2019 Kia Optima electrical problems

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved only a short distance before shuddering again and losing power. The engine was making a loud buzzing or scooter-like sound. The vehicle became undrivable and had to be parked. I am concerned about a potential safety defect involving sudden loss of power while driving.

Filed May 1, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MI · fire

Drove roughly an hour from Roseville MI to Temperance MI. Car was fine. No issues on the drive. Gauges were all fine. Got to my friend’s house and took my stuff inside. Came back out immediately and saw dark smoke now coming from the hood. Attempted to open, but couldn't unlatch the hood after it was popped. Saw flames and called 911. Entire car burned down to the back seats. Car seat, Reading glasses and personal items destroyed. Fire fighters put it out and police took report. KIA after review states they dont know why it happened. Also has taken forever and not offered to compensate me in any way shape or form. Received their “findings” a day ago, April 30. Date of fire was Feb 11th 2026.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CA

The engine of vehicle repeatedly failed, causing the vehicle to stall while driving, which posed a serious risk to my safety and others on the road. The vehicle had approximately 65,000 miles and was maintained routinely and on schedule. The failure first occurred before November 18, 2025, when I reported stalling issues to Kia authorized service & parts. The vehicle was returned as “fixed” on December 12, 2025, but the engine stalled again during normal operation. The vehicle was returned to Kia authorized service & parts multiple times (December 12, December 18, December 23, January 9, January 12, 2026, and March 4, 2026), with repeated assurances that it had been repaired. Each time, the car continued to stall, including during a test drive at Subaru, demonstrating that the failure persisted despite repeated dealer intervention. The stalling created a significant hazard, as the car could lose power while on public roads, including highways, potentially leading to accidents. There were no consistent warning lights or messages prior to the engine stalling; the first symptom was intermittent loss of power while driving. The failure has been reproduced and observed by multiple service personnel at Kia authorized service & parts and by Subaru during the trade-in test drive. The component(s) causing the failure were inspected by Kia authorized service & parts staff, but no effective repair was made. Documentation of repair orders and dealer inspections is available for review.

Filed Sep 11, 2025 · Electrical · 82,000 miles · FL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Kia Optima. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 51,000. It was later discovered that the mileage was 82,000.

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I was just driving then noticed lack of acceleration and the engine light flashing. Loosing acceleration mid driving posed a great safety risk because no other drivers would know the issue I was experiencing and risked causing an accident. The vehicle was taken for a fault code reading which indicated a knock sensor code, later it was inspected at the dealership who confirmed an ECU issue. The police or insurance have not inspected the vehicle for this particular issue.

Filed Apr 17, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · MA

Lights appeared on the dash and the vehicle locked and would not drive. This happened as I was actively driving. I had the vehicle towed and was told by the Kia dealership that it was my abs/hecu. Before this happened, there was no warning lamps or messages. The car was driving normally.

Filed Mar 26, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · LA

UNKNOWN. Vehicle is burning through oil every 1,000 miles or so. Excessive oil consumption which i am aware there is a recall. However Kia states my VIN # is not included. While at the dealer service department for failed A/C system, we questioned the excessive oil consumption and engine replacement. We were told they found nothing wrong. Having to top off oil every 1,000 miles or so. It does not make it to the next oil change before the light comes on. No oil leaks. Mechanic said known problem with this engine. Most recently the starter went bad, alternator, and battery. Replaced with a second brand new battery and car won't start again. Dash is lighting up erratically, new battery dead. As if something is drawing all power and draining brand new batteries. This car has a little over 86,000 miles and one thing after another is failing. The car lost power and power steering in a curve leaving us in a dangerous situation after replacing the starter. Dash lighting up erratically with front end collision warning message on the display. We had it towed to our residence which our auto insurance reimbursed us for. Replaced alternator and battery yesterday, and the car lost all power again turning back onto our street, again with the Dash lighting up erratically.

Filed Feb 8, 2025 · Brakes, Driver assistance · MI

Sometimes when I drive it will say my forward collision is blocked so it will disable but it normally shuts off. Tonight I'm driving on the freeway a steering wheel pops up then blind spot abs traction and a few more lights come on then it say check headlights those are dimming the radio is cutting off. The wipers aren't working but the car is still accelerating then all of a sudden the car goes from 55 to 0 the wheel locks and I have to coat to the side of the road.

Filed Feb 2, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · WV

P1326 code. Check engine light flashing. Is in limp mode with limited power.

Filed Feb 1, 2025 · Electrical · SC

I was driving down the main street on my way home when my check engine light came on, and my car began shaking and sputtering, and I was unable to excel. I was barely able to make it home, less than 1/4 mile away. cars had to go around me in heavy traffic. taking it to the dealership Monday not the first time this has happened. I took it to a shop over the weekend and was told after diagnostic it was the ECU.