2012 Kia Optima: excessive oil consumption

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Engine · 183,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a rattling and knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet informed of the failure. The contacted stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle experienced excessive oil consumption, and the spark plugs were replaced. The failure mileage was 183,000.

Filed Jun 21, 2025 · Brakes, Engine · NC

Car simply started for me after work this past Thursday @4 pm I dove down the street and for about 5 mins and had to turn around due to me leaving something at work. When I arrived back at work I parked and cut my car off as I normally do and when I returned to start it back up it never did. I have previously been having to add 5 quarts of oil frequently at least once or twice a month for the past 7 months since last year. Was told my car had an oil consumption problem by a previous mechanical shop last year. Noticed that these cars have recalls on them and that my car and year do fit the requirements. I do owned my car with the Title in hand. It’s NOT a salvaged title. I have a service appointment on the 24th of June next Tuesday at Kia of Gastonia located in Gastonia, NC. I have to get my car towed to this establishment on Monday or the morning of my appointment. I’m asking that this situation can be properly investigated and properly and honestly handled under KIA policy. My name is [XXX] my # is [XXX] thanks INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 8, 2024 · Engine · UT

I started the car up no lights on, started fine, no warning symptoms like loss of power, no oil consumption nothing! Started an hour and a half drive to visit family and I started hearing a weird sound almost like plastic was flapping around on the bottom. Turned down the music and it was only making this weird sound every 5-10 seconds. Pulled off of the road shut the car off and checked under the hood, the oil everything seemed fine. Started it up and heard the sound again and suddenly became worse and came to the conclusion it’s a rod knock. Had to get off the busy road so continues for maybe 1 mile and every dash light came on shut it off waited for a trailer, once we got it on the trailer the lights were gone. The dealership near me is saying they can’t do anything due to a recall update not being done but I had a newly programmed ECU that was put in in March of 2023 and I was some research and i found a few things stating the ECU would be completely up to date but kia is fighting me on it. I have also been update to date on maintenance records. Since its been at the dealership I’ve asked for the other 2 recalls that are open on it to be done while I figure out what to do with it and they bypass me asking everytime.

Filed Jan 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · NC

It has started burning oil, we have to continually check it. There are no leaks but oil burns too fast, we check it almost daily.

Filed Feb 11, 2021 · Engine · CO

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact had initially taken her vehicle to arapahoe kia (9701 e arapahoe rd, centennial, co 80112) for an oil change and had also informed them that her vehicle had been consuming excessive amounts of oil. The dealer informed her that there had been a recall, the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) placed on her year model vehicle however, kia could not repair the vehicle unless the engine was knocking. A week later, the contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle began to stall with the check engine warning light illuminated. The next day, the contact had the vehicle towed back to the dealer and was informed that her vehicle was safe to drive and that the check engine light had been cleared. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that a case would be opened. The contact then received a text from the dealer mechanic that stated that the engine was faulty however, they were unsuccessful with diagnosing the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Oct 5, 2020 · Engine · 80,000 miles · NY

Engine puts off a burning oil smell and seems to need oil added in between it's 3,000 mile oil change. It happens at all times of car running, either stopped or moving. Have heard about engine failures and cars burning with this make, model, and year.

Filed Jun 3, 2020 · Engine · 97,000 miles · ID

Kia replaced a blown engine in 2017 on recall. From the beginning I noticed it felt different. It goes through oil , but doesn't leak anywhere. When I take off after its sat for a while a big cloud of white smoke comes out the back of the car. I have taken it back to the dealer and they tested it and said it was ("burning oil in the combustion chamber") . The engine has less than 40000 miles on it. I am afraid to drive it because the first time the engine blew up, I almost caused a giant accident! Now the car is not only dangerous but worthless as well. I have kept all documents on the car, oil changes, parts & repairs, recalls, etc.

Filed May 23, 2020 · Engine · LA

The engine is burning oil extremely I can get a oil chance and before you know it I'm so few miles my oil stick is on low and the car is making a ticking noise like it's trying to cool off everytime the car is turned off after driving.

Filed Feb 19, 2020 · Engine, Steering · 138,500 miles · NV

Steering sticks and you have to forcefully pull the steering wheel in the other direction to unstick it. Oil is burning with no oil leaks, no leaks in other fluids, no explanation as to where it is going but it is burning through a quart of oil every 7 days.

Filed Oct 9, 2019 · Engine · 75,000 miles · DE

During my last visit to the kia dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, they informed my that I had no oil indicating on the dip stick. No leaks detected so must be burning oil. Every time I drive, I can smell burning oil and tail pipe are completely black.

Filed Oct 2, 2019 · Engine · 76,000 miles · PA

There are two (2) issues that are possibly connected. The first is excessive oil consumption. The kia dealership confirms that I am using approximately 1 quart per 250 miles, but they state that they cannot do anything for the issue. Additionally, the car has also become sluggish. Acceleration time has been greatly increased and car hesitates when the gas pedal is depressed. Both of these issues have me concerned for my safety in normal driving conditions and also when I need to accelerate quickly.

Filed Jul 4, 2019 · Engine · 146,000 miles · CA

Have to put oil in my car every 300 miles. Car is burning oil extremely fast. Afraid that the engine may seize while driving. Has been that way every since my purchase in april of 2018.