9.2

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
127,700 miles
Total Complaints:
5 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. replace engine (1 reports)
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problem #5

Oct 212019

Optima SLX 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 156,485 miles

I began having issues with the cooling the car kept running hot. I had the fan replaced but it still runs hot. About 2 weeks ago the engine light came on my husband changed the oil it went off however I could tell that the car was losing power when I drive. When trying to accelerate the engines RPM goes well above the 5 zone. I cannot change lanes without the fear of a car hitting me because the vehicle is losing power.

- Sonquea D., Jonesboro, US

problem #4

Sep 272019

Optima LS 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 133,000 miles

I bought my 2013 Kia Optima new at Kia Motors in Renton, WA. I had one more payment to pay for it in 02/30/2019. Well I was so excited to make my last payment. Coming home late 02/29/2019 driving on hwy167 and all of a sudden my car just cut off. Tried to restart it, nothing happened. It's a blessing that the traffic wasn't so bad. Now I don't know what I'm going to do. I've lost both of my kidneys I'm on disability which is a certain amount of income that I have. Now what I have to do is get it to the shop. Then I'm thinking if I take it to Kia Motors in Renton I don't have the funds to get it repaired. Now I'm pissed, so I called my son and asked him to tow it to his house. Had to figure out something really quick, so I bought a motor from the salvage yard. Finally got it put in in August. Running ok. Now my engine light is on and it's running really rough. I'm afraid to even go see my grandkids. Tomorrow Tuesday October 15,2019 I'll be calling Kia Motors in Renton WA. to set up an appointment for me to take it in to see what's going on. So please take my problem seriously. I need help with my Kia Optima 2013.

- robinsond, Renton, US

problem #3

Jul 132019

Optima SXL 2.0L Turbo Gdi

  • Automatic transmission
  • 153,893 miles

Never been so scared of a car in my life as I have with this 2013 Kia Optima SXL Turbo GDI. Year 2018: • Loss of oil, no leaks anywhere. • Extreme oil consumption, poor gas mileage. • Dealership could not locate problem. Service repairs denied. • Then Recall letter - metal shavings in engine. • Long Block replaced after the 2nd test failed (took 3 months). Year 2019: • White smoke coming out of tail pipes after an oil change. • Back to dealership, found more oil sludge (Again!), not under warranty. They recommended more frequent oil changes (every 2,000 miles) to clean it up. • Check oil every other day now, I refill as needed. Horrible gas mileage now. • Stranded on side of road. Towed to local mechanic - Fuse Link burnt up (had replaced). Now - as of 07/13/19: • Driving home from work - Check Engine Light Flashing. Scared and drove home very slowly taking back roads. Called Kia Consumer and had it towed to nearest Kia Dealership. Waiting on diagnostics from dealership. I’m stressed and scared (again), because I’m stranded and I can’t afford another costly repair.

- katana_z, Houston, TX, US

problem #2

Jan 202019

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,950 miles

All started on January 20, 2019. Went out started the car to get it warm and stepped back into the house and waited about 10-15 min for warm up. Pulled out of drive way and the car literally started making a loud knocking noise, almost stalled completely out, the check engine light came on and the car lost all power. I managed to get out of the road and get turned around back toward the house, which was only about a half of a mile if that. I immediately called the dealership for an appointment to get problem diagnosed and call tow truck. Sent car to the dealership service department.

The next day service manager called and said we've diagnosed the problem; it the Exhaust Cam over Advance Oil Control Valve which turns out is not covered by warranty and cost a whopping $400.00 to fix. So ok I say to the service manager, fix the problem I'll pay for it. He says ok, will do first thing tomorrow morning.

The next day service manager calls and says the mechanics fixed the car, took out for test drive and the engine stalled and would not start. Now on to phase number 2, retest the car for what else is the problem. That being said we gave $14,000 for the car when we bought it and have had to invest so much money in it that its not even worth the money we've paid and put in it. I'm so sick of having to be stuck with no way to work because of KIA'S faulty engines and problems that almost all KIA owners are having.

I WANT MY CAR FIXED AND YOU ALL NEED TO FIX YOUR MISTAKE IN THESE VECHICLES. I can't afford to buy another car so fix your MISTAKE.

Update from Jan 24, 2019:Today January 24, 2019 got a call from the dealership about our 2013 Kia Optima and finally we're getting a new engine after all the problems we've had. So thank you Kia for make it right.

- Becky N Jason M., clairfield , TN, US

problem #1

Mar 012016

Optima

  • Manual transmission
  • 56,000 miles

THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WILL NOT GO AWAY. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO MULTIPLE MECHANICS WHO ALL SAY THE SAME THING. IT IS THE O2 / KNOCK SENSOR AND THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING.

- Tracy B., Crystal Springs, MS, US