P1326 Kia Optima: Cost to Fix and Common Culprits

Unfortunately, the P1326 code almost always tells you about a serious problem with the engine, mainly about the rod bearing issue that is going to kill the engine soon. You are lucky enough if the problem happened when the car was under warranty because the natural way to solve the issue is to replace the engine. But a lot of things should be considered first.

P1326 code highlights

• Level of urgency:Medium
• Possible culprits:Rod bearing, piston wear, connections in the engine
• Price for repair:$1,000 - $3,000
• If neglected:Engine damage
• DIY repairs:Impossible
• Can you drive?Carefully

The meaning of the P1326 code in the Optima

This code was pretty common with the GDI engines offered by Kia in many models. But the Optima appeared to be one of the most common models with this problem. Actually, the P1326 code comes from the knock sensor and it just means that the sensor has just registered abnormal knocking in the engine.

This sensor literally registers any kinds of vibrations and knocks that happen with the engine and sends the readings to the ECU. Then, the ECU decides whether the current level of vibration and knocking is still acceptable for the engine or it tells it about an abnormal thing happening in the unit. If the problem is serious, the ECU turns on the check engine light and saves the code.

Here's what happens:

• the knock sensor constantly checks for vibrations inside the engine;
• once the vibration is registered, the sensor counts the frictions and sends the data to the ECU;
• if the vibration is too hard, the ECU saves the P1326 code and turns on the check engine light;
• as the code is very serious, the check engine light may start blinking;
• this means that you better avoid driving your car and call a tow truck;
• this error code won't reset when you turn the engine off and then on again;
• you may or may not feel and hear knocking in your engine;
• if you ignore the code and keep driving, the limp mode will be activated.

In limp mode, you will not be able to rotate the engine to high RPM or develop high speed in your Optima. This mode is made to draw your attention to the problem and to avoid high RPM that could easily destroy the engine with some problem that causes knocking.

I should say that the P1326 code is pretty common for the Kia Optima 2012-2015 but I've seen this code showing up in newer cars with different engines. Almost always the check engine light starts blinking with this code and it tells you that the problem shouldn't be ignored. The majority of the problems that can trigger this code in your Kia Optima can also easily destroy the engine.

What are the common reasons for the P1326 code in the Optima?

It's quite obvious that engine knocking can be caused by faulty injectors, bad ignition coils, or poor spark plugs. Also, the wrong camshaft timing inevitably leads to severe knocking. But in your Kia Optima, it's very often caused by another issue - the rod bearing failure. I haven't seen a single Kia car that would show the P1326 code because of the faulty ignition coil or whatever.

But I've seen dozens of such cases with faulty rod bearings. The rod bearing is the metal plate that keeps the crankshaft in its place. If this bearing is faulty, it may get turned, change its position, grind the crankshaft, destroy the engine block, etc.

Here are the reasons for rod-bearing failure in your Kia Optima:

• this is a common problem for Kia Optima engines, so I believe it's the initial engineering mistake or something;
• usually, this happens when the lubrication is not efficient enough and the crankshaft rotates without the proper amount of oil on the bearings;
• the bearing then overheats and may change its position;
• once it happens, the crankshaft may get blocked or will keep rotating and grinding the other parts of the crankcase;
• such work will obviously make a lot of vibration and this will be registered by the knock sensor in the engine;
• eventually, your engine will just fall apart if you keep driving with this problem and it won't take long.

Although this is not the only reason why your Kia Optima may be showing you the P1326 code, it's one of the most common culprits. Of course, you shouldn't forget about other possible issues that are worth checking:

• the knock sensor is faulty and sends wrong readings to the ECU;
• the wiring harness is damaged and there is no connection with the knock sensor;
• the ECU is faulty and needs reprogramming because of some software glitch;
• the ECU is damaged by water or impact and now sends random codes.

Having one of these problems is much better than having a faulty rod bearing. If the rod bearing actually moved from its place, it could fatally damage the engine and the repair costs will be just unbearable.

Solving the problem with the P1326 code

Your Kia Optima will most likely need serious repair when this code is active in the ECU. Clearing the code and trying to drive further is not a very clever idea. You will need to always think about the worst possible option - rod bearing failure. And you need to act as if the rod bearing has already moved from its original place.

It means you will have to go through several common repair stages:

• Get the car to the dealership. Although Kia dealerships are usually called stealerships and they aren't cheap at all, the dealer is the best place to have the engine inspected.
• Ask if there is a lifetime warranty. Several model years of Kia Optima have a lifetime warranty for the P1326 code and the engine may be eventually replaced for free even if the standard warranty period is over.
• Ask for a proper inspection. Your dealer will use official scanners and other tools to analyze the work of the engine and to see if the problem is with some electronic part or the engine.
• Get the inspection results. If the issue is not serious, you may go to the independent shop with the inspection results and have the vehicle repaired several times cheaper than in the dealership.
• Get the engine repaired or replaced. If the problem is too serious and the repair is not possible, the dealers will offer engine replacement. You may also get a loaner car for the time of repair.
• Test-drive the vehicle before you take it from the dealer. This is important to understand that everything is working properly and there are no other codes and problems.

Unfortunately, in very many cases, when Kia Optima throws the P1326 code, it just means that one of the rod bearings is dead. While it's still possible to repair this engine, its repair will cost more or less the same amount of money as installing the new engine from Kia, so the latter option is always better.

Also, ask your dealer if the new engine comes with a warranty. As far as I'm concerned, the new engines also should come with a lifetime warranty for the P1326 code.

Can you drive when there is the P1326 code?

Not all Kia Optima drivers will have the scanner with them all the time. So, you just don't know which code triggers the check engine light. This may be the P1326 if you also hear engine knocking and the check engine light is blinking. In this case, I strongly recommend stopping the car in a safe place and never starting it again until you get some professional help.

Here's what you should do:

• stop the vehicle in the nearest safe place and turn off the engine;
• if you have the scanner or can quickly get it, check the code with the ignition on but the engine off;
• if it's the P1326 code, call a tow truck and get the vehicle to the dealership;
• follow the instructions I gave you about the solutions to this problem.

Final thoughts

It's quite obvious that your Kia Optima is a great and reliable vehicle that you most likely love. But the P1326 code may quickly change this love to hate. It's a very serious issue and if treated wrongly, it may just kill the engine and even put you in a dangerous situation on the road.

Get your car towed to the dealership and learn if your Optima has an extended warranty for the P1326 code. Even if it doesn't, have the vehicle inspected in the dealership and then decide what exactly you should do with it.