KIA Optima Engine and Engine Cooling Problems
Owners have filed 250 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Optima across 20 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (42). The words owners use most often: “oil consumption” (9% of reports).
- 250engine and engine cooling complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 6mention a crash
- 3mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 40%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Oil consumption: mentioned in 22 of 250 complaints (9%)
- Engine seized: mentioned in 19 of 250 complaints (8%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 18 of 250 complaints (7%)
- Failed restart: mentioned in 14 of 250 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?
Based on 197 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 250 complaints, 6 mention a crash, 13 a fire, 3 an injury.
KIA Optima engine and engine cooling complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine and Engine Cooling complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 8 | 5% | 116,000 |
| 2019 Optima | 3 | 1% | 112,000 |
| 2018 Optima | 14 | 6% | 98,000 |
| 2017 Optima | 8 | 3% | 110,569 |
| 2016 Optima | 24 | 3% | 104,588 |
| 2015 Optima | 31 | 3% | 100,795 |
| 2014 Optima | 15 | 3% | 127,718 |
| 2013 Optima | 42 | 3% | 130,000 |
| 2012 Optima | 20 | 2% | 132,000 |
| 2011 Optima | 8 | 1% | 97,000 |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% | 67,750 |
| 2009 Optima | 2 | 2% | 77,200 |
| 2008 Optima | 5 | 3% | 32,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 4 | 2% | 74,027 |
| 2006 Optima | 9 | 6% | 8,060 |
| 2005 Optima | 6 | 4% | 30,920 |
| 2004 Optima | 11 | 5% | 19,195 |
| 2003 Optima | 7 | 5% | 41,668 |
| 2002 Optima | 7 | 7% | 55,360 |
| 2001 Optima | 24 | 17% | 54,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Problem: Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a rattling and knocking sound coming from the engine before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was later towed to the residence. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer…
The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while a family member was driving and exiting a parking lot, the vehicle turned off, causing the vehicle to lose power. The contact stated that there was a burning odor inside the cabin of the vehicle with an audible clicking sound coming…
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after leaving the vehicle parked for approximately 4 hours, the contact returned to the vehicle and the engine running even though the vehicle was turned off. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the traction control light, ABS, and the…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that for over 8 years, the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact became aware that there was an oil leak on the ground underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have engine and engine cooling problems?
No. NHTSA has 250 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the KIA Optima. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Optima engine and engine cooling?
Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “oil consumption”, in 22 of 250 complaints, followed by “engine seized” (19).
Other KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (3,164)
- Electrical System problems (936)
- Steering problems (758)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Power Train problems (508)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
See all KIA Optima problems.