FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Nothing
NHTSA complaint #11719898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
13 of the 1,400 complaints about the 2015 KIA Optima are about the driver-assist systems — 1% of everything reported for this model year.
13
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Nothing
NHTSA complaint #11719898 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The car is experiencing the same problem reported on technical service bulletin SA187 (Blind spot detection (BSD) system logic improvement (SA 187)) BUT KIA states my VIN number is not listed under the service bulletin and therefore I have to pay $189 to get a software upgrade done. The "Check BSD system" illuminated in the instrument cluster has been cleared twice by my mechanic and still comes back after a few days. To me this issue should have been made a recall because of its criticality... the BSD system is a core safety feature of cars and reduces accidents substantially. There was no way for me to know my car has this problem unless it is made a recall. I have NOT had any accident related to this issue but i had to pick an incident date to complete this complaint. I have called KIA customer service at 1-800-333-4542 twice to find out whether the VIN number should be included in the service bulletin and the answer was no and whether i should report this to NHTSA with the possibility that certain VIN numbers were left out of the service bulletin in error. No answer as to what to do to investigate this was given by KIA. That's why i'm reporting this on here. The service bulletin has been attached to this complaint. My question to NHTSA is whether certain vehicles were left out of the service bulletin in error and whether the manufacturer is liable for the repair at no cost to the consumer. If NHTSA finds out the manufacturer is liable will you notify them to pay on a case per case basis or will you make this service bulletin a recall? Again this is SAFETY HAZARD that can cause crashes and accidents. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11707481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The car is experiencing the same problem reported on technical service bulletin SA187 (Blind spot detection (BSD) system logic improvement (SA 187)) BUT KIA states my VIN number is not listed under the service bulletin and therefore I have to pay $189 to get a software upgrade done. The "Check BSD system" illuminated in the instrument cluster has been cleared twice by my mechanic and still comes back after a few days. To me this issue should have been made a recall because of its criticality... the BSD system is a core safety feature of cars and reduces accidents substantially. There was no way for me to know my car has this problem unless it is made a recall. I have NOT had any accident related to this issue but i had to pick an incident date to complete this complaint. I have called KIA customer service at 1-800-333-4542 twice to find out whether the VIN number should be included in the service bulletin and the answer was no and whether i should report this to NHTSA with the possibility that certain VIN numbers were left out of the service bulletin in error. No answer as to what to do to investigate this was given by KIA. That's why i'm reporting this on here. The service bulletin has been attached to this complaint. My question to NHTSA is whether certain vehicles were left out of the service bulletin in error and whether the manufacturer is liable for the repair at no cost to the consumer. If NHTSA finds out the manufacturer is liable will you notify them to pay on a case per case basis or will you make this service bulletin a recall? Again this is SAFETY HAZARD that can cause crashes and accidents. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11707481 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I am contacting you regarding my 2015 Kia Optima EX (VIN: [XXX] , while driving, I experienced a sudden strong burning smell followed by heavy white smoke from the engine area. Shortly after, the engine stalled, and the vehicle had to be towed. I have verified that there are no open recalls or settlements listed for my vehicle. However, based on the known engine issues affecting similar models, I am respectfully requesting goodwill assistance from Kia to repair or replace the engine. I have always taken good care of my vehicle, and I believe this issue may be related to broader known concerns with the engine models from those years. I would appreciate your help in reviewing my case and offering any available support to resolve this issue. Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your positive response. Sincerely, [XXX] Pho [XXX] ail: [X [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] SUANT TO [XXX] FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11657407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
On or about 13 May 2024 my family and I traveling. During the travel the vehicle displayed “Hybrid System Stop and Do Not Drive”. We took it in to Kia during the time that they had the vehicle, they informed us that it needed an ECU update (recall). When services were finished, we picked up the vehicle and was made to pay for services that were part of the recall. When we left the dealership, the lights on the dashboard appeared 1. Engine, 2. HEV. We called the dealership back and informed them what happened. They told us to take the vehicle back to them. After checking it, they informed us that due to the update that was done to the vehicle it triggered faults in the battery. They informed us we would have to replace the Hybrid Battery that would cost us about $13,000. We stated to them our vehicle wasn’t having battery issues when we initially turned the vehicle in for service. They refused to assist and stated it wasn’t there responsibility even though it was given to us with these faults. We left the dealership and after driving for a few minutes, the warning sign came on and the car began to smell like smoke. I contacted KIA Corporate and informed them that the vehicle displayed a message on the dashboard and smoke. The gentleman I spoke to informed me not to drive the vehicle and park it away from other vehicles and to get the vehicle to KIA to check services. We took it to a different KIA for services. They informed us that the hybrid battery needed to be replaced and the cost. I explained to them the recall issue and that the vehicle was given to us with the issues that started to occur after the update. They said it wasn’t their responsibility and that they weren’t going to fix the damages or issues that were caused by another dealership. I called KIA Corporate and informed them of the situation and how the dealership refused to make repairs although they knew the hybrid battery issues were triggered from the recall updates/repairs.
NHTSA complaint #11613568 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
On May 11, 2024, we took our 2015 Kia Optima to Hutchinson Kia Service Center 3931 River Pl, Macon, Ga. due to brakes not working. When you apply brakes the vehicle would not stopped you would have to apply the emergency brakes for a complete stop. On that day, I was told no one was there to check my brakes due it was a Saturday and would need to schedule another appointment when they could do a brake diagnostic. The next appointment was June 4,2024, on that day we had the vehicle towed due to brakes. Today is September 2, 2024 and our vehicle is still there. On July 12, 2024, we were contacted staying vehicle was repaired and the problem wa a pin hole in the right brake line. We picked up the vehicle proceeded home at the first traffic stop same problem happen with the brakes.We returned immediately back to Kia Service center, explaining the same problem still exists. After vehicle being there for 2 more weeks, Nick with Kia Hutchinson Kia called stated there was a problem with ABS system and vehicle would be ready on August 21,2024. Well the still have my vehicle and no updates. When you call they put on hold and never comeback. If you go over the Service Manager is always out and no one can give you and update
NHTSA complaint #11612100 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
- The issue occurred for the first time 4/30/2024 - The following 3 warning lights appeared while I was driving: ABS, Traction Control, and Brake - I took the vehicle immediately to a facility to have the warning codes read. The printout showed: C2402 & C2380 - The warning lights remain illuminated every time the vehicle is turned on - I believe there is a safety concern of a potential fire or brake failure
NHTSA complaint #11586221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
Not sure what the exact problem is and my mechanic cannot figure out either, I had the car a little over a year purchased from carvana! First few months the brakes started messing up got caught in the rain ran into a trash can left minor scartches but nothing was wrong internally. September got side swiped on the highway not a reportable accident but I had to change whatever held the wheel literally everything that holds the right wheel had to be changed and after that incident a sensor came off, traction with wheels off but still drivable, about 3 days ago the engine just started making a cracking sound mechanic said it was some sensors he changed both and still making the weird noise, only had the car for a year and my mechanic cannot pinpoint the problem and suspects some type of engine issue which idk if it’s a recall on Kia optima’s or not because I don’t drive crazy!
NHTSA complaint #11585700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I've been having an issue with my car just out of the blue breaking while I'm going into it seems to be only a left turn I had let Kia know about this when I took it in for the other recalls just recently nobody seemed to have any idea of what was going on or look at me like I was crazy I guess and now I see this recall that explains everything to a tee of what my car is doing I need somebody to contact me please. This has almost gotten me into serious accidents on more than one occasion
NHTSA complaint #11584407 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
My car had started acting weird about 5 months after I got it, I believe Jan 2020. Only had it till Jan 2021 and they said my engine Barrings broke and it was going to cost me 10000. I didn’t have it. I was never informed about the recall. It messed up my whole credit and I still have not been able to get a car since. I moved and I was just now able to get the mail!
NHTSA complaint #11474718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
DEAN MCKRARY KIA HAD MY CAR FROM NOVEMBER TO DECEMBER 12, 2021 WITH THE AGREEMENT TO REPAIR ALL EXISTING SERVICE RECALLS. THERE YET REMAIN SERVICE RECALL 21V331. THE AGREEMENT WITH THE SERVICE MANAGER THAT ALL RECALLS ISSUED WOULD BE REPAIRED. THEY DID NOT KEEP THEIR WORD.
NHTSA complaint #11464068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Kia said they fixed recall on my car and lights are still on and I hydroplane and totaled my car
NHTSA complaint #11455460 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I received a Safety Recall notice dated 7/5/2021. When I contacted the dealership, the next available appointment was December 6, 2021. Because of the seriousness of this recall, I feel I should be given a service appointment sooner than December 2021.
NHTSA complaint #11428321 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.