If you smell melting plastic, see smoke coming from the engine block, or have an “ABS” or “Check Engine” light on in your Kia Optima, please have the problem handled immediately. Over half a million Kia Optimas have been recalled for defective braking systems. The anti-lock brakes apparently are susceptible to catching on fire due to an electrical short.
Some vehicles might be “lemons” due to chronic brake issues, and you should always consult with a lemon law attorney about your options.
Additionally, another quarter of a million Kia Optimas made between 2013-2015 in Georgia have been recalled due to a defective hydraulic valve in the anti-lock brakes, which causes a fluid leak that can also lead to an electrical short. This particular electrical short has been known to increase the chance of the engine itself igniting into flame. Kia has knowledge of at least 23 such engine fires that have occurred.
The 2019 Kia Optima also experienced a recall of over 11,000 units due to a software glitch that is causing the braking system to fail. The recalled Optimas rolled off the assembly line between May 21, 2018, and May 29, 2019. The issue is leaving the Kia Optimas unable to slow down if they collide with a parked car. The Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is the affected component. When working properly, the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system engages and slows the vehicle. This software’s job is to detect a potential crash with a parked car. Only 2019 Optimas with 2.0 and 1.6 liter four-cylinder motors are in need of recalling.
If there is a recall affecting your Kia Optima, you can expect to receive a letter from Kia explaining the problem and inviting you to schedule a free appointment to have it fixed at any Kia dealer. Again, there is no cost to you whatsoever to take your car to the Kia dealer and have it repaired. If you fail to have the problem fixed and you experience issues with the braking system, you may not be able to seek damages from Kia. Even though none of these brake recalls have led to injury yet, that doesn’t mean that they couldn’t. Either way, Kia isn’t going to come to your house and fix the brakes in your driveway. It is your responsibility to get the car serviced right away. Be sure to schedule your appointment at the Kia dealership of your choice right away, as hundreds of other Kia owners in your area are no doubt scheduling the same appointments at the same time.
You can contact Kia directly at 800-333-4542 to ask about recall concerns. Be prepared to provide your vehicle’s VIN. You can also check for active recalls at the National Highway Traffic Safety Association’s (NHTSA) website for a full list of automobile recalls. You can actually just plug your VIN straight into the NHTSA’s website to see any recalls that may be in effect for your car. (A full and complete VIN contains a total of 17 characters.)
If Kia has failed to fix the issue with your brakes (or anything else) after multiple attempts, your car may qualify for protection under the lemon laws. To find out if your car is a lemon, fill out this form on our website to get a free case review or call 657-529-5239.
Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, known as The Lemon Law Lady, has dedicated her entire legal career to the specialized field of Lemon Law, a journey that began immediately after her
graduation from UCLA School of Law.
With a 99% success rate and a policy of no fees unless you win, her practice stands as a testament to her expertise in California’s Lemon Law, her commitment to her clients, and her unwavering dedication to justice and consumer rights.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorney Valerie G. Fernandez Campbell, personally handled over 500 lemon law cases and settlements.