944 of the
10,387 complaints filed about the KIA Optima
are about the electrical system —
100% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2013.
While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing or scooter-like sound. The vehicle became undrivable and had to be parked. I am concerned about a potential safety defect involving sudden loss of power while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11762756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-652 / Kia SC284TF involving the HECU fuse. The dealership replaced the HECU multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally. The same day I picked the vehicle up after the recall repair, the vehicle began dying while I was driving. I also noticed a burning smell. I returned the vehicle to Rockwall Kia. Their August 31, 2026 repair order documents my complaint and states that the vehicle would die while driving and that this problem “DID NOT BEGIN UNTIL AFTER RECALL COMPLETED.” The repair order instructs the technician to inspect whether the recall was completed properly and diagnose the concern. I am concerned because the HECU recall involves an electrical short/overcurrent condition and Kia's recall documentation specifically identifies burning/melting smell and smoke as warning symptoms. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and review whether the post-recall stalling and burning smell could be related to the HECU recall repair or indicate a continuing safety problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11762544 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. Known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. Problem continues to happen. Lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. Anytime the fuse blows
NHTSA complaint #11760844 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front. They had to cut the car off because it was smoking like it was gonna catch a fire. I’ve been had this sign on my car the steering wheel with an! It says that the car is hot before the car accident I had driven to [XXX] back to my house in the car motor was just shaking up under even though the car was off about 1015 minutes a hour late I had to wreck. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11760787 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am also experiencing an electrical problem with the vehicle. The air conditioning and heating system will not turn on or operate properly. I was informed that the problem is related to the vehicle's electrical system/wiring. These problems have continued and require repeated attention. I am concerned about the safety and reliability of the vehicle, particularly the continued oil loss and the electrical malfunction. I am reporting these issues so they can be documented and investigated to determine whether other 2020 Kia Optima owners are experiencing similar problems.
NHTSA complaint #11760053 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was repaired by PepBoys. On 4/2/2025 the ve3hicle had an active recall event when the engine seized on the highway because of a faulty oil pump/filter, Engine was replaced 4/17/2025 under that recall. Kia advised at the time that the wiring harness should be replaced due to electrical issues at the time but said that there was no recall for that work. At the time, there were no electrical failures of steering, brakes, all power etc. Nor did we know that those were a possibility. The wiring harness quote was $7,000, over the cost of the vehicle. It was decided to continue repairing the electrical issues as they came up, it was assumed that the fuses would blow before there because a safety or total vehicle failure, as automobiles are designed that way. 8/4/2026 the vehicle experienced a complete and total loss of power resulting in a traffic crash into another vehicle as the brakes felt like you were trying to push a wall rather than a pedal. There was minimal physical damage to the other car and the kia, the other driver got my husband's insurance information and then drove off. The car did startup after ~30 minutes or so and was driven home, but taken to the Kia dealership the next day. It was said that the blower motor overheated and melted a portion of the electrical junction box under the hood and that it was unsafe and dangerous to drive. Kia said that there were no active recalls for this work. NHTSA SC351 seems very similar to this issue that has plagued this car since the beginning. We would ask that Kia incorporate this vehicle and others outside of the year/model ranges in SC351 that have similar failure mechanisms as this seems common.
NHTSA complaint #11759385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speeds on the freeway in San Diego, the engine of my 2016 Kia Optima catastrophically seized without warning. I instantly lost all power steering, brake assist, and electrical power, creating an immediate life-threatening emergency. The vehicle was towed to a Kia dealer. Corporate Techline and the dealership are refusing to perform the mandated settlement rod bearing test and are falsifying paperwork to deny the safety remedy.
NHTSA complaint #11758646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was having trouble with my left driver tire. 2 mechanics went to test drive the car to see what the problem was. As they were driving, the car died. They got it started but it ran horrible back to the garage. When they pulled in the driveway of the garage, the car started on fire. It was an engine fire but undetermined what exactly was the cause. The vehicle was looked over by the insurance claims adjustor. I am not sure if sluggish driving had anything to do with the fire. The car is totaled.
NHTSA complaint #11758178 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Blower motor is drawing excessive electricity, which in turn burns the fuse and junction pin, which in turn can start a fire in the car. Kia of Irvine suggested redoing all electrical wiring in the car, but that will not solve the issue. As soon as you turn on the AC, the blower motor will use so much electricity and amperage, so the blower motor fuse and junction pins on the fuse box starting to burn. Wanting to charge almost $7000 to fix this issue, which is double the price value of the car, and risking to end up in this situation again, as soon as you turn on the AC, does not make sense. KIA should do recall on this model and fix the root cause, which is excessive electricity and amperage usage by the blower motor.
NHTSA complaint #11758353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the rear taillight socket wiring harness failed to function as intended. The contact was informed that the brake lights were inoperable. The contact stated that the failure had occurred every 6–7 months. The contact stated that the repair was completed by the contact. The dealer was not made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
NHTSA complaint #11753610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I would say that the time this incident happened I was driving and me and me nephew were in car at time taking to shop to see why it was making a sound like air and all of sudden the car started swerving and slowing down and then it made a pop sound and smoke started coming from the car and I was thankful that I didn’t get hit but affraid and also hit my head in car due to the sudden jerk car mad and then it popped sound a d smoke came from good. The next day I have to pay to get back on the other side and also tow it home which it been parked since but I see a recall on my vin and want to find out how to get it to the nearest Kia to fix the recall
NHTSA complaint #11750184 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.
NHTSA complaint #11750155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary failure involved the engine. The vehicle experienced a major engine failure that resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. After the replacement engine was installed, the vehicle later developed additional engine-related problems. An independent mechanic advised that the vehicle would require another engine replacement or extensive engine repairs. Additional defects included a malfunctioning moonroof that would no longer close properly and other mechanical issues affecting the vehicle's operation. The vehicle may be available for inspection depending on its current status and location. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The repeated engine problems created concerns about the reliability and safe operation of the vehicle. Sudden engine failure while driving resulted in loss of power, inability to maintain speed in traffic, and being stranded in unsafe conditions. The ongoing mechanical failures caused significant concern regarding the vehicle's dependability and safety. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The original engine issue was confirmed by authorized service personnel and resulted in an engine replacement under a manufacturer recall. The subsequent engine-related problem was evaluated by an independent mechanic, who advised that the vehicle required another engine replacement or significant repairs. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle was inspected in connection with the original engine recall and replacement. It was also inspected by an independent mechanic regarding the subsequent engine issues. At this time, I am not aware of any inspection by police or insurance representatives related to these mechanical failures. 5. yes, right away
NHTSA complaint #11745534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, he noticed the vehicle started smoking heavily from under the hood, and shortly thereafter, the vehicle fully ignited into flames. The vehicle was occupied during the fire. The contact stated that he noticed smoke emerging from the driver-side section of the hood. Furthermore, the contact noted that the power door locks failed to unlock automatically, requiring him to manually unlock the door to exit the vehicle safely. The color of the smoke started off light and quickly turned black. The contact stated he noticed a burning electrical odor during the fire. The fire started at underneath the hood, and stayed in the engine bay. No property damage. The location of the fire was the engine compartment. The fire was extinguished by the local fire dept by water. A Fire Department report was not filed. No police report was filed. The vehicle was totaled. No injuries occurred. The vehicle was towed to a independent auto shop. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage on the odometer was 219,000, but the vehicle had a previous engine replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11742198 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 71,527. However, upon taking the vehicle to the dealer due to excessive oil consumption, the dealer informed the contact that the actual mileage was over 200,000 as per the Carfax report. The seller was contacted but did not provide assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11742000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The Kia had a problem with the check engine light coming on and it gently went into limp mode. I had it repaired at Darlings Ford and it worked for about 600 miles. I had it repaired again and it worked for about 7,000 miles. The light recent came on and the car immediately hard banged andwent into limp mode. My wife was driving and shaking when she got home. The light went out and everything was fine. A couple of days later, on 5/27/26, we were on the interstate in traffic travelling 70 mph and it Violently hard bumped, the Cel came on and it went into limp mode. It was as if we hit deep pot holes with both front tires which we didn't as we were on a smooth highway. The light is still on and it's in limp mode.
NHTSA complaint #11740798 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The horn stops working, steering heat stop working, control functions and air bag warning. I changed the clock spring and it fixed all those issues the first time but within 6 months all those issues happened again. Is there something more wrong?
NHTSA complaint #11736227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.
NHTSA complaint #11735174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. However one day the check engine light did come on and the OBD code P1326 came up. When I took it to the shop the check engine light disappeared and the dealership said they will not check my engine unless they see the code on their end. I believe later down the line the engine will stall out and it should be fixed now while under warranty. However I received no help from the dealership unless I am willing to pay upfront. In addition to this there are electrical issues the front seats aren't moving immediately when the button is pressed. The steering wheel buttons barely work along with the radio. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11734769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Code : P1777 Transmission- oil pump A issue with the Valve cover gasket leaking into the engine causing a misfire. Making the car suddenly stop while driving which is very unsafe. I took the car to the dealership and they want to charge me for the repairs. I have 2 kia optima hybrid and both cars have the same issue around the same mileage. There were no warning lights during the time it was at the shop. I believe later down the line the engine will stall out and it should be fixed now while under warranty. However I received no help from the dealership unless I am willing to pay upfront. In addition to this there are electrical issues the front seats aren't moving immediately when the button is pressed. The steering wheel buttons barely work along with the radio. This is a huge problem that needs to be fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11734775 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.