Bought car 2020, engine failed and was consuming oil like it was fuel after 50-60K miles in 2022, Serra Kia Misdiagnosed and charged me $900 for ignition coil and combustion chamber cleaning that was not needed nor refunded when I was denied replacement due to me NOT letting engine lock up(Service manager basically told me to do so to be approved) or a P1326 code, charged +\-$8,000 for engine to be replaced. Horrible experience, engine was fine at first, then shortly after the SHORT mileage warranty they give, the engine started having minor non catastrophic issues here and there. Finally, around the same amount of time(last October 2024) and almost the SAME AMOUNT OF MILES on the engine, its doing EXACTLY what it was when i took it to KIA for the engine. One random day, on my way to work, i got to a red light and when i went to go at green the engine hesitated and i noticed a MASSIVE smoke cloud behind me and coming from my engine. It was consuming oil yet again the same way. Reached out to KCC(Kia Customer Care) and provided them a 4 page personally written letter by myself explaining the full story and my experience. However they merely closed my case without any explanation or reason for doing so. So as i stated to them i would do if i needed to, I've reached out to the BBB and now you. I'm hoping to get justice, whats right, and what should have happened in the first place. My money back and or my engine repaired and no more charges to me. 2022 first engine failure(Denied and paid for engine) Oct 2024 Engine failure AGAIN. (added copy of letter sent plus proof of service manager influencing me to lock the motor up to get covered the first time)
2013 Kia Optima fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 5: complaints 11 to 40 of 124, newest first, as owners wrote them.
My engine locked ,
I have notice an ongoing issues with motor oil consumption. Over the past six months, I have added oil every 2,000 miles The Technicians at Oil Changers recently inspected my vehicle and recommended having it evaluated as the issue seems to be occurring more frequently. There are no warning lights displayed on my dashboard, I have not noticed any oil leaks where I park. While my car has been running fine,I want to insure there are no underlying issues. But most important me and my family’s safety and everyone’s when operating the vehicle. Please let me know the next steps for further inspection.
My vehicle received a new engine due to a component failure, which there was a recall specifically describing the failure, recall 17v224 (SC147). After the new engine replacement, April 2024, while driving my car I began to notice a faint smell of gas with inside my car. As time passed the smell grew heavier. Drove the car to the Pueblo Colorado Dealership and had the service department take a look to confirm the leak. It was confirmed and one of the service personnel tried to torque the bolt tighter and that did not stop the leak. I was told by one of the service personnel that it was not covered under warranty and the cost would be mine out of pocket to fix. I found out this fuel leak is a recall (SC172), vehicles that received an engine replacement under previous recall 17v224 (SC147). ("Kia Motors America, Inc., pursuant to the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, is conducting a Safety Recall Campaign to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Pressure Fuel Pipe on certain 2011–2014 MY Kia Optima, 2012-2014 MY Kia Sorento, and 2011-2013 MY Kia Sportage vehicles that received an engine replacement under Recall No. 17v224 (SC147). The remedy for the previous recall may not have been properly performed, and in some cases, the high pressure fuel pipe may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, allowing fuel to leak. Leaking fuel increases the risk of fire."). I have spoken to the Dealership and they do not recognize this recall as it is not showing up in their data system. I have spoken to the Kia Corporation and I have gotten nowhere. This was issued by your department and is recognized by KIA corporation but the Pueblo Colorado KIA dealership states it is not in their system as a recall. My car has been parked after notifying both parties of this issue since December 19, 2024. Your the federal safety agency: Part 573 Safety Recall Report 18V‑907 Manufacturer Recall No. : SC172
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, and it was determined the failure was linked to DTC code: P0445, indicating an issue with the purge control valve in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. The mechanic replaced the fuel canister, and engine cap. The contact stated while driving 77-85 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, and the engine seized. The engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the engine seized. The vehicle was towed to another local dealer, Kia of Lincolnwood (6750 Lincoln Ave, Lincolnwood, IL 60712) where it was determined that the engine was knocking but there were no codes retrieved. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while his husband was driving approximately 70 MPH and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that as the driver was pulling to the side of the road, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that several drivers alerted the driver that the vehicle was on fire, and the driver immediately exited the vehicle. The contact stated that upon opening the hood, the driver saw flames, and the front end of the vehicle became engulfed in fire. The contact stated that the front end of the vehicle burned to the ground, and the front doors and the front windows sustained fire damage. The fire was extinguished by the fire department. The contact was unsure whether a fire department report was filed. A police report was filed. The contact's husband did not sustain injuries. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot, where it was totaled. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 20V100000(Fuel System, Gasoline) and 23V652000(Service Brakes, Hydraulic), which the contact related to the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
Was driving down the highway with no indication of any problems with my car. It just shuts off completely had to coast to the side of the road get someone to tow me home. While on side of the road opened the hood and saw white smoke come from the engine. Just had an oil change and coolant is fine.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, smoke was coming from the hood of the vehicle, and the entire front of the vehicle caught on fire. The origin of the fire was unknown. The vehicle was occupied; however, the contact and her daughter were able to exit the vehicle safely before the flames spread. There were no injuries sustained and no medical attention was sought. There entire front of the vehicle was damaged including the windshield and everything lined up with the dashboard. The fire department was involved and had to come to extinguish the fire. A fire department report was not filed. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not destroyed. The contact did research and became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V100 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the contact was not notified before the failure. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not drivable and remained at a friend of the contact's place of residence. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 190,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The contact received notification the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) in 2022; however, the recall repair was not completed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Ran out of gas ,and added gas for it to start up again only for it to not run after adding fuel .
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving or parked, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor coming from the vehicle. The check engine and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The contact replaced the battery, and the warning lights were deactivated. The contact stated the strong fuel odor persisted and the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a fuel leak. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure; however, no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 190,000.
The noted KIA 2013 KIA Optima has had this recall in effect since November 2023. KIA either refuses to say when the recall part is going to be at ANY DEALER, or puts an 'elevator music' soundtrack on the line. I have called numerous dealer's in both Maine, where the KIA is currently registered, and in Ohio / Pennsylvania to find if they know anything. None of the dealer's have any idea when the parts are coming, much less when they can call Owner's to set up a recall appointment. At what point does this end.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at the gas station and attempting to refuel the vehicle, the fuel gauge failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the fuel gauge displayed half a tank of fuel. The contact stated that while refueling the vehicle, gasoline failed to enter the tank and was instead bubbling up and leaking out onto the ground from the fuel filler neck. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Over a year ago I was sent to Kia to fix a recall for a possible fuel leakage problem over my engine that got fixed with mesh tape and one zip chord. Now my engine has gushing fuel leaking on it on daily basis. I called kia a few months back asking for them to remedy this due to another recall and how I needed a rental so I could continue working while they fixed the problem they screwed up and they told me it would be over a month before they could fit me in their schedule. I have been smelling gasoline in my vehicle making me feel nauseous as I drive and the fumes are intense and my I smell it burning. My coworkers tell me daily what is that gasoline smell?. Now I get in the mail another recall notice about sparks going off for gaskets or thingsmajigs on my engine just from being idle in a parking spot or driving and how I should park away from others??!?!? Just in case!!! What about my safety??! I still have gasoline leaking all over my car engine!. My house could blow up! This is outrageous that none of this is taken care of.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer for an engine replacement. The contact stated that after picking up the vehicle from the dealer and driving 40 MPH to the residence, she heard abnormal gurgitation sounds coming from the rear driver's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that upon parking the vehicle at the residence, she noticed that a significant amount of gasoline was leaking out of the fuel tank. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the failure was related to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel system, Gasoline); however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle remained at the dealer for a month but was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 169,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V100000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 22V560000 (Structure) however, the parts to do the recall repair were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
My car was sent to Kia on Covington Pike in Memphis, TN to repair the recalls but further repairs were needed stemming from issues with the recall on the low pressure fuel pump
Issue 1: I did not receive a recall notice for SC172. (the federal safety agency campaign 18V907000.) The recall began in January 2019. In July 2019 my car broke down with the exact same issue stated in the recall notice. I had to pay $1031.75 for the dealership to repair it. On April 13, 2023 I called Kia Corporate and requested reimbursement for my expense. They said that since the VIN wasn't on their recall list it was my responsibility to pay. I would like the federal safety agency's assistance in being reimbursed by KIA. I have the original repair documentation. Issue 2: I didn't receive recall notice my car's engine completely seized on 1/4/2023. All of the indicator lights on the dashboard lit up. This occurred on the highway during a heavy rainstorm. This could have caused a major accident, but was able to maneuver car off the highway. I never received any recalls (SC228, SC212, SC200, SC197, SC187, SC147, etc.) anyone of which could be the cause of the seizing. I will upload documents later.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the ABS warning light, the traction control warning light, the check engine warning light illuminated then several other unknown warning lights started to illuminate. The contact then stated that the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 21V331000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The vehicle was not repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and the contact was advised to contact the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 173,000.
UNKNOWN There are recalls for the vehicle and the Kia dealership hasn’t sent any letters notifying I had to find out online.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Numbers: 22V560000 (Structure) and 22V093000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced before servicing the recall repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
Recently my vehicle started smelling of raw fuel. I took the vehicle to my mechanic and was advised it was the fuel line issue that KIA had recalled the vehicle for. I contacted my KIA dealer and was advised my particular VIN was not on recall for the fuel line. KIA recalled the 2013 KIA Optima GDI Turbo for the fuel line issues but only certain VIN's. This vehicle was affected by the engine recalls. It initially had a short block engine replacement prior to the engine recall and subsequently that engine failed and the vehicle was replaced with a long block engine in 2018. The new engine has 30,000 miles on it. The VIN number does not have the original engine or potentially the original fuel line. How is KIA determining the current fuel line issue is not on my VIN? This is a 2013 KIA Optima GDI turbo. The vehicle does not have the original engine or likely the original fuel line. The vehicle has been serviced by KIA several times and the engine and fuel lines have been replaced. The vehicle at the time of manufacturing had 1 specific line but no one knows which fuel line is currently in my vehicle. I am requesting KIA contact me and advise they will honor this fuel line repair under the recall and I am questioning why only certain VIN's were recalled. KIA cannot definitively determine which fuel line is in each vehicle because most of the engines were replaced in the 2013 model based on the widespread engine recall/replacement of the engines. This is a major safety issue that needs to be addressed. If the initial recall was done on the manufacturers VIN info, the engine and fuel line data is flawed since these vehicle engines were replaced. There is too much of a coincidence in the fuel line issue on my vehicle and the recall despite what KIA is stating.
The contact owned a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, a bystander alerted him that his vehicle was on fire. The contact exited the vehicle and discovered that the front driver-side tire well had caught fire. Another motorist who witnessed the fire stopped and extinguished the fire with a fire extinguisher. The fire department was called to the scene and inspected the vehicle to ensure that the fire was extinguished. The police department also arrived at the scene. Neither police nor fire report was filed. The vehicle was initially towed to the contact's home and then to a dealer where an inspection discovered that the hybrid battery may have been the source of the fire. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer for further investigation. The contact made multiple attempts to reach the manufacturer but was unsuccessful. The vehicle was deemed a complete loss. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of fuel was present inside the cabin of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who performed the recall repair for the federal safety agency Recall Campaign: 22V09300 (Fuel System, Gasoline). After retrieving the vehicle, the odor was still present inside the vehicle. The contact also stated that there was fuel leaking underneath the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 91,000.
On 1/7/2022 I was driving my 2013 Kia Optima on the freeway heading home and was passing an eighteen wheeler when my car started slowing down even when trying to accelerate, luckily I was far enough ahead and was able to get off the freeway. Had the car towed to the Dealership and was told the engine failed but would be replaced free of charge due to class action suit settlement in 2020. Engine was replaced at 79,319 miles and picked up on 1/22/2022. On 11/08/2022 my son-in-law was driving the car home from work and was on the freeway with heavy traffic at 5:00pm when he first smelled gasoline and then saw smoke from engine compartment. He was in the left hand lane and pulled into the median area and stopped the vehicle and got out when the car caught fire. He called 911 immediately. By the time the police and fire department got there the car was totaled. Luckily no body was injured or killed. I have contacted KIA Consumer Affairs and was given a case number and was assured they would get me a replacement vehicle. I had the car moved from the holding lot and towed to the Dealership where I purchased it and have had it serviced regularly. As of 12/03/2022 we are still without a car and $857 towing fee and waiting on a KIA INSPECTION and decision.
2013 kia optima. Consumer writes in regard to the federal safety agency safety recall 22v‑093. Consumer would like to know when parts will be available to perform safety recall.
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was stalling despite depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was a fuel smell and that she repeatedly needed to refill the engine oil. Additionally, the contact stated that on three different occasions while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power and failed to restart, and had to be towed to her residence. The check engine and the engine oil warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was then towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle lost motive power. The vehicle failed to restart and the contact stated that there was smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed back to the local dealer where it remained awaiting diagnosis and repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.
I was driving on the interstate in rush hour traffic to pick up my kids from school. The engine light came on, and immediately after that, the gas pedal would no longer accelerate the speed of the car. I pulled over on the side of the interstate to call my fiancé, and within minutes the front end started smoking. I grabbed my work belongings and stepped out of the car and the entire car went up in flames on the interstate. The car has been deemed a total loss with Insurance. We filed a claim with Kia and waiting for someone to inspect the vehicle. This car had engine failure back in 2017, and had an entire engine rebuilt inside of it. Part of the Theta ll engine recall. Police would not create report due to not injuring anyone or any other vehicles.
Started with oil light flashing, then the other lights came on. Started losing speed, then lost all power to the engine, will not start back up with the engine, when trying to start it, the engine started smoking.
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