Issue ID | 1320696 |
Internal NHTSA # | 10908942 |
Manufacurer | Kia Motors America |
Brand | KIA |
Model | OPTIMA |
Model Year | 2012 |
File date | 20/09/16 |
Component | ENGINE |
Product type code | VEHICLE |
Description of the problem | While driving approximately 65 mph on a highway, the engine shut down without warning. The vehicle was coasted to the side of the road but would not restart. It was towed to a mechanic who diagnosed a catastrophic engine failure. The shop maintained that the engine seized due to apparent improper oil change. The vehicle was purchased less than 30 days prior to the event. The vehicle was subsequently towed to a kia dealership where they, too, were unable to manually turn the engine over. Kia service center removed the valve cover and found heavy sludge built up in engine causing it to fail and lock up. Kia motors of america denied claim due to lack of proper maintenance. However, hyundai sonata engines were recalled due to metallic debris in engine which restricted oil flow and presented the same manifestations of engine sludge. Kia optima sedans were built using engines manufactured at the plant cited in the hyundai recall. |
Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 96789 |
Number of Occurences | |
Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
City and State | FALLS CHURCH, VA |
VIN pattern | KNAGM4A78C5XXXXXX |
Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
Was incedent reported to police? | N |
Was medical attention required? | N |
Was part original equipment? | |
No. of injured persons | |
No. of fatalities | |
Date of purchase | 29/06/24 |
Was original owner? | N |
Anti-lock brakes | N |
Cruise control | N |
Number of cylinders | |
Drive train type | |
Transmission type | |
Vehicle speed | 65 |
DoT tire identifier | |
Tire size | |
Location of tire code | |
Type of tire failure code | |
Was defective tire repaired? | |
Date of manufacture | |
Type of child seat code | |
Type of restraint | |
Dealer's name | |
Dealer's telephone number | |
Dealer's city | |
Dealer's state code | |
Dealer's ZIP code |