOARD WERE FLASHING AND A BELL RINGING. I PUMPED THE BRAKES TO STOP THE CAR AND IT WOULD NOT STOP. IN HAD JUST BEEN TURNED OFF, AND WAS ALREADY IN PARK AND EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. CAR WENT ON OUT OF NOWHERE, AND WENT IN REVERSE THE LENGTH OF APPROXIMATELY 25 CARS AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED CAR.POLICE WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THEY REPORTED THE ACCIDENT AND IT IS UNDER INVESTIGATION. MURRAY KIA WAS WHERE THE CAR WAS TOWED. THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND TOLD ME IT WAS AN INSURANCE PROBLEM. NOT TRUE!! MY PASSENGER AND I WERE LUCKY NOT TO HAVE ROLLED INTO THE STREET AND ONCOMING TRAFFIC, AND COULD BEEN KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED, OR INJURED OTHERS. THANK GOD THE PARKED CAR WAS THERE AND ONLY THEN DID THE CAR CRASH INTO IT, AND STOP.

Electrical SystemFire1 injured
Filed Jun 28, 201829,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. APPROXIMATELY TEN MINUTES AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED OFF THE ENGINE AND EXITED THE VEHICLE, FLAMES IGNITED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO THE SCENE AND EXTINGUISHED THE FLAMES. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN UNDISCLOSED LOCATION. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000. *JS

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jun 10, 20184,000 milesLA

A CAR ACCIDENT TOOK PLACE EARLY SUNDAY MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 25, 2016 IN WHICH THE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY RESULTING IN SEVERE INJURIES. KIA WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED THAT A ACCIDENT HAD TAKEN PLACE IN A NEW VEHICLE THAT WAS PURCHASED, AND THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY, ALTHOUGH IT HAD PASSED THE INSPECTION AT THE DEALERSHIP AND SHOULD HAVE BEEN UNDER WARRANTY SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED A FEW MONTHS PRIOR. KIA FAILED TO CORRECT THE ISSUE, ALTHOUGH INDICATING THEY WOULD SEND AN INSPECTOR OUT TO CHECK THE VEHICLE. LATER IT WAS INDICATED THE VEHICLE HAD 2 RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH IT (#1. 16V7050000 AND #2. 16V231000), HOWEVER, KIA FAILED TO HONOR THE RECALLS OR TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR FAILING TO PROPERLY INFORM OF THE DEFECTS. NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS WERE MADE TO REACH SOMEONE AT KIA TO RESOLVE THE MATTER, BUT EACH TIME A DIFFERENT REPRESENTATIVE INDICATED MR. GUSTAVIO VALILA WAS THE PERSON HANDLING THE MATTER AND WOULD RESPOND IN A TIMELY MANNER. VOICE MAILS WERE LEFT UNRETURNED AND EMAILS WERE SENT, HOWEVER, MR. VALILA COULD NOT BE REACHED. A YEAR LATER A REPRESENTATIVE RESPONDED INDICATING THAT THE AIR BAG WAS NOT MEANT TO DEPLOY AND THAT THE COMPANY WAS SORRY FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCE AND SITUATION. THE COMPANY DID NOT ACKNOWLEDGE OR RESPOND TO THE PREVIOUS RECALLS THAT WERE NOT HONORED, NOR DID THE COMPANY CORRECT OR RESOLVE THE CONCERNS OR MAKE AN EFFORT TO ASSIST OR PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE INJURIES SUSTAINED DUE TO THE FAILURE OF THE AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. DUE TO THE ACCIDENT AND I

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Apr 10, 20188,000 milesWA

ONE CAR HEAD ON CRASH. PASSENGER SIDE CURTAIN DID NOT DEPLOY. PASSENGER HAD MANY INJURIES RIGHT SIDE. HAPPENED IN CONSTRUCTION ZONE ON A HIGHWAY, IN MISSOURI.

Engine
Filed Mar 23, 20181,000 milesAL

WHILE IN DRIVE, RANDOMLY AT A COMPLETE STOP, THE ENGINE WILL DIE. I WILL HAVE TO PUT THE CAR INTO PARK, TURN THE KEY COMPLETELY OFF, AND THEN TRY TO TURN THE CAR BACK ON. THIS CAN TAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO FINALLY GET THE CAR STARTED. ONLY THE ENGINE DIES, THE RADIO, LIGHTS, ETC STAY ON WITHOUT ANY INTERRUPTION. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT STOP LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, IN A CAR POOL LINE, ALL WHILE NOT MOVING.

Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Mar 19, 201811,500 milesKY

AS I WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN E. KY I LOST CONTROL OVER THE CAR ALL OF A SUDDEN. I TRIED TO ADJUST RIGHT AND LEFT WITH NO HOPE. I CROSSED THE MEDIUM TO THE OTHER LANE, HIT A LOG TRUCK AND THEN MY CAR FLIPPED ON ITS BACK ON THE MEDIUM. THE WHOLE THING STARTED ON THE STRAIGHT PART BEFORE REACHING THE CURVE. MIRACULOUSL,Y NOTHING HAPPENED TO ME OR THE TRUCK DRIVER. I STILL FEEL THAT SOMETHING WENT WRONG. INSURANCE ESTIMATOR SAID MY SIDE IS SO BAD HE CAN'T TELL IF THERE WAS A PROBLEM.

Electrical SystemCrash
Filed Mar 16, 2018MN

WHEN. I'M DRIVING THE CAR SHUTS OFF BUT COMES RIGHT BACK ON AND SOMETIMES THE RADIO JUST SHUTS OFF AND COMES BACK ON PLUS ALL THE LIGHTS INSIDE GOES OFF.

Service Brakes
Filed Feb 20, 20188,000 milesOK

WHEN DECELERATING, THE CAR JERKS AT EXACTLY 35 MPH WHETHER IM ON THE HIGHWAY OR IN THE CITY AND THIS HAPPENS . I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 3 TIMES FOR THIS ISSUE AND THEY HAVE EVEN DROVE MY CAR THEMSELVES AND FELT THE SAME THING THAT I WAS FEELING AND ALL THEY SAY IS THAT WITHOUT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT THRER IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO ABOUT IT AND I JUST HAVE TO "LIVE" WITH IT. THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND KIA NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT CAUSES ANY ACCIDENTS OR WORSE DEATH. I SPENT WAY TOO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR FOR IT TO BE HAVING THESE ISSUES. BRAKES ARE SUPPOSED TO BE A SAFETY FEATURE NOT A SAFETY HAZARD.

Power Train
Filed Feb 13, 201818,000 milesFL

TAKING A LEFT FROM A STOP AT MAYBE 5 MPH , AND THE RIGHT FRONT AXLE BROKE IN HALF. I WAS ABLE TO COAST OFF THE ROAD AND HAVE THE CAR TOWED. THERE IS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT ISSUE (RECALL #SC139).

Power Train
Filed Feb 5, 20187 milesWA

WHEN THE CAR ENCOUNTERS A HILL AND NEEDS TO DOWNSHIFT, EITHER TO CLIMB OR TO HOLD BACK THE SPEED WHEN IT DESCENDS, THE CRUISE CONTROL REMEMBERS THE DOWNSHIFT AND WILL NOT RETURN TO HIGH GEAR UNTIL A) IT IS MANUALLY OVERRIDDEN, BUT WILL STILL DOWNSHIFT UP TO 2 GEARS, WHEN THE LEVER IS PLACED BACK TO AUTOMATIC OR, B) WHEN THE CRUISE CONTROL IS TURNED OFF. THE CRUISE CONTROL ALSO BELATEDLY REACTS TO LOSS OF SPEED CONTROL AND OVERCORRECTS WITH TOO MUCH POWER, RESULTING IN A CRUDE RIDE, AS WELL. THE WORKLOAD IS INCREASED DEALING WITH GETTING THE CAR TO ATTAIN TOP GEAR ON FLAT ROADS, AND IS CREATING UNSAFE CONDITIONS, IN MY OPINION. I HAVE ATTEMPTED TO GET THIS ATTENDED TO AT THE DEALERSHIP, AND THEY CONTINUE TO NOT FIX THE ISSUE, AS WELL AS INFORM ME I SHOULDN'T BE USING CRUISE CONTROL ON HILLS. MY 2014 KIA OPTIMA DID NOT EXHIBIT THESE ISSUES, NOR ANY OTHER OF MY CARS WHICH HAD CRUISE CONTROL. THERE IS A PROBLEM AND THESE PEOPLE WILL NOT FIX IT. THE CONSUMER STATED THE HEAT DOES ENTER THE FOOT WELL AREA. *JS

Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Feb 1, 201842,000 milesFL

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 49 MPH, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS DETACHED FROM THE HINGE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE MULTIPLE INJURIES SUSTAINED BETWEEN THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DEEMED THE VEHICLE DESTROYED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT NOT TO LET ANYONE VIEW THE VEHICLE BECAUSE AN INVESTIGATOR WOULD BE SENT TO PERFORM AN INSPECTION. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

Engine
Filed Jan 17, 201822,500 milesCA

CAR STALLED FOR NO REASON WHILE SITTING IDLE AT AN INTERSECTION. IT WAS TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP IN SAN DIEGO. THE FIRST DAY, THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED IT FOUND NOTHING WRONG AND THERE WERE NO ERROR CODES. THE NEXT DAY, IT CLAIMED TO FIND A HOLE IN THE OIL PAN. IT REFUSED TO START THE CAR AGAIN UNTIL WE PAID $500 TO FIX IT. THERE WAS NO OIL IN ITS PARKING SPACE OR THE PLACE WHERE THAT IT STALLED. WE TOOK IT TO ANOTHER MECHANIC WHO FOUND THE HOLE. HE SAID THERE WAS MORE THAN SUFFICIENT OIL TO TURN IT OVER, AND IF THE HOLE HAS BEEN THERE LONG, ALL OF THE OIL WOULD HAVE LEAKED OUT. WE SUSPECT THE DEALER DID THIS INTENTIONALLY TO CREATE AN EXCUSE TO AVOID PAYING FOR A NEW ENGINE IF IT TURNED OUT TO HAVE METAL SHAVINGS AND CATASTROPHIC FAILURE LIKE SO MANY OTHER OPTIMAS.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 9, 201811,145 milesTX

MY OPTIMA SEEMS TO HESITATE OR STUDDER WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. IT REMINDS ME OF A GEAR SLIPPING BUT MY CAR ONLY HAS 11,145 MI ON IT SO THERE'S NO WAY THAT'S POSSIBLE. THIS HAS BEEN AN ONGOING OBSERVATION FOR MONTHS NOW. I'VE ALSO HAD ONE OF MY MIRRORS NOT GO BACK TO NORMAL POSITION AFTER I MOVED THE CAR FROM R AND BEGAN TO DRIVE. I HAD TO PULL OVER, PLACE THE CAR BACK IN R, AND FLIP BACK TO D FOR THE MIRROR TO GO BACK TO PLACE. LASTLY I'VE NOTICED MY DRIVER SEAT SEAT WARMER BUTTON ISN'T LIGHTING UP LIKE IT USED TO. WHEN ON HIGH, ONLY 2 LIGHTS ARE ON. I RECORDED A VIDEO OF IT VS HOW THE PASSENGER SEAT WORKS BUT I DON'T THINK I CAN UPLOAD IT. I'VE AT LEAST TAKEN PHOTOS OF IT IN EACH LEVEL. THIS HAS BEEN FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS NOW. MILEAGE LISTED ON REPORT IS WHAT I'M CURRENTLY AT BUT THE STUDDERING HAS BEEN SINCE 3,000MI OR SO

Engine
Filed Oct 31, 20172,000 milesFL

I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING ISSUES WITH MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA SINCE I PURCHASED IT ON SEPTEMBER, 5TH 2016. A SHORT TIME AFTER OWNING MY NEW VEHICLE, FIRST THE CAR STARTED TO HESITATE WHEN STARTING AS IF IT WAS STRUGGLING TO START, THE PUSH BUTTON WOULD TURN RED AND THE INDICATOR LIGHTS WOULD LIGHT UP ON THE DASHBOARD AS IF THE KEY WAS NOT RECOGNIZED IN THE CAR. THE CAR WOULD ALSO SELF ACCELERATE. ON OR AROUND AUGUST 16TH OR 17TH THE CAR STALLED OUT WHILE IT WAS BEING DRIVEN,WE ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE CAR AND IT TURNED ON LIKE NORMAL SO THE TOW WAS CANCELED. , THE SERVICE WRITER & KIA ALL HAVE COPIES OF THE VIDEOS THE MECHANIC HAS ALSO TOLD ME HE WAS ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, THE SOLUTION WAS TO CHANGE THE FUEL PUMP AND SERVICE THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM. UPON THE SERVICES BEING COMPLETED WE WERE CONTACTED BY THE SERVICE MANAGER, AND KIA THAT THE CAR WAS READY TO BE PICKED UP ON SEPTEMBER 6TH 2017. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HOME WE NOTICED SOME HESITATION WHILE IDLE, ALSO SOME STRONG ACCELERATION WHEN TAKING OFF FROM RED-LIGHT OR STOP SIGN. WHILE PARKED WE NOTICED SOME STRONG VIBRATION FROM THE MOTOR WHICH THE CAR HAD NOT HAD PREVIOUSLY BEFORE SERVICE. ALSO AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS OF STARTING THE CAR, THE CAR WOULD EITHER START ROUGH, AND ALSO STILL HAD THE SAME ORIGINAL OCCURRENCE AS BEFORE WITH THE KEY NOT BEING RECOGNIZED IN THE CAR. WITH THE CAR NOT FULLY STARTING AND THE PUSH BUTTON TURNING RED WITH THE INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHTING UP WITH THE KEY NOT IN CAR LIGHT ALONG WITH SOME

EngineFire
Filed Oct 25, 201720,000 milesNY

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE ENGINE STARTED TO SMOKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND, SHORTLY AFTER, IT BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED TOO LATE TO SALVAGE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN AUTO SHOP. A FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WAS PRESENT, BUT A REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 20,000.

Air BagsCrash1 injured1 killed
Filed Oct 25, 20171 milesNY

I GOT CAR ACCDINET AND THREE AIRBAG JUST POP OUT SO THAT MEANT NEED REPLACE?

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 19, 201727,900 milesVA

ON WEDNESDAY MORNING DRIVING TO MY WORK THE SUNROOF EXPLODED WAS A BIG SOUND ,THIS EXPLOSION TERRIFIES ME AND THANKS GOD I DIDN'T LOST IT THE CONTROL OF THE CAR. IMMEDIATELY I DROVE TO THE RIGHT SIDE TO STOP THE CAR AND TRYING FIGURE OUT WHAT HAPPENED.I SAW BIG HOLE AT THE SUNROOF ,I DID NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO . I CALLED TO MY INSURANCE AND EXPLAIN WHAT HAPPEN IF I NEED TO CALL TO POLICE FOR THIS INCIDENT,THEY SAID IS NOT NECESSARY BUT WE NEED TO KIA DEALER BECAUSE COULD A FACTORY PROBLEM. KIA SAID BRING THE CAR TO DEALER FOR INSPECTION.IS ONE WEEK ALREADY AND I DON'T HAVE ANY ANSWER . I BEEN SEARCHING SAME OTHERS COMPLAINTS AND I FOUND IT KIA HAD A LOT OF SIMILAR SITUATION THIS EXPLOSION PUT ME IN A VERY RISK SITUATION COULD BE CRASHED OR HIT OTHERS CARS AND IN RISK OTHERS LIVES. I NEED SOME HELP TO CLARIFY MY CASE AND HELP OTHERS PEOPLES . I HOPE NHTSA IS INTEREST TO RESOLVE THANK YOU

Engine
Filed Sep 23, 201720 milesGA

TAKATA RECALL CAR STARTS TO STALL AND IDLE WHEN ON THE ROAD AND IN TRAFFIC. CAR STARTS TO BACK UP AND REVERSE WITHOUT NOTICE OR WARNING. ENGINE, BATTERY COMES ON AUTOMATICALLY AND I HAVE TO TURN OFF IGNITION AND RESTART VEHICLE.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 25, 201734,202 milesIN

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2016 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED OVER A POCKET OF WATER. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A POLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FACIAL INJURIES THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING LOT, AND WAS LATER TOWED TO ENTERPRISE CAR RENTAL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,202. *LN *TR

Engine
Filed Aug 18, 2017LA

SHUTTER/HESITATION UPON TAKE OFF. I SIGNED MY LEASE ON 9/29 AND WAS AT THE SERVICE DEPT FIRST OF 7 TIMES ON 10/4. AT FIRST I WAS TOLD THE CAR HAD TO "LEARN THE WAY I DRIVE" THAT THERE WERE NO ISSUES WITH MY CAR. SINCE THEN THE DEALER HAS "RESET" THE TRANSMISSION, CHANGED FUEL INJECTORS, REPLACED TRANSMISSION, AND NOW HAS DONE 'SEVERAL UPDATES' (SERIOUSLY?) THIS CAR HAS NEARLY CAUSED ACCIDENTS ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. WHEN I ASKED THE TECH IF HE WOULD DRIVE HIS FAMILY IN THIS CAR I GOT NO RESPONSE. I HAVE ASKED ON THE LAST 2 TRIPS TO THE DEALER FOR THEM TO SIMPLY REPLACE MY CAR. I AM CURRENTLY CONSULTING A LAWYER.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 7, 201718,000 milesTN

THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE MAKES RUMBLING/RATTLING NOISE WHEN DRIVING. IT IS SPORADIC BUT SOUNDS LIKE IT IS COMING FROM SOMETHING RELATED TO THE TIRES. IT IS HARD TO TAKE FOR A DIAGNOSE BECAUSE YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN. IT SOUNDS LIKE SOMETHING VIBRATING UNDER THE HOOD. I CHECKED AND EVERYTHING IS INTACT. THIS ISN'T A ONE TIME THING, IT HAPPENS OFTEN.

Fuel System, Gasoline
Filed Jul 10, 20174,226 milesTX

PURCHASED A 2016 KIA OPTIMA EX WITH THE PREMIUM PACKAGE WITH LESS THAN 30 ODOMETER MILES IN APRIL 2017 FROM A KIA DEALER (VIN [XXX]). AT 4200 MILES THE CAR STALLED AND LOST ALL POWER WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY DURING RUSH HOUR. SCREEN FLASHED "ENGINE CONTROL SYSTEM - POSSIBLE ENGINE CONDITION. " TOOK VEHICLE TO THE KIA DEALER ON 07/08/2017 WHO INDICATED THE THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR NEEDED ADJUSTING AND CLEANING. THEY ASSURED ME ALL WAS GOOD AND THEY HAD RESOLVED THE ISSUE. LESS THAN 24 HOURS LATER THE CAR STALLED AGAIN ON THE HIGHWAY. HAD TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO ANOTHER KIA DEALER WHERE IT SITS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED WITH KIA AS IT POSES A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY HAZARD TO ME AND OTHER DRIVERS. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Engine
Filed Jul 10, 20176 milesWV

SINCE I HAD THE CAR IN AUG2016 BRAND NEW WHEN I GIVE IT GAS THE VALVES PING AND PEAK EXTREMELY BAD NOT MATTER WHAT FUEL I USE ALSO THE AC KEEPS LOOSING POWER IT WILL BLOW FINE THEN IT ALMOST GOES OFF WHILE STILL DRIVING THE SAME SPEED. ALSO SOMETIMES WHEN THIS HAPPENS I HAVE A MISS OR HESITATION IN THE ENGINE. THERE HAS ALSO BEEN A POP NOISE IN THE BACK END WHEN I STOP OR SLOW DOWN SINCE I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE. I HAVE TAKEN MY CAR 6 TIMES TO THE LOCAL DEALER IN CHAS WV WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR AND THEY KEEP SAYING THEY CAN'T DIGNOSE THE PROBLEM THEY HAVE TO CONTACT KIA AND NEVER HAVE AN ANSWER WHEH I TAKE THE CAR BACK OR CONTACT THEM.

Engine
Filed Jul 2, 201717,000 milesFL

I BOUGHT MY CAR 6 MONTHS AGO, I HAVE PERFORMED ALL REQUIRED MAINTENANCE FOR THE VEHICLE AND AT 17,000 MILES THERE WAS A TICKING SOUND WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY ROAD WITH MY HANDICAPPED MOTHER. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE AND I THOUGHT I BLEW A TIRE, THE ENGINE SEIZED UP AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD, I HAD TO CALL EMERGENCY ROAD SERVICE TO GET MY MOTHER AND I SAFELY HOME. AFTER GETTING THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE KIA DEALERSHIP I AM TOLD THE ENGINE IS NEEDING TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE A ROD WAS THROWN THREW THE MOTOR. WE WERE VERY LUCKY THAT NEITHER ONE OF US WAS INJURED WITH THIS INCIDENT HOWEVER OTHERS MAY NOT BE SO LUCKY.

Structure › Body
Filed May 30, 20174,300 milesPA

ON MAY 30, 2017 AT APPROXIMATELY 1200HRS EST, WHILE DRIVING UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS WITH VERY LIGHT TRAFFIC THE SUNROOF EXPLODED. COMPLETE INSPECTION WAS NEGATIVE FOR THE ANY EXTERIOR DEBRIS AS CAUSE. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON HIGHWAY. PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Full record for the 2016 Kia Optima → · Every Optima year → · How the figures are calculated →