2011 Kia Optima: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 43,193 miles · CA

While parked in various locations (on street, at gas pump, in parking lots), and on about 8-10 occasions, I was unable to get the car to start after depressing the brake and start button on my car. All the lights lit up on the instrument panel and the radio went on as well - the rest of the car electrical system worked fine. The brake pedal became very stiff and was hard to depress. I put my key fob into the bypass in the trunk and it still would not start. The only way to get the car to start was to depress the stiff brake pedal, then shift from p to d and back again. Then the brake pedal seemed to loosen up and I was able to start the car successfully. I had researched the remedy through you tube. The first time it happened was october 2, 2018 and it has happened about 8-10 times since then. I have a video of the problem, but not of the solution that I found online, therefore I am unable to attach any documentation. I noticed that the replacement of the brake switch was "voluntary" the federal safety agency # 13v‑114, but feel that this should be a mandatory fix instead since it has happened so often to me. Just last week when it happened again, I remembered what to do quickly as I was stuck in a long line at the gas station just last week, with cars honking at me to move when I could not. It happened to me the last time just yesterday 10/8/2019 inside my garage. Please look into making this a mandatory recall. I will be contacting my local dealer this week as well. Thank you.

Filed Sep 30, 2017 · Electrical · 146,589 miles · MA

Using owners manual procedure for starting the engine. Vehicle is parked, transmission lever in park position. Foot depressing brake pedal, push button for starting engine on dashboard is depressed = no engine crank & no start ! Instrument cluster display fully illuminates & "immobilizer" icon 'light' is displayed on preventing engine starting. Key fob is placed on the dash during above starting sequence...placing the key fob in the glove-box override "by-pass" port also will not start the vehicle. This is a very "intermittent" problem & has occurred 5 times in recent 2 weeks stranding us at shopping malls & gas stations. The optima has been to the kia dealership 3 times & service manager claims they are unable to find the problem or have the defect happen in their presence. I see many owners have posted videos on youtube.com with exactly the same problem as we are experiencing. This is very frustrating & unacceptable...especially with winter conditions arriving in 2 months ! Please investigate asap !

Filed Mar 22, 2013 · Brakes, Electrical · 40,500 miles · OK

This kia has a push button start option. The vehicle would not start and the brake lights were not turning on when the brake pedal was depressed. The computer looks for a signal from the brake light switch before it starts the engine. I disconnected and reconnected the brake light switch and the problem was temporarily corrected. Two days later, the vehicle would not start again and the brake lights were not turning on. We used the procedure to bypass the brake signal (hold start button for 12+ seconds) to start the engine. Vehicle was now driving down the road with no brake lights. There was also a warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster indicating an issue with the ESC system. Dealership stated they have seen a few cars with this issue.

Filed Jul 5, 2012 · Electrical · 13 miles · OH

The first episode was a dead battery. The car had 13 miles on the odometer. The second incident, car would not start, ignition issue, but later started (after 1hr). Taken to dealer, secondary to ignition issues. Problem resolved until today. Would not start again. Tried two different key fobs and still did not start. This is the third incident since having the vehicle. I will need to have the car towed for the second time.

Filed Oct 27, 2011 · Electrical · FL

Defective key fobs. They cannot be reprogrammed and you become stranded with no way of starting the auto. Dealership has tried four times to reprogram the key fob without success. There is no way to start or operate the car with the mechanical key. Can become a dangerous situation if you are in an isolated area!