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.
Kia Optima Hybrid stalling problems
32 of the 277 owner complaints about the Kia Optima Hybrid describe engine stalls while driving, most of them for the 2012 model year.
- owner complaints
- 32
- worst model year
- 2012
- typical mileage
- 75,000
By model year
Often reported together
Engine failure 8Check engine light 7Hesitation 3Knocking 3Won't start 2Loss of power 2
Trouble codes mentioned
P1326 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but failed to accelerate as intended or change gear as intended. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the triaxle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the message "Stop Vehicle" was displayed. The contact stated that the vehicle had stalled and shut off on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 30,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and failed to restart. The contact stated that prior to the vehicle stalling, an unknown warning light had flashed on the instrument panel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 94,223.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. During the failure, the check engine, ABS, service vehicle, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the warning message "Hybrid System Failure" message was displayed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,200.
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Turn Engine Off Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the "Check Hybrid System - Turn Off Engine" message displayed on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. On two occasions, the vehicle shifted to LIMP Mode. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the engine was replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 58,997.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima hybrid. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v750000 (engine). The contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, when the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to kia of mccomb (1030 longleaf rd, mccomb, ms 39648) and diagnosed that the engine had thrown a rod and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not eligible for a new engine under the recall however, after speaking with the manufacturer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was excluded from the recall repair because the mileage was over 150,000. The contact stated that the vehicle had a hybrid and gasoline engine so the odometer mileage should not be the deciding factor in determining which vehicles were included or excluded from the free recall repair and engine replacement. The failure mileage was 163,000. Vin was unavailable.
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 kia optima hybrid. While driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled and "check hybrid battery and do not run" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to romeo kia of kingston (111 schenk dr, kingston, ny), but the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
Recall number 21V844000 · Recall details
Engine
- What is wrong
- Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
- Risk
- An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1‑800‑333‑4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
Recall number 20V750000 · Recall details
Questions about the Kia Optima Hybrid stalling
Which Kia Optima Hybrid years have engine stalls while driving problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2012 (8 complaints), 2013 (7 complaints) and 2014 (7 complaints).
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