9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
75,450 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. kia needs to have it re-painted (3 reports)
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problem #8

Feb 082023

Optima SX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 57,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is coming off paint is coming off paint is coming off paint is coming off paint is coming off

I am an elderly individual that loves his 2013' KIA Optima automobile and take great care of the car. The automobile is now 11 years old with only 65,000 miles on the car. Almost 2 years ago I noticed paint peeling off the hood, roof and trunk of the car that was not caused by any scratches, dents or anything that would have caused the paint to peel off. The car color is Snow White and is washed and waxed regularly. The paint that is peeling off the car looks brand new. After doing some research I have discovered there seems to be a major problem with all KIA and some Hyundai automobiles with the Snow White color paint. I have noticed other cars like mine with this color paint peeling off. I talked to both the dealer and Kia customer care and was told the car is out of warranty and they will not cover the damage even after agreeing that KIA is aware of a problem with the Snow White paint color. I will now have to pay approximately $6,000 to repaint my car that is valued at approximately $9,000 or not paint the car and watch it rust away.

- Gary G., Scottsdale, US

problem #7

Oct 012021

Optima STX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is coming off paint is coming off paint is coming off paint is coming off paint is coming off

I have a 2013 Kia Optima (150,000 miles) and I bought it in 2016. A couple years ago I noticed the paint coming off on both sides of the windshield. Then the paint started chipping off the roof. A couple months ago I noticed a huge paint peel on my trunk, that continues to peel. Yesterday, after driving 7 miles I had 2 new spots on the hood. I have tried several times to get in touch with Kia America and unfortunately I cannot get through.

When I took my Kia in for a recall a couple weeks ago one of the salesmen suggested I take to Maaco to get an estimate. I took it over to Maaco and they said that this is a paint defect, and my whole vehicle will need to be repainted and the cost is $7,000!!!!! I just paid my car off less than a year ago and I cannot afford $7000, nor can I afford a car payment right now! By the time I do have time for a car payment my trade in value will be worthless. KIA NEEDS TO MAKE THIS RIGHT & PAY FOR MY CAR TO BE REPAINTED.

- Jessica F., Oakhurst, US

problem #6

Sep 022019

Optima SX V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,300 miles

My 2013 Kia Optima has paint chips and peeling paint all around the windshield, on the hood, and now on the back of the car. The hood of the car becomes worse even in a simple rain shower.

- aprilhodges74, Dickson, US

problem #5

Apr 152017

Optima SXL 4cyn

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

I have a 2013 Kia Optima with Snow White Pearl paint. My paint is peeling off on both of the pillars next to my windshield. It is also starting to peel off on the hood. I would say about 75% of the paint is flaked off the right pillar and 25% of the paint is flaked off the left pillar all the way to bare metal.

A few years ago, I took it to the dealership and was told it was out of warranty for the paint and they said Kia wasn't doing anything either. This is definitely a Kia problem and they should take care of it, whether it's out of warranty or not. Paint jobs don't start peeling for no reason. I have owned numerous other cars and none of them have ever had the paint peel off. I believe Kia should take care of this problem, especially before it gets worse. I am not happy about this and will not ever buy a Kia again. I am trying to sell the car and cannot get the value I should be able to do to this issue. I am requesting it be painted OR if I sell it, I want the difference of the price I should have been able to get.

- John R., Ashville, OH, US

problem #4

Jan 202019

Optima EX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 31,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint is coming off

Started with a bubble under the paint, now it is peeling off while going down the highway. It makes me made that a car is paid off, low mileage, I was hoping for the last car I needed to buy.

- dwt, Marysville, US

problem #3

May 012017

Optima ES

  • Automatic transmission
  • 49,000 miles

I have been battling with the Kia Dealership for over two years about the paint around the windshield. My Optima is a 2013, has 49,000 miles and garaged in Southern California. Every time the car is washed another piece washes off, it looks terrible. The paint around the windshield is coming off in very large pieces all the way down to the metal, it looks like there is no primer.

- jlove55, Chino Hills, US

problem #2

Apr 092018

Optima

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

MY PAINT IS FLAKING OFF IN HUGE PATCHES ALL OVER THE HOOD OF MY CAR. IT COMES OFF WHEN I JUST SPRAY IT WITH MY GARDEN HOSE WITH NO PRESSURE. ALSO AROUND THE WINDSHIELD AND DOORS AND WINDOWS. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING!!! MY CAR IS NOT OLD ENOUGH TO NEED A NEW PAINT JOB ALREADY. KIA SHOULD REALLY TAKE THIS PROBLEM IN CONSIDERATION.

- Brenda M., Holden, LA, US

problem #1

Apr 052017

Optima SX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

The paint is coming off my car that is only 4 years old. It has come off in several places and I am upset that no older than the car is that the paint is coming off. I keep up with the maintenance of the car trying to keep it in good working order. At least the car's paint should last a little longer than this. There are cars on the road today much older than mine and with no paint issues

- Sheryl S., Linton, US