9.6

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
104,200 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace engine (3 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
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problem #5

Nov 192019

Optima EX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 161,000 miles

I have a 2011 Kia Optima, I had my oil changed regularly, this week I heard a noise coming from my car and made a note to take it to the mechanic when I got off work, on the way home my engine light comes on and my car began to sputter like it was going to stop. By the grace of god I made it home and I had triple A to come by and look at it, but before they towed it he looked at my car and told me there was no oil in the car, which I couldn't believe because I got my oil changed 3 months ago and when I looked at the mileage it was right around the 5,000 mile mark, so this couldn't be possible.

When I called the Kia dealership they said that they told me back In 2016, that there was slug in my engine and that is probably what caused the oil to burn off so quickly and that I would need to get my engine replaced. I preceded to tell him that it is now 2019, I have been coming to this dealership for 4 years, and no one ever stressed to me that I needed to get my engine replaced. He then said that I was to blame because I didn't get my maintenance done on time. Which Is ridiculous!! And now I'm looking out here and seeing the same thing has happened multiple times to other people, and it seems Kia has given them a script to tell everyone its their engine and it needs to be replaced and if that doesn't work they blame the consumer and tell them it's their fault because they didn't get the maintenance done on time.

There definitely needs to be a lawsuit filed against Kia about their engine problems, but until then I'm going to my local news station to have them investigate Kia and how they operate in my area so that this information gets to as many people as possible. I would suggest that you do the same so that this gets national attention.

- Carol M., Mansfield, US

problem #4

Apr 092018

Optima SX 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 117,000 miles

No help from Kia.

- hemmys, Pottstown, US

problem #3

Jan 252017

Optima 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

We'll I took my car to the dealer to have it looked at here in Syracuse NY. They told me I needed a new engine and my extended warranty company was not paying to have replaced, due to at some point and time the car ran with out oil. I called the warranty company they stated it was because they were told I had oil change 9 miles ago, which was a lie. Took it to another dealer to get another opinion. Now just waiting on Kia to look at the engine. I will never get another Kia.

- Robert M., Syracuse, NY, US

problem #2

Oct 192016

Optima EX 2.4L Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 71,000 miles

It's really annoying it occurs every morning and getting worse and I also have a clanking noise in my steering and if I go across railroad crossing or even coming down my driveway it seems like it's gonna break at anytime it really sounds like something is loose in it.....even sitting still u can turn wheel n it pops I've only had this car 4 months and the dealer I bought it from did not inform me there was any recalls on this car that really pisses me off I really love my car but damn

- Cassie H., Adrian, GA, US

problem #1

Sep 022016

Optima LX 3.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

My engine starting making a knocking sound and I took my vehicle to the dealer in carson california at car pros kia. The service agent Isaac informed me that it could be a part in the engine that Kia extended the warranty on to 120,000. I was dropped off by the shuttle service and later received a call that in fact it was that part that they extended the warranty on. They asked me to provide service history records so they can submit to see if kia will replace the engine. my parents had the same problem happen with their Kia sportage over a month ago and kia was trying to not replace the engine. fortunately there was someone at that dealership where the vehicle was towed to that helped them get it replaced. Sounds like I will have a difficult time getting this replaced, I already had to replace the brake light sensor that goes behind the brake pedal, it was a factory default and was replaced twice. I almost got hit from behind twice due to this default and not once was there any thing done to make sure it didn't happen again, no apology, nothing!

- Carlos A., Los Angeles, CA, US