2018 Kia Optima complaints

This vehicle has an active recall: SC218 / DTC P1326 – ECU UPDATE / ENGINE REPAIR. I brought it to Martin Kia in Newark, Delaware, but they refused to perform the recall stating that since the vehicle is owned by a used car dealer, the recall is not applicable. They also provided a written statement saying that the extended warranty does not apply because I am a dealer, and that they will not perform any recall work until the vehicle is owned by a “customer.” However, federal law requires all safety recalls to be completed free of charge, regardless of the vehicle’s current ownership status or whether it is owned by a dealership. This is a safety issue and refusal to perform recall work puts future drivers at risk. I have attached the letter they gave me for your reference. I kindly request your urgent review of this case and enforcement action to ensure the dealership complies with federal recall obligations.

I am the current legal owner of a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ), which has an open safety recall under campaign number SC218Y3 (DTC P1326 – Knock Sensor Detection System / ECU Update / Possible Engine Repair). I attempted to schedule the recall repair with Martin Kia in Newark, Delaware. However, the service department refused to perform the recall service on the basis that I purchased the vehicle from an auction and do not have prior service records. This denial is a clear violation of federal recall regulations. As stated by NHTSA, all safety recall repairs must be completed free of charge regardless of ownership history or how the vehicle was purchased. I am now left with a potentially dangerous vehicle that Kia refuses to service, despite an active recall on file. This situation is unacceptable and puts me, as well as other road users, at risk. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s non-compliance and ensure they are held accountable for refusing to fulfill their legal obligations regarding this recall. I am willing to provide proof of ownership and any supporting documentation. Thank you Best regards My Contact Info: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Burning oil prematurely causing engine to go and need replacement.

Vehicle engine shut down without warning while driving on the interstate on April 27,2025. I had the vehicle towed and come to find out a "campaign" was issued for the vehicles engine in July of 2018. I purchased the car used in March of 2021 and was not aware of the "campaign" in which the vehicles engine was defective and could possibly cause a fire. I have reached out to KIA to see if they could help me in resolving the issue with the engine, but have yet to hear back from them.

Mi Kia Optima 2018 con motor 2.4L GDI presenta consumo excesivo de aceite, un problema que he visto reportado por muchos otros propietarios del mismo modelo. En solo 700 millas recorridas, el aceite baja hasta el punto “Low” sin fugas visibles. Este consumo anormal puede causar fallos en el motor si no se revisa constantemente. El concesionario Kia ya revisó el vehículo, pero como no hay recall abierto, no ofrecieron solución, a pesar de que este motor ha sido identificado en boletines técnicos por este problema. Solicito que este caso sea considerado por la NHTSA para que se investigue si debe emitirse un recall extendido para los Kia Optima con motor 2.4L GDI.

Oil consumption and engine code P200A

Kia is aware of the engine oil consumption causing misfires, failed emissions test, blowing a rod and engine lock up. THEIR SOLUTION WAS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT THAT STATE ONCE THE CAR IS LOCKED UP OR ROD HAS BLOWN THROUGH THE ENGINE THEN THEY WILL FIX IT. I have had to replace the spark plugs multiple times in last 12 months due to misfires while driving. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY THE DEALER THAT THEY CANT DOING ANYTHING TO HELP EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE AWARE THEY SUGGEST THAT I DRIVE WITH NO OIL AND LOCK THE ENGINE UP EVEN THOUGH IT COULD CAUSE A CRASH. MY LIFE SHOULD NOT BE PUT IN DANAGER FIRST IN ORDER FOR THEM.TO FIX THE ENGINE.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the contact noticed an abnormal oil consumption. The check engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a spark plug misfire. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to a local independent service center, and the spark plugs were replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic where it was repaired several times; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to a second local independent mechanic, where the spark plugs and other unknown repairs were made. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shuddered and stalled. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart but was shuddering significantly. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fractured valve in cylinder #1. The dealer determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the maintenance records of the vehicle were satisfactory; however, the manufacturer denied assistance and informed the contact that the failure was not a factory defect but was due to wear and tear. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Complaint-Car misfired, oil leaking on spark plugs causing an Engin Replacement that was first complained to Gossett Kia Covington Pike,1900 Covington Pike, Memphis, Tn 38128 on [XXX].On [XXX] complaint car shakes, misfire. Complaint to Gossett Kia South 2680 Mt.Moriah Rd, Memphis, Tn 35115. This date car stayed at dealership 3 days invoice a diagnostic was performed total amt $913.38. On 12/26/24 Mr.Macias on Mt.Moriah asked me to bring my vehicle in for another diagnostic test, amt to be charged $251.00 this time a tune up, replaced #4 spark plug that had misfired, fuel injectors cleaned I asked Mr.Macias "why would I have that done when it had been done the month before, the Tech recommended Engine Replacement. I also asked the above, what about the Tech's findings, Mr.Macias stated he would get back with me. On 1/16/25 Mr.Macias called to discuss Engine replacement (Projected Amt:$6,300). I have contacted Kia Consumer Assistance on 1/10/25 to discuss all of the above to no avail. I have been without a vehicle since 12/3/26 I am continually getting the run around, I have all invoices to verify my dilemma with a vehicle that is sitting unused. I am a [XXX] who is still making a $484.00 car payment per month. I've done my research on the 2018 Kia Optima's, only to find that the same problem that I'm having with the oil leaking on the spark plugs, misfiring , shaking, causing stalling in the middle of traffic, if this is not a hazard, what is ? This a problem that should have

Passenger seat belt goes off when no one is sitting there.

My engine burns oil very bad. Black smoke comes out of my tailpipe and I burn through 5 quarts in less than a thousand miles. I just got my oil changed two weeks again and I just had to add more oil to my car bc it was empty. I’ve had to replace the spark plugs twice due to soot build up. I can’t afford a new car I’m 17 and can barely afford the maintenance let alone a whole new engine. Have spoken to many mechanics and they all say the same thing “it’s a Kia it’s gonna burn oil” ITS A KNOWN ISSUE. And yet Kia will not resolve it bc they don’t want to spend their own money to fix their mistake. I got an estimate for a new engine which is basically crucial and it’s over three grand. No matter where I take it everyone always says the same thing- to get rid of it before it’s too late. But I simply cannot afford to do that and I know my car is not the only one with this issue so many other people with the same car/engine have the same issue. 2.4 L GDI !!!!! I wish someone would have warned me before buying Kia. A recall to fix this issue is needed now. I lose control of the speed sometimes. I will keep my foot at a set position on the throttle and the engine will take off because it’s jumping to the usual power it should have. ( it has reduced power most of the time bc of the struggling engine) sometimes on the highway I’ll get a sudden burst of power and I have to let off the accelerator. Not safe at all

It burns oil constantly. I constantly have to get new filters put on because they become black very quickly same with the oil itself. The engine has a tic and I know other people with optima’s that have the same problem. I burn through 4 quarts in two weeks- less than 600 miles.

Increased oil consumption with needing oil added and or changed half way before date or milage stated, oil changes performed by Kia dealer. Car staling and engine knocking while driving. Burnt smell while driving.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

I drove the car to the park about 6 miles round trip with family. I came back home and started having lunch for about 25 minutes. I then attempt to start the engine to go to my appointment but then car didn't turn on. On third attempt I had a weird noise coming out of the hood and I went back inside the house to get my gloves. When i came outside of the house, the hood of the car was in flames. I called 911 to turn off the fire. The car is now at a total loss.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the spark plugs had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed by the dealer that the repair could not be covered due to the poor maintenance of the vehicle; however, upon providing all the maintenance records, the dealer informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired unless the engine had fully seized. The dealer offered a trade-in offer; however, the contact declined the offer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 111,000.

Check engine light began flashing halfway down the highway. Oil changes and maintenance are done regularly. Vehicle handling seemed to be unsafe. Vehicle would not accelerate. Had inspection done in September.

Kia Optima headlights turn off randomly while on automatic. This dangerous issue has been investigated on other Kia models by the NTSB, which them prompted Kia to issue a recall. I have found many, many posts on car and Kia forums about headlights shutting off while driving at night with the Kia Optima (as well as other Kia items). It's very scary and very hazardous. This is a widespread issue.

While driving at night if the headlights will randomly turn completely off

Engine is burning oil at a high rate have to add at least three quarts twice a week and headlights and brake lights got out twice a month

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal growling sound coming from under the floorboard, and the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that the RPM gauge was revving high while depressing the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not running normally. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was consuming approximately one quart of engine oil per week and the transmission was hesitating and was making the vehicle jerk while shifting gear. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,270.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine and oil warning lights were flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed an oil consumption test. The vehicle failed the oil consumption test and determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Monroeville Kia (3721 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146); who informed the contact there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

Oil pressure switch faulty only has 58168

I’ve had the 2018 Kia Optima for a little over a year. I purchased it as a used vehicle. I’ve noticed that the car is utilizing an excessive amount of oil. Each time I get an oil change for the vehicle I am having to purchase oil to refill the vehicle about 2weeks to a month after. I’ve made multiple road trips where I’ve gotten the oil changed before leaving and I drove around 350 miles; halfway through the drive the oil was half empty on the dipstick. The first time this happened I was unaware of this issue and when I arrived to my destination after around 350 miles of driving, the car had little to no oil. I will provide store receipts of each time I had to purchase oil for the vehicle. I will also provide service interval receipts upon request. Dates of oil purchase are as follows: 1.7/18/23 2.8/16/23 3.10/20/23 4.12/18/23 5.2/7/24 6.2/29/24 7.3/18/24 8.5/4/24 9.5/11/24 10.7/9/24 Service intervals for oil changes are kept up with every 3-5k miles and can provide maintenance receipt.

My grandson was driving home last night on our Clay County West Virginia narrow unlighted road when his 2018 Kia Optima Headlights went out completely. He wrote that he was scared but finally was able to get lights back on before running off the road. Also, several nights while car is locked with one in the car: the headlights came on. He had to unlock the car and start it up to finally get the headlights off. The lights were off when he first entered the house. I have a service call set up for 09-27-24 with Dutch Miller Kia, but there is a $180.96 + tax diagnostic charge and then the cost to repair the situation. I see there are many NHTSA complaints on your website for this problem. Kia apparently has not issued a statement or recall. HELP!

Car cut out and stutters and the engine light flashes. Code P1326 is displayed on the OBD reader.

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH and was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,378.

Driver side brake light will only work with headlights off. Turn headlights on and it goes out and doesn't start to work until turning off headlights. Also brakes give out when trying to stop, you have to actually shift to neutral for brakes to work again.

Have completed 4 oil consumption tests and replaced knock sensor and now have knocking in the engine

Engine continuously stalls,while driving in both city and hight way. I have taken it in while under warranty and am told that's just how the car runs. Sudden jerks / seizure will happen while driving. since I haven't gotten the vehicle it happens at min 15mph or on the freeway at 65 mph. It is stalls at all mph .

Sudden loss of acceleration at freeway speed. Unable to start after incident. Unknown cause. Shop unable to diagnose.

Took my vehicle for an oil change next day my vehicle was not working well stopped on me could start didn’t want to do damage so I stopped driving and had it told to a shop found out there is METAL IN THE ENGINE

Code P-030300 was detected when doing a diagnostic on my car when the check engine light came on. It is a cylinder 3 misfire. When the car comes to a idle the car starts to shake roughly. I took it to the KIA dealership I bought the car from and they told me I would need a new engine and not to drive it.Thankfully nothing bad happened while my baby was in the car. I drove it home and stopped driving it completely once the issue occurred.

Oil consumption issue. My mechanic referred me to Kia because oil consumption. I would bring car in because oil light and no oil in car and had oil change only 1000 miles. Kia did 2 checks one at 1000 miles and one at 500 miles and oil consumption failed both times. Now I have to pay $686 for oil combustion cleaning even though I am being told this is more than likely going to have engine replaced by Kia because of known issues,

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact inspected the dipstick and discovered that the engine oil level was low. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

The contact’s sister owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that engine oil needed to be added every 2-3 weeks. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle received an unknown repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with valve cover gasket failure. The valve cover gasket was replaced however, the failure persisted. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was an oil leak as well as there was excessive oil consumption. The independent mechanic stated that the engine might need to be replaced; however, a diagnostic result was not confirmed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

It started with the car using oil but the mechanic could not determine where the oil was going. It quickly lead to the Cadillac converter going out with a host of other things that cost me over $2900 to fix. Which only lasted a few weeks and the last incident occurred when I was on my way home and it would not pick up speed at all and would stall. The first time it happened I was on the free way and it lost speed almost causing a semi to run into the back of me. The second time I was at a red light and when I tried to accelerate in speed and it stalled and then began to jerk before it would pick up speed. Each time the occurrence happened it placed my life as well as my families life in danger as it was sudden with no engine light or any other lights coming on. The last time it happened it left me stranded with a child, over 2 hours from home and in the middle of the night on isolated highway. Every time I would call KIA they would give me the run around on the issue and say it was due to my negligence but I beg to differ as I feel as if it is an engine error on the manufacturing. Please help. Currently the car is sitting in my yard and I can not afford to keep paying for repairs due to a faulty engine that they refuse to fix.

My 2018 Kia Optima experienced an oil consumption issue. After awhile out of nowhere my vehicles oil light kept coming on. There was zero oil in my garage. Unbeknownst to me It was burning oil due to this oil consumption issue.I took it to multiple mechanics all which told me that this issue is a known issue and would eventually blow the engine, which is exactly what happened. I reached out to Kia in person via dealerships over the phone via their consumer line and they went out of their way to tell me all the reasons why they could not replace the engine. I have spent enormous amounts of money on rental cars and Ubers and Lyfts to get to work or appointments just to Because of this issue . I was referred to this organization by the Ga consumer bar help line.

Indiana - car in reverse in driveway and started shaking. I turned car off and back on and it drove normally. The next day, I put the car in reverse and the shaking started again and check engine light illuminated. This car has a history of burning oil and we constantly have to add oil between oil changes. Car is at Andy Mohr Kia dealership at this time where we were told that engine would not be covered by Warranty because we are second owners. Mileage of car is 62,000 miles.

In case of a vehicle lockout and keys are locked in the trunk when car is opened by locksmith there is no way to unlock the trunk from inside of the car the locks become disabled and you have to reset the master switch very inconvenient for emergencies. There is no trunk release or emergency Button to open the trunk from inside the vehicle. 2018 kia optima lx

My vehicle is constantly running out of oil within a 30 day period and I constantly getting an oil change. I was advised to get an oil consumption test at the dealer and was out of oil in 3 weeks. I was told that I have a warranty, however, it's only if the rod bearings are an issue. I think my engine should be replaced without paying a $300 diagnostic fee that might get refunded without an exact time frame.

My engine started leaking oil from the inside and all of a sudden my car started shaking out of nowhere

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle was losing motive power. The contact stated that there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to stop; however, after numerous attempts to restart the vehicle, the contact had the vehicle towed to the residence. The vehicle was later towed to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and determined that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The contact stated that prior to the stall, the vehicle had been consuming an abnormal amount of engine oil. The contact stated that he was adding a quart of oil every week. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

I have had this car in the shop multiple times for a engine light that kept coming on, they would reset and say they couldn't see anything wrong. Well my car died in Dec, it made a noise and would not accelerate. To avoid any further issues I parked it and had it towed to a dealership. They told me the catalytic converter had come apart taking out the turbo and it would cost me $6k to fix. I decided to see if i could find parts cheaper, to find no one anywhere in the US or Canada has a converter for this car and it seems many dealerships have customers on waiting lists to get one, so I am now wondering if this is in fact a pretty large problem Kia is not addressing. I called Kia and got a very canned answer that parts were hard to come by right now and it could be up to 2 years to get the part. So I am now paying for a car i cannot drive and have no idea at this point if I will ever be able to drive it. i am hoping you are able to do some research to see if this is a bigger problem that nobody seems to be talking about. thank you

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing abnormal oil consumption. The contact stated that on one occasion, 3 quarts of oil were added to the vehicle after less than 1,000 miles of driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who initiated an oil consumption test. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer twice after 1,000 miles; however, upon returning to the dealer the third time, the dealer informed the contact that they could not complete the oil consumption test because the vehicle had been driven 1,200 miles. The dealer initiated another oil consumption test. The contact stated that the local dealer was 45 miles away from his residence, which made it difficult to complete the oil consumption test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

1- My 2018 Kia Optima engine seized while driving on interstate 64 West -Had the car towed to a mechanic (J TEAM AUTO REPAIR) and was told me to contact kia because after replacing the spark plugs and coils and knock sensor there was still no compressing in cylinder 4. My life and safety was at risk when my engine blew out on the interstate. When I went to Kia Dealership they confirmed that my VIN number was included in the recall and in the class action lawsuit. customer support told me since I wasn't the first owner of the car they weren't required to honor the recall -I asked why I was never informed they told me I bought the car as second owner my 60,000 warranty has expired and the extended warranty for engine doesn’t cover compression issues - its stated on the NHTSA website that they are required to send notices to all owners.When I contacted (Escalation Case specialist) with this information they said the extended warranty only covers the rod bearing connectors, and not compression. Completely contradicting the first call I had with another employee at Kia. Kia is deliberately keeping people in cars with engines that were manufactured improperly. I had the KSDS update-It takes more than reading engine codes to get to the bottom of things. Compression is part of the engine block. Prior to the Engine failure, my Kia Optima, was constantly burning oil.

Car burning excessive oil in engine. 2 quarts every 1,200 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the low-pressure engine oil warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked and almost lost motive power however, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal and continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on two occasions. The contact stated that the vehicle received an engine oil change; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.

I took my vehicle to jenkins kia-ocala back in march and may of this year for my check engine light lashing on and off and acceleration issues, car shaking, and excessive oil spilling into my spark plugs. The 1st time I took my vehicle to this location i was told to "drive my vehicle until it no longer had any motor oil to "allow the motor to lock up" to then be approved to have my vehicle engine approved under the GDI recall". I expressed my great concerns to the employees about that statement and also reported the issue to bbb. I recently took my vehicle to kia jenkins Dec 8th for the very same reason only this time I showed them paperwork from a different certified mechanic who indicated that I have an internal engine issue. Kia then created a tech line case after seeing the paperwork showing i took my vehicle to a different shop. Over the course of holding my vehicle for over a week without any answers i was able to contact kia consumer affairs who offered to repair my vehicle under good will. Kia jenkins employee told me over the phone that my car will not be approved to be fixed due to the high mileage on my vehicle. I asked them what the miles has to do with my safety and the volunteer payment that kia consumer affairs is willing to pay as that is not a reason to deny a good will payment. The employee proceeded to state its not going to be approved and I expressed I felt this is due to my previous report to the bbb. 12.8.23 i received an email from Kia consumer affairs