Kia Optima Hybrid knocking problems

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · SC

ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN. The vehicle experiences sudden engine performance loss, causing it to drop speed abruptly and enter a restricted "limp mode" while traveling at highway speeds (e.g., 60–70 mph). [Chronological Events & Symptoms]: The check engine light begins flashing rapidly on the dashboard. Immediately following the flashing light, the vehicle drops to a maximum speed of roughly 30–40 mph regardless of accelerator input, forcing me to navigate across active lanes of fast-moving highway traffic without full vehicle control. This occurs repeatedly/weekly, presenting an immediate collision hazard from rear-end traffic. [Dealership Response & Diagnostic Proof]: A diagnostic scan confirms a permanent P1326 knock sensor code, which points directly to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) monitoring engine bearing failure. Despite presenting diagnostic logs to the local dealership, they have refused to execute the necessary powertrain warranty or engine failure repairs mandated under safety settlement terms, leaving a defective, stalling vehicle on public roads.

Filed Dec 11, 2023 · Brakes, Suspension · 65,000 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that the front-end of the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking sound while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the front struts. The front driver's side axle was replaced; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the MIL warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Sep 12, 2023 · Engine · 180,000 miles · CA

The contact's wife owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle shuddered, and there was an abnormal ticking sound coming from the engine. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed. The dealer informed the contact that the engine needed to be replaced; however, due to the mileage on the vehicle, the repair was not covered under warranty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Engine · 98,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 30-45 MPH, she heard abnormal knocking sounds coming from the engine. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated she was able to continue to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer also informed the contact that the vehicle could not be repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) because the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 98,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2020 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine rod bearing failed. The vehicle was taken to car pros kia huntington beach located at 18835 beach blvd, huntington beach, ca 92648 who confirmed the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Oct 21, 2020 · Engine · 70,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the engine seized without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the connecting rod bearings in the engine were worn causing metal shavings to enter the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to sons kia (100 sons dr, mcdonough, ga 30253, (678)619-1393) to be diagnosed. The cause of the failure was confirmed and the contact was provided a quote for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) and stated that the failure was similar. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

Filed Oct 11, 2019 · Engine · 87,200 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. While driving approximately 55-60 MPH, the check engine warning indicator illuminated and there was a knocking noise coming from the engine. In addition, the oil level warning indicator illuminated and the vehicle started to lose power. The contact was able to safely move the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle was towed to southwest kia austin (13175 us-183 n, austin, tx 78750, (512) 583-1900) where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was not included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling). The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 87,200.

Filed Jul 17, 2019 · Engine · 75,045 miles · AL

Thankfully I was driving down a back road and without any warning my 2012 kia optima hybrid made a loud knocking noise then slowed down and when I pulled over I had a "hybrid battery low" light come on so I have the car towed and replace the battery, still not working. Now the battery light is off but now there's 2 other lights that come on. 1 said "hybrid system warning do not drive" and the other says "check charging system" so I have it towed again but this time to a kia dealership. They called me back the next day and told me that it appeared that my motor seized. They couldn't tell me how or why.. My car only had 75,045 miles on it. So I contact consumer affairs because I heard about the recalls. They even told me that my car was mimicking exactly what the optima recalls were doing. However, because mine was a hybrid it didn't fall under the recall. Which I thought was very unfair. Still nothing they can do, they want $6,200 for a used motor. Mind you I've had the car for 3 1/2 years and have kept up with oils changes etc. Next I found out that I had an extended warranty... But of course it expired 45 miles ago. Again, not fair. Nobody seems to care or want to help me. This is very inconvenient. Now I'm without a car that I'm still making payments on. I'm very disappointed in kia and their customer service. I feel as though if my car was doing exactly what the recalls were doing with the same size motor then how come they won't cover mine to be replaced? I almost want to hire an attorney and have this investigated. I still want to know exactly what is wrong with my car! Nobody has answers....

Filed Nov 20, 2018 · Engine, Transmission · 114,000 miles · ID

I was driving to drop off a friend and jumped on the highway. Everything was fine until I stopped at a stoplight coming off the highway and heard a knocking sound. I never got a check engine light or anything still to this day. I had it taken to the nearest kia dealership and they said 3 connecting rods are out and it has a cracked block. They quoted me $7600 to fix it. Its been 6 months and I havent been able to do anything with with. My insurance said they cant do anything and I had an extended warranty but I went over the mileage. I have gap insurance but the insurance company wont do anything about it. I know the other optimas are having the exact same issues but kia hasbt released a recall for the hybrids.

Filed Sep 22, 2018 · Engine, Steering · 100,000 miles · MD

This vehicle is dangerous and extremely faulty. I have had to replace the transmission due to the car traveling at no more than 55 MPH. In addition, there was extreme knocking within the steering wheel in which the steering wheel had to be replaced as well. Then my car started drifting again with white smoke coming from under the hood and exhaust. Now kia is saying that the engine is faulty and needs to be replaced. My car is not being serviced for a recall on the engine because it is a hybrid, yet non-hybrid kia cars have a recall for it. This is the same thing. What a disservice! Kia needs to quit making cars altogether if the internal work has no endurance. I'm still paying on this vehicle. This car is a danger, waste, and disservice. Several complaints have been noted in reference to the same thing. What if the car exploded? Then what? This car could have harmed me or others. Please recall the engine and anything else this car has that is unmanageable or unhealthy. The opportunity cost is pisspoor.