Kia Optima won't shift problems

Filed Oct 28, 2026 · Engine · NC

On October 25, 2026, while traveling eastbound on US Highway 74 near Bryson City, North Carolina, my 2020 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI experienced a sudden and substantial loss of engine power while driving through mountainous terrain. The check-engine light began flashing, and the vehicle entered what appeared to be reduced-power or limp mode. The engine remained running, but acceleration and available engine power were significantly reduced. This created a serious safety concern due to the mountainous highway conditions and surrounding traffic. I immediately pulled over at the first safe opportunity and did not continue driving the vehicle. My partner, who was approximately six months pregnant, was traveling with me. We remained stranded along the roadside for approximately three hours awaiting assistance, approximately 202 miles from home. Diagnostic trouble code P1326 was subsequently identified. There were no noticeable knocking, rattling, or ticking noises before or after the incident. The oil-pressure warning light did not illuminate. After the incident, the engine oil level was checked and found to be between the minimum and maximum dipstick markings. Timestamped photographs were taken during the towing process and at dealership drop-off. The vehicle was transported to a Kia dealership, where a bearing clearance test was performed and passed. The dealership also identified an external oil leak. However, the cause of the sudden loss of power and P1326 activation has not been conclusively established. I am reporting this incident because the unexpected and substantial loss of engine power while driving on a mountainous highway created a potentially dangerous situation. I am concerned that the condition could recur and pose a safety risk to other drivers and passengers.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Engine · NC

There is a known issue with this vehicle and the fix by KIA is not safe nor fair to the consumer. Kia's knock sensor recall centers on the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update for Theta II GDI engines. The update listens for rod bearing wear, triggers a check engine light and limp mode via Code P1326, and extends the engine warranty up to a lifetime or 15 years/150,000 miles. My problem is that we had to car in on May of 2026 after in went into limp mode. They updated the software. The car again went into limp mode on 10/21/2026, they updated the software again. My focus here is the fact that it is a known issue and they say it still does not meet the parameters for an engine replacement. It is a severe issue that is dangerous and inconvenient to the driver. You are afraid to take it on a trip or even take it on a highway. My 20 year old daughter drives this to college. Can you imagine a car going into limp mode on a majory US highway? Limp mode essentially does not allow a vehicle to go above 2K RPM. You cant go up a hill over 35 and on a highway, on a flat road you "might" be able to go 55 MPH. My daughter goes to college 4 hours away. This creates a very unsafe, dangerous and inconvenient environment. KIA is hoping that they can buy time until these vehicles fail for some other reason and they dont have to pay the cost for a new engine.... ALL at the consumers peril. To put this in perspective, if you have a vehicle with a "low tire pressure" warning, does lowering the sensors parameters fix the problem.... No, it just turns off the warning and you are driving a car with low tire pressure.

Filed Sep 22, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code P1326 which indicates an abnormal engine and/or a catastrophic rod bearing failure. This problem has been confirmed by the Kia dealership along with a 3rd party auto repair shop. However, Kia is refusing to cover the inspection, diagnostic, or any repairs due to the vehicle not having any open recalls, having more than 100k miles and the model of my vehicle despite this being a well known and documented manufacturing defect issue to these engines. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Brakes · 111,000 miles · TX

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was unable to start due to the battery being drained from the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) remaining on while the vehicle was turned off. After recharging the battery, the HECU made a buzzing sound while the battery was no longer charging. Additionally, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode while driving, and the ABS, traction control, and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. A burning odor was inside the vehicle. The contact was concerned about a fire risk. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and determined that the HECU had failed and needed to be replaced. The dealer requested maintenance records for the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · TX

While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed by a Kia dealership scanner. However, both the dealership and Kia America are refusing to cover the inspection and repair under their safety campaigns or goodwill due to the vehicle having 180,000 miles, despite this being a well-documented manufacturing defect inherent to these engines. Prior to the failure, the check engine light started flashing. The vehicle is currently available for inspection.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · 136,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and failed to exceed 52 MPH. The vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while stationary and the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle was in LIMP Mode with knock sensor codes displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

Filed Jul 19, 2026 · Engine, Steering · PA

the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps

Filed Jun 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Fuel system · TX

I am reporting a recurring safety hazard involving my 2019 Kia Optima following a repair for diagnostic code P064A (Fuel Pump Control Module). Despite the dealership attempting to repair the fuel system, the vehicle remains in a 'limp mode' state. While driving, the vehicle began shaking violently and lost significant power, refusing to accelerate above 50 mph. This creates an immediate safety risk, as the vehicle cannot maintain highway speeds or safely merge, increasing the danger of a rear-end collision. The P064A code and subsequent 'limp mode' symptoms persist even after professional service. I am concerned that the existing Kia warranty extensions (such as WTY028 for the low-pressure fuel pump) or current repair procedures are insufficient to resolve this underlying mechanical/electronic failure, leaving the vehicle unpredictable and hazardous to operate in traffic.

Filed May 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · ME

The Kia had a problem with the check engine light coming on and it gently went into limp mode. I had it repaired at Darlings Ford and it worked for about 600 miles. I had it repaired again and it worked for about 7,000 miles. The light recent came on and the car immediately hard banged andwent into limp mode. My wife was driving and shaking when she got home. The light went out and everything was fine. A couple of days later, on 5/27/26, we were on the interstate in traffic travelling 70 mph and it Violently hard bumped, the Cel came on and it went into limp mode. It was as if we hit deep pot holes with both front tires which we didn't as we were on a smooth highway. The light is still on and it's in limp mode.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · TX

I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there’s no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to take my car and keep driving it even though it’s unsafe the vehicle will not go above 50 mph and it starts to shake when driving I have tried to call Kia corporate and explain this situation but they have yet to follow up with me in my case