Auto Recall Watch
U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Kia OPTIMA HYBRID problems and owner complaints

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

109 owner complaints analyzed

3 distinct recall campaigns

87,200 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data updated: . 99 complaints include usable failure mileage. View data status.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 72 of 109 complaints (66.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Electrical and battery issues1816.5%
Braking behavior1614.7%
Steering behavior1110.1%
Transmission and shifting98.3%
Engine operation87.3%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
72
Electrical System
18
Power Train
10
Steering
9
Unknown Or Other
8
Service Brakes
6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
6
Vehicle Speed Control
5
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine72
Electrical System18
Power Train10
Steering9
Unknown Or Other8
Service Brakes6
Service Brakes, Hydraulic6
Vehicle Speed Control5

Engine: 72; Electrical System: 18; Power Train: 10; Steering: 9; Unknown Or Other: 8; Service Brakes: 6; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 6; Vehicle Speed Control: 5

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
8
25,000 to 49,999
7
50,000 to 74,999
15
75,000 to 99,999
33
100,000 to 149,999
29
150,000 and above
7
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,0008
25,000 to 49,9997
50,000 to 74,99915
75,000 to 99,99933
100,000 to 149,99929
150,000 and above7

Under 25,000: 8; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 15; 75,000 to 99,999: 33; 100,000 to 149,999: 29; 150,000 and above: 7

75,000 to 99,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (33). 10 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2013
4
2014
3
2015
7
2016
8
2017
21
2018
32
2019
16
2020
6
2021
2
2022
1
2023
2
2024
5
2026
2
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20134
20143
20157
20168
201721
201832
201916
20206
20212
20221
20232
20245
20262

2013: 4; 2014: 3; 2015: 7; 2016: 8; 2017: 21; 2018: 32; 2019: 16; 2020: 6; 2021: 2; 2022: 1; 2023: 2; 2024: 5; 2026: 2

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Electrical and battery issues appears in 18 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 16 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 11 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Complaint evidence

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10778126 · 2015-09-28 (September 28, 2015)

OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST SPRING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY (REGULAR, NOT HYBRID) SO WE HAD THAT REPLACED (OUT OF WARRANTY - WE PAID FOR THAT). THIS PAST AUGUST, THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN - THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, AND THEY PERFORMED AN UPDATE (COVERED BY WARRANTY). WE HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN, AS WELL AS TH…

Owner-reported narrative. 35,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10778126 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10969077 · 2017-03-28 (March 28, 2017)

I BOUGHT A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID I ALSO BOUGHT AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH MY VEHICLE. NOVEMBER 2016 MY WIFE AND TWO KIDS WERE ON THEIR WAY TO WORK AND SCHOOL WHEN THE CAR JUST SHUT DOWN WHILE TRAVELING ABOUT 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND WOULD NOT DO ANYTHING STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT EVEN TURN. I CALLED THE CAR COMPANY I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND THEY TOLD ME THEY CAN'T WORK ON HYBRIDS SO I NEEDED TO FIND A KIA DEALERSHIP I FOUND ONE HUNDRED MILES AWAY I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THE STARTING BATTERY WAS BAD IN IT AND WOULD HA…

Owner-reported narrative. 80,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10969077 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10537233 · 2013-08-26 (August 26, 2013)

I HAVE HAD 2 ISSUES: MY UVO SYSTEM HAS MALFUNCTIONED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MY SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN TODAY. I HAVE HAD BRAKE ISSUES, MY MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND ITS GOING BACK IN TODAY FOR BRAKES. NOW MY CAR IS PULLING TO THE LEFT! I HAVE 25,000 MILES ON THIS CAR! *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 2,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10537233 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10638311 · 2014-09-23 (September 23, 2014)

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

Owner-reported narrative. 21,988 miles reported. Look up ODI 10638311 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10498354 · 2013-02-16 (February 16, 2013)

SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. LESS NOTICEABLE IN CITY DRIVING BUT STILL DRIFTS. BROUGHT IT TWICE TO THE DEALER AND TECH DROVE IT AND TOLD ME ALIGNMENT IS WITHIN SPECS AND IT WAS FINE I JUST NEED TO GET USED TO IT. THIS IS VERY UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS. HOPE THE LEMON LAW WILL HELP ME. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 50 miles reported. Look up ODI 10498354 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10845692 · 2016-03-09 (March 9, 2016)

BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2012 FROM FUCCILLO KIA IN CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA FOR MY WIFE. SHE NOTICED THE VERY SLIGHT "CLUNKING" NOISE IN 2014 WITH ABOUT 50K MILES ON IT AND DIDN'T THINK IT WAS MUCH OF A PROBLEM. IT GRADUALLY BECAME VERY, VERY LOUD AND SHE COULD NOW FEEL THE CONSTANT "CLUNKING" WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR HITTING SMALL IMPERFECTIONS IN THE ROAD. SHE BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION AT ABOUT 65K MILES AND AFTER RESEARCHING THE NOISE ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN THOUSANDS OF KIA AND HYUNDAI VEHICLES FROM 201…

Owner-reported narrative. 50,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10845692 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10712278 · 2015-04-22 (April 22, 2015)

WE FIRST TOOK IT TO EDWARDS KIA IN COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA ON 2/11/15. WHEN I ORIGINALLY TOOK IT TO THEM, THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT HAD JUST COME ON AND THE CAR HAD JUST STARTED DOING THE LUNGING AND HESITATING WHEN SHIFTING IN LOWER GEARS. IT WAS AS IF THE ACCELERATOR WAS STICKING. THEY DOWNLOADED A COUPLE UPDATES AND TURNED THE SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT OFF. THEY ADVISED THE LIGHT CAME ON BECAUSE OF THE UPDATE THAT WAS NEEDED AND SAID THAT THE SHIFTING /IDLING ISSUE WAS BETTER. AS SOON AS I DROVE IT, I NOTICED IT WAS STILL DOING THE SAME THING. ON …

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10712278 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10552403 · 2013-11-15 (November 15, 2013)

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Owner-reported narrative. 14,450 miles reported. Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10615352 · 2014-07-22 (July 22, 2014)

(MY REPORT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ID 10552403) THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR ~2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. WHEN IT HAPPENS, I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND AT ALL FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AS INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER CAUSES THE CAR TO HESIT…

Owner-reported narrative. 450 miles reported. Look up ODI 10615352 at NHTSA ↗

Explore the data

Vehicle analysis explorer

Inspect model-year patterns, reported mileage, monthly activity and the evidence behind each signal.

Data completeness

109 unique complaints in this selection. Analysis snapshot: 2026-10-01.

90.8%Usable mileage99 / 109 records
100.0%Valid incident date109 / 109 records
100.0%Valid filing date109 / 109 records
100.0%Ordered incident and filing dates109 / 109 records

Missing, zero and invalid mileage is excluded. Dates after the snapshot are excluded. Examples are limited selections, not a representative sample.

Problems by model year

Model-wide comparison of the eight most reported components across the model. Cells show counts and shares within each model year. Open a cell for source examples.

Component complaint heatmap
Component201120122013201420152016201720182020
Engine
1955.9%
ODI 10483749 · 100 mi

WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL TO PULL AWAY FROM A DEAD STOP--SUCH AS A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT---CAR STUMBLES AND HESITATES. AT TIMES CAR WILL NOT EVEN RESPOND WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED. PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENS--THEN YOU PUSH PEDAL A BIT MORE AND IT JERKS AND SHOOTS FORWARD. NOT A COMFORTABLE SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC FROM A INTERSECTION. HAPPENS VIRTUALLY EVERY TIME. COLD OR WARMED UP--SAME PROBLEM--EXCEPT A LOT WORSE AT COLD START. ONCE ABOVE 30 MPG THINGS SMOOTH OUT--BUT THE BIG DANGER IS TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAF…

Look up ODI 10483749 at NHTSA ↗

7266.1%
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

1323.6%
ODI 10747724 · 500 mi

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE TOOK A TRIP TO TEXAS TO SEE MY DAUGHTER. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON THAT TRIP; WAS GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT STARTED ACCELERATING ALL ON IT'S OWN... THE 1ST TIME I QUESTIONED IF I HAD ACCIDENTLY BUMPED SOMETHING, THE 2ND ALSO AND THE 3RD ALLOWED IT TO ACT ON ITS OWN AND BEFORE I KNEW IT WAS ALMOST 100MPH. THANKFULLY THE BRAKE ENGAGES.. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN FOR CHECK AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO NOTHING COULD BE DONE.. IT…

Look up ODI 10747724 at NHTSA ↗

1651.6%
ODI 10620789 · 765 mi

WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT STRUCTURE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BEYOND CONTROL ON IT'S OWN AND HIT THE WALL HEAD ON. I WAS ALREADY IN MY PARKING SPOT AND ONLY FEW FEET AWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED AND BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO SUDDENLY, I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE SPEED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. *TR

Look up ODI 10620789 at NHTSA ↗

541.7%
ODI 11099834 · 87,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE MESSAGE "HYBRID BATTERY ISSUE, PLEASE SHUT CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY" DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH KIA OF TEMECULA (26799 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRA REPLAY BATTERY AND THE SAFETY PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.

Look up ODI 11099834 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 11183935 · 38,000 mi

FOR THE 2ND YEAR, MY KIA WOULD NOT START IN 32 DEGREE WEATHER IN BIG BEAR, CA. THIS IS AN ANNUAL TRIP & TOOK MY KIA.THE LIGHTS, RADIO ALL TURN ON BUT THE ENGINE WILL NOT START. I HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL NOON FOR THE SUN TO WARM UP THE CAR & THEN IT'S BACK TO NORMAL. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP & HAVE BEEN TOLD THEY CANNOT FIND ANY MALFUNCTION & NEVER HEARD OF ANYONE EXPERIENCE WHAT I HAVE. THERE ARE MANY FORUMS WITH KIA OWNERS COMPLAINING OF THE SAME, BUT CANNOT GET A FIX OR ACKNOWLEDGEMENT THAT THE PROBLEM EXISTS. IT'S BEYOND FRUSTR…

Look up ODI 11183935 at NHTSA ↗

1661.5%
ODI 11072137 · 2,500 mi

THE VEHICLE IS GETTING STUCK ON ELECTRIC MODE AND NOT SWITCHING OVER TO GAS AND LOSING POWER. HAVING TO PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON THE RESET IT. CAR ONLY HAS 2500 MILES. TAKING BACK TO DEALER ASAP. WAS DRIVING ON MAJOR INTERSTATE 70 MPH ERROR MESSAGE FROM CAR SAID TRANSMISSION ERROR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY

Look up ODI 11072137 at NHTSA ↗

3100.0%
ODI 11486933

I brought the vehicle into Kia service for the recall including a computer operating system upgrade. After the recall work was done the car driving at high highway speeds failed, and immediately slowed down, almost causing a rear collision. The computer system turned off the drive mechanism and I was left with only the electric motor to propel the car. The car barely limped off the highway. The car was brought to the Kia Dealer and no defect was found and the computer was reset. This problem occurred two more times, at highway speeds (70 m…

Look up ODI 11486933 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11664354

On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles)…

Look up ODI 11664354 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
617.6%
ODI 10483749 · 100 mi

WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL TO PULL AWAY FROM A DEAD STOP--SUCH AS A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT---CAR STUMBLES AND HESITATES. AT TIMES CAR WILL NOT EVEN RESPOND WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED. PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENS--THEN YOU PUSH PEDAL A BIT MORE AND IT JERKS AND SHOOTS FORWARD. NOT A COMFORTABLE SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC FROM A INTERSECTION. HAPPENS VIRTUALLY EVERY TIME. COLD OR WARMED UP--SAME PROBLEM--EXCEPT A LOT WORSE AT COLD START. ONCE ABOVE 30 MPG THINGS SMOOTH OUT--BUT THE BIG DANGER IS TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAF…

Look up ODI 10483749 at NHTSA ↗

1816.5%
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

2036.4%
ODI 10583115 · 20 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, THE DRIVER AND PASSENGERS WOULD EXPERIENCE AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK AFTER MAKING CONTACT WITH ANY EXTERIOR METAL PART OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.

Look up ODI 10583115 at NHTSA ↗

929.0%
ODI 10985410 · 19 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET (35MPH) WHEN I WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER CAR MAKING A TURN IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED. I T-BONED HIS CAR AND MY AIR BAGS DIDNT GOT OFF. MY CAR STALLED COMPLETELY AND NOTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT REACTED TO THE CRASH. THE SYSTEM (CLUSTER AND SCREEN) DIDNT SHOW THAT THERE HAD BEEN ANY IMPACT AND THE CAR WAS READY TO DRIVE. I REPORTED THIS TO KIA OF DOWNTOWN LA (THE DEALER) AND KIAUSA CORPORATE WHERE THEY OFFERED TO CHECK THE CAR OUT AND SEE IF THE CAR REACTED THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSE TO. AT THE END OF…

Look up ODI 10985410 at NHTSA ↗

541.7%
ODI 11099834 · 87,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE MESSAGE "HYBRID BATTERY ISSUE, PLEASE SHUT CAR OFF IMMEDIATELY" DISPLAYED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO DCH KIA OF TEMECULA (26799 YNEZ RD, TEMECULA, CA 92591, [phone removed]) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE PRA REPLAY BATTERY AND THE SAFETY PLUG NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 87,000.

Look up ODI 11099834 at NHTSA ↗

125.0%
ODI 11694645

Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025. Incident Summary: While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, I noticed that the vehicle was not entering Hybrid Mode, which is abnormal for its typical operation. I reduced my speed to 45 mph, then down to 35 mph as I began to observe smoke coming from the vehicle. At no point did the vehicle show signs of overheating, and there was no Check Engine Light until s…

Look up ODI 11694645 at NHTSA ↗

623.1%
ODI 11105400 · 5,500 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE SPEED SUDDENLY REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE GAS MOTOR DID NOT IMMEDIATELY TURN START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (KIRBY KIA OF VENTURA, 6424 AUTO CENTER DR, VENTURA, CA). BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT

Look up ODI 11105400 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11486933

I brought the vehicle into Kia service for the recall including a computer operating system upgrade. After the recall work was done the car driving at high highway speeds failed, and immediately slowed down, almost causing a rear collision. The computer system turned off the drive mechanism and I was left with only the electric motor to propel the car. The car barely limped off the highway. The car was brought to the Kia Dealer and no defect was found and the computer was reset. This problem occurred two more times, at highway speeds (70 m…

Look up ODI 11486933 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11664354

On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles)…

Look up ODI 11664354 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train
411.8%
ODI 10483749 · 100 mi

WHEN APPLYING GAS PEDAL TO PULL AWAY FROM A DEAD STOP--SUCH AS A STOP SIGN OR RED LIGHT---CAR STUMBLES AND HESITATES. AT TIMES CAR WILL NOT EVEN RESPOND WHEN GAS PEDAL IS PUSHED. PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING HAPPENS--THEN YOU PUSH PEDAL A BIT MORE AND IT JERKS AND SHOOTS FORWARD. NOT A COMFORTABLE SITUATION WHEN TRYING TO PULL INTO TRAFFIC FROM A INTERSECTION. HAPPENS VIRTUALLY EVERY TIME. COLD OR WARMED UP--SAME PROBLEM--EXCEPT A LOT WORSE AT COLD START. ONCE ABOVE 30 MPG THINGS SMOOTH OUT--BUT THE BIG DANGER IS TRYING TO PULL OUT INTO TRAF…

Look up ODI 10483749 at NHTSA ↗

109.2%
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

712.7%
ODI 10596726 · 4,720 mi

UPON ACCELERATION FROM STOP OR LOW SPEED, BRAKE WARNING MESSAGE DISPLAYED INSTRUCTING ME TO SAFELY PULL OVER AND STOP THE VEHICLE. ADDITIONALLY, ESSENTIALLY ALL WARNING LIGHTS DISPLAYED ON THE INFORMATION SCREEN. WARNING LIGHTS BEGAN FLASHING AND DOOR LOCKS BEGAN CLICKING ON/OFF. CAR BECAME DISABLED AFTER A SHORT DISTANCE AND CAR WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WHEN IN DRIVE. REQUIRED TOW TO DEALER FOR SERVICE. DEALER SCANNED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND OVER 20 HISTORY CODES POINTING TOWARDS A CAN ISSUE. AFTER VEHICLE WAS SERVICED AND ROAD TESTED, HISTO…

Look up ODI 10596726 at NHTSA ↗

39.7%
ODI 10985410 · 19 mi

I WAS DRIVING DOWN A CITY STREET (35MPH) WHEN I WAS CUT OFF BY ANOTHER CAR MAKING A TURN IN FRONT OF ME AND WE COLLIDED. I T-BONED HIS CAR AND MY AIR BAGS DIDNT GOT OFF. MY CAR STALLED COMPLETELY AND NOTHING ABOUT THE VEHICLE SAFETY EQUIPMENT REACTED TO THE CRASH. THE SYSTEM (CLUSTER AND SCREEN) DIDNT SHOW THAT THERE HAD BEEN ANY IMPACT AND THE CAR WAS READY TO DRIVE. I REPORTED THIS TO KIA OF DOWNTOWN LA (THE DEALER) AND KIAUSA CORPORATE WHERE THEY OFFERED TO CHECK THE CAR OUT AND SEE IF THE CAR REACTED THE WAY IT WAS SUPPOSE TO. AT THE END OF…

Look up ODI 10985410 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 11203438 · 32,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING THROUGH A NEIGHBORHOOD BETWEEN 20 - 25MPH THE HYBRID WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED WITH OVERHEAD VOICE STATING TO PULL OVER AND NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE ANY FURTHER. IN THE PROCESS OF PULLING OVER THE CAR PROCEEDED TO LOSE ALL POWER. ELECTRICAL WITHIN CAR (LIGHTS, RADIO, ETC.) REMAINED ON BUT CAR WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE AND ENGINE WAS COMPLETELY OFF. THE CAUSE OF THE POWER LOSS IS STILL UNKNOWN, HOWEVER, WE WERE RUNNING ON HYBRID POWER AT THE TIME. THIS, WITH THE HYBRID MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT LEAD ME TO BELIEVE THIS IS A PROBLEM WIT…

Look up ODI 11203438 at NHTSA ↗

250.0%
ODI 11052599 · 10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2016 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND LOST POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES (1945 S FIGUEROA ST, LOS ANGELES, CA 90007) WHERE IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THERE WAS AN ISSUE WITH THE HYBRID SYSTEM. THE DEALER REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED AND THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BACK TO KIA DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. ADDITIONALLY, UPON STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO KI…

Look up ODI 11052599 at NHTSA ↗

311.5%
ODI 11348408 · 35,000 mi

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD MULTIPLE ISSUES WITH ITS HYBRID BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM SINCE PURCHASE. IT HAS BEEN TOWED 4 TIMES. WHILE DRIVING MY CAR WILL START TO JERK AND A WARNING SYSTEM TELLING ME THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (BMS) AND THE POWER TRAIN. IT WILL TELL ME TO PULL OVER OR TO CONTACT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT. THIS CAR HAS HAD ITS BATTERY REPLACED AND SOFTWARE UPGRADED NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT I KEEP HAVING THE SAME ISSUE. I'M CONCERNED THE BATTERY SYSTEM IS FAULTY AND IT'S DANGEROUS TO DRIVE AT THIS POINT, AS NOTHING PR…

Look up ODI 11348408 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11508317

While driving down the road the car said it had a major voltage failure and was shutting down. I was in the middle of the street and thankfully was able to coast to the turn lane before the car came to a total stop. since the gas pedal didn't do anything. the car then said there was multiple failures and the hybrid system needed to be immediately shut down. The car then wouldn't start or move after that. about 20 mins later the car like dashboard and screen would turn on but the engine would not. when it turned back on there were even more warn…

Look up ODI 11508317 at NHTSA ↗

1100.0%
ODI 11664354

On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a serious safety hazard. Each time this occurred, I brought the vehicle to an authorized Kia dealership ([Dealership Name]) for inspection. However, despite the vehicle being under the Kia hybrid system and/or powertrain warranty (10 years/100,000 miles)…

Look up ODI 11664354 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other
00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

87.3%
ODI 10638311 · 21,988 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

Look up ODI 10638311 at NHTSA ↗

916.4%
ODI 10747724 · 500 mi

SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASE TOOK A TRIP TO TEXAS TO SEE MY DAUGHTER. ON THREE SEPARATE OCCASIONS ON THAT TRIP; WAS GOING DOWN THE INTERSTATE WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET, ALL OF THE SUDDEN IT STARTED ACCELERATING ALL ON IT'S OWN... THE 1ST TIME I QUESTIONED IF I HAD ACCIDENTLY BUMPED SOMETHING, THE 2ND ALSO AND THE 3RD ALLOWED IT TO ACT ON ITS OWN AND BEFORE I KNEW IT WAS ALMOST 100MPH. THANKFULLY THE BRAKE ENGAGES.. WHEN I RETURNED HOME I IMMEDIATELY TOOK IT IN FOR CHECK AND WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO NOTHING COULD BE DONE.. IT…

Look up ODI 10747724 at NHTSA ↗

412.9%
ODI 11062774 · 35,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A ROAD WITH POSTED SPEED OF 50 MPH. I HAD TO BRAKE SUDDENLY, AND THE CAR STALLED IN THE FAST LANE. I IMMEDIATELY PUT FLASHERS ON BECAUSE OF TRAFFIC COMING BEHIND ME. IT TOOK ABOUT TWO MINUTES TO RESTART THE CAR BECAUSE OF THE PUSH BUTTON START AND THE POWER SEATS HAVING TO POSITION THEMSELVES. VERY SCARY SITUATION AND VERY UNEXPECTED. I'VE ALSO HAD PROBLEMS WHEN SLOWING DOWN, AND THE CAR HESITATES IN THE TURN. I'VE ALMOST BEEN HIT TWICE BECAUSE OF THIS.

Look up ODI 11062774 at NHTSA ↗

18.3%
ODI 11197210 · 62,000 mi

* OCTOBER 2017 WHILE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY CAR SLOWED DOWN. GOT OFF FREEWAY AND TURNED OFF CAR. CAR WOULD NOT START ANYMORE. KIA REPLACED HIGH VOLTAGE FUSE, HYBRID BATTERY, POWER RELAY. * MARCH 2018 CAR WAS TAKEN IN DUE TO HEV AND ENGINE LIGHT ON WHILE DRIVING. CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE. KIA REPLACED THE TRANSMISSION. * MARCH 2018 CAR WAS RETURNED AFTER TRANSMISSION CHANGE AND 2 DAYS LATER WHILE DRIVING CAR GAVE HEV AND ENGINE LIGHT ON. KIA SAID IT WAS A "LOOSE WIRE" FROM TRANSMISSION. * MARCH 2018 CAR GAVE HEV AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON WHI…

Look up ODI 11197210 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

415.4%
ODI 11089870 · 143 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GALPIN KIA, 8425 SEPULVEDA BLVD, NORTH HILLS, CA 91343), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V161000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO WAIT FOR A DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER…

Look up ODI 11089870 at NHTSA ↗

133.3%
ODI 11508317

While driving down the road the car said it had a major voltage failure and was shutting down. I was in the middle of the street and thankfully was able to coast to the turn lane before the car came to a total stop. since the gas pedal didn't do anything. the car then said there was multiple failures and the hybrid system needed to be immediately shut down. The car then wouldn't start or move after that. about 20 mins later the car like dashboard and screen would turn on but the engine would not. when it turned back on there were even more warn…

Look up ODI 11508317 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Steering
25.9%
ODI 11163367 · 120,000 mi

THERE'S A CLUNKING IN THE STEERING . FROM WHAT I'VE FOUND ON THE FORUMS THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM . IT APPEARS TO BE A PLASTIC COUPLER IN THE STEERING MOTOR THAT DETERIORATES CAUSING A METAL ON METAL GRINDING. I NOTICED THIS WHILE TURNING AT AT STREET CORNERS OR CHANGING LANES ON HIGHWAY. NHTSA NUMBER: 10090941. THIS APPARENTLY HAS BEEN REPORTED BEFORE . WANTED TO MAKE SURE MY INFO WAS INCLUDED .

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98.3%
ODI 10498354 · 50 mi

SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. LESS NOTICEABLE IN CITY DRIVING BUT STILL DRIFTS. BROUGHT IT TWICE TO THE DEALER AND TECH DROVE IT AND TOLD ME ALIGNMENT IS WITHIN SPECS AND IT WAS FINE I JUST NEED TO GET USED TO IT. THIS IS VERY UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS. HOPE THE LEMON LAW WILL HELP ME. *TR

Look up ODI 10498354 at NHTSA ↗

47.3%
ODI 10579048 · 4,200 mi

TO WHOM IT CONCERNS, I HAVE A GREAT SAFETY CONCERN RELATED TO THE OPTIMA 2013 HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM. I AM NOT SURE IF THE BEHAVIOR I AM GOING TO DESCRIBE IS TYPICAL OR DEFECTIVE. WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED, WITH THE CRUISE SET, I FIND THAT ANY SUDDEN AND HARD HIT TO THE BRAKES WILL ACTIVATE SOME TYPE OF AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS LIKE ABS AND SOUNDS VERY MECHANICAL HOWEVER THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT DEACTIVATE AFTER I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES THE CAR TO A NEARLY COM…

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39.7%
ODI 10714182 · 30 mi

THIS IS THE WORST DRIVING NEW CAR I'VE EVER HAD. ABOVE 60 IT REQUIRES CONSTANT ADJUSTING TO KEEP IT IN THE LANE. STEERING IS SUPER SENSITIVE, IT WILL BEGIN TO WANDER, WHEN YOU TRY TO CORRECT IT, IT WILL OVER COMPENSATE AND YOU GO TOO FAR THE OTHER WAY. TRYING TO GET IT STABILIZED IN A STRAIGHT LINE IS VERY DIFFICULT. WIND AFFECTS IT TREMENDOUSLY, A DANGER TO DRIVE IN HIGH WINDS. AND A DANGER AT SPEEDS OVER 60. *TR

Look up ODI 10714182 at NHTSA ↗

216.7%
ODI 11078279 · 1,096 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A U-TURN, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE BACK HOME. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN SWITCHING BETWEEN FUEL AND ELECTRIC EVER SINCE IT WAS PURCHASED IN 2017. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (RICK CASE KIA IN SUNRISE FLORIDA). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AN…

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00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic
38.8%
ODI 11557251

The contact owns a 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11557251 at NHTSA ↗

65.5%
ODI 11560070 · 160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Look up ODI 11560070 at NHTSA ↗

1018.2%
ODI 11557224

The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

Look up ODI 11557224 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Service Brakes
25.9%
ODI 10888077 · 91,500 mi

WHILE DRIVING (IN FORWARD MOTION), WITHOUT ANY PRESSURE BEING APPLIED TO EITHER THE BRAKE OR PARKING BRAKE, THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO SLOW ITSELF RAPIDLY; AN AUDIBLE RUMBLE CAN BE HEARD AND THE VEHICLE BEGINS TO VIBRATE SLIGHTLY; A YELLOW TRIANGLE WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT AND THE WORDS 'CHECK BRAKE' APPEARS IN THE DRIVER'S DIGITAL DISPLAY; ATTEMPTS TO ACCELERATE INCREASES THE RPMS BUT THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO SLOW RAPIDLY - NOT IDLE AS IF IT WERE NOT IN GEAR, BUT JUST AS IF THE DRIVER WAS BREAKING SUDDENLY. THE ONLY KNOWN METHOD OF CORRECTING TH…

Look up ODI 10888077 at NHTSA ↗

65.5%
ODI 10537233 · 2,000 mi

I HAVE HAD 2 ISSUES: MY UVO SYSTEM HAS MALFUNCTIONED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MY SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN TODAY. I HAVE HAD BRAKE ISSUES, MY MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND ITS GOING BACK IN TODAY FOR BRAKES. NOW MY CAR IS PULLING TO THE LEFT! I HAVE 25,000 MILES ON THIS CAR! *TR

Look up ODI 10537233 at NHTSA ↗

59.1%
ODI 10579048 · 4,200 mi

TO WHOM IT CONCERNS, I HAVE A GREAT SAFETY CONCERN RELATED TO THE OPTIMA 2013 HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM. I AM NOT SURE IF THE BEHAVIOR I AM GOING TO DESCRIBE IS TYPICAL OR DEFECTIVE. WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED, WITH THE CRUISE SET, I FIND THAT ANY SUDDEN AND HARD HIT TO THE BRAKES WILL ACTIVATE SOME TYPE OF AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS LIKE ABS AND SOUNDS VERY MECHANICAL HOWEVER THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT DEACTIVATE AFTER I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES THE CAR TO A NEARLY COM…

Look up ODI 10579048 at NHTSA ↗

13.2%
ODI 10683533 · 9,300 mi

ORIGINALLY THE NOISE STARTED ABOUT A WEEK AGO I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER THEY DID VERIFY MY COMPLAINT AND THEY FIXED IT THEN ON 2/14/2015 STARTED TO DO THE SAME THING THE REPAIR INVOICE STATES THEY PERFORMED BRAKE FLUID BLEEDING AND CALIBRATION OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM. *TR

Look up ODI 10683533 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

415.4%
ODI 11112578 · 8,775 mi

TAKATA RECALL- WHEN BRAKING PR PUMPING THE BRAKES THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL ON FLAT ROADS OR HILLS. THERE IS A CREAKING NOISE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AFTER PUTTING CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.

Look up ODI 11112578 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Vehicle Speed Control
38.8%
ODI 10509684 · 19,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT ROUGHLY 60-70MPH WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY BEGAN DECELERATING AND NOT RESPONDING WHEN THE ACCELERATION WAS PRESSED. THIS HAS HAPPENED 3 TIMES SINCE I HAVE BEEN ON THE ROADS. KIA IS UNABLE TO FIND ERROR CODES OR DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE EVEN AFTER PROVIDING THEM WITH VIDEO EVIDENCE.THERE HAVE BEEN MULTIPLE "COMPUTER GLITCHES" BUT THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST SEVERE. *TR

Look up ODI 10509684 at NHTSA ↗

54.6%
ODI 10683616 · 18,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR RANDOMLY HAS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE ACTION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR WILL COAST OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY BE MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LEAVES ME EXPOSED TO GETTING HIT ON A FREQUENT, BUT IRREGULAR BASIS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CAR CAN ALSO HAVE JERKY MOTIONS AND LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, POSING A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND CARS NEARBY. *TR

Look up ODI 10683616 at NHTSA ↗

59.1%
ODI 10579048 · 4,200 mi

TO WHOM IT CONCERNS, I HAVE A GREAT SAFETY CONCERN RELATED TO THE OPTIMA 2013 HYBRID BRAKING SYSTEM. I AM NOT SURE IF THE BEHAVIOR I AM GOING TO DESCRIBE IS TYPICAL OR DEFECTIVE. WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED, WITH THE CRUISE SET, I FIND THAT ANY SUDDEN AND HARD HIT TO THE BRAKES WILL ACTIVATE SOME TYPE OF AUTOMATIC BRAKING SYSTEM. THE BRAKING SYSTEM FEELS LIKE ABS AND SOUNDS VERY MECHANICAL HOWEVER THE BRAKING SYSTEM DOES NOT DEACTIVATE AFTER I REMOVE MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. THE SYSTEM CONTINUES TO AUTOMATICALLY REDUCES THE CAR TO A NEARLY COM…

Look up ODI 10579048 at NHTSA ↗

412.9%
ODI 10620789 · 765 mi

WHILE TRYING TO PARK THE CAR IN THE PARKING LOT STRUCTURE, THE CAR ACCELERATED BEYOND CONTROL ON IT'S OWN AND HIT THE WALL HEAD ON. I WAS ALREADY IN MY PARKING SPOT AND ONLY FEW FEET AWAY WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED. THE PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS DEPLOYED AND BODY DAMAGE OCCURRED. EVERYTHING HAPPENED SO SUDDENLY, I AM NOT SURE ABOUT THE SPEED AT THE TIME OF IMPACT. *TR

Look up ODI 10620789 at NHTSA ↗

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

00.0%

No examples available for this selection.

Darker cells indicate a larger share of submitted complaints. Components overlap. This measures complaint composition, not failure probability.

Failure mileage by component

Median and middle 50% of usable owner-reported mileages. Ranges require at least five records.

Component failure mileage distribution
ComponentMileage range (25th–75th percentile)MedianUsable recordsExamples
Engine76,000–114,000 mi95,000 mi70
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10615352 · 450 mi

(MY REPORT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ID 10552403) THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR ~2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. WHEN IT HAPPENS, I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND AT ALL FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AS INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER CAUSES THE CAR TO HESIT…

Look up ODI 10615352 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10778126 · 35,000 mi

OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST SPRING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY (REGULAR, NOT HYBRID) SO WE HAD THAT REPLACED (OUT OF WARRANTY - WE PAID FOR THAT). THIS PAST AUGUST, THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN - THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, AND THEY PERFORMED AN UPDATE (COVERED BY WARRANTY). WE HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN, AS WELL AS TH…

Look up ODI 10778126 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System66,000–115,000 mi98,750 mi16
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10778126 · 35,000 mi

OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST SPRING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY (REGULAR, NOT HYBRID) SO WE HAD THAT REPLACED (OUT OF WARRANTY - WE PAID FOR THAT). THIS PAST AUGUST, THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN - THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, AND THEY PERFORMED AN UPDATE (COVERED BY WARRANTY). WE HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN, AS WELL AS TH…

Look up ODI 10778126 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

Look up ODI 10967262 at NHTSA ↗

Power Train32,000–99,500 mi86,000 mi9
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10683616 · 18,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR RANDOMLY HAS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE ACTION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR WILL COAST OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY BE MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LEAVES ME EXPOSED TO GETTING HIT ON A FREQUENT, BUT IRREGULAR BASIS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CAR CAN ALSO HAVE JERKY MOTIONS AND LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, POSING A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND CARS NEARBY. *TR

Look up ODI 10683616 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10852501 · 86,000 mi

APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED DOWNSHIFTING. AS IT WENT THROUGH EACH GEAR THERE WAS A SHORT PAUSE FOLLOWED BY A JERKING CAR MOTION. ACCELERATING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV LIKE THE CLUTCH WAS OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION. AS I WAS ON A BUSY STATE HIGHWAY, THIS PUT ME IN DANGER OF BEING HIT. I MANAGED TO PULL MY CAR ONTO A SIDE STREET, AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO BEHAVE IN THIS MANNER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH, OR ANY SORT OF INDICATION THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I PU…

Look up ODI 10852501 at NHTSA ↗

Steering42,997–88,750 mi72,000 mi8
ODI 10498354 · 50 mi

SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR, AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS LEFT AND RIGHT CONSTANTLY AND YOU HAVE TO USE TWO HANDS ON STEERING WHEEL JUST TO KEEP THE VEHICLE STRAIGHT AND FROM PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT. LESS NOTICEABLE IN CITY DRIVING BUT STILL DRIFTS. BROUGHT IT TWICE TO THE DEALER AND TECH DROVE IT AND TOLD ME ALIGNMENT IS WITHIN SPECS AND IT WAS FINE I JUST NEED TO GET USED TO IT. THIS IS VERY UNNERVING AND DANGEROUS. HOPE THE LEMON LAW WILL HELP ME. *TR

Look up ODI 10498354 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10638311 · 21,988 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

Look up ODI 10638311 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10845692 · 50,000 mi

BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2012 FROM FUCCILLO KIA IN CAPE CORAL, FLORIDA FOR MY WIFE. SHE NOTICED THE VERY SLIGHT "CLUNKING" NOISE IN 2014 WITH ABOUT 50K MILES ON IT AND DIDN'T THINK IT WAS MUCH OF A PROBLEM. IT GRADUALLY BECAME VERY, VERY LOUD AND SHE COULD NOW FEEL THE CONSTANT "CLUNKING" WHEN TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL OR HITTING SMALL IMPERFECTIONS IN THE ROAD. SHE BROUGHT IT TO MY ATTENTION AT ABOUT 65K MILES AND AFTER RESEARCHING THE NOISE ON THE INTERNET I FOUND THIS PROBLEM HAS BEEN OCCURRING IN THOUSANDS OF KIA AND HYUNDAI VEHICLES FROM 201…

Look up ODI 10845692 at NHTSA ↗

Unknown Or Other43,544–113,000 mi80,000 mi7
ODI 10638311 · 21,988 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

Look up ODI 10638311 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10944010 · 80,000 mi

THE ENGINE SHIFTS REALLY HARD AND MY CAR WILL SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TODAY WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL OF MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE CAR AND ONE ADVISED ME TO STOP THE CAR AND DO NOT DRIVE. *TR

Look up ODI 10944010 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11032990 · 65,099 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION, WOUL D NOT GO FASTER THEN 15 MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE THEN GAVE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, PLEASE PULL OVER AND TURN OFF VEHICLE." THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH A USED ONE, REPLACED THE HYPER-TRANSMISSION? AND THE BATTERY. DEALER HAS IGNORED REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & ITEMIZATION OR INVOICE FOR THE ALLEGED REPAIRS AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT ORIGINALLY ONLY AUTHORIZED $3851.50 FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE OTHER TROUBLES WE…

Look up ODI 11032990 at NHTSA ↗

Service Brakes33,000–80,000 mi35,000 mi5
ODI 10537233 · 2,000 mi

I HAVE HAD 2 ISSUES: MY UVO SYSTEM HAS MALFUNCTIONED MULTIPLE TIMES AND MY SYSTEM IS GOING TO BE REPLACED AGAIN TODAY. I HAVE HAD BRAKE ISSUES, MY MASTER CYLINDER WAS REPLACED AND ITS GOING BACK IN TODAY FOR BRAKES. NOW MY CAR IS PULLING TO THE LEFT! I HAVE 25,000 MILES ON THIS CAR! *TR

Look up ODI 10537233 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10650553 · 33,000 mi

KIA OPTIMA HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING NO BRAKES! UNSAFE CAR! WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS SOMEONE ELSE ON THIS SITE. OCT 16TH 2014 WE WERE PULLING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND RECEIVED A WARNING ON THE DISPLAY SAYING "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SLOW DOWN AND COME TO A STOP. CHECK BRAKES. ALSO THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND. UNLIKE A LOW PAD SOUND BUT THE SOUND OF GEARS NOT ENGAGING. ALSO THERE WERE NO BRAKES AT ALL, THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND IT WAS THE SAME ERROR…

Look up ODI 10650553 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10749549 · 35,000 mi

I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN TRAVELING 30 MPH. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN THEY WERE INITIALLY WORKING AND I WAS REDUCING SPEED, HOWEVER SUDDENLY I HEARD A VERY LOUD CRUNCHING/GRINDING NOISE AND I LOST ALL BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY. TO STOP THE VEHICLE I HAD TO PLACE THE VEHICLE IN PARK. IF A CAR WAS IN FRONT OF ME I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO IT. ADDITIONALLY, BECAUSE I LOST BRAKE FUNCTIONALITY I WENT INTO THE INTERSECTION. IF CARS WERE CROSSING THE INTERSECTION OR IF A PERSON WAS CROSSING THE STREET I WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO THEM. I TURNED …

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Service Brakes, HydraulicToo few reports for a range132,000 mi3 (sparse)
ODI 11560070 · 160,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a friend's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Look up ODI 11560070 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11571974 · 132,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that a message indicating that the Hybrid System failure was displayed. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact parked and turned off the vehicle. The con…

Look up ODI 11571974 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11629816 · 60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to drive uphill and on gravel with the Electric Drive Mode activated, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact pressed the button to deactivate the Electric Drive Mode, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA …

Look up ODI 11629816 at NHTSA ↗

Vehicle Speed Control39,000–72,000 mi42,000 mi5
ODI 10683616 · 18,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR RANDOMLY HAS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE ACTION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR WILL COAST OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY BE MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LEAVES ME EXPOSED TO GETTING HIT ON A FREQUENT, BUT IRREGULAR BASIS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CAR CAN ALSO HAVE JERKY MOTIONS AND LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, POSING A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND CARS NEARBY. *TR

Look up ODI 10683616 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10717052 · 39,000 mi

PURCHASED THE CAR USED AT 25000 MILES FROM A DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS FINE, SMOOTH FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS. DID OIL CHANGES AS USUAL. NOTICED SOME JERKING RECENTLY WHEN I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BUT DIDN'T REALLY BOTHER ME AT FIRST. THEN I NOTICED IT WAS HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. IT WOULD SOMETIMES TAKE 3+ SECONDS FOR IT TO RESPOND AND START MOVING. THE MORE I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP (BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC) IT WOULD TAKE LONGER TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATE. COUPLE DAYS AGO, I DID THE MAINTENANCE 30K SERVICE. I THOU…

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ODI 10810131 · 42,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE IN PARK AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE DOOR, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT REVERSED THE VEHICLE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE, JERK AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

Look up ODI 10810131 at NHTSA ↗

Complaint and recall timeline

Explore monthly filing activity alongside recall announcements. Up to ten years of monthly history is available.

1 reports2024-112026-10

Solid line: filed complaints. Dashed amber lines: recall announcement dates for this vehicle selection; markers include all recall components. The latest month is partial. Temporal proximity does not establish causation.

Monthly counts, recall campaigns and complaint examples
Monthly complaint and recall timeline
MonthComplaintsCampaigns announcedExamples
2024-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2024-121None
ODI 11629816 · 60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to drive uphill and on gravel with the Electric Drive Mode activated, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact pressed the button to deactivate the Electric Drive Mode, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA …

Look up ODI 11629816 at NHTSA ↗

2025-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-070None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-080None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-100None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-110None

No examples available for this selection.

2025-120None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-010None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-020None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-030None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-040None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-050None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-060None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-071None
ODI 11751228

Electriconic braking moduel with "Check Brake" indication light and"Hybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its…

Look up ODI 11751228 at NHTSA ↗

2026-081None
ODI 11757975

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while idling or while driving, the message "Hybrid Warning System - Check Brake - Stop Driving Immediately" was intermittently displayed. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repa…

Look up ODI 11757975 at NHTSA ↗

2026-090None

No examples available for this selection.

2026-10 (partial)0None

No examples available for this selection.

Emerging complaint spikes

Complete months in the latest six months with at least 10 complaints, at least twice the preceding 12-month average, and at least three square-root deviations above that average.

This is a descriptive screening rule, not a statistical defect finding. Publicity and reporting changes can increase submissions.

No complete months meet the spike thresholds for this selection.

Equal-age model-year comparison

Model-wide cumulative reports during the first three or five calendar years, starting with the model year (age 0). Only fully elapsed windows are compared.

Age 0Age 1Age 21 reports

2018: 0 complaints · 2020: 0 complaints

Equal observation windows
Model yearThrough age 0Through age 1Through age 2
2018000
2020000
Date coverage across each selected cohort
Date basis for all complaints in selected model years
YearIncident dates usedFiling date fallbacksExcluded dates
2018300
2020100

Incident date is preferred when valid and no later than filing; otherwise filing date is used. Model year approximates age. Equal observation time does not adjust for sales, distance driven or reporting delays. One complaint linked to multiple model years can appear in each cohort.

Components reported together

Each cell counts unique complaints naming both components. Open a nonzero cell for examples.

Component co-occurrence matrix
ComponentEngineElectrical SystemPower TrainSteeringUnknown Or OtherService BrakesService Brakes, HydraulicVehicle Speed Control
Engine—
11
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10778126 · 35,000 mi

OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST SPRING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY (REGULAR, NOT HYBRID) SO WE HAD THAT REPLACED (OUT OF WARRANTY - WE PAID FOR THAT). THIS PAST AUGUST, THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN - THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, AND THEY PERFORMED AN UPDATE (COVERED BY WARRANTY). WE HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN, AS WELL AS TH…

Look up ODI 10778126 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

Look up ODI 10967262 at NHTSA ↗

5
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

Look up ODI 10967262 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11152905 · 114,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO DROP OFF A FRIEND AND JUMPED ON THE HIGHWAY. EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND. I NEVER GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING STILL TO THIS DAY. I HAD IT TAKEN TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID 3 CONNECTING RODS ARE OUT AND IT HAS A CRACKED BLOCK. THEY QUOTED ME $7600 TO FIX IT. ITS BEEN 6 MONTHS AND I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITH WITH. MY INSURANCE SAID THEY CANT DO ANYTHING AND I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT I WENT OVER THE MILEAGE. I HAVE GAP…

Look up ODI 11152905 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11130766 · 100,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FAULTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CAR TRAVELING AT NO MORE THAN 55 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTREME KNOCKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THEN MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING AGAIN WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXHAUST. NOW KIA IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS NOT BEING SERVICED FOR A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID, YET NON-HYBRID KIA CARS HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. TH…

Look up ODI 11130766 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11032990 · 65,099 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION, WOUL D NOT GO FASTER THEN 15 MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE THEN GAVE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, PLEASE PULL OVER AND TURN OFF VEHICLE." THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH A USED ONE, REPLACED THE HYPER-TRANSMISSION? AND THE BATTERY. DEALER HAS IGNORED REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & ITEMIZATION OR INVOICE FOR THE ALLEGED REPAIRS AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT ORIGINALLY ONLY AUTHORIZED $3851.50 FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE OTHER TROUBLES WE…

Look up ODI 11032990 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11130766 · 100,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FAULTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CAR TRAVELING AT NO MORE THAN 55 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTREME KNOCKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THEN MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING AGAIN WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXHAUST. NOW KIA IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS NOT BEING SERVICED FOR A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID, YET NON-HYBRID KIA CARS HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. TH…

Look up ODI 11130766 at NHTSA ↗

0
1
ODI 11591281

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated the engine was previously replaced under an unstated NHTSA recall. The contact stated that five months after the repair, the malfunction indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the replaced engine was defective and affected the high hybrid battery. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ma…

Look up ODI 11591281 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11080235 · 72,000 mi

BOUGHT A USED 2012 KIA OPTIMA FROM A KIA DEALERSHIP ON 1/12/18. I DID NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FROM 1/13/2018 - 1/19/18. STARTED DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND 5 (FIVE) DAYS LATER, ON 1/23/18 THE VEHICLE BLEW A ROD IN THE ENGINE. AFTER SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS AT HAVING THE DEALERSHIP FIX THE ISSUE AT THEIR EXPENSE, I WAS GETTING NOWHERE. I CONTACTED KIA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY ASSISTED ME WITH COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND GETTING THE ENGINE REBUILT (AS A GOODWILL BY THE DEALERSHIP). HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 1/25/18; THEY…

Look up ODI 11080235 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11099236 · 84,000 mi

NHTSA RECALL 17V224000 MY 2012 KIA WAS SUPPOSEDLY NOT IN THIS RECALL BUT MY CAR BEARINGS ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ARE ALREADY WEARING OUT PREMATURELY AT 84000 MILES . THE CAR WILL LOSE OIL PRESSURE AND KNOCK (BEARING) BLOW WHITE SMOKE AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND ONCE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHERE CAR DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE BUT THEY CLAIM THEY CAN NOT SEE THE SERVICE RECORDS AND WILL NOT COVER UNDER PURCHASED WARRANTY WITHOUT …

Look up ODI 11099236 at NHTSA ↗

Electrical System
11
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10778126 · 35,000 mi

OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST SPRING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY (REGULAR, NOT HYBRID) SO WE HAD THAT REPLACED (OUT OF WARRANTY - WE PAID FOR THAT). THIS PAST AUGUST, THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN - THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, AND THEY PERFORMED AN UPDATE (COVERED BY WARRANTY). WE HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN, AS WELL AS TH…

Look up ODI 10778126 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

Look up ODI 10967262 at NHTSA ↗

—
4
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

Look up ODI 10552403 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

Look up ODI 10967262 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11197287 · 103,000 mi

THE HYBRID SYSTEM BROKE DOWN AT 85K. WAS REPLACED BY KIA AFTER THREATENING LEGAL ACTION. AT 103K. WE NEVER MISSED MAINTENANCE OR A OIL CHANGE. THE ENGINE THROUGH A ROD ON A 5 LANE INTERSTATE DOING 65MPH, BLOWING AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. PUTTING MY FAMILY OF 5 AT SERIOUS RISK. KIA WANTS 4500K OR 8000K TO REPLACE THE FAULTY ENGINE. OPTIMA ENGINES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT REASON. THE OPTIMA HYBRID ENGINES WERE NOT RECALLED DESPITE SUFFERING THE SAME FAILURES AS NORMAL OPTIMA ENGINES. JOINING THE CLASS ACTION.

Look up ODI 11197287 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11202947 · 103,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A DISK INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR FLAP SYSTEM SENSOR AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CASEY KIA (LOCATED AT 11999 JEFFERSON AVE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606, [phone removed]) AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SC…

Look up ODI 11202947 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11100567 · 140,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING AT 45 MILES PER HOUR IN ALL SUDDEN MY CAR SHUTS OFF AND SAYS HYBRID SAFETY ISSUE CHECK BREAK. THE CAR SHUT OFF ON ME AND MY BRAKE WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND I COULD NOT STOP. SO I RAN INTO A FIELD THANK GOD THAT WAS RIGHT THERE AND I HAD MY FOUR YEAR OLD KIDS IN THE CAR. I TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL STARTED DRIVING IT DID IT AGAIN AND MY BRAKE WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND SAID THE SAME THING. I HAVE SAW FOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. IT IS IN THE DEALERSHIP I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS YET BUT THIS SCAR…

Look up ODI 11100567 at NHTSA ↗

1
ODI 11101949 · 140,000 mi

TODAY I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY FOR THE BRAKES FAILING IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THE MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THEY LET ME LEAVE WITH IT I WAS IN LAKE WORTH TODAY DOING 45 MILES PER HOUR AND IT DID IT AGAIN AND SAID CHECK BRAKE CAR SHUT OFF MY BRAKES FAILED AND I RAN INTO A MEDIAN TO STOP MY CAR. KIA CORPORATION IS NOT DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS THE DEALERSHIP DOES HE EVEN HAVE AN ANSWER FOR ME AND THAT IS GUNTHER KIA. I BELIEVE THAT I AM GOING…

Look up ODI 11101949 at NHTSA ↗

2
ODI 11629816 · 60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to drive uphill and on gravel with the Electric Drive Mode activated, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact pressed the button to deactivate the Electric Drive Mode, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA …

Look up ODI 11629816 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11757975

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while idling or while driving, the message "Hybrid Warning System - Check Brake - Stop Driving Immediately" was intermittently displayed. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repa…

Look up ODI 11757975 at NHTSA ↗

0
Power Train
5
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

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ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

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ODI 11152905 · 114,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING TO DROP OFF A FRIEND AND JUMPED ON THE HIGHWAY. EVERYTHING WAS FINE UNTIL I STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY AND HEARD A KNOCKING SOUND. I NEVER GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR ANYTHING STILL TO THIS DAY. I HAD IT TAKEN TO THE NEAREST KIA DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID 3 CONNECTING RODS ARE OUT AND IT HAS A CRACKED BLOCK. THEY QUOTED ME $7600 TO FIX IT. ITS BEEN 6 MONTHS AND I HAVENT BEEN ABLE TO DO ANYTHING WITH WITH. MY INSURANCE SAID THEY CANT DO ANYTHING AND I HAD AN EXTENDED WARRANTY BUT I WENT OVER THE MILEAGE. I HAVE GAP…

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4
ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

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ODI 10967262 · 99,500 mi

THE ORANGE SQUARE WRENCH LIGHT ON THE DASHBOARD CAME ON BUT AS SOON AS THE CAR WAS TURNED OFF WOULD GO AWAY. NO TROUBLE CODES SHOWED UP. IT HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN A WEEK SO ONCE IT POPPED ON, WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO DIAGNOSE WHILE IT WAS STILL RUNNING. WHILE DRIVING THERE, THE CAR HAD VERY LITTLE POWER-MAKING THE LEFT TURN INTO THE DEALERSHIP (CROSSING HEAVY ONCOMING TRAFFIC) WAS SCARY SINCE THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND THE VEHICLE WAS BARELY MOVING. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE DRIVE MOTOR TEMP SENSOR IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM WAS GOING OUT AND TH…

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ODI 11197287 · 103,000 mi

THE HYBRID SYSTEM BROKE DOWN AT 85K. WAS REPLACED BY KIA AFTER THREATENING LEGAL ACTION. AT 103K. WE NEVER MISSED MAINTENANCE OR A OIL CHANGE. THE ENGINE THROUGH A ROD ON A 5 LANE INTERSTATE DOING 65MPH, BLOWING AND DESTROYING THE ENGINE. PUTTING MY FAMILY OF 5 AT SERIOUS RISK. KIA WANTS 4500K OR 8000K TO REPLACE THE FAULTY ENGINE. OPTIMA ENGINES WERE RECALLED FOR THIS EXACT REASON. THE OPTIMA HYBRID ENGINES WERE NOT RECALLED DESPITE SUFFERING THE SAME FAILURES AS NORMAL OPTIMA ENGINES. JOINING THE CLASS ACTION.

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1
ODI 10683616 · 18,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR RANDOMLY HAS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE ACTION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR WILL COAST OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY BE MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LEAVES ME EXPOSED TO GETTING HIT ON A FREQUENT, BUT IRREGULAR BASIS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CAR CAN ALSO HAVE JERKY MOTIONS AND LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, POSING A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND CARS NEARBY. *TR

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Steering
1
ODI 11130766 · 100,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FAULTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CAR TRAVELING AT NO MORE THAN 55 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTREME KNOCKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THEN MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING AGAIN WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXHAUST. NOW KIA IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS NOT BEING SERVICED FOR A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID, YET NON-HYBRID KIA CARS HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. TH…

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1
ODI 11202947 · 103,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CONTACT HEARD A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT A DISK INSIDE THE STEERING WHEEL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. IN ADDITION, THE AIR FLAP SYSTEM SENSOR AND CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CALLED CASEY KIA (LOCATED AT 11999 JEFFERSON AVE, NEWPORT NEWS, VA 23606, [phone removed]) AND A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT WAS SC…

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0—
2
ODI 10638311 · 21,988 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

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ODI 11130766 · 100,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FAULTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CAR TRAVELING AT NO MORE THAN 55 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTREME KNOCKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THEN MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING AGAIN WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXHAUST. NOW KIA IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS NOT BEING SERVICED FOR A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID, YET NON-HYBRID KIA CARS HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. TH…

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000
Unknown Or Other
2
ODI 11032990 · 65,099 mi

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AT 35 MPH AND SUDDENLY LOST ACCELERATION, WOUL D NOT GO FASTER THEN 15 MPH FOR ABOUT 1/2 MILE THEN GAVE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILURE, PLEASE PULL OVER AND TURN OFF VEHICLE." THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT SAYS THEY HAVE REPLACED THE ENGINE WITH A USED ONE, REPLACED THE HYPER-TRANSMISSION? AND THE BATTERY. DEALER HAS IGNORED REQUESTS FOR FURTHER INFORMATION & ITEMIZATION OR INVOICE FOR THE ALLEGED REPAIRS AND THE EXTENDED SERVICE CONTRACT ORIGINALLY ONLY AUTHORIZED $3851.50 FOR ENGINE REPLACEMENT. THE OTHER TROUBLES WE…

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ODI 11130766 · 100,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FAULTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CAR TRAVELING AT NO MORE THAN 55 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTREME KNOCKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THEN MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING AGAIN WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXHAUST. NOW KIA IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS NOT BEING SERVICED FOR A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID, YET NON-HYBRID KIA CARS HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. TH…

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1
ODI 11100567 · 140,000 mi

I WAS DRIVING AT 45 MILES PER HOUR IN ALL SUDDEN MY CAR SHUTS OFF AND SAYS HYBRID SAFETY ISSUE CHECK BREAK. THE CAR SHUT OFF ON ME AND MY BRAKE WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND I COULD NOT STOP. SO I RAN INTO A FIELD THANK GOD THAT WAS RIGHT THERE AND I HAD MY FOUR YEAR OLD KIDS IN THE CAR. I TURN THE CAR BACK ON AND EVERYTHING WENT BACK TO NORMAL STARTED DRIVING IT DID IT AGAIN AND MY BRAKE WENT RIGHT TO THE FLOOR AND SAID THE SAME THING. I HAVE SAW FOUR OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS. IT IS IN THE DEALERSHIP I DO NOT KNOW WHAT IT IS YET BUT THIS SCAR…

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0
2
ODI 10638311 · 21,988 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

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ODI 11130766 · 100,000 mi

THIS VEHICLE IS DANGEROUS AND EXTREMELY FAULTY. I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION DUE TO THE CAR TRAVELING AT NO MORE THAN 55 MPH. IN ADDITION, THERE WAS EXTREME KNOCKING WITHIN THE STEERING WHEEL IN WHICH THE STEERING WHEEL HAD TO BE REPLACED AS WELL. THEN MY CAR STARTED DRIFTING AGAIN WITH WHITE SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND EXHAUST. NOW KIA IS SAYING THAT THE ENGINE IS FAULTY AND NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. MY CAR IS NOT BEING SERVICED FOR A RECALL ON THE ENGINE BECAUSE IT IS A HYBRID, YET NON-HYBRID KIA CARS HAVE A RECALL FOR IT. TH…

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1
ODI 11751228

Electriconic braking moduel with "Check Brake" indication light and"Hybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its…

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00
Service Brakes0
1
ODI 11101949 · 140,000 mi

TODAY I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY FOR THE BRAKES FAILING IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THE MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THEY LET ME LEAVE WITH IT I WAS IN LAKE WORTH TODAY DOING 45 MILES PER HOUR AND IT DID IT AGAIN AND SAID CHECK BRAKE CAR SHUT OFF MY BRAKES FAILED AND I RAN INTO A MEDIAN TO STOP MY CAR. KIA CORPORATION IS NOT DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS THE DEALERSHIP DOES HE EVEN HAVE AN ANSWER FOR ME AND THAT IS GUNTHER KIA. I BELIEVE THAT I AM GOING…

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00
1
ODI 11751228

Electriconic braking moduel with "Check Brake" indication light and"Hybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to do. Vehicle is reliable otherwise. Right now, its…

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—00
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
1
ODI 11591281

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated the engine was previously replaced under an unstated NHTSA recall. The contact stated that five months after the repair, the malfunction indicator warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the replaced engine was defective and affected the high hybrid battery. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V652000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic). However, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The ma…

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2
ODI 11629816 · 60,000 mi

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to drive uphill and on gravel with the Electric Drive Mode activated, the vehicle failed to move forward. The contact pressed the button to deactivate the Electric Drive Mode, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact released the accelerator pedal until the vehicle responded as needed. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. Additionally, the contact received notification of NHTSA …

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ODI 11757975

The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while idling or while driving, the message "Hybrid Warning System - Check Brake - Stop Driving Immediately" was intermittently displayed. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended, causing the braking distance to become extended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that the vehicle could not be diagnosed because the message was no longer displayed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repa…

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0000—0
Vehicle Speed Control
2
ODI 11080235 · 72,000 mi

BOUGHT A USED 2012 KIA OPTIMA FROM A KIA DEALERSHIP ON 1/12/18. I DID NOT DRIVE THIS VEHICLE FROM 1/13/2018 - 1/19/18. STARTED DRIVING THIS VEHICLE AND 5 (FIVE) DAYS LATER, ON 1/23/18 THE VEHICLE BLEW A ROD IN THE ENGINE. AFTER SEVERAL UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPTS AT HAVING THE DEALERSHIP FIX THE ISSUE AT THEIR EXPENSE, I WAS GETTING NOWHERE. I CONTACTED KIA HEADQUARTERS AND THEY ASSISTED ME WITH COMMUNICATION WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND GETTING THE ENGINE REBUILT (AS A GOODWILL BY THE DEALERSHIP). HAD THE CAR TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP ON 1/25/18; THEY…

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ODI 11099236 · 84,000 mi

NHTSA RECALL 17V224000 MY 2012 KIA WAS SUPPOSEDLY NOT IN THIS RECALL BUT MY CAR BEARINGS ACCORDING TO INDEPENDENT MECHANIC ARE ALREADY WEARING OUT PREMATURELY AT 84000 MILES . THE CAR WILL LOSE OIL PRESSURE AND KNOCK (BEARING) BLOW WHITE SMOKE AND STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF THE INTERSTATE. THIS HAPPENED ONCE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND ONCE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH WHERE CAR DECELERATED TO 30 MPH. CAR HAS ALWAYS BEEN TAKEN TO KIA DEALERSHIP FOR SERVICE BUT THEY CLAIM THEY CAN NOT SEE THE SERVICE RECORDS AND WILL NOT COVER UNDER PURCHASED WARRANTY WITHOUT …

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0
1
ODI 10683616 · 18,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR RANDOMLY HAS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE ACTION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR WILL COAST OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY BE MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LEAVES ME EXPOSED TO GETTING HIT ON A FREQUENT, BUT IRREGULAR BASIS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CAR CAN ALSO HAVE JERKY MOTIONS AND LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, POSING A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND CARS NEARBY. *TR

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0000—

Co-reporting does not establish that one component caused another concern.

Recurring narrative patterns

Specific keyword mentions beyond broad component labels. Matching includes negations and comparisons and does not confirm a diagnosis.

6 patterns with matching reports.

Warning lights and dashboard alerts

19 mentions · 17.4% of complaints

Median mileage: 118,000 mi (17 usable records).

ODI 10778126 · 35,000 mi

OUR CAR IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER FOR THE 4TH TIME FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. LAST SPRING THE ENGINE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON WITH THE MESSAGE "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING! SAFELY STOP AND DO NOT DRIVE". THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE BATTERY (REGULAR, NOT HYBRID) SO WE HAD THAT REPLACED (OUT OF WARRANTY - WE PAID FOR THAT). THIS PAST AUGUST, THE WARNING MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN - THE DEALER SAID THERE HAD BEEN A TECHNICAL BULLETIN, AND THEY PERFORMED AN UPDATE (COVERED BY WARRANTY). WE HAD THE CAR BACK FOR A FEW DAYS AND THE MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN, AS WELL AS TH…

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ODI 10852501 · 86,000 mi

APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT, THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION STARTED DOWNSHIFTING. AS IT WENT THROUGH EACH GEAR THERE WAS A SHORT PAUSE FOLLOWED BY A JERKING CAR MOTION. ACCELERATING THROUGH THE INTERSECTION, THE ENGINE STARTED TO REV LIKE THE CLUTCH WAS OUT ON THE TRANSMISSION. AS I WAS ON A BUSY STATE HIGHWAY, THIS PUT ME IN DANGER OF BEING HIT. I MANAGED TO PULL MY CAR ONTO A SIDE STREET, AND THE TRANSMISSION CONTINUED TO BEHAVE IN THIS MANNER. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ON THE DASH, OR ANY SORT OF INDICATION THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE CAR. I PU…

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ODI 10944010 · 80,000 mi

THE ENGINE SHIFTS REALLY HARD AND MY CAR WILL SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE HIGHWAY AND TODAY WHILE DRIVING SEVERAL OF MY WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON IN THE CAR AND ONE ADVISED ME TO STOP THE CAR AND DO NOT DRIVE. *TR

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Matching rule\b(warning light\w*|check engine|dashboard warning\w*|malfunction indicator)\b

Stalling or loss of power

13 mentions · 11.9% of complaints

Median mileage: 83,324 mi (13 usable records).

ODI 10552403 · 14,450 mi

THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP AT INTERSECTIONS (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR 2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSES SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS AND SCARES TO MY FAMILY, FRIENDS, AND MYSELF. THIS MORNING, I PUSHED THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DID NOT ACCELERATE/RESPOND UNTIL 2-3 SECONDS LATER. THIS IS SERIOUS AND DANGEROUS PROBLEM, WHILE PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER …

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ODI 10615352 · 450 mi

(MY REPORT IS EXACTLY THE SAME AS ID 10552403) THIS CAR SEVERELY HESITATES/STALLS AFTER COMING TO A STOP (RED LIGHTS, STOP SIGNS, YIELD SIGNS, AND ETC). CAR HESITATES/STALLS FOR ~2-3 SECONDS BEFORE ACCELERATING WHILE AT A DEAD STOP. THIS HAS CAUSED SEVERAL NEAR ACCIDENTS. WHEN IT HAPPENS, I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL TO THE FLOOR AND THE CAR DOESN'T RESPOND AT ALL FOR ABOUT 2-3 SECONDS. THIS SEEMS TO BE A SERIOUS PROBLEM WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC AS INCOMING CARS CAN CLOSE THE SAFETY GAP QUICKLY IN 2-3 SECONDS. COLD WEATHER CAUSES THE CAR TO HESIT…

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ODI 10903342 · 80,000 mi

AFTER ~20K MILES, I NOTICED A SLIGHT TAPPING/KNOCKING NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR MAINTENANCE AND ASKED ABOUT THE NOISE. THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. OVER TIME, IT GOT A BIT LOUDER BUT NOT MUCH AND EACH TIME IT WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP, THEY WOULD SAY THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. AT ~80K MILES, MY WIFE WAS TRAVELING HOME ON THE FREEWAY AT 70MPH WHEN THE ENGINE STARTED MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE (SOUNDED LIKE A ROD WAS ABOUT TO COME THROUGH THE ENGINE), LOST POWER, AND ALL OF THE LIGHTS CAME ON, WHICH …

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Matching rule\b(stall\w*|loss of power|lost power|engine shut\w* off)\b

Hard or delayed shifting

8 mentions · 7.3% of complaints

Median mileage: 64,000 mi (8 usable records).

ODI 10683616 · 18,000 mi

WHILE TRYING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR RANDOMLY HAS A 2-3 SECOND DELAY BEFORE ACTION. WHEN THE PROBLEM OCCURS, THE CAR WILL COAST OUT INTO TRAFFIC, WHICH MAY BE MOVING AT HIGH SPEEDS. THIS LEAVES ME EXPOSED TO GETTING HIT ON A FREQUENT, BUT IRREGULAR BASIS, AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THE CAR CAN ALSO HAVE JERKY MOTIONS AND LUNGES WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP ON AN INCLINE, POSING A DANGER TO PEDESTRIANS AND CARS NEARBY. *TR

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ODI 10717052 · 39,000 mi

PURCHASED THE CAR USED AT 25000 MILES FROM A DEALERSHIP. CAR WAS FINE, SMOOTH FOR ABOUT 10 MONTHS. DID OIL CHANGES AS USUAL. NOTICED SOME JERKING RECENTLY WHEN I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BUT DIDN'T REALLY BOTHER ME AT FIRST. THEN I NOTICED IT WAS HAVING TROUBLE ACCELERATING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. IT WOULD SOMETIMES TAKE 3+ SECONDS FOR IT TO RESPOND AND START MOVING. THE MORE I WOULD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP (BUMPER TO BUMPER TRAFFIC) IT WOULD TAKE LONGER TO RESPOND TO ACCELERATE. COUPLE DAYS AGO, I DID THE MAINTENANCE 30K SERVICE. I THOU…

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ODI 10810131 · 42,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WHILE IN PARK AND CRASHED INTO A GARAGE DOOR, WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE CONTACT REVERSED THE VEHICLE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK. THE CONTACT MENTIONED WHEN EXITING THE VEHICLE, IT BEGAN TO SHAKE, JERK AND ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON THREE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,000.

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Matching rule\b(hard shift\w*|rough shift\w*|delay\w* shift\w*|shift\w* hard|jerk\w*|lurch\w*)\b

Brake response concerns

4 mentions · 3.7% of complaints

Median mileage: 33,000 mi (3 usable records).

ODI 10638311 · 21,988 mi

I WAS DRIVING IN A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A LADY PULLED IN FRONT OF ME. I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES AND SWERVED TO THE RIGHT SO I WOULD AVOID HITTING HER. THE NEXT THING I KNEW I SMACKED INTO A POLE. FOR THE PAST YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW AND WHY I HAD SO MUCH DAMAGE TO MY CAR WHEN I WAS ONLY GOING 25 MPH. I FINALLY REALIZED THAT THIS HAPPENED BECAUSE I COULDN'T STOP MY CAR EVEN WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. THE ACCIDENT HAPPENED JULY 10, 2013 AND ONE YEAR LATER ON THE SAME DAY JULY 10, 2014 MY BRAKES FAILED ON MY CAR WHILE I WAS W…

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ODI 10650553 · 33,000 mi

KIA OPTIMA HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING NO BRAKES! UNSAFE CAR! WE HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM AS SOMEONE ELSE ON THIS SITE. OCT 16TH 2014 WE WERE PULLING OUT OF OUR DRIVEWAY AND RECEIVED A WARNING ON THE DISPLAY SAYING "HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING SLOW DOWN AND COME TO A STOP. CHECK BRAKES. ALSO THE BRAKE PEDAL HAD DEPRESSED ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THERE WAS A GRINDING SOUND. UNLIKE A LOW PAD SOUND BUT THE SOUND OF GEARS NOT ENGAGING. ALSO THERE WERE NO BRAKES AT ALL, THE CAR WOULDN'T STOP. WE TURNED THE CAR OFF AND THEN ON AGAIN AND IT WAS THE SAME ERROR…

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ODI 11101949 · 140,000 mi

TODAY I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP YESTERDAY FOR THE BRAKES FAILING IN THE HYBRID SYSTEM THEY TOLD ME EVERYTHING WAS FINE BUT THE MECHANIC SAID TO ME THAT WE DON'T KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON WITH THE CAR SO THEY LET ME LEAVE WITH IT I WAS IN LAKE WORTH TODAY DOING 45 MILES PER HOUR AND IT DID IT AGAIN AND SAID CHECK BRAKE CAR SHUT OFF MY BRAKES FAILED AND I RAN INTO A MEDIAN TO STOP MY CAR. KIA CORPORATION IS NOT DOING NOTHING ABOUT THIS THE DEALERSHIP DOES HE EVEN HAVE AN ANSWER FOR ME AND THAT IS GUNTHER KIA. I BELIEVE THAT I AM GOING…

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Matching rule\b(brake fail\w*|brakes fail\w*|brake pedal|braking distance|unintended braking|phantom braking)\b

Battery drain and no-start mentions

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 140,500 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 11047426 · 136,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES FROM HOME AROUND MIDNIGHT, ON A BUSY FREEWAY (I-5), GOING ABOUT 70 MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY FLASHED A WARNING ABOUT THE HYBRID BATTERY DISCHARGING AND TO PULL OVER. THEN THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. THANKFULLY WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE BEFORE GETTING HIT. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD EVERYTHING DIED INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND WE WERE LEFT IN THE DARK WAITING 2 HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND WE COULD'VE BEEN HIT OR CAUSED ANOTHER ACCIDENT…

Look up ODI 11047426 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11207083 · 145,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AROUND 45MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY MADE A RATTLING NOISE, THEN SHORTLY AFTER, MADE A LOUD SQUEALING NOISE AND THEN A SUDDEN JOLT. THE CAR SHUT DOWN AND SHOWED AN ERROR ABOUT THE HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION AND I EXPERIENCED A QUICK DROP IN SPEED AND WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. AFTER PULLING OVER, THE CAR WOULD NOT START. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND THEY WERE ABLE TO START VEHICLE, BUT IT MAKES A LOUD 'CLANKING' NOISE AND CAR VIBRATES. DEALER INFORMED THAT APPEARS A PART INSIDE ENGINE HAD FAILED AND WILL NEED COMPLETE E…

Look up ODI 11207083 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(parasitic drain|battery drain\w*|dead battery|won.t start|would not start|no.start)\b

Steering assistance concerns

2 mentions · 1.8% of complaints

Median mileage: 98,000 mi (2 usable records).

ODI 10894859 · 60,000 mi

INHERENTLY BAD ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING COUPLER. BROKEN WILE STILL RELATIVELY LOW MILAGE. MAKES A VERY BAD CLUNKING NOISE WHEN STEERING AND GOING OVER BUMPS AND CAUSES STEERING WHEEL TO WOBBLE.

Look up ODI 10894859 at NHTSA ↗

ODI 11047426 · 136,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 40 MILES FROM HOME AROUND MIDNIGHT, ON A BUSY FREEWAY (I-5), GOING ABOUT 70 MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY FLASHED A WARNING ABOUT THE HYBRID BATTERY DISCHARGING AND TO PULL OVER. THEN THE POWER STEERING WAS GONE AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. THANKFULLY WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE BEFORE GETTING HIT. AFTER ABOUT 5 MINUTES ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD EVERYTHING DIED INCLUDING THE EMERGENCY FLASHERS AND WE WERE LEFT IN THE DARK WAITING 2 HOURS FOR A TOW TRUCK. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY HAZARD AND WE COULD'VE BEEN HIT OR CAUSED ANOTHER ACCIDENT…

Look up ODI 11047426 at NHTSA ↗

Matching rule\b(power steer\w*|steering assist\w*|steering lock\w*|steering wheel lock\w*)\b