2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid problems

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated and then turned off independently. The contact slowed down, and after arriving at the destination, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was potential engine failure and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine); however, the KSDS software update was not performed prior to the engine failure, which disqualified the vehicle from the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle did not qualify for the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.”

“I was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. I had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in hybrid mode. The vehicle suddenly lost all its power and a warning light came on flashing saying "check hybrid system turn off engine". I was forced to put on my emergency lights and quickly move over to the side of the freeway because the car lost so much power so quickly. It felt like the engine died and when i tried hitting the gas the vehicle would jerk. ONCE I got to a safe spot on the freeway. I called AAA to get a tow, then called the dealer to tell them. My wife and I have now checked the recalls for this car and all the customer complaints. There seems to be a similarity with the engine recall and or the hybrid electrical recall. It seems like Kia is making sure to cover its tracks with the cars so it doesn't have all the 2017 models in the recalls affecting the hybrid system as well as the defects with the engine components. There is definitely a problem. But i saw in the carfax that the vehicle was inspected a lot by KIA and that is why i would like it to…”

“I was getting on the freeway and my car suddenly just stopped accelerating. I even tried pushing the pedal to the floor and all power was gone. I was almost ran down by a 18 wheeler who must not have noticed my hazards had been switched on. A warning came on “check hybrid system. Turn off engine” When the car lost its momentum as I was pulling over and eventually came to a stop I followed the warnings directions and shut the car off since I couldn’t get any further anyways. I tried turning the car back on and then all lights and power instantly started flickering on and off and going crazy and then the warning came back on and then the whole car shut off by itself. I have been too scared to drive it since and I just got it back in October and I need a car to get to work and school and I don’t know what to do but the amount of danger this issue put me in is unsettling and cannot be overlooked. Not sure what caused the malfunction because so many different things happened at once that it was hard to tell It is available for inspection upon request A service center confirmed that there is a problem and they believe it is related to the coolant pump and hybrid…”

“KIA WON'T SERVICE THE ELECTRICAL LOSS RECALL”

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed up a steep hill, the vehicle lost motive power. The Check Hybrid System, Turn Off Engine message was displayed, and the traction control, check engine, ABS, and auto-hold warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V161000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) for the issue; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,336.”

“I took my car into the local Kia dealership after my engine failed while driving down the highway. I was approved for the engine replacement due to the recall. However after my engine was replaced, and still in the shop, the side curtain airbag module gave an error due to low voltage. Now I'm out $1200 for an item that should not fail within the first 6 years. I have had vehicles 3 times as old that did not have safety sensors or features failing. As Kia obviously has issues with airbag modules I believe my vehicle year and model should be included in this recall. Anytime there are multiple complaints for a failing safety feature on a vehicle less than 10 years old, the manufacturers should have an indepth investigation by an independent agency. These recalls should not be so narrow focused when there are many other models and years that have the same issues. Putting the responsibility on consumers to file complaints and beg for recalls to be issued seems like a backward system that is a burden to those that can't affoard to wait to MAYBE be reimbursed IF their car gets included in a recall later. When searching complaints for Kia airbags, there are several…”