Kia Optima won't start problems

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Engine · FL

Vehicle shut off while driving at 40mph, engine seized ,will not crank .suspected conecting rod bearing failure under safety recall sc200, I call kia 18003334542 denied recall repair and bearing clearance test stating vehicle is rebuilt title. Federal safety recall cannot be denied due to rebuilt title per the federal safety agency .requesting recall remedy.

Filed Jul 3, 2026 · TN

Code was on and off for a cylinder 2 misfire was off at this point (intermittent misfire) ecl was off car stalled out at 3rpms while driving, tiny puff of smoke once came from between the air intake and the engine, and also no crank no start but car has power. I’ve kept up with the oil changes every 3000 miles car had fluids in it and nothing looked bad all 4 spark plugs were burnt and i replaced them and still no success.

Filed Jun 10, 2026 · GA

2018 Kia Optima Dealer Ed Voyles Kia Smyrna began Recall SC340. Vehicle drove in running. Dealer flashed ECM software, discovered non-original engine/ECU. Vehicle now won’t start. Dealer document states 'will not start after recall.' Dealer refuses to restore to running condition citing prior repairs. This violates 49 USC 30120

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · AZ

On March 23, 2026, I took my 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) to Mark Kia [XXX] ) solely for two open safety recalls: SC218 (Engine Inspection/Replacement and KSDS software installation) and SC278 (Emergency Trunk Latch Release) under Repair Order #6807251. No customer-pay work was performed. The Multi-Point Inspection that day noted only the cabin air filter. During the drive home on March 23, a faint rotten-egg (H₂S) smell appeared for the first time. By the morning of March 24, 2026, the smell was severe. I immediately returned the vehicle. Under new Repair Order #6807360, a second Multi-Point Inspection suddenly recommended $1,134.10 in customer-pay services (new 12V battery, fuel induction service, cooling system service, brake fluid exchange, and ATF exchange) that were not flagged the previous day. Since the recall service, the vehicle has developed numerous new defects that never existed before: Rotten-egg smell (H₂S) Intermittent AC that blows warm in stop-and-go traffic Passenger-rear power window clicks but will not roll down Brake warning (“Stop vehicle and check brakes”) “Key not detected” message Passenger-side mirror pushed in with temporary motor malfunction 12V battery cover left completely disassembled and misplaced in the trunk Complete no-start / dead 12V battery condition (will not crank even after multiple jump attempts as of March 30, 2026) On March 24, 2026, I sent a formal demand letter by certified mail (received and signed for by the dealership on March 27, 2026) giving Mark Kia five business days (until close of business March 31, 2026) to provide a free tow, free loaner, and free repair of all defects. I followed up with six supplemental addendums (dated March 24–30, 2026) attaching photos and videos of every issue. On April 1, 2026, Service Director [XXX] replied by email and admitted in writing (twice) that the dealership did not follow recall procedure INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 14, 2026 · Engine · GA

While driving my 2016 Kia Optima, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of engine power and stalled without warning. At the time, I was Door Dashing for income. The engine seized and the vehicle came to an immediate stop in the middle of 4925 Wolf Creek Dr SW, Atlanta, GA, a narrow two-lane road with limited street lighting. I was forced to remain stopped in the roadway in darkness for over an hour while multiple oncoming vehicles passed by, creating a serious safety risk. The vehicle could not be restarted and had to be left on the roadside overnight. The following day, the vehicle would only start briefly when jump-started, ran for approximately 15 seconds, and shut off again. It could not move and was towed to an authorized Kia dealership. At the dealership, technicians jump-started the vehicle, performed diagnostics, added engine oil, cleared codes, reset adaptive values, and conducted a test drive. During that test drive, the engine seized again, and the vehicle had to be towed back. Kia approved a full engine replacement under its extended engine warranty, acknowledging engine failure consistent with known defects. However, after the engine replacement, the vehicle would not start at all. Kia stated oil intrusion from the failed engine damaged electronic components, leaving the vehicle non-operational. Kia denied coverage for the resulting damage and issued an estimated $6,000 repair bill for engine harness, injector sub-harness, and ECU replacement. The vehicle remains inoperable following an approved warranty repair. This incident involved sudden loss of propulsion while driving, occurred without warning, resulted in repeated engine seizure, and left the vehicle disabled in traffic at night. This appears consistent with known Kia engine defects and presents a serious safety concern that warrants investigation.

Filed Sep 3, 2025 · Engine · TX

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Engine · WA

Driving home from an oil change. All of a sudden all power was lost. Luckily a wide spot in the road was right there. Car would not start back up. Checked oil- it was good. Had car trailered to a mechanic. He took off oil filter and cut it in half- was full of metal shavings. Said needs new engine. We trailered the car back home, where it currently sits. If the wide spot in the road wasn’t there, they’re likely would have been an accident being this was right on a sharp corner.

Filed Aug 1, 2025 · Engine · NC · fire

After adding oil..Car stopped while driving…Smoke and Fire occurred.. Now engine will not start.. 2 Mechanics Stated “Engine needs to Be Replaced”… A/C Front Blower Doesn’t Work Console Has a Short and Doesn’t Work

Filed Jul 30, 2025 · Engine · AR

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.

Filed Apr 3, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · OH

Was driving down the highway and all of a sudden the car shut down in the highway lucky cars was not close by. Tried to crank it it would not crank would not take a boost it won’t say anything I had the battery checked at auto zone the battery is really good. The mileage on the Kia optima is 1,900 actual miles it will not crank or move it was very scary I called Kia customer service there wanted to charge me over $400.00 dollars to come get it and take it to the shop so it took me 2 days to find a tow to get it home and it still needs to go to the Kia shop