| Issue ID | 950101 |
| Internal NHTSA # | 10483749 |
| Manufacurer | KIA MOTORS CORPORATION |
| Brand | KIA |
| Model | OPTIMA HYBRID |
| Model Year | 2011 |
| File date | 15/11/11 |
| Component | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
| Product type code | VEHICLE |
| Description of the problem | When applying gas pedal to pull away from a dead stop--such as a stop sign or red light---car stumbles and hesitates. At times car will not even respond when gas pedal is pushed. Push the gas pedal and nothing happens--then you push pedal a bit more and it jerks and shoots forward. Not a comfortable situation when trying to pull into traffic from a intersection. Happens virtually every time. Cold or warmed up--same problem--except a lot worse at cold start. Once above 30 mpg things smooth out--but the big danger is trying to pull out into traffic. I have been to the dealer several times. They do a re-flash or whatever--then tell me it drives normal. No fault with the dealer at all--they have been excellent really--but--can't fix the hesitation. But driving normal--that's not true. They know they have a problem with this hybrid system--there is a web page that addresses this problem---everyone has the same problem. I can't even allow a friend or one of my kids drive this car. If you don't know how the cars going to react---your open to a serious accident. I have had a camry hybrid and two prius hybrids--no problems. I know how a hybrid car should drive. This car is unsafe for the driver and other mortorists on the road. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6). |
| Vehicle Mileage at Failure | 100 |
| Number of Occurences | 1 |
| Source of the issue | NHTSA WEB SITE |
| City and State | TONAWANDA, NY |
| VIN pattern | KNAGM4AD9B5XXXXXX |
| Was vehicle invloved in a crash? | N |
| Was vehicle involved in a fire? | N |
| Was incedent reported to police? | N |
| Was medical attention required? | |
| Was part original equipment? | |
| No. of injured persons | 0 |
| No. of fatalities | 0 |
| Date of purchase | 07/08/26 |
| Was original owner? | N |
| Anti-lock brakes | N |
| Cruise control | N |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Drive train type | |
| Transmission type | |
| Vehicle speed | 20 |
| 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 |