6.7

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
76,350 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. new engine (1 reports)
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problem #6

Jun 152023

Optima LX 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 150,000 miles

My 2015 Kia Optima was operating just fine as I am cruising down 85 south. I am about to get of the exit ramp and the engine comes on, now I am in a panic mode. The vehicle is still running fine, I am less than 1 mile from home. The engine light starts flashing extremely fast and the car starts to slow down around 30 miles per hour now I am frantic. I had it towed to KIA of Auburn; I haven't been told the diagnostic results yet.

- Jenny J., Lanett, US

problem #5

Oct 112022

Optima ES 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

My 2015 laid down on me just last night, so am I correct in the assumption that we are all out of luck and that Kia doesn't care? Can they actually do this to all of us?

Up until last night I loved my little Optima and had "very near" future plans to step up to a Stinger GT2, but with this ongoing problem I would never purchase another product from these buttholes ever again!! Don't they realize that we will never purchase anything from them ever again? What was this Kia, a one-time quick score just to screw the poor guy over that instead of purchasing a Toyota or Nissan (which would still be running by the way) he made the mistake of spending his only money on this crap product? I only had the funds for the one vehicle, I didn't have the money to purchase another one, this was it you jerk-off!

So what do we do now? Am I now the proud owner of a very small outside storage unit, or an Ultra-Small Tiny Home? I mean, I'm not about to purchase another engine from these crooks, hell I just bought one that was already installed in the Optima that I've already paid for the first time and had hoped to get more than 14 months out of the deal! Well, somebody is gonna have to deal with me over this... more to come!!!!

- Brian K. A., Hazel Green, US

problem #4

Aug 012021

Optima SE Turbo 2.0L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 65,000 miles

I've been experiencing intermittent power loss while trying to accelerate. Once I stop the car and restart it, the car seems to operate properly. No Service engine lights ever comes on. I've taken the car to my local mechanic and they have told me that there are no error codes but the Master Mechanic did drive the car and told me that he experienced the same issue. Just seeing if someone has experienced this before and has a solution.

- Michael B., Hoschton, GA, US

problem #3

Nov 112019

Optima LX

  • Automatic transmission
  • 72,000 miles

Driving car ; just went dead , no issues before , now car won’t start ; has a recall but unsure if it covers this problem . Cost too much to hand it towed to Kia Dealer and of course they are accepting no blame

- Debbie R., Rome, US

problem #2

Sep 112018

Optima SX 2.0L T

  • Automatic transmission
  • 32,000 miles

Had not problem at all until being notified that there was an important software update needed on my Optima to prevent damage to the connector rods. I was not told that the update would cause a very noticeable loss of power. The main reason I bought this car was it's performance. Now the performance is comparable to the Optima with a no turbo which is a significant difference. Anyone aware of class action lawsuits over this problem, I would love to join in.

- Keith B., Granite Falls, NC, US

problem #1

Mar 142018

Optima EX 2.4L Gdi V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Intermittent lack of engine response to pressing the accelerator; particularly noticeable when attempting to turn.

Engine acts as if stalling, then recovers after a second or two. Results in driver uncertainty in any given turning situation whether there is sufficient time to make the turn. Several near crash episodes have occurred where lack of engine response to power demand caused the vehicle to slow rather then accelerate.

- Robert P., Vacaville, CA, US