2012 Kia Optima: sudden unintended acceleration

Filed Feb 3, 2020 · Seats, Transmission · 125,000 miles · KS

The car will not accelerate at a safe time frame. For example if I need to cross a busy street. I have to wait until there are absolutely no cars coming because when I accelerate my engine revs but doesn't move. I've been almost rear ended several times because the transmission will not go into gear. The engine will hit 8 or 9 thousand RPM then the transmission decides to catch and throw my head into the seat. Which if there is a car in front of me I have to be careful not to rear end them because of the sudden acceleration.

Filed Jan 27, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · 77,874 miles · WA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced electrical failure and unintended acceleration. The contact stated that the vehicle accelerated and decelerated independently. The contact stated that there was an intermittent failure with headlamps. The contact also stated that the vehicle lunged forward while driving. The vehicle was taken to power kia dealer, (3705 market st ne, salem, or 97301, (503) 585-7333) and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the unintended acceleration recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the same dealer and informed that the headlamps light switch caused the battery to drain. The battery was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure recurred. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the same dealer four times. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,874.

Filed Apr 18, 2013 · Acceleration · 4,800 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated that when applying the brakes, the vehicle would surge forward and the engine rpms increased to 6000. The contact stated that the floor mat was not source of the surging. The contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The contact did not contact the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 4,800. Updated 06/18/13*lj updated 06/21/2013

Filed Jul 30, 2012 · Acceleration · 11,000 miles · WI · crash · 3 injuries

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. While driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated independently and crashed into the median. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the front passenger side tire and axle would have to be replaced. The failure recurred four times. The fourth time the failure recurred, the contact crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to his right knee. The front passenger sustained injuries to the neck, back and right arm. The rear passenger sustained injuries to the right leg. The passengers were transported to the hospital via ambulance. The driver sought medical attention on his own after the crash. The police reported to the scene and a report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to an auto body shop for the body damage repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and assigned an engineer to review the information related to the crash. An engineer did not inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer refused to repair the vehicle because they stated there were no defects within the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 4,300 miles · TN

While driving, the backup camera came on. All the functions on the stereo were not working. This is the second time where the stereo malfunction. I took it to the dealship and was told there is a recall. When asked if I would be notified, I was told no. To find out about he recall, I had to bring the vehicle in. I check all the online databases, there were no documentation or any information about a recall. I don't think this is fair. What if the electrical wiring caused other issues? Also, what breaking slightly on a downhill, the ABS locked up on me for a second causing my vehicle to lunge forward. Luckily, there were no cars behind me. Like I said, it was only for a sec but it was still not normal.