The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost power. The contact exited the vehicle and pushed the vehicle to the right side of the roadway while awaiting Roadside Assistance. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

- Norwich, NY, USA

My engine went out at 100,000 miles I bought the car with 118,000 mi on it I drove it for 3 years and the engine went out need help

- Athol, ID, USA

Car was purchased April 2025, I-??ve had it less then 2 months and check engine light came on and then flashing. I had it scanned at Auto Zone and was told the code is VVT Solenoid. I had it replaced 6/12/25. I was told by the mechanic that it didn-??t solve the issue and metal shavings were on the old one. The car is still constantly going in to limp mode and there-??s a knocking noise now. The Auto zone scan listed the mileage as 150,000 yet the car dealership listed and sold it as 101,000. I have a 2015 Kia Optima Ex. The title does not list it as a rebuilt and appeared to be fairly clean and maintained. The mechanic told me the engine needs replaced.

- Horse Branch, KY, USA

As I was driving going at a rate of 40 MPH my engine shut off. I was able to pull to the side of the road without an accident thankfully. Cranked the vehicle back up and then the same thing it happened again. No check engine light came on either time. Drove for another 200 miles no issues. Going apx. 75 MPH it went into limp mode and check engine light came on and the P1326 code appeared. There is a recall on this vehicle for this code. However the dealership states it-??s a knock sensor needing to be replaced and I will have to cover that. The same knock sensor they had me update in 2018 under there advisory. The motor burns apx. 2 quarts of oil every 3000 miles. Requires oil to be added to maintain oil level in between oil changes. Irregular mechanical noise (rattle) during cold start ups. I am scared to drive this vehicle and do not feel I am being treated fairly due to the recalls on this engine.

- Atmore, AL, USA

I was driving on the freeway when I noticed smoke coming out of my hood. I immediately exited the freeway, pulled over, popped the hood open, and my engine was on fire. There were no warning lamps on my dash. I don-??t know which components were involved and inspection of the components after was not possible, because everything under the hood burned by the time firefighters responded.

- Ontario, CA, USA

I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI (VIN: [XXX] ) with a blown engine, which is covered under Kia-??s extended engine warranty. I contacted Jim Butler Kia in Chesterfield, MO, where the last service was performed, and requested the free engine replacement under warranty. They acknowledged that the car is covered, but refused to perform the repair because the vehicle is not yet registered. I explained that I have the title in my name and proof of ownership, but cannot register the car in Missouri because it does not run and must pass safety and emissions inspection to be registered. Despite showing them the title and explaining the situation, they continue to deny warranty service. I believe this is unfair and against Kia-??s warranty policy, which requires proof of ownership-?"not necessarily registration. I-??m requesting the dealership to honor the warranty and perform the repair, as the issue is known and covered by Kia-??s engine recall campaign. I am not seeking financial compensation-?"just proper and fair warranty service for a defect Kia already acknowledges INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Saint Louis, MO, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 55-60 MPH, the engine seized. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware of a burning odor around the exterior of the vehicle. The contact attempted to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. 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 85,000.

- Trinidad, CO, USA

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power while driving when cylinder 3 completely failed (0 PSI compression). Metal particles found in oil and excessive oil consumption (1 pint/100 miles). KIA dealer diagnosed as piston rings but ignored metal in oil that suggests bearing failure covered under recall campaign. Refused proper diagnostic testing. Vehicle now unsafe to drive with failed cylinder that could cause complete engine seizure while driving. Kia had all recommended services and oil changes since acquired in 11/2016. These service records demonstrate the progression of my vehicle's engine issues, from early oil consumption problems documented by York Auto Care in July 2023 (3 quarts low) to complete cylinder 3 failure with zero compression confirmed by Kia's own diagnostic testing in May 2025. Despite this documented history and Kia's own test results showing catastrophic engine failure, they have denied warranty coverage under their engine campaign that specifically covers bearing-related failures on my 2015 Kia Optima 2.4L.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

My car has less than 50,000 miles on it. I was driving at around 40 miles per hour and my engine suddenly stalled. My car was towed to the nearest repair facility and a diagnostics was completed on it revealing a seized engine. My car has been well maintained and has never been in a repair shop for any type of major repairs. This engine failure came as a complete surprise as the car gave no indication that there was a problem. Kia Motor Company has recalls on other cars with the same make, model, year and engine size as mine that have had the same exact issue as what mine has presently. However, when I look up my VIN on their website my car only shows 1 recall which is unrelated to the issue I am currently experiencing. I would like to understand why my car is not included in this recall, when my car has had, at this point, the same exact thing happen as these other cars of the same make, model, year and engine size?

- Madison, SD, USA

Having issues with my engine, it-??s throwing the code saying that my glow relay is stuck on and has something to do with the knock sensor, which is on a recall on 2015 Kia Optima, but my VIN number doesn-??t seem to be one that-??s on the recall list, but my engine is doing the same thing that the other ones are being recalled for.

- Junction City, OH, USA

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)

- Houston, TX, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. However, several days later the failure reoccurred, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the engine compartment, prompting the contact to discontinue driving the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a nondescript failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 96,000.

- North Las Vegas, NV, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was not available.

- Amarillo, TX, USA

We are submitting this claim because the engine on the vehicle is completely locked up at only 50,000 miles, despite the maintenance being fully up to date. This issue appears to be directly related to the well-documented rod bearing failure that Kia has previously issued recalls for across various models and years. We have contacted several Kia dealerships in our area-?"including those in Anniston, Trussville, Huntsville, and even across state lines-?"seeking assistance. Unfortunately, all of them have refused to proceed with an engine replacement due to the vehicle having an older KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) software update. While we have documentation that the original update was completed within the required timeframe, they are now stating that a newer version of the software is required in order to move forward. However, when we reach out to Kia dealerships requesting this updated version, we are told that they cannot perform the update because the engine is already locked-?"placing us in a frustrating and seemingly impossible situation. We are essentially being told we need the update to fix the issue, but the update cannot be done because of the issue itself. We-??ve also contacted Kia Corporate, and unfortunately, the response has not been helpful. We-??ve been told that the recall campaign tied to this issue has closed, and that there is nothing more they are willing to do. Meanwhile, we are left with a vehicle that cannot be driven, despite only having 50k miles, and which we are still making payments on. This feels incredibly unfair and potentially unlawful, considering Kia has acknowledged bearing-related failures in similar vehicles. We are simply asking for accountability and support for a problem Kia is well aware of. We are at a complete standstill, with no cooperation from dealerships or corporate.

- Anniston, AL, USA

The engine shut off while on the highway, car was still moving but not power from engine when accelerating the gas, not leaks or lack of maintenance

- Milwaukee, WI, USA

Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won-??t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the Kia optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called Kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the Kia shop

- Mansfield, OH, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. After a visual inspection, the contact observed an excessive amount of oil leaking from underneath the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with engine failure, observing a hole on the side of the engine block. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer however, the diagnosis was not yet confirmed. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000.

- Casa Grande, AZ, USA

I purchased a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid on [XXX], from Nissan of Grapevine, TX. The vehicle had an open safety recall issued in 2021 (PI2104) related to engine failure, but neither Kia nor Nissan informed me of this recall before my purchase, nor was the recall repair ever performed. On [XXX], my engine suddenly seized while driving, leaving me stranded. I had the vehicle towed to Meineke in Pflugerville, where they confirmed the engine failure but declined to perform an official diagnostic due to liability concerns. In 2024-?"over a year after my engine had already failed-?"Kia America finally mailed me a recall notice. By this time, the damage was irreversible. I took the car to Kia of Round Rock on April 2, 2024, where I was charged a diagnostic fee despite the engine failure being caused by the known recall issue. Kia then denied me warranty coverage, claiming I was ineligible because the recall repair had not been performed prior to the failure-?"even though I was never informed of it in time. Now, my vehicle has been impounded at AusTex Towing since March 6, 2025, because it is inoperable and cannot be registered. If I cannot afford the impound fees, my car will be auctioned off, leaving me responsible for payments on a vehicle I can no longer use. Safety Concerns: -Sudden engine failure while driving poses a serious crash risk. -Failure of recall notification system-?"I was only informed AFTER my engine had already failed. -Negligence by the manufacturer and dealership-?"Neither Nissan (the seller) nor Kia (the manufacturer) addressed the recall prior to the failure. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate Kia America and Nissan of Grapevine-??s handling of this recall to determine whether their actions constitute negligence in notifying owners about critical safety defects. Kia should be held responsible for either covering the cost of repairs, offering a buyout, or reimbursing me for my financial losses (towing, impound fees, and loan payments). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

- Austin, TX, USA

When driving on the highway my car suddenly started to stall with me on the highway. It went from 80 miles per hour to 20 miles per hour and then completely shut off in the lane of the highway. Thankfully I was able to pull over to safety. I attempted to start again, and the engine started with a weird noise coming from it. I had it towed to my local Mechanic who told me that my engine is part of a safety recall.

- Margate, FL, USA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. While the contact's sister was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's sister parked the vehicle and performed an inspection of the vehicle. The contact's sister opened the hood and confirmed the smoke was coming from the engine. The vehicle was restarted; however, the vehicle failed to operate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer; however, the dealer provided an unofficial diagnostic result of possible engine failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.

- Enoree, SC, USA