All recalls were not done false input information they never fixed engine bearing recall I’m getting a consultant to handle all the false information being provided by Kia Federico in woodriver
2015 Kia Optima engine complaints
Page 3 of 23: complaints 41 to 70 of 649, newest first, as owners wrote them.
I experienced a sudden engine failure on the highway due to the known Theta II engine defect. The engine completely shut down in the middle of traffic, nearly causing a serious accident. I never received any notice from Kia regarding the KSDS (Knock Sensor Detection System) update or any engine recall programs. When I contacted Kia Consumer Affairs, they told me they would not cover the engine replacement because the KSDS update was not installed prior to the failure. Kia admitted that the notice was sent to the previous owner, not to me, even though I am the current registered owner of the vehicle. I was never given the opportunity to install the software update or address the defect before this dangerous failure occurred. Kia representatives also stated that KSDS “was not a recall, only part of a class action lawsuit,” and therefore they are not obligated to cover the engine. This is misleading. The underlying Theta II engine defect was subject to the federal safety agency investigations and multiple recall campaigns. The sudden engine shutdown on a public highway created an immediate safety risk for me and other drivers. I am filing this complaint because Kia is denying coverage for a federally recognized engine defect due to their own failure to notify the current owner. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review Kia’s handling of this defect and their use of KSDS as a barrier to coverage. Their failure to notify current owners has resulted in dangerous, potentially life-threatening vehicle failures.
9/25/2025 - our vehicle suddenly stopped in the middle of a busy roadway creating a hazard. We had it towed to [XXX] Kia of Greenville. 9/26/2025 we were advised that the engine had seized with no symptoms and no warning lights. The technician said that it would be covered under the vehicles extended warranty due to the known defect/class action on the Theta II GDI engine documented here: [XXX] 10/2/2025 we were advised the car would NOT be covered under the warranty due to some conflict on a CarFax report. according to CarFax, the vehicle has 82k with 15 maintenance records. This was not a case of neglect by the owner, it is a known defect that Kia is not willing to fix. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
While driving my 2015 Kia optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence.My car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed.So I had it towed to the Kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it.Then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,and something dollars to have my car diagnostic done.Whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for diagnostic test to be done she replies yes,but I’m thinking they are just trying to make money off customers.
My engine recently sustained damage. Although my vehicle’s VIN is listed in the affected recall range, I never received any safety recall notification. I purchased the car in January 2024 while the KSDS recall was still active, yet no one informed me of the recall at the time of sale and I have received no updates since.
The engine in my 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid failed due to a known defect with the 2.4L engine used in Kia and Hyundai vehicles. The vehicle suddenly quit running and has been inoperable since. Prior to failure, the car had exhibited knocking noises and loss of power. This placed my safety at risk as the vehicle stalled unexpectedly and could have caused an accident if it occurred in traffic. The failure has been confirmed by an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the engine as needing complete replacement. Kia has refused to cover the repair, stating that the vehicle is past the extended warranty mileage, even though the issue is consistent with widely reported manufacturing defects on this engine family. The engine is still available for inspection, and there were no warning lights before the sudden failure. This problem has been widely reported by other Kia owners but my vehicle’s VIN is not included in the current recall campaign, leaving me with a non-functional vehicle despite the same defect.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 60 MPH, the instrument panel was entirely illuminated, and he pulled over. There was smoke inside the cabin. The occupants were able to exit the vehicle. An independent mechanic opened the hood and noticed a fire. They were able to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the drive belt had failed and had broken. There was friction from the drive belt, which caused the fire. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, who opened a claim. The manufacturer had called the contact, but no further assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 114,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle entered LIMP Mode, lost motive power, and was unable to accelerate above 30 MPH. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway to turn off the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced, and the repair could not be covered by the manufacturer because the vehicle had not received the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) ECU upgrade (PI2002D) prior to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 58,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not able to restart. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local mechanic who diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to tow the vehicle to a local dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not repaired. The failure mileage was 60,000.
Ive had a recall once before got it fix . Few months later it started smoking from exhaust pipes smoke was white . Took it to kia shop they had told me it was a gasket . Ever since then it has been sitting and ive been paying payments for something i can not drive and for a car i keep having recalls and problems with and I need fix . Kia should have a recall on all motors for 2015 as well . But something needs to be done . Been nothing but issue after issue .
The car just shut off
The component that failed was the engine of my Kia vehicle. The vehicle was purchased in 2020. In Q4 2022, I received a recall notice by mail regarding the engine. I immediately took the vehicle to Kia of McKinney, TX, and requested that the recall repair be performed. I was informed at that time that the engine could not be replaced until it actually failed. This forced me to continue driving a defective vehicle for several years. The engine ultimately failed in the second week of June 2025, when the car would not start. It was towed to Southwest Kia in Texas, where it remains available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were put at risk because I was instructed to continue driving a vehicle with a known defective engine. Kia’s refusal to remedy the recall in advance increased the risk of sudden stalling, engine seizure, or loss of power while driving — all of which pose serious hazards on the roadway. The problem has been confirmed by Kia’s own service centers. Southwest Kia acknowledged the engine failure but denied coverage, citing a supposed “gap” in maintenance records. However, Kia never informed me that there were specific maintenance requirements tied to recall eligibility, and I was never given a clear diagnosis of if the failure aligned with that of the recall. Kia corporate has denied responsibility for replacing the engine despite the active recall. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the engine failure. The car simply failed to start in June 2025. At no earlier point was I warned that the vehicle was unsafe to drive, nor was I given any proactive remedy other than waiting for failure. I am requesting that Kia be compelled to honor the recall and replace the engine, as their refusal has left me with a significant financial loss and ongoing safety concerns.
I have repeatedly been denied service by KIA Customer Service and KIA Dealerships regarding my safety recall. This ongoing issue has caused significant stress and inconvenience. I am simply requesting that my recall be completed so I can safely operate my vehicle. Despite my efforts, I continue to receive invoices for repairs while being denied the necessary service. I am frustrated by the lack of support and resolution.
The vehicle unexpectedly stalled while idling at a complete stop, posing a serious safety concern. Shortly afterward, the check engine light illuminated. These events occurred around 78,000 miles. Prior to the stall, the engine had been making occasional knocking or tapping noises, particularly at idle. The vehicle was immediately taken to a certified Kia dealership, where a technician diagnosed the issue as engine failure consistent with a known manufacturer recall affecting this vehicle model and year. A recall claim was submitted to the manufacturer, but the repair has been delayed for over a month with no authorization to proceed. No loaner vehicle has been provided. The engine failure puts the driver and others at risk, especially if the vehicle were to stall during active traffic conditions. The problem has been confirmed by the dealership but has not yet been resolved by the manufacturer. Inspection by the manufacturer is still pending. Warning symptoms included the engine light and knocking sounds, which began shortly before the stall occurred.
My 2015 Kia Optima (VIN [XXX] ) case # [XXX] is covered under Kia’s engine recall for potential engine failure/fire. However, Kia and Ray Skillman Northeast Kia, Indianapolis refused to perform the recall repair because I do not have the last two years of oil change records. This is a safety recall, not a warranty claim, and denial of repair violates recall obligations. I am requesting the federal safety agency’s assistance to ensure Kia complies with the law and replaces the defective engine. Thank you. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My motor bearing is knocking very loud I was refused service upon arrival dealer was making my service very complicated asking me to go dig up old receipts and various other things that was not actually caused for and I was at risk by driving the car there until it shut off due to engine failures when the car has fire risk and could possibly explode and they have confirmed it’s the engine but have not done any maintenance to my engine the check engine light flashes heavy non stop as well was even denied a loaner car still until today
Purchased 2015 Kia optima LX 4 cylinder. Had the car for 7 months. Driving home car stalled driving into our driveway. When restarted the engine there was a loud noise tapping. Oil light came on. Checked oil it was on empty. No oil light has come on ever before the car stalled. Regular oil changes . Researched the over 900 complaints. Same thing that has happened to everyone else. Thankfully this didn't happen on the drive home in traffic.
Driving towards town on freeway car suddenly die at high rate of speed and lost power at the wheel had to sway to side of road opened up hood of the car and smoke came out had recker pick me up and drove it to the house and started to find the issue and the starter module burn up . the gas line was near started . replace starter and now the car doesn’t crank so is used wrench to trunk motor and now more seized up remove spark plugs and tried manually turn motor nothing lookup recalls on the matter and it said it was recall on the main bearing of the car are premature and Kia won’t honor the recall due to no oil change records I have all items bought and tow truck expense
While driving, the engine suddenly shut off without warning. The car coasted to a stop and would not restart. When attempting to start it again, the starter smoked, and the engine would not crank or turn over. This is a serious safety hazard as the engine failure occurred with no warning and matches the symptoms of the known Kia Theta II engine recall for bearing and seizure issues. My VIN is not currently listed as part of the recall, but it experienced the exact same failure. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate and pressure Kia to include my VIN in the recall campaign, as this is a sudden engine seizure defect that could cause a crash if it happens at speed.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal ticking sound. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the failure could be related to the engine. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the VIN was included in an unknown related engine recall; however, the engine repair or replacement was not covered under warranty due to missing service documents. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
While driving my 2015 Kia Optima, the engine suddenly failed without warning. I noticed a loss of power, and shortly after, the oil pressure warning light illuminated. Upon pulling over safely, I discovered that the engine had drained all of its oil, despite recent maintenance. There were no prior warning signs or leaks visible. This posed a serious safety risk as the failure occurred in the midst of traffic. The vehicle had approximately 75,885 miles at the time. A mechanic later confirmed catastrophic engine failure due to oil starvation. This issue appears to be consistent with known engine defects in similar Kia models.
The engine seized and is out of commission on 7/16/25.
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while attempting to accelerate from a stop light, the vehicle stalled and failed to restart. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 126,000. The VIN was not available.
My car started having electrical issues, started smoking and stopped completely while driving, now it won’t turn on / start
I own a 2015 Kia Optima (VIN:[XXX]) with a 2.4L GDI engine. The engine has failed — a local repair shop diagnosed it as a “jumped timing” issue, which matches the well-documented Theta II engine defect. I never received recall notice or notice of the required KSDS update. Kia has denied me coverage, stating the update was not done before failure. I now have a vehicle that is undriveable and potentially unsafe. Kia confirmed there is no extended warranty or coverage for rod bearing failure — despite widespread issues — and they ignored my open fire-risk recall (the federal safety agency 21V331000) in their denial. I am requesting that the federal safety agency review why my VIN is excluded despite the same failure symptoms, and ask that Kia be required to expand recall eligibility or offer a goodwill resolution. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The car makes a raddled noise when turn on and the car turns off when I press the brakes
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, there was a loud clunking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle lost power. The contact exited the vehicle and pushed the vehicle to the right side of the roadway while awaiting Roadside Assistance. No warning light was illuminated. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the engine had seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline to report the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
My engine went out at 100,000 miles I bought the car with 118,000 mi on it I drove it for 3 years and the engine went out need help
Car was purchased April 2025, I’ve had it less then 2 months and check engine light came on and then flashing. I had it scanned at Auto Zone and was told the code is VVT Solenoid. I had it replaced 6/12/25. I was told by the mechanic that it didn’t solve the issue and metal shavings were on the old one. The car is still constantly going in to limp mode and there’s a knocking noise now. The Auto zone scan listed the mileage as 150,000 yet the car dealership listed and sold it as 101,000. I have a 2015 Kia Optima Ex. The title does not list it as a rebuilt and appeared to be fairly clean and maintained . The mechanic told me the engine needs replaced.
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