2012 Kia Optima: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine · 110,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon turning the ignition to the on position without starting the vehicle, the engine started overheating with smoke coming from underneath the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was repaired under the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the failure persisted. The dealer informed the contact that the wiring harness and coil packs needed to be replaced because the repair was not covered under recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone and confirmed the assessment of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IL · fire

My 2012 Kia Optima Caught on fire while parked I would like to open up a vehicle fire investigation and check recall SC284 against my vin [XXX] I remember having a abs light on months ago and Kia issue safety calls on 2010-2019 Kia vehicle INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2025 · Engine · UN · fire

I am submitting a formal complaint regarding my 2012 Kia Optima, which experienced an engine fire directly related to the defects identified in Kia Safety Recalls SC147, SC200, and SC201. On XXX, my vehicle’s engine failed and caught fire. This is the exact condition covered by the above recalls, which state that affected engines may seize, stall, or ignite. I have been in contact with both a Kia dealership and Kia Consumer Affairs for close to a month without any resolution. The dealership has confirmed that my car requires a complete engine replacement, but Kia has refused to address the recall issue, claiming that other unrelated recalls were not performed. When I previously contacted dealerships to schedule recall repairs, I was told that parts were not available, which prevented me from completing them. In addition to the engine failure, the fire also caused my starter to fail. I was forced to purchase a replacement starter out of pocket, which has added to my financial hardship. I believe I am owed compensation for this expense, as it was a direct result of the safety defect. This situation has caused me severe financial strain, as I relied on my vehicle for work and currently have no income due to its inoperability. Kia has not provided a timeline for repairs, towing coverage, or written confirmation that they remain obligated to remedy this federally mandated safety defect. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate Kia’s refusal to fulfill its recall obligations and intervene to ensure that my vehicle is repaired or replaced in compliance with federal recall requirements. My vehicle details are as follows: •Year/Make/Model: 2012 Kia Optima •VIN: XXXX •Recalls involved: SC147, SC200, SC201 •Incident: Engine fire, vehicle no longer drivable; starter also failed due to fire Please advise on next steps. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Sincerely, XXXX XXXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Engine · VA · fire

I took my car to the KiaOfLynchburg dealership for get the recalls done and diagnostic test on my engine as it was knocking and they had it since may 06, 2025. The dealership said at first I had a code to get the engine replaced no cost. Now got a phone call on June 19, 2025 saying how my car was on fire but the fire department made it on time to put it out. So did the claim on it they denied me saying it’s due to a aftermarket but tell me it cause of oil leak. And I do not have no aftermarket hook up in the vehicle. Now they won’t take responsibility for the damage they did to my car

Filed Aug 26, 2025 · Body, Electrical · GA · fire

On August 25th around 7:00 PM, the vehicle suddenly caught fire while parked after a short test drive. The car had just been purchased a few days prior and was taken to a mechanic for a precautionary inspection. During the test drive, the mechanic parked the vehicle in a residential driveway. After backing in, smoke was observed coming from the engine bay. When the hood was lifted, the engine area was already on fire. The fire department was called immediately and was able to extinguish the flames before the fire spread to surrounding property. The fire completely destroyed the vehicle. The vehicle had no warning lights, unusual performance issues, or prior signs of trouble, and it appeared to be in good condition prior to the incident. This fire posed a serious safety hazard and could have resulted in injury or property damage. Component or system that failed: The engine area, likely associated with the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) fuse/fire risk. The vehicle may or may not be available for inspection, as it is severely burned. Safety risk: The fire posed a serious hazard to the mechanic, surrounding property, and anyone nearby. Rapid ignition could have caused injury or significant property damage. Problem confirmation: The fire was observed firsthand by the mechanic. The open recall related to the HECU fuse/fire risk indicates a known defect consistent with the incident. Inspections: The fire department responded and documented the incident. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer or insurance representatives, but the recall status is verifiable through official records. Warning signs: There were no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure. This incident appears consistent with the conditions described in the open recall for the HECU fuse/fire risk, suggesting a possible link between the recall defect and the fire.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Engine · 160,000 miles · MO

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked, with an abnormal hissing sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that there was smoke coming from the rear of the vehicle and entering the cabin of the vehicle through the A/C vents. The contact stated that several warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that there was a hole in the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact notified the insurance company; however, no claim was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Filed May 27, 2025 · Brakes · 120,000 miles · FL · fire · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and driving approximately 5 minutes, then pulling into a carwash and placing the vehicle in the park, the vehicle lost power and a thick gray smoke began coming from underneath the hood of the vehicle. The vehicle caught fire. The contact was able to exit the vehicle however, the fire had consumed the vehicle, and caused the building the vehicle was parked in front of caught fire. The fire department had put out both fires. The vehicle was towed and deemed totaled. A police report was filed. The contact stated they were pregnant at the time of the fire and ended up having a miscarriage. Medical assistance was needed. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Apr 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · 154,782 miles · KY

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 40-45 MPH, the vehicle shut off. The battery, oil, and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, but the pedal was firm. There was an abnormal clicking sound coming from the vehicle. There was smoke coming from the engine. The contact attempted to turn off the vehicle; however, the transmission failed to shift to park. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 154,782.

Filed Nov 18, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · 151,000 miles · FL · fire

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a stop light, smoke and flames were suddenly present coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed to an inbound facility. No report was taken and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire was not determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000(SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced that same failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 151,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2024 · Body, Engine · MO · fire

Power train and engine failure and causing my Kia to catch on fire at 11:30 coming back home from work. I was Driving home and smell smoke and car was shaking and when I stopped at the highway to open and look fire was on while driving and I had to call 911 and stop the fire. I had some fire extinguisher in the car I stopped the fire and towed the car and I replaced engine and powered train For over $9000 between repairs and labor and transmission and engine

Filed Jul 31, 2024 · Engine · PA · fire

The engine caught fire and exploded after I parked it and exited the car and the recall repair was done on the engine July 5 2024 by Kia dealership.

Filed Jun 17, 2024 · Brakes · 100,000 miles · MD · fire

The contact owned a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke started to enter the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated a bystander yelled at her telling her that the vehicle was on fire, and the contact exited the vehicle. The vehicle then exploded. The fire department was able to extinguish the fire. A police report and a fire department report were filed. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard, and then it was towed to a Kia dealer. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by Kia. The contact was relating the failure to an the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) letter she received. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.