There was a serious engine recall on the Optima over several model years. Would Kia replace the engine free of charge if I were to purchase an Optima that is under the recall?

Asked by Guru9CVFQ Jun 25, 2017 at 02:08 AM about the 2014 Kia Optima SXL Turbo

Question type: General

Optima engine recall

104 Answers

310

Our 2012 Sorento is on wrecker to the dealership now, 2.4 Theta 2 with a rod knocking. The service advisor told me the engines are on back order and it may be a long as 3 months for repairs. Overall we are VERY SATISFIED with our Kia amd the professionalism of the service department at City Kia in Orlando. As far as buying one.... research the VIN.....THOROUGLY!!

31 people found this helpful.
1,100

I have a 2015 Kia Optima the engine is knocking I took to dealership and they said because I have 130thousand miles its not covered and they want over 6000 to repair but I can say that this car went back several times before I reached the not covered mileage very dissatisfied with kia and customer service.

110 people found this helpful.
260

If you are buying used from Kia, they would hopefully have conducted the test directed by the recall before putting the car on the lot to sell. If buying from a third-party or non-Kia dealer I would not purchase the car without the test being done as you could be taking on a host of long-term problems. My Sorento (which I LOVE, by the way) went to the dealership on Friday for recall-based testing as the check-engine light came on and it "failed" the test meaning that the engine will be replaced. If it had "passed" the warranty is extended as there is a high chance you will have future engine failure. As someone posted previously, the backorder time for replacement is long, they are estimating 2-3 months based on previous orders. They are providing a rental vehicle while I wait, and the dealership service staff has been very nice to work with so far.

26 people found this helpful.
1,650

The engine on my 2012 KIA Optima EX turbo with over 130,000 miles on it, was replaced free of charge by the KIA dealership. They paid my towing bill, provided me with a very nice sedan rental car and it only took a little over a week to get the new engine installed. The service provided by their service department was nothing short of fantastic. I had performed ALL previous maintenance at the dealership and had complete service records.

85 people found this helpful.
1,650

Additional info on the 2012 KIA OPTIMA EX turbo with engine replacement - I had undergone the recall testing and passed. The engine failed approx 9 months later.

58 people found this helpful.
400

I have a 2012 Optima EX, engine failed yesterday at 126,000. I had test done 10 months ago & passed. Kia is replacing my motor & providing me a rental car until then. They were unable to give me a length of time as the motors are on backorder.

40 people found this helpful.
300

I had the same experience with my 2014 Optima with just shy of 90k miles. Engine passed recall test approx six months prior. Car stalled entering highway. Local Kia dealer Weston has been terrific with towing, rental and overall great service. Motor is on Back order, my wait so far 5 weeks.

30 people found this helpful.
290

I just had my engine blow on my 2013 sxl September 4th 2018, i had the car modded but it only had 59k miles on it, very nice car(its my baby). I had it towed that night straight to the dealer and the next day they told me because of the recall that it will be replaced with a brand new engine( for free) and some other auxiliary parts due to the damage. I knew about the recall earlier in the year but didnt take it in, im kinda glad too. They also offered me a free rental as well. I personally did ALOT of research before buying the car and knew of Kia's past experiences with engine failures and how they treated their customers poorly with those situations. Im glad that at least in my case and a few others it seems that some and hopefully most dealerships are trying to rectify this issue generously. My wait is only 30-40 days as of now, so thats ok. I hope most people gets treated fairly with this issue, i'd like to see Kia make Kia great again, (i think im subconsciously trying to). I wish you all luck.

29 people found this helpful.
560

Is anyone having trouble with engine light coming on after engine being replaced?

56 people found this helpful.
280

my 2011 Optima engine failed at 87,XXX miles a month ago. Kia informed me they are repacking my engine at no cost to me. They also provided me with a rental car free of charge. Engine is on back order...

10 people found this helpful.
150

I own a 2013 Kia Optima ex my engine locked on sept 11th I towed it to car shop thinking I needed a started n i got the bad news then I call a Kia dealership and had it sent there after 4 days and misscommunication they gave me rental free the following week now it’s been almost two weeks and still haven’t heard from the dealership about my car

15 people found this helpful.
200

I just went through the whole ordeal of replacing an engine under the recall 120,000 mile warranty, one thing I will tell you is even if it's been checked and no fault found it doesn't mean your engine is fine, I had mine checked at a dealership after the recall, no fault sent me on my way, a few months later there was a loud hum / vibration noise at start up checked again, they thought maybe it was a loose air intake, tightened and sent me on my way, vibration persisted for a couple of weeks until the engine failed on a highway and was replaced under warranty.

20 people found this helpful.
280

follow up on my previous post: 10/2/18 engine finally came in to my local Kia dealership. replaced my engine and my starter at no cost to me. runs and sounds even better than it did before. very pleased

18 people found this helpful.
180

Was anyone charged additional expenses for replacement of other parts that were "recommended" during the engine replacement? My SA just told me that they may be contacting me with some additional repairs like radiator and heater hoses.

18 people found this helpful.
130

I was just told that my engine was replaced but the car still wouldn't start... apparently my starter is fried and that is not covered under the engine replacement. They are charging me $420.

13 people found this helpful.
150

3 days ago - Have a 2013 Optima LX with 60k miles and was travelling from Phoenix, Az to Pittsburgh, Pa. and 3 hrs into the trip engine quit. Metal in oil filter. Towed 90 miles back to Flagstaff, Kia dealership has been fantastic. Looks like brand new engine will be installed. Kia covering out of "normal" trip expenses. Will have loaner and once car repaired will be shipped back to Pittsburgh.

15 people found this helpful.
250

Our 2012's engine failed at 197,000. KIA replaced the engine free of charge and supplied a loaner. We did have to pay for a new radiator that I believe was damaged during the engine swap. I also replaced the high pressure fuel pump that is located on top of the engine. The fuel pump was the original one that dealer swapped over to the new engine.

25 people found this helpful.
1,090

I had an oil change last Friday on my 2012 Kia Optima Ed 113k miles. And the next day I was on the freeway and my oil light came on and car started slowing down and engine turned off on it’s own. Had it towed back to the shop to find out my motor has failed and they found metal in my oil. After finding out about the recall I’m having it towed there and hopefully have an easy process for a motor replacement.

31 people found this helpful.
1,090

Just an update about my engine.. turned the car in yesterday and they approved the engine replacement under the recall!!!! They put me in a rental and will let me know when my car is ready!! God is good!!!!

78 people found this helpful.
760

I have a 2015 Kia Optima EX that I purchased brand new with only 27 miles on it. I now have 72,000 miles. I went in for a regular routine oil change; my engiine is loosing oil, my car is stalling, white smoke and knocking noise. No engine light warning at all. All this happened right after i had my oil changed. Is there a recall on the 2015 Engines??

76 people found this helpful.
300

My Kia 2015 lx did the same thing! I took it to the dealer and they said their was nothing they can do. But I called Kia commissioner and they had me take my car back today, there is a system update that can mess up your barrings in your engine that the dealership did not tell me about.

27 people found this helpful.
150

My 2012 Kia Sorento broke down a couple of weeks ago. No lights came on. Towed it to my mechanic who informed me that the engine blew but there was a recall for Kia Engines. We took it in about a year ago to be tested and it passed the test, but still blew. We then towed it to the Kia dealership and the engine is covered under the extended warrenty, so I am getting a new engine at no cost to me. Also, Kia is covering my rental car costs.

15 people found this helpful.
500

Looking for answers about the same issue: My daughter has a 2013 Kia Optima Lx. She has routinely done oil changes. Had oil change done at about 85,000 miles, engine seized around 90,000. Had it towed to a mechanic, who said there was no oil in the car. We know about the engine recall for the car. My question is, when you took it to the Kia dealership to get inspeceted for the warranty claim, has anyone run into problems with not having oil in their car and Kia denying the claim?

39 people found this helpful.
1,650

Just prior to my engine failure I had mentioned to the KIA service dept that my car appeared to be losing oil. They told me that's a flag and to keep watch. After they did the oil change they instructed me NOT to top up and to bring it in if it continued to lose oil. The engine seized two months later.

12 people found this helpful.
120

2012 62 plate Optima 1.7 CDRi 1 65980 miles engine failed after being at Kia dealer for a check only got about 2 mile up the road, same issues "metal fillings" Kia and the dealer have been no help what so ever repair bill it over £4000 will not honour warranty either runs out next year. am in the UK I know that the recall is for the petrol engines 2.0 and above but does anyone on here have or had the same issue with diesel engines.

7 people found this helpful.
70

I took my 2013 Kia Optima in for engine recall and was told they needed to update the software dealing with the engine. Two weeks later while driving on the highway, engine light came on and car was put into limp mode. I "limped" the car back to the dealership and two days later they told me I needed a new engine. They immediately gave me a rental car. They guy at the rental car place said my local Kia dealer has been sending quite a few people over for the same thing and the last person had the rental for over a month. No telling how long I will have this rental.

7 people found this helpful.
60

I have a 2013 Optima Hybrid EX with 58,000 miles with a 5 year and 60,000 miles warranty. There were front end noises at 55,000 miles. So, the first week of April 2018 I took the car to the dealer. In addition to diagnosing front brakes, a control arm and a new hybrid battery, the tech found metal "chunks" in the oil. Kia told the dealer to replace the engine. Not a recall per se but one step down. They kept the car for 4 months. We would get a call every few weeks that the engine would be delivered in two or three weeks. The dealer kept the car until mid August. They installed a new short block and a re manufactured cylinder head not the "new engine" they said was ordered. Picked it up and after one more visit to have some adjustments made because it jerked at what seemed like gear shift points (this is an automatic), we brought it home. Then the mpg was not good so they told us to bring the car back for an electronic control unit upgrade. Had that done and then noticed the gas mileage was 25.3 mpg after driving 200 miles. Before April it averaged combined city/highway of 38. Back to the shop last week. We loved this car and are very disappointed that the last 7 months has been one problem after another. All under warranty but I have become friends with everybody in the service department. which is not a good comment. And, although they've loaned us cars, the loaners never have the same features that we're used to having.

6 people found this helpful.
50

My wife bought a first generation Kia Rio and it ran great 4 about 7 years and then one day with plenty of oil perfect oil in the engine as it was warming up in the morning seized up and I had to have the car wrecked out. Seems like originally that was a big problem and I'm amazed if they're still having the same issues after all these years

5 people found this helpful.
50

So I got a recall notice in October about something with the engine and took it in to the dealer and they supposedly fixed it. After that my car started acting strange but figured it was just normal usage considering I drive for Uber/lyft on the weekends. Beginning of December I get a check engine light flashing on my rpm’s Would not go past 2 so I take it to my mechanic who flashed the computer and the check engine light went away. Now on December 30 the check engine light comes back on my car and same issue all over again. I went back to the mechanic that fixed it the first time but he is having issues this time around and was not able to clear the check engine light. He informed me I would have to go to the dealership, I took it to the dealer this morning and get a phone call into the early afternoon telling me that my engine is bad and it needs to be replaced! I could not believe what they told me! Now I have a rental vehicle that They provided and they said it should be about 2 to 3 weeks before they can get it taken care of and fixed. That really sucks because it puts a big damper on my pocket Considering I cannot use the rental they gave me for Uber or Lyft. I have a 2014 Kia Sportage.

5 people found this helpful.
130

About 8 mths. ago I brought my 2014 Optima in for the recall for metal shavings in the oil. It passed inspection. On Dec 10, 2018 the engine started knocking, it had consumed all the oil with no malfunction light warning so the engine blew up. I was told Kia’s engines were built with fine metal shavings in them & the bearings held the metal, wearing out the connective rods and the (MIL) malfunction indicator lamp was recalled. My engine was replaced & car returned 1/8/2018. This morning it started knocking & stopped running again. My Kia dealership towed it in and will let me know what’s going on. I was told I have a lifetime warranty on the new engine but only if the connective rod & bearings fail.

13 people found this helpful.
90

I'm having a problem with my 2014 Kia optima ex 2.4l car sound bad when driving and will shake when stop on a traffic light on stop sign engine sounds like it's knocking and a rattling noise coming from the dashboard took it to three different Kia dealerships and they will tell me my car is fine but as a owner I know something is not right last time I received a mail from kiss for an update went to dealership and they did the update and told me car is fine and engine is ok they even told me to do the fuel injector cleaning which they said Kia recommend and they told me that could be the problem I'm having and the charge me $150 which I did but problem still remains car only have 43xxx miles on it and I bought it at 34xxx I have never driven Kia before this is the first Kia I bought I have bought Toyota Honda Benz Mazda but never had this problem with them I'm so frustrated cuz I know this dealership are playing me around and I'm not happy after reading all this review here and people talking about there Kia optima engine going bad and I also spent all night yesterday reading other reviews where people are complaining about there 2014 Kia optima going on flame I'm a father of 2 kid and I'm scared driving this car like this the one that anoid me most is dealership telling me to keep driving like that until it's get worst that's so crazy pls I need help for what to do thanks be blessed

9 people found this helpful.
470

My 2013 Kia Optima EX started shaking HORRIBLY on my way to work at 6am 12/28/18. Then it just stopped. I’ve never had any problems with my car at all. I have around 130,000 miles on it and routine maintenance. I got it towed to my mechanic and he told me my engine was failing. So I checked my recall papers called my local dealership and had it towed there 01/02/19. They didn’t even perform the test. They told me they got it started and they heard the horrible knocking sound so they are replacing my engine at no cost and gave me a rental as well. They gave me an estimate of 4weeks to 3 months of when it will be done. They said I will have my rental until the job is completed. The only problem I have is that my rental is a Kia Rio. Significantly smaller than my car and is a hassle for the type of job I have. Other than that everything has been stress free. I’m dealing with the Kia in Warwick RI. I hope this helps someone with questions.

23 people found this helpful.
470

Update. Got the call my car is finished. So it’s been less than two weeks. Will post if I see anything wrong with it after getting the new engine.

23 people found this helpful.
150

I called Kia and found I have 5 open recalls on my Kia Optima lx, took car in for service at Kia and later that day they called to say they have one more to clear which was the engine recall, so they gave me a loaner. The next day no call so I started to wonder if something was wrong. The 3rd day I get a call and they tell me that the engine motor mounts are failing and because I’m the second owner I don’t have warranty on the car and I would have to pay for it before they can submit the engine recall (they said it’s not apart of the recall) they gave me the option and told me that it is pricey but the car is dangerous to drive around with that failing. It really left me no choice but to have it fixed for my kids safety I would not wanna be in a major car accident with a 7yr old n 8 mth old:/ so it’s going to cost me $1000 for that. The guy told me that once that’s fixed they can submit the test and it’s either a pass or fail.. if approved I may be able to have a brand new engine replaced and that would be covered under the recall... I just don’t get y I have to pay for them to fix the motor mounts if I’m possibly getting a new engine ???

15 people found this helpful.
1,650

I had my engine replaced (at no charge) and a few months later I started hearing a weird sound. Took my car in and they told me I needed new engine mounts. They JUST put in a new engine -- you think they would have noticed the mounts failing??? Cost me $1000. Anyone else have this happen?

10 people found this helpful.
90

My motor failed on the highway. I got a rental for a month my car was returned to me however they never put the new motor in the car at all

9 people found this helpful.
90

my engine went on first day of holiday stuck in the rockies for 7 hrs with barely a signal on my cell phone. had to stand in the right place for service. 2 tows to calgary. engine was replaced in a week probably because i am from BC. they rented me a toyota yais.... now 6 months later my engine light goes on....they say my timing may need to be replaced?? do they not have to take this all off to replace motor?where are our warranty's on the replaced motors?too many fails i have read on this report

9 people found this helpful.
120

I have a 2011 KIA Optima EX which I purchased in 2015 from a used car lot. My engine passed the test which was done in Dec. 2017. Fast forward to Jan 2019....my car has 104,000 miles and it has burned oil up in under 2,000 miles after oil change. Had KIA perform last oil change and document low oil before the oil change...and contacted them 4 weeks after to bring it in and show the car had no oil. Had I not brought it in...that engine would have seized. I had no knocking either, no dash lights. Just burning oil very fast. KIA approved my engine replacement and I'm in a rental provided by KIA.

12 people found this helpful.
30

My 2014 sxl turbo 86,000 miles has the same vibration during acceleration and sometimes when I am at idle in gear it drops to 500rpm. I took it in to be diagnosed at dealership and they stated that they couldn’t diagnose the problem because I have too many mods. I have a K&N intake, add 1 oil catch can, blow off sound plate, and racing plugs. All other mods are suspension and breaking system which won’t cause the issue I am having. Paid $149.00 to find out their “techs” couldn’t figure anything out unless it throws a trouble code. Can a certified mechanic perform the diagnostic and if he finds a manufacturer issue, perform the repair and the manufacturer reimburse me

3 people found this helpful.
210

Apparently if youre the 2nd owner of the car the warranty doesnt apply to you. I JUST bought the car, a 2011 Kia Optima, less than a year ago and it has less than 100,000 miles. Insane that this is a known issue and as a first time KIA owner, they wont do ANYTHING for me. Told me to replace the engine at my cost. Will never buy Kia again.

21 people found this helpful.
150

Kaity, My Kia Optima EX (2011) was purchased used in 2015. I was definitely not the first owner. My engine recently was replaced my KIA at no cost. I just got my vehicle back two weeks ago. It took them 3 weeks to complete. My mileage was at 104,000 at that time.

15 people found this helpful.
30

I had a inspection in Dec 2018. They also fixed the recall on my Kia Optima 2016 28 thousand miles only. Well three weeks later my car would barely run on the highway. I called they towed the car and 2wks later said kia said to replace the engine. Well ive been waiting for 6wks now and I still don't have my car. They have rented me a car and every few weeks I call so they can extend the rental. Now they say they are waiting for parts to come in. I am getting new engine. Im hoping my car is done soon. Ive been waiting since jan 24th. If I have any issues once my car is completed I will not be paying a dime!! Again I only have 28thousand miles on the car and brought It brand new in 2017.

3 people found this helpful.
50

i have to get my engine replaced they have had my car for one week, can someone that has went through this tell me how long they had your car for engine recall

5 people found this helpful.
40

I have a 2013 Kia Sorento that had the oil changed 2 weeks ago. They replaced the engine at 60,000 miles due to a recall. It started making a weird noise 2 days ago, and now I’m concerned it’s a head gasket. Will Kia fix this for free, since they recently replaced the engine?? Slightly freaking here.

4 people found this helpful.
90

I was driving home and when I was 60 miles from my house, in traffic on the interstate traveling at about 55mph, I went to accelerate to pass another car and my car completely died. I pulled to the side of the road and all lights were on on the dash but my car wouldn’t even try to start. It was locked up. Then smoke started billowing from under the engine. We checked the oil and there was oil but just on the very tip of the dipstick. I just had my oil changed 2 months ago so there was no reason for it to be low. We had to have it towed to a nearby mechanic who won’t be open until Monday (it broke down on Friday). My husband checked the alternator etc. and it is all good. A couple of weeks ago while at a stoplight my car “hesitated” when I pushed the gas pedal. And a few weeks ago my engine light came on but then went off by itself. Has anyone that had their engine replaced free by Kia had the same experience? I am so nervous as to what the problem is. I work out of town so I need my car to be able to keep my job and I definitely don’t have thousands of dollars to put in this car that I still owe $12,000 on. I have already spent $100 on towing it 13 miles to the mechanic. I have a 2012 Kia Optima LX. I had it checked for the engine recall about 5 months ago and they said it was fine. This is very disappointing considering I bought this Kia Optima strictly because my last Optima (2006.5) had 324,000 miles on it when the front end got ripped off of it and it still drove. The only thing I ever replaced on it (other than brake pads and light bulbs) was the alternator at about 250,000 miles.

8 people found this helpful.
30

Heather call dealer kia and the will need see you car for diagnostic....sounds like you have Problem with the machine....Have mine kia optima2012 in reparación in dealer kia for free w/124000 miles ...dont let the machanic work on it fiesta call dealer kia..

3 people found this helpful.
40

My 2014 Kia Optima (I'm 2nd owner) would buck and hesitate passing - right off the lot. It had been to the shop several times for Misfire #2. I was quite alarmed when I had new tires put on - the tech said there was no oil on the dipstick and filled it up. Took it to dealership again and again for misfire codes and oil (turbo feed leak repaired). Optima 'passed' the recall inspection but within a few weeks, car would barely start or run and I had to limp it back to shop with kids in the snow! Dealer said burnt valve #2 or cylinder walls scratched or something - in order to get new engine. So it's now been in the shop for over 3 months for this engine replacement. They did get me a rental but they call every few weeks wanting their car back. This car has been unavailable fir my use for at least 90 full days total.

4 people found this helpful.
30

I am second owner of a 2016 optima ex. Same thing loud noise car knocking stalled out had it towed to a local shop they call me amd say send it to kia it needs a new engine they have to do that. These models arent on the recall list yet

3 people found this helpful.
70

What kind of warranty goes KIA provide on a new engine. Mine is being installed this week?

7 people found this helpful.
30

kia approved a motor for me then took it back after having my car dealership 3 months ,I have in writting that my motor ,I was told while my car waited they got an update and a harness would fix my car I call bullshit

3 people found this helpful.
50

I just got mine back Friday after 3 months being gone....2016 Kia Optima, we also said Bullshit....I believe I am going to get me a Toyota

5 people found this helpful.
60

I am in South Africa, my Kia Optima started to have the knocking noise from the engine, and it was towed to the dealership. Thanks to all these messages because is South Africa there was no recall of the Kia Optima's. The dealer wanted me to pay for the new engine, however after I saw all these messages about the Optima issues, I then told them the engine knocking is the common issue, which other countries decided to recall the cars. I have submitted a claim and it has been more than two weeks without any confirmation if they will replace my engine or not. I am so upset that they never recalled the Optima's in South Africa, while they know very well that the engine has problems. I am now involving my lawyers for the claim as I have no car to use.

6 people found this helpful.
20

i have a 2014 KIA optima lx and i was headed to the mall knowing that there was oil in the engine the day before i was going up a hill and experienced a knocking i knew what it was but i was hoping it wasn't what i thought i pulled off at the nearest gas station checked the oil there was none in it i put four quarts of oil in and tried to limp it home i stopped at a stop light and it quit and i knew i could not make it now it is at the local kia dealer and they are replacing the engine for free because of the recal this car has 103,000 miles on it and thats the only problem ive had out of it.

2 people found this helpful.
50

I have a 2011 Kia Optima with 130,053 miles on it and the engine went on it when I was on my way home from work 3 weeks ago..... Hoping it covered like the others...

5 people found this helpful.
150

I would not bye kia, we had the car back too dealer for oil consumption four times, they tell us the motor is junk and they order a New motor, two weeks go by and they tell us the motor is on back order, Now they tell us the head is out getting repaired and they are waiting on parts to fix the motor, Now what happen to the New motor that they are replacing ????? Its time for everyone to get together and start a class action law suit , that is the only chance we have to get something out of kia,

15 people found this helpful.
20

We replaced are engine 2 months ago ever since then the engine light comes on they charged us 500 $ for a e vap canister 2 days later engine light comes on now there droping gas tank .I believe me engine is not compatible with car and no warranty on new engine we need to do something about kia

2 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 2013 KIA Optima 138k miles on it. Two weeks ago, on vacation the pinging started as we headed up the hill to Yosemite and lost power. Had AAA tow the car to the closest dealer. They gave me a rental car, nice car and I just go the call that my car and new engine are done and heading out to pick up my car. I love this car it has worked great for me, but concerned about a new engine and how that is going to work. I see people are having an issue with the engine light coming on, but....

7 people found this helpful.
40

2011 Kia Optima turbo .... eight years old, near 100,000 klm. Kia service has no idea what is wrong ... car stopped dead on the city street several weeks ago. The Kia service wants to 'try' a starter ... as the engine turns over! That is about $700 with labour, BUT if that doesn't work, we still have to pay for them to 'try' to figure out what is wrong. Still in talks with them ... not feeling good about Kia ... we have two Kia's now, owned four others.

4 people found this helpful.
10

Have a 2015 Kia Optima, purchased used in 2017 with 19,000 miles. Now approaching the 30,000 mile check up, and note that there are may more items on this check than any others, and the quoted cost is in the neighborhood of $300.00. Are there specific components that are prone to failure at 30,000 miles? I live in Pennsylvania where annual safety inspections are required. This includes checks of brakes, exhaust systems and an emissions check that includes fuel cap and (fuel vapor recovery etc.) which seem to be part of the 30,000-mile Kia checkup. Since the safety checkup already examines these things, should it be necessary for the dealer service department to do another redundant check, and bill a considerable amount for these items?

1 people found this helpful.
90

I have a 2014 Optima Ex my car pasted the test 75k miles ago and now at 114k miles the engine went out on my daughter during a road trip. Had the car towed 115 miles to the nearest kia. They had the car 45 minutes and came back and said that the engine was no good. They were out of rental cars so they took her next door to Toyota and they gave her a 2019 Toyota Camry loaner. I spoke with the service rep and he said it will be 2 weeks to several months depending on how long it takes to get the replacement engine as they have been on back order. I will update once we have the car back from the dealership.

7 people found this helpful.
240

I have a 2012 Optima SX Turbo. Also passed the test, also failed less than a year later with 195,000 KM (120,000 miles). No maintenance records and not serviced at Kia (because all dealers are crooked with their fairy tale maintenance requirements). The engine is being replaced free of charge, no questions asked...Kia told dealers a couple of years ago to stop pestering customers by asking for maintenance records, etc. They say they can have it done in a week. I received a letter a couple of years ago stating that the power train warranty had been increased to 200,000 km because they could not identify which vehicles were affected by this issue. I personally think they all were...just a matter of time. I wonder what would have happened if my car was over the 200,000 km limit? I have to say the Westerns Kia in Edmonton has provided amazing service! That's what makes me believe Kia can get through this and move forward with their new vehicles...they aren't trying to duck the problem!

5 people found this helpful.
90

Update to my post a few days ago. My car has been fixed and is up and running. A 4 day turn around and the engine has a 12k 12 month warranty.

1 people found this helpful.

My car has the same problem now I was on my way home on friday getting off the freeway when I heard a knocking sound..right when I heard it my car started to slow down within seconds my turn just turned off but the lights on the dash bored was still on(this was at 2am) I called a tow truck n towed it to my house becuase it was late and nothing was open I then called a close friend who is a good mechanic and he said it was my RODS ! Metal in the oil as well! But my question is do they my taggs or insurance need to be up to date ?? I've been bad with money and I'm waiting on my check to come in and some extra money ! Another question is if my car is not drivable can I tow it to the nearest kia dealership ? Or do kia have they own personal tow? Please let me know?!

90

Truillo1993k, Is it still under warranty? If so call kia and talk to them. It way be the same issue!

1 people found this helpful.
40

Trulio, Call your kia dealership. It seems that a lot of engines from 2011-2014 were affected, even ones not on this recall. When my dad's 3.8L 2013 Genesis blew a rod at 35k, the dealership was more than willing to slap a new engine in there once they saw the metal shavings in the oil.

4 people found this helpful.
240

They will replace the engine under warranty...up to 200,000 km. I was at 195,000km and they did it for me. By the way, there is no test they can do to check for a defect. They go through the motions but they don't know. They inspected mine and said it was okay...just before it seized up and had to be replaced.

7 people found this helpful.
95

Kia and Hyundai are trying to hide a major manufacturing defect which effects all the Theta ll engines. After Kia dealer inspected our car they told us the engine blew due to the timing belt slipping...we call by. We had it looked at by 2 non Kia dealers and they found metal shavings in the oil and filter. If you look around there was a kia engineer whistle blower who testified they had not properly cleaned metal shavings out of the crank case during production whick caused excess wearing on the bearings...major engine failure. We're stuck with a 2013 Kia sportage that is worthless. Never again will we buy a Kia/Hyundai product. They are lying and hiding this issue.

6 people found this helpful.
40

Mine is knocking in a 2013 SXL, 90k miles, getting engine replaced for free but my question is...are they putting the same old POS engine in it or a new updated engine that is not going to blow again in matter of time ? Any answers ?

4 people found this helpful.
240

I asked what engine they put in (I have a 2012 SX) and they said it is a new engine they have built to replace these engines...it is not the same one. I also asked if the specs are the same on the new one...they said they will match my old engine. Not so sure...the new ones have about 40 less HP so I'm thinking that's what I'm getting. Don't want to push it too hard. The new one sounds slightly different but generally feels the same.

3 people found this helpful.
100

I bought a 2013 optima ex, 116,000 miles, on July 11th, from a non-kia dealership. Everything has been going perfect....until 33 days later, driving down the road at 45mph it starts making clunking noise, engine light comes on, oil light comes on and goes into limp mode. Pulled right over. Thankfully I have towing on my insurance so had it towed to the closest kia dealership. Found out this morning it's engine failure. But I am sooooo happy with kia! They are replacing the engine under the 2017 recall (even though my optima has the orange dipstick and is logged as engine checked and passed in 2017), the replacement was approved by kia immediately, engine is ordered and they are providing a rental car...everything free of charge! I'm very impressed! If you are having issues and aren't confident in what the dealership is telling you, I strongly recommend you call Kia Consumer Assistance 1 (800) 333- 4542. They are FANTASTIC! The one snag I had was the lady at the dealership telling me "we don't do loaner cars under any circumstance ". Well that didn't sound right...it's a recall issue! So I called that number, was immediately assured they absolutely do provide loaners and the representative herself called the service dept manager and took care of it for me!

10 people found this helpful.
10

Had my engine on my 2014 optima at 90000 miles replaced free of charge. It took a month and a half to get it back. Drove it less than 2000 miles and it's doing the exact same thing again. Engine wont let me go over 35 mph check engine light flashing. They must have replaced my engine with a refurbished piece of crap.

1 people found this helpful.

My daughters 2015 optima has done the same and we just got the product improvement campaign letter! We are trying to find a way to fix but our funds are limited and shop wants over $5500 for new motor and repairs. I will call that number tomorrow!

10

Have a 2013 Optima LX and the engine seized about a week ago. Nothing wrong with it beforehand but pulled started the car at lunchtime and it made a tapping noise in the engine. Checked the oil, it was really low. Put some oil in in and drove home after work and had issues with the transmission not gearing back up after climbing a hill. Got home, parked it up and planned to get it over to the mechanic the next day. Engine started, sputtered and shut down. That was it. Got it towed, mechanic says engine was seized. No low oil light or any other tells. Will be getting in touch with Kia today to see what my options are.

1 people found this helpful.
20

2011 Kia Optima GDI 107k miles, last week while driving on the freeway in AZ the car shut down and could not press the gas or breaks had to pull over for a while. Got it home checked the oil and it wasn't low but took it to get an oil change anyways since i heard knocking. Pep Boys didn't find any issues, drove it to school the next day and a loud knocking noise like something was lose inside the engine... Yelled pepboys tech's they still couldn't find the cause recommended i take it to KIA where I bought the car. Took it in today ( haven't drove it in about a week) and Kia Said there was an engine recall but they have to get it approved ...first i have to pay a DX fee of 99$ and possibly hose of around 250$ since its not covered. They are also fixing the other 2 recalls... but the engine is not for sure. Service guys said we had to show proof of maintenance !!!!! Im confused if its a malfunction or defect in their workmanship why would our proof matter!! No rental was offered since they are diagnosing it which can take 2 days

2 people found this helpful.
240

You should call Kia directly...they will override the silly games the dealership is trying to play. Dealerships have been instructed to cover the warranty work with no questions asked.

7 people found this helpful.
40

My 2013 Kia Optima EX has 111,000 miles. My daughter was driving it on a highway this past Saturday when it shut down, suddenly and with nearly no warning. I had driven it earlier with zero problems or issues. She said that right before it died the engine light came on. Then rapidly everything shut down. We had it towed to a certified garage where eventually they determined the bearing were bad and the engine had seized up. The technician was absolute certain the engine was shot, needed to be replaced. Had it towed to the nearest KIA dealership Thursday (yesterday). Now it will take until next week sometime to learn if they will confirm the diagnosis of the original tech, and if it will receive a new engine. No loaner car yet, but I called the KIA customer service number (800-333-4542) and they started a case file and are helping me move things along a little faster!

4 people found this helpful.
20

My 2015 Kia Optima it is so nice it has a turbo engine. I just purchased my vehicle from a non Kia dealer in April and it had 47k miles at purchase date. I had the oil changed and put synthetic oil in it. Now it is 10/28/2019, and it has 52k miles on it. Coming home from the mall while sitting at the light My engine light came on along with the voice command advising me to take my vehicle to the nearest dealership, my Optima was shaking and when it was time to accelerate and drive it was hesitating, and blowing black smoke from the muffler. Luckily I made it home safely, called KIA roadside had it towed to my nearest KIA dealer" I am in Maryland" and the 1st dealership stated that it would be at least 2 weeks before they can even diagnosis it UGGGHHH!! So I had it towed to another dealership, and the diagnosed it the very next day. They said it was metal shavings in my oil, and I need an engine replacement they are going to cover the cost, it will take 1-2 weeks before my engine gets there, and they will have my car for at least 1-2 months UGGGHH! I called KIA 1-800-333-4542 to tell them and also to try and get a rental, they stated that I will have to rent my own vehicle and they will reimburse me and that takes 45 days from the time I submit my claim to be reimbursed UGGGHHHH! So I called the dealership back to see if they can give me a loaner/rental, and they stated that according to KIA Policies they cannot get me a rental until the engine arrives there which will be 1- 2 weeks. So I am assed out of transportation for another 1-2weeks hopefully. I will come back on when I get more updates to keep you guys posted! PRAY FOR ME AND WISH ME LUCK!

2 people found this helpful.

2011 kia optima... 91,000 miles... checked under recall last may... no problems detected (I think it had more to do with how backlogged they were and knew the engine could make it a few more months at least)... anyway, last monday the engine went... covered under warranty, free replacement, free rental... they called this morning - friday - and it's already finished...

30

My 2014 KIA Optima LX, just started the knocking rod sound. I remember having the recall checked the last time i went in for an oil change. Unfortunately, I also have had damage to the side of my vehicle that I'm having repaired at the body shop. I may have KIA take a look before i bring it into the body shop so I'll actually have a rental while KIA orders the new motor. I really wish they would have caught it the first time.

1 people found this helpful.
30

I have a 2013 Kia Optima SX turbo, my check engine light came on and it was flashing, took it to a mechanic to see what happened. The computer came back as showing it was a camshaft that was bad, bought it, changed it, still check engine light was on!! Driving home the car went into "limp" mode would not go over 15 mph, and was acting like it was trying to die on me, pulled over called the closest Kia dealership, they called me tow truck, free of charge, called me the next day to tell me the engine failed the test, so Kia is replacing my engine for free, and provided me with a rental. My car has 109K miles on it. The car has been in the shop for 2 days, got told it could take up to 8, hopefully. Will keep y'all updated.

3 people found this helpful.

2013 Optima, Engine dies and towed to local Mechanic who said it's seized. I was going to scrap it when he called Kia and found out about the recall. No recall on my VIN number that I could see. They're replacing the engine. Took about 2 weeks. No rental though unfortunately, and I asked a few times. Paying extra for hoses and serpentine belt replacement.

10

2013 Optima EX w 110,000. On highway and dashboard lights up and car fails. Local mechanic says its battery..replaces battery, next day same thing as car gets up to 60 mph check engine light goes on and car goes into limp mode. Have had knocking for a while now, but it seems like all this is connected. Taking to Kia tommorow to see if they will fix it under recall.

95

Kia is hiding there serious engines failures by placing the blame on poor maintenance by the customer. Our 2013 Sportage engine failed at 139,000 miles. Once towed to our mechanic he confirmed metal shavings in the oil. We have filed a complaint with the NHTSA along with many others. Looks like we're are stuck with a car that should be worth $10,000 but is now expensive yard art. We have warned friends and family about kia/hyudai poor quality and dishonest customer support. I wish you better luck than we had. We will never purchase a kia/hyudai as you can expect nothing but headaches from this company. There are thousands of engine failures.

3 people found this helpful.
50

My brothers 2012 KIA optima with 90,000 miles had engine failure 2 weeks ago and its not on the recall list anyone else not on the recall had engine failure and they replaced it for you? Hes not sure what to do.

5 people found this helpful.
20

I’m having my engine tested next Friday! Metal shavings and knocking. It has almost 104,000 miles. What inspection does the car need to go through in order to fail and receive the new engine? Because it is under the recall

2 people found this helpful.
10

My update - I went into Kia and told them I had already done the research... I needed a new engine (cocky I know), after 2 days at dealership (car was in limp mode with check engine light on after replacing battery) they called and confirmed. new engine is on the way and they are putting me in a rental. thanks for all that shared this good info here, it saved me a ton of research on my own!

1 people found this helpful.
40

Just an update ... KIA made good on it's extended warranty, replaced my engine with a brand new (not rebuilt) engine, paid for my tow and provided a free loaner car. In my original post (see GuruNZS3W about 2 months ago) I described how my 2013 Optima engine died while my daughter was driving it. Like others here, I had previously had my car's engine tested by a KIA dealer for the recall issues. It tested negative, but about 10,000 miles later, poof! My experience has been overall very positive. My dealership, Luther KIA in Bloomington, Minnesota (Minneapolis area) handled everything great from start to finish. And now my car, with about 1,800 miles on its new engine, has a new lease on life. I have really loved this car from that day I bought it, and now hope to enjoy it for many years (and miles) to come.

20

2014 kia, driving home check engine came on, it had a weird acceleration. I ran the code and got P0014, should just be a variable valve timing solenoid. Generally this is one of two things, either low on oil or dirty oil so time for oil change or a $60 part and easy fix. I noticed i had a recall notice for a computer upgrade, so i figured i'd bring it to KIA and let them look at it before i fixed it. Turns out the was the right idea, they saw the metal shavings, said its time for a new engine. With the recall, they said i have the warranty for it, just had to wait for kia to appove it. They approved it about 6 hours later, picking up a rental car tomorrow. They were great to work with, shame this happened.

2 people found this helpful.
10

Hi All, 12-21-19 - 2012 Sorento 2.4L GDI with 160K, the engine has been rattling and burning oil at 1-2 qt per 1000 miles for 6-8 months. Dealer in Frederick MD advised keeping oil up but also advised me of 2017 recall. Yesterday the car threw a rod which, as I understand it, is one of the approved reasons to replace these engines under the 2017 recall. The symptom was that the engine would run but not get above 1500 RPM which kept me below 10 mph. It would cut out, seem to stall above that. I think this is called "limp mode" from what I have read but I am not certain. At any rate, I am the happy beneficiary of the hard work of my fellow owners who complained dutifully and put together the class action lawsuit I've only just learned about. From engine failure to approval for engine replacement under extended warranty, including towing time and assessment, only about 6 hours elapsed. The engine is on order and I have been *advised* it will be 1.5-2 weeks to complete the repair which will occur over Christmas and New Year's Day. Also advised that rental (~$35/day), tow (~$117), assessment (~$149), and replacement of engine (~$6,000) to be covered/reimbursed by Kia. In response to the original question on this thread, I can't promise Kia will replace the engine in a used car with a blown engine, but there was no requirement for me to prove that I was the original owner of this vehicle, nor to provide any oil change records, however the dealership would not replace the engine preventatively, only following failure (which bugged me a bit because I'm out here trying to keep this failing engine alive while it's burning this expensive full synthetic oil and keeping me on my toes in terms of "will it fail on my 492 mile trip to the in laws for Thankgiving or 2 miles from home? Will my wife and two young kiddos find themselves stranded on an interstate while I'm away on business?") I think they'll replace your engine in a used car that is covered...if and when it fails. So FWIW at least in Frederick, MD (credit 1. Darcars Kia of Frederick 5826 Urbana Pike, Frederick, MD 21704 and 2. Kia Motors Corporation) this is now a straightforward and mostly painless operation. At this point I feel OK about Kia and will consider them for a future purchase (otherwise have loved the car). But more importantly I'd like to express my gratitude to those of you who fought to get us to the current state of affairs. From my point of view: job done. Best, Mike

1 people found this helpful.
10

'12-2.4GDI-95Kmiles Original owner, maintained, not thrashed. It took 7 days total for the dealer performed replacement. However, the service adviser stated twice that i would receive a brand new engine, but, the invoice sheet that i received says "Reman(ufactured)" engine. I think i'll be trading it in.

1 people found this helpful.
95

From all our research, Kia/Hyundai warrenty will NOT cover any warrenty or recall issues for the second owner. There are so many folks that are stuck with failed engines that have bought used. We will never buy Hyundai or Kia vehicles ever again.

30

Update from a few months ago...my Kia optima 2014 had an engine knocking sound. It also passed the earlier recall tests. Took it to dealer, they supplied a rental, and the engine was replaced in under 3 weeks. I bought my Kia used from a dealer btw and it has 115,000 miles on it.

2 people found this helpful.
10

My Kia Optima SX had 113,000 miles on it when the motor seized up 2 months after being inspected. City Kia in Orlando was very helpful and replaced my motor within about 2 weeks and a rental was given. Fast forward 13,000 miles and my second motor has seized up too. They replaced this motor as well and everything was good. Fast forward 1,200 miles and now cylinder 2 has no compression. I think I am in for a fight with them on this one because they think the fuel injectors caused the cylinder to fail but said if I paid $1300 for new injectors then it would fix that problem. I paid for new and injectors and installed them and cylinder 2 still has no compression. I will update this when the verdict is in.

1 people found this helpful.
40

My 2014 Optima with 101,400 miles just went into the shop on Monday 6-15-20. I was on the highway and lost power, the check engine light was flashing and it went into limp mode. I got it to my mechanic and he said there was no oil in it and it had the knock sensor code. He reset it and did an oil change but the next day the same thing. I did the research and made an appointment to get it into the dealer. Of course I get the new service writer who knew nothing but after a couple days its getting an engine. They said there are four other cars waiting on engines there. The problem is they are out of loaner cars and won't rent me a car. They were supposed to have one today (Friday) but an emergency came up and it didn't come back, now they are saying Monday. Not very happy with the level of service I'm getting out of them. They have yet to initiate contact with me, its been all me calling them. I'm going to call the Kia service number and see what I can get done.

1 people found this helpful.
40

Update: I got my car back after only 2.5 weeks in the shop and it's running great. The service was terrible from Schaumburg Kia though. They only called me twice, once to try and sell me on maintenance and then to tell me it was done. They never called to let me know what the problem was, never with an update and never returned my call. I had to initiate all contact with them. Also, they wanted to charge me full labor to put on a new belt when they are already being paid to put on the old belt. The advisor wouldn't budge on negotiating on the labor. I told them to put the old belt back on and I'll have my mechanic do it far cheaper even though he will have to do much more work to get it on. Never got a loaner car during the entire ordeal, just kept getting the run around from them. I did speak with Steve at Kia customer service 800-333-4542 and he was great but couldn't get them to get me a rental car. Glad to have my car back and I hope I never have to go back to the dealer again.

3 people found this helpful.
30

2012 Kia Optima EX with 148,000 miles. Engine started cutting out at 1500 RPM's and check engine light turned on. I took it to the local Kia service center and while they were testing it, the engine seized up. I had the recall for this item replaced two years ago which provided a lifetime guarantee on my engine. The Kia service center ordered a new engine and completed installation all within 4 days. Great service and no cost of any kind to me. Great Kia guarantee!

3 people found this helpful.

I Have a 2015 and they say it's not under warranty and they won't fix it said the serial number is couple off I know they switch Engine tags in the plant so they will have to rejected friends of mine have told me this so I'm without an engine and I went and bought one and then it blew up what to do

40

Does anyone know about the warranty after the engine is replaced? Is it lifetime or extended?

4 people found this helpful.

There is a class action lawsuit that states as long as you have the knock sensor update performed you will automatically get lifetime warranty for the shortblock engine. You can get a settlement if you file a claim. Paying out $12 million.

I had my 2016 Kia Sorento engine replaced after it was shaking and making horrible noises in mid Nov. 2020. The dealership was extremely behind bc of covid, gave me a rental and I finally got my car back around Jan. 1 2021. It's been 4 months and I just drove on the hwy to have my entire screen and (all electrical) turn off on the dash, power steering went out and I couldn't accelerate more then 40 mph (not that I wanted to though). Went straight to Kia and they finally got to it and called me to let me know my alternator, wire harness and water pump ($2,500) all have to be replaced at my own expense. Horrible customer service and I asked how they didn't notice any of those things were starting to go out when they replaced the engine. They said they didn't look at it.

10

Does anyone know the incidence rate on this failure? Is it inevitable, 10% likely, etc.? I have looked lots of places and have not found that information.

1 people found this helpful.

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