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2012 Kia Optima engine complaints

Page 7 of 15: complaints 161 to 190 of 418, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2012 Kia Optima engine problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Oct 20, 2020 · Engine · 68,200 miles · TX

When accelerating, engine seems to have a power loss and then it continues to accelerate again after a few seconds. I am in motiong when this happens on the highway/street.

Filed Oct 13, 2020 · Engine · 132,000 miles · TX

Recall info shows it was repaired but kia found metal shavings again in the engine and so either the recall was not repaired properly or the replacement engine has the same issue. I was going down the 59 freeway and all the sudden my engine light started blinking so I attempted to very off the freeway but my car would not accellerate. I have had this car only 8 months and kia said the motor has to be replaced. My dad and my brother are both mechanics so I am familiar with what causes metal shavings to be found in the engine. I have not drove the car not neglected the maintenance that would cause this problem. There is a recall where they found metal shavings in the engine. I think it was not repaired properly. I am requesting for investigation to be done on the work performed for that recall. And I am requesting for kia to pay for this 2nd repair due to metal shavings found again. I also need a rental car to be paid for during the time kia still has my vehicle. At family parkway kia in kingwood, texas. Also I got a claim form mailed to be to be paid for any repairs I paid for out of my pocket. The kia dealership has all the documentation.

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 Oct 4, 2020 · Engine, Fuel system · 110,000 miles · MN

I was driving 75mph, I was coming up over a hill, and the vehicle cut out, there was a loud noise that came from the engine, and I was told to pull over, the light was flashing hybrid battery low, please check and advise. I tried to start the car but it wouldn't come on. Warning light on dash stated to not start the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is only around 110,000.

Filed Sep 30, 2020 · Airbags, Engine · 20,000 miles · NC

My car slowed down in wouldn't reach over 2000 RPM and the engine light kept blinking and when I put it on a computer engine code p1326 popped on. It's called the ignition control module combustion quality input signal after kia dealership of skibo road supposedly already fixed the problem back in june 2019 now it's september 30, 2020 n it came on again n yes last year had to replace my engine. I was driving on a street in the morning on september 30, 2020 when it happened and it was raining.

Filed Sep 29, 2020 · Engine · 160,000 miles · CA

Kia optima 2012 abruptly powered down in middle of the busy highway with no check engine light warning. The abrupt loss of power nearly caused a vehicle to hit me from behind. After engine shut down check engine light came on and read code p1326. Car will no longer start.

Filed Sep 24, 2020 · Engine · 30 miles · FL

Engine seized in the middle of the highway. Absolutely not safe at all. My 2012 optima hybrid is roughly at 115k miles. After seeing all the complaints how's kia not issuing a recall on this safety issue! Very disappointed and hoping to see a resolution from kia.

Filed Sep 23, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 140,000 miles · TX

But my mom was driving her car one day and all of a sudden the bearing or something came loose and oil squirted all over the ground and the car died and and we had the motor replaced at a cost of about 4500 bucks and now the hybrid light system keeps coming on the dealership they don't know what they're doing they had to take it to another kia place and I didn't know what the heck was going onand now with the motor replace the hybrid light system keeps coming on they don't know why

Filed Sep 17, 2020 · Engine · 87,564 miles · FL

Car engine began making increasingly loud noises. Pulled on the side of the road to check it out. Turned off the car then turned it back on and car engine made even louder knocking sounds. Mechanic took a look and said it was a internal engine problem/failure

Filed Sep 16, 2020 · Engine · 136,000 miles · TX

We were driving on a city street slowing down for a signal. The car stalled and a message came up saying to tow the vehicle to the dealer. We had the car towed 4 miles to the dealer. No other lights came on indicating any problems.the dealer told us while they were checking for the problem the engine ceased up. Then they said the belt had come off. I think the engine ceased causing the belt to come off.trying to figure out if this has anything to do with the engine problems kia has been having.

Filed Sep 14, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 107,000 miles · WA

Transmission issues: between 2nd and 3rd gear. Would lag then jerk the car with some torque once it caught 3rd gear. Had to get 2 replacement transmissions because of this issue. Also engine seizer issue, my engine started to seize when I was going 45 miles an hour with alot of traffic behind me. Then all of a sudden it started making loud thunking noices then a very loud grinding noise and then I was stuck on a road not being able to get above 22 miles and hour, there was no shoulder to pull over. And I was stuck trying to go uphill and all these cars behind me. I ended up having to stop the car and leave it in the middle of a 2 lane road on a hill with the emergancy break on. Kia knew it was another seized engine which I thought it was my transmission again which I had brought in because this 3rd transmission was having the skilling issues around 20-25miles and hour, but after they knew I wasnt going to buy another kia again they wouldnt fix my trans that should probably be recalled anyways. But they thought it was another optima seized engine, and even though all optimas are recalled for this exact same issue, they say that mine isnt covered becasue its a hybrid and has a motor in the car also so its different set up. But theres are others online with this kia optima 2011-2013 hybrid engine seizer just like all the other optimas. And I think the hybrids should be included in the recall. As we are having the same issues. This was a very dangerous issue

Filed Sep 10, 2020 · Airbags, Electrical · CO

I bought a 2012 kia optima from autonation in amarillo,tx and I have multiple safety recalls on my vehicle which autonation didn't tell me about at the time of purchase. The recalls can cause a fire and a fatal accident. I've taken it to two kia dealerships and nothing has been done to the recalls. Kia hasn't fixed or replace the safety recalls. I will not have me or a family member die cause the neglect that kia has been doing on my 2012 kia optima" VIN# [xxx]". I have filed a settlement claim with kia settlement claim's department "claim #[xxx]". I have taken it to 2 kia dealership's. I've done all of the steps kia dealership has asked me to do and nothing has been done to fix or replace the recalls. I use my 2012 kia for my doctors appointments cause I'm disabled. I lost faith and can't trust this 2012 kia optima that im still making car payments. I need this car fixed before me or one of my family members dies in a car accident from the neglected recalls from kia. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Sep 4, 2020 · Engine · 136,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal noise and parked on the side of the road. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable. The vehicle was towed his residence. The contact called local dealer southwest kia of rockwall located at 1790 I-30 frontage rd, rockwall, tx 75087, (469) 402-2900 and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. Upon investigation, 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 136,000.

Filed Sep 4, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 120,000 miles · GA

Driver side door doesn't close all the way head light bulbs melting to headlight harness smoking

Filed Aug 27, 2020 · Engine · 93,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle started to make an unknown noise coming from the engine. The engine stalled without warning. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence and later towed to jim ellis kia of kennesaw, 1221 auto park dr nw, kennesaw, ga 30144, and was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.

Filed Aug 17, 2020 · Engine · 124,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle jerked and felt as though something had blown out and was making a rattling sound coming from the engine. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway. The contact became aware of an oil leak. The vehicle was towed to kia of cerritos (18201 studebaker rd, cerritos, ca 90703), and was diagnosed that the engine belt was melted and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that she would receive a callback. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.

Filed Aug 10, 2020 · Engine · 111,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving and making a left turn the vehicle seized. The contact stated multiple warning lights were illuminated. The driver was able to cruise the vehicle on the side of the road. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and when lifting the hood saw fire. The contact stated the driver ran to his employer and was able to extinguish the fire with 5 fire extinguishers. The contact stated no one was injured or sought medical attention. The vehicle was not drivable. The contact stated no fire or police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to her residence. A dealer was not contacted. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired as of yet. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The contact stated that she found several unknown recalls on line that was related to the vehicle failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Aug 5, 2020 · Engine · 130,000 miles · MO

Driving down interstate at about 60mph . Suddenly engine light flashes. Car immediately makes awful sound and looses power as I'm pulling over to get off road. Had towed in to home. Our neighbor mechanic thinks threw a rod. No warning lights before this happened! Loud knocking spud under hood.

Filed Aug 1, 2020 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

I got a oil change came home and the next day started my car and the engine has been knocking making a very loud noise

Filed Aug 1, 2020 · Engine · 185 miles · AL

Engine knocking while driving or stationary , when pressing gas petal or cranking up ! Car won't accelerate while driving, oil light & check engine light blinks on & off while driving or stationary ! Cut off on the highway !

Filed Jul 24, 2020 · Engine · 87,597 miles · KS

I was going down highway 80 and lincoln nebraska when my engine just died on me in middle of traffic almost caused no pile up mel my engine burly starts up making knock noise I had the talk back home to wichita kansas

Filed Jul 16, 2020 · Engine · 108,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated that while driving t 65 MPH, without warning, the vehicle started to shudder. The contact veered to the shoulder of the road and inspected the fuel in the vehicle. The fuel level was low. The contact drove approximately 20 miles before the vehicle stalled with an abnormal fuel odor in the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was inspected. The vehicle was then towed to paramount kia of asheville (1000 ridgefield blvd, asheville, nc 28806) where a diagnostic test was still pending. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) as a possible solution to the failure however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 108,000. The VIN was not available.

Filed Jul 10, 2020 · Engine · 50,000 miles · WI

While passing another car on a highway my car stopped accelerating. I pulled over and it won't start cuz it is seized up. Lucky for me I could make it to a off ramp. Towed it and the repair shop said it was the bearings that are bad and I need a whole new engine and I have less than 50000 miles on the car😤

Filed Jul 4, 2020 · Engine · 122,000 miles · IN

I was driving on the high way and while I was driving the engine turned off. I was not able to accelerate and the brakes started to give out.

Filed Jun 27, 2020 · Engine · 135,000 miles · MA

Driving no indication of a problem and engine seized had to be towed to our mechanic told the engine seized and had plenty of oil and oil had just been changed? Towed to kia dealer in lowell to be looked at and have not heard a word for 2 weeks..called the kia hotline and no word from them either? It is equipped with a 2.4 thera ii engine... Now I've learned that this is a problem engine and it appears im stuck with a 6500 dollar lawn ornament!!!! There has been a recall sc147 but when I look up my VIN number its not included not sure same engine and same problem? A new driver but was able to get safely off road way.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Engine · 61,053 miles · AZ

First, I was on in a road trip to arizona from south carolina. Suddenly my car began to make a clicking noise and smelled like oil while driving through a parking lot and lost acceleration while driving through an intersection. Took it to kia and they told me it needed more oil when my light never came on and I still had 1000mi left until my next oil change. So they performed the oil change after getting it towed there and having to then come back for it (4 days after getting it towed there). After that, we tried once again to go to arizona and about half way there going about 73mph on the highway, my car made a loud boom noise, saw lots of smoke coming from the front, and complete loss of acceleration. Husband's step dad checked the oil and it was completely gone. We went to grab more oil and when we poured it through, it went straight to the bottom. After hours of trying to get it on the back of our other truck traveling with us we finally got it to a kia and their service department was closed. Long story short, we rented a better truck for $480 to haul my car back to arizona. I am very frustrated and upset. My car is now at a kia in tempe, az and they told me it's not apart of the engine recall class action lawsuit even though an attorney told me it was.

Filed Jun 25, 2020 · Engine · 125,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact called on behalf of his son who owns a 2012 kia optima. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 65 MPH, the engine ceased without warning. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who informed his son that the engine threw a rod and needed to be replaced. The contact's wife sent an email to the manufacturer and was informed to have the vehicle taken to an authorized dealer to have the vehicle diagnosed. The contact's wife spoke with two unknown dealers who offered no assistance and provided her with the same information as the manufacturer. Upon investigation, the contact linked the failure to the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v224000 (engine and engine cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. *ln consumer has contacted the corporate office.

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

Hi engine keep losing power because the ewga voltage is incorrect. I've had this adjusted 3 times so far over 60,000 miles but it keeps coming back. Now I need to go in and spend another 200 dollar to have it fixed ofr the 4th time. Something is wrong with the design and it is dangerous as the engine suddenly loses power. How to adjust the ewga voltage is described here: it should be made a mandatory and permanent fix paid by kia for the life time of the car.

Filed Jun 17, 2020 · Engine · 108,000 miles · IA

6/17/20 I was driving my 2012 kia optima ex (2.4l gas direct injection 4-cyl engine) and had just stopped at an intersection for a red light. Once the light turned green, I accelerated to continue driving to my destination. Shortly after leaving the intersection, my vehicle suddenly and without any warning made a clunk sound, the lights on the dash flashed and the engine died. I wasn't sure what happened so I quickly put the car in neutral and coasted until I reached a safe place to pull over and park the vehicle. I tried restarting it but it just made a click sound and would not start. After attempting to start the vehicle a couple more times there was a little smoke that came from under the hood / engine compartment. It kind of smelled like something was burning. I thought it might've been some sort of electrical problem so I called a tow truck and had the vehicle towed to an automotive electric shop for them to take a look at it the next day. They looked at the vehicle this morning and told me that the engine was seized up and that the engine was bone dry of oil. I don't understand how this is even possible when I never received any check engine light, check oil light, no oil leaks on the motor, no oil leaks in my driveway or anything. How does a vehicle that is serviced regularly all of a sudden seize up without any warning what so ever? I have done some research online that indicates kia has issued a recall for certain 2011-2014 kia optima vehicles. However, when I look up the specific VIN number for my vehicle it says I don't have any current recalls. I purchased this car brand new from a kia dealer and definitely would not have purchased it had I known that the motor would seize up only 8 years later. I expect an engine from kia to last longer than 8 years. I am thankful that I wasn't traveling at a higher rate of speed when this happened. Sad kia customer.

Filed Jun 11, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 82,000 miles · IN

There is metal in the bottom of the engine, there is no sludge build up and the engine has less than 90,000 miles on it.

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