If the car is still driveable, keep using it until the engine fails completely. I can bet it will get fixed free through the recall. They’re just trying to make you pay before they have to replace it for free.
I learned this the hard way with my 2016 Optima, which had to have its engine replaced. I bought it at 75K miles, and it packed up at about 95K miles. Now, it runs fine, but I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop.
but I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop
Are you saying the replacement engines typically have the same problems?
Ezri said:
@Colby
but I’m just waiting for the other shoe to drop
Are you saying the replacement engines typically have the same problems?
It hasn’t failed yet, but I heard they put the same engine back in it, which aren’t even brand new—they’re refurbished. These engines are known for failing before reaching 100K miles. Just trying to prepare myself for the worst! I’m planning to check the cylinders soon to see if they still look clean.
@Colby
That’s concerning. Ours had a rebuilt engine, but I thought that meant it was checked and was in tip-top shape.
Ezri said:
@Colby
That’s concerning. Ours had a rebuilt engine, but I thought that meant it was checked and was in tip-top shape.
I hope it lasts me at least another 80K miles. Just keep up with oil changes and if you start to feel any weird shaking, get it checked out for leaks. It just feels wrong that they didn’t give you a brand new engine for the recall. I guess that’s the cheapest route for them to take.
@Colby
It’s almost unbelievable. This model must not have made any money for Kia in the long run. Our car has all sorts of issues now, and it’s been in the shop more times than any other vehicle we’ve owned.
@Ezri
I managed to get mine to run okay, but yeah, I almost ended up with a lemon as well. The Optima looks sharp, and I think their marketing has been really effective because you hardly hear about any problems until it’s too late. I’m in a love/hate relationship with mine and I wish Kia had a better reputation because I really like their cars. But this will be my last Kia unless I somehow strike it rich and can afford a Stinger.
I’ve heard even the Tellurides had these engine issues. I thought that was their premium vehicle!! 
@Colby
Well, I’ve been reading a lot about cars and with our needs, it was between the 224 hp Optima Sportswagon and the 400 hp Volvo V90 T8. The Volvo is stunning, even after years on the market, but it’s still priced twice as high as the Kia. I had high hopes since I thought Kia had fixed their engine problems. It’s disheartening because I wanted to believe in Kia’s reputation for changing course after all the issues with their vehicles.
@Ezri
The high prices on Volvos make sense when buyers know what kind of car they are paying for. I can see the reasoning behind why my decision pushed me toward the Optima as well.
Colby said:
@Ezri
The high prices on Volvos make sense when buyers know what kind of car they are paying for. I can see the reasoning behind why my decision pushed me toward the Optima as well.
…and they aren’t that reliable anymore. S/V/XC60 models are super reliable, but the S/V/XC90s have had tons of problems. So yes, you may get a more powerful, better-looking, and more comfortable vehicle, but if it isn’t going to hold up as well and runs up the costs of ownership too, then is it really worth it? A Camry wagon would have been awesome, but Toyota doesn’t make those anymore and they only started adding heated steering wheels for Norway in 2018 or so. Such a big oversight on their part.
If Kia has recommended a new engine due to oil consumption or piston ring problems, then it’s very likely that any subsequent engine failure will not be covered. That would be treated as neglect.
Abi said:
If Kia has recommended a new engine due to oil consumption or piston ring problems, then it’s very likely that any subsequent engine failure will not be covered. That would be treated as neglect.
Is it because they advised you to get it done and you didn’t? I had a major oil leak that forced me to check my intake and clean everything out roughly once a month. I can’t remember what the exact issue was, but mine was covered under warranty.
@Colby
Once Kia knows there’s an oil consumption or piston ring issue and suggests an engine replacement without receiving it, then yes, that warranty won’t apply. Exceptional neglect gets in the way.
Abi said:
@Colby
Once Kia knows there’s an oil consumption or piston ring issue and suggests an engine replacement without receiving it, then yes, that warranty won’t apply. Exceptional neglect gets in the way.
Ah, so going to the dealer may not serve me well after all. I hate how they make everything such a hassle. 
But did you get a warranty, or was that a used purchase?
Contact Kia corporate and try to work out a deal with them. Maybe they can share the cost with you.
Davin said:
But did you get a warranty, or was that a used purchase?
Contact Kia corporate and try to work out a deal with them. Maybe they can share the cost with you.
The second owner warranty typically lasts for 5 years or 60K miles.
Yeah, those cars are troubles waiting to happen.
When I bought my car, it had 48K miles, and I was barely in under the 60K mile warranty cutoff when my engine failed. Luckily, they paid for the replacement and I felt relieved, but just recently, my car was stolen, so that relief was short-lived. I loved my 2018 so much.
Exactly the same problems we had with our 2015 Kia. We had a leak in cylinder 2 and the exhaust valve. Kia’s recall wouldn’t cover it until they heard knocking sounds from the engine, which didn’t happen until about 160K km. Once the right code popped up, then they finally covered me. I suggest driving it until it breaks down and then going in under the recall.