2012 Kia Optima Hybrid: engine stalls while driving

Filed Apr 1, 2020 · Engine · 140,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. The contact stated while her son was driving at 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to southside kia located at (9401 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225), to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Oct 16, 2018 · Engine · 75,000 miles · CT · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and smoke quickly entered the vehicle. Also, the vehicle began to shake uncontrollably. The contact exited the vehicle and called roadside assistance. The vehicle was towed to premier kia of branford (205 north main street, branford, connecticut 06405, (203) 315-2050) where it was diagnosed that the engine seized. The dealer replaced the engine under warranty, but the failure recurred. Four months later, while driving various high speeds, the contact heard a clicking noise and smoke entered the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer again where it was diagnosed that the internal engine seized. The vehicle was not repaired due to the lack of warranty coverage. A police report was not filed for either failure. During both occurrences, the smoke went away once the engine was turned off. There were no injuries. In addition, the contact stated that there was no indication of a fire, but a loud popping noise was heard from the engine compartment. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000. The VIN was not available. *jb consumer attached diagnostic and invoice repair to the car showing the problems with the engine. 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Aug 24, 2018 · Engine · 105,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. While driving 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and completely shut off. In addition, a "do not drive "warning message illuminated. The vehicle was towed to kirby kia of ventura (6424 auto center dr, ventura, ca 93003, (805) 644-2241) where it was diagnosed that the bearing inside the engine started to wear and shred, which caused the engine to seize. The dealer stated that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed May 15, 2018 · Engine · 83,324 miles · AZ

The car will stall/lose power, blow white smoke out the exhaust. This happens on acceleration or driving at normal highway speeds this has occurred on the highway and on city streets. Yesterday on the interstate I was almost rear-ended because the vehicle stalled. It is believed the connecting rod bearings in certain engines fail as metal debris circulate throughout the engine via the engine oil. Over time, the contaminants in the oiling system cause the connecting rod bearings to fracture and spew large amounts of metal debris into the engine oil, which it cannot filter out to maintain necessary oil pressure. There are numerous complaints regarding the issue and this safety concern needs to be addressed.

Filed Apr 26, 2018 · Electrical · 107,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. While driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle started to slow down and then stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road. The contact powered off the engine. The vehicle was restarted, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hybrid battery failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in a recall. The approximate failure mileage was 107,000.

Filed Jun 12, 2017 · Engine · 178,000 miles · GA

I was driving on a two lane highway when my vehicle started to stall, as if it was going to stop, when I pressed the accelerator, the car slightly speeds up but then starts to stall again. After several repeat episodes of stalling, my engine light comes on. Since there was no stores in my immediate area and no cellular service in the area, I proceeded to drive and moved into the outer lane. The cycle of stalling and increasing continued repeatedly. Once I reached a service area, I was able to call a tow service to the nearest dealership that happened to be a hyundai dealership. They ran a diagnostic check and found nothing but did change my oil and the filter. For the rest of the day my car drove fine, but monday morning on my way to work back to the same stalling cycle and the engine light on. I drove to the kia dealership and left it for another diagnostic test. After a week and a half I receive a call that the test showed the crankshaft senors needed to be replaced with a cost of $200.00. After three weeks, I receive a call that my car is fixed. I pay the charges and drive away; after driving 10 miles, my car begins to stall, engine light comes on, the car is making a loud knocking noise and the car has a burning smell. I drive back to the dealership, and another diagnostic test is done. Then a kia salesmen states "your engine needs to be replaced but the car is still driveable; however, at some point, your engine will lock up and the the car will stall and stop." "we will take your car as a trade in towards a new kia." I ask if my car will be repaired under the kia recall for the optima. I was told no, the hybrid optima was not recalled.the salesmen looks at the interior of the car and states "it does have a burn smell." he gives me his number and I drive away. As of today kia refuses to fix my car under the recall and I am left renting a vehicle daily.

Filed Jul 22, 2014 · Engine · 450 miles · WA

(my report is exactly the same as id 10552403) this car severely hesitates/stalls after coming to a stop (red lights, stop signs, yield signs, and etc). Car hesitates/stalls for ~2-3 seconds before accelerating while at a dead stop. This has caused several near accidents. When it happens, I push the gas pedal to the floor and the car doesn't respond at all for about 2-3 seconds. This seems to be a serious problem when pulling out into traffic as incoming cars can close the safety gap quickly in 2-3 seconds. Cold weather causes the car to hesitate/stall more often than warmer weather from my experience, but it's happened when car has been running for over 20 minutes, as well. I hope kia will check into this problem as my local dealership has no answer.

Filed Nov 15, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 14,450 miles · NC

This car severely hesitates/stalls after coming to a stop at intersections (red lights, stop signs, yield signs, and etc). Car hesitates/stalls for 2-3 seconds before accelerating while at a dead stop. This has causes several near accidents and scares to my family, friends, and myself. This morning, I pushed the gas pedal to the floor and the car did not accelerate/respond until 2-3 seconds later. This is serious and dangerous problem, while pulling out into traffic incoming cars can close the safety gap quickly in 2-3 seconds. Cold weather causes the car to hesitate/stall more often than warmer weather. I urge the federal government to step in and force kia to find solution to this problem before this issue cause a fatality. Fuel economy is another issue in this car (hybrid), I typically don't get the estimated 35 mpg/city that the dealership sold me on, it is usually 28-30 mpg/city.