KNOWN FAULTS · Kia

Known faults for the Kia Optima (IV).

2015–2020 · Petrol / Plug-in hybrid / Diesel

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

Engines: 2.0 GDi (Petrol) · 1.6 T-GDi (Petrol) · 1.7 / 1.6 CRDi (Diesel)

Applies if: Only with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (7DCT). Confirm the gearbox type.

Judder on the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox (7DCT)Automatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: 7-speed dry dual-clutch automatic (7DCT)
Period mentioned: Approx. 2015–2021
Symptoms: Abnormal vibration or shudder when pulling away and at low speed, especially in traffic.
Possible cause described: Dual-clutch behaviour at low speed; Hyundai and Kia issued technical bulletins with new gearbox software (anti-judder logic) and, if that is not enough, a clutch replacement.
Check for the garage: At the dealer: run the judder test with the diagnostic tool, install the latest gearbox software and replace the dual clutch only if the judder remains.
Cost cited in the source: No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Engines: 2.0 GDi Plug-in Hybrid (Plug-in hybrid)

Applies if: KBA recall 013054: Optima plug-in hybrid 2.0 GDI built from 4/12/2015 to 13/9/2018.

Connecting-rod bearings on the Theta II 2.0 and 2.4 petrol enginesEngine

Engine / equipment: 2.0 and 2.4 Theta II (MPI and GDI): Hyundai Sonata, Santa Fe and ix35; Kia Sorento, Sportage and Optima
Period mentioned: 2009–2019
Symptoms: Metallic engine knock that rises with revs, oil-pressure warning, loss of power and, in the worst case, a broken connecting rod with an oil leak and fire risk.
Possible cause described: The connecting-rod bearings wear prematurely (in the first cases because of crankshaft machining debris). In the US there were recalls and a settlement that fits the KSDS system free of charge; it monitors vibration and puts the engine into protection mode. In Germany (KBA 013054) Kia recalled the Sorento 2.4 MPI built from 11/1/2011 to 17/6/2015 and the Optima 2.0 GDI hybrid.
Check for the garage: Ask Hyundai or Kia by VIN about a campaign or KSDS update; with knocking or the oil warning, stop and do not keep driving; check the oil level often.
Cost cited in the source: Inspection and, if damaged, a new engine free of charge under the campaigns.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.