2010 KIA OPTIMA

1 recalls — 99 complaints

13V114000 Apr 1, 2013
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH
Defect Description
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 201... Read more
Consequence
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead... Read more
Remedy
Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
980,377 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors Corporation

Complaint Statistics

99 total complaints 11 crashes 2 fires 9 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
POWER TRAIN24
AIR BAGS16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
ENGINE9
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4
SERVICE BRAKES4
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES3
SEAT BELTS2
STRUCTURE:BODY2
ENGINE Mar 7, 2026
Incident date: Sep 18, 2020
The engine on my 2010 Kia Optima suddenly seized without warning around 150,000 miles. The vehicle had no knocking sounds or warning signs prior to failure. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. This created a sudden loss of vehicle operation. I am concerned this may be related to t... Read more
ENGINE Mar 3, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
1.We were driving and the car just cut off. Not from the lack of fuel but cut off in the middle of traffic. (Available for inspection) 2.The car stopping in traffic running about 65 mph causes the safety of all on the highway. A very dangerous situation. 3. The problem has showed itself numerous tim... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 3, 2025
Incident date: Feb 1, 2025
1.We were driving and the car just cut off. Not from the lack of fuel but cut off in the middle of traffic. (Available for inspection) 2.The car stopping in traffic running about 65 mph causes the safety of all on the highway. A very dangerous situation. 3. The problem has showed itself numerous tim... Read more
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL Feb 2, 2025
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back. The motor start making a noise it’s been parked
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Feb 2, 2025
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back. The motor start making a noise it’s been parked
ENGINE Feb 2, 2025
Incident date: Jan 31, 2025
I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back. The motor start making a noise it’s been parked
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 20, 2023
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Car would not engage into “Park” while attempting to park car in driveway. Shifter would not engage in any gear. Tried to reset button in center console. Contacted mechanic, he towed to garage. Plastic clip connected to cable broke. Earlier Kia’s had a recall due to this issue, why not all Kia... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 20, 2023
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Car would not engage into “Park” while attempting to park car in driveway. Shifter would not engage in any gear. Tried to reset button in center console. Contacted mechanic, he towed to garage. Plastic clip connected to cable broke. Earlier Kia’s had a recall due to this issue, why not all Kia... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 20, 2023
Incident date: May 5, 2023
Car would not engage into “Park” while attempting to park car in driveway. Shifter would not engage in any gear. Tried to reset button in center console. Contacted mechanic, he towed to garage. Plastic clip connected to cable broke. Earlier Kia’s had a recall due to this issue, why not all Kia... Read more
ENGINE Sep 10, 2022
Incident date: Sep 10, 2022
Rod bearing knocking noise. Vehicle stopped running when slowing down. Car is available for inspection. No warning lights come on. The rod bearing can pierce the engine and cause oil to leak and then a fire. Problem first identified by Monroe and then another independent when the car died in front o... Read more
ENGINE May 30, 2022
Incident date: May 9, 2022
At 134000 miles car got a knock on interstate. 5 miles to next exit a loud bang. Then the knock went to a loud loud bang. Pulled over to find rod thru block. It is a 2010 kia optima with 2.4l 1 year before the recalls with exact probelm. Full of oil and coolant. Just out of the blue.
POWER TRAIN Feb 18, 2022
Incident date: Jan 7, 2022
The car lurches or jerks when slowing down or stopping at about 20 mph . Lurch or jerking is enough to jerk to the driver . Has anyone got answer to why the Kia Optima 2010 does this.
POWER TRAIN May 26, 2021
Incident date: May 26, 2021
Car has very hard downshift at low speed going from 2nd gear to 1st. Seems to be alot of these complaints and would be nice to know of a fix for this problem!
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM May 20, 2021
Incident date: Feb 17, 2021
The contact owns a 2010 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 1 mph, the vehicle started overheating then there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. Upon investigation, it was found that the radiator had a hole on the right side. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer and... Read more
Fire
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Mar 16, 2021
Incident date: Mar 16, 2021
ENGINE BLEW DOING 40-45 ON A COUNTY ROAD 1,000 RPM 5TH GEAR, IN AUTOMATIC. 2ND TO 1ST, SOFT TO HARD KICK. VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MUST BE FAULTY I HAVE TO PUMP BRAKE MORE TO SLOW THE ENGINE SPEED IT LIKES TO BOG TRYING TO SPEED UP IN AUTOMATIC MODE
ENGINE Mar 16, 2021
Incident date: Mar 16, 2021
ENGINE BLEW DOING 40-45 ON A COUNTY ROAD 1,000 RPM 5TH GEAR, IN AUTOMATIC. 2ND TO 1ST, SOFT TO HARD KICK. VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MUST BE FAULTY I HAVE TO PUMP BRAKE MORE TO SLOW THE ENGINE SPEED IT LIKES TO BOG TRYING TO SPEED UP IN AUTOMATIC MODE
AIR BAGS Jun 26, 2020
Incident date: Jun 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. GERVAIS KIA (6 INDUSTRIAL AVE, LOWELL, MA 01851, (978)454-1202) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLAC... Read more
STEERING Feb 25, 2020
Incident date: Feb 15, 2020
MY OPTIMA HAS 104,000 MILES. JUST LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, I LOST CONTROL AS THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON DURING THIS PERIOD FOR BETWEEN 5-30 SECONDS AS YOU LOOSE ALMOST ALL CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE'S STEERING. JUST AS YOUR VEHICLE GAINS POWER STEERING A... Read more
ENGINE Feb 25, 2020
Incident date: Feb 15, 2020
MY OPTIMA HAS 104,000 MILES. JUST LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, I LOST CONTROL AS THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON DURING THIS PERIOD FOR BETWEEN 5-30 SECONDS AS YOU LOOSE ALMOST ALL CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE'S STEERING. JUST AS YOUR VEHICLE GAINS POWER STEERING A... Read more
SUSPENSION Sep 30, 2019
Incident date: Nov 13, 2016
VEHICLE HAS A TERRIBLE RATTLE COMING FROM THE REAR END WHILE DRIVING AND THE VEHICLE MOVES FROM SIDE TO SIDE. NOT SURE WHAT IT IS. BOUGHT IN 2016
AIR BAGS Sep 13, 2019
Incident date: Sep 4, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON AND SAYS I NEED TO REPLACE THE AIRBAGS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. NOW AIRBAG SYSTEM IS DISENGAGED.
ENGINE Apr 11, 2019
Incident date: Mar 16, 2019
DRIVING CAR JUST SHUT OFF IN HEAVY TRAFFIC ON RD AVERAGE SPEED 40 NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON RESTARTED STALLED ALL THE WAY HOME AND HUGE KNOCKING SOUND
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 7, 2019
Incident date: Feb 6, 2019
WHEN COMING TO A STOP MY CAR SHIFTS FROM 3RD TO 2ND HER VERY ABRUPTLY. IT MAKES IT FEEL AS THOUGH I'VE SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES VERY SUDDENLY. IT ALSO DOES IT WHEN I SLOW MY CAR THEN PRESS THE GAS TO ACCELERATE SOMETIMES. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 5 TIMES SINCE FIRST PURCHASED BY MY MOTH... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Oct 29, 2018
Incident date: Apr 7, 2018
DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MAY7 ON I64 ST.CHARLES CO,MO.SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER HOOD AS I APPROACHED BRIDE OVER MISSOURI RIVER AND AS SOON AS I CROSSED BRIDGE IT WAS WORSE AND I CALLED HOME TO SAY MY CAR WAS ON FIRE AND I WAS GETTING OUT OF IT ,THEN I CALLED 911 AND POLICE AND FIRE DEPT FROM FROM COTTLE... Read more
Fire
AIR BAGS Jul 18, 2018
Incident date: Dec 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FO... Read more
Crash 1 injured
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Jul 18, 2018
Incident date: Dec 23, 2017
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER HAD TO TURN OFF THE VEHICLE IN ORDER FO... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Mar 14, 2018
Incident date: Mar 3, 2018
THE PASSAGE SEAT AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON STEADY CODE STORED B1448 OCS MAT IS DEFECTIVE CAR WAS PARKED IN YARD
POWER TRAIN Feb 8, 2018
Incident date: Feb 1, 2018
TAKATA RECALL - HARD DOWNSHIFT FROM 2ND TO 1ST, USUALLY AROUND THE 20MPH MARK! IT'S A SUDDEN JERK AS IF IT HAS BEEN SLAMMED INTO A A LOWER GEAR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL Feb 3, 2018
Incident date: Feb 3, 2018
VEHICLE JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AT ABOUT 20 MPH.
POWER TRAIN Feb 3, 2018
Incident date: Feb 3, 2018
VEHICLE JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AT ABOUT 20 MPH.
POWER TRAIN Nov 19, 2017
Incident date: Sep 4, 2017
TAKATA RECALL TRANSMISSION HAS A GRINDING AND WHINING NOISE!! BUT TRANSMISSION SHIFT GEAR SMOOTHLY. THESE NOISE WORSE AT COLD CONDITION AND TURN TO THE LEFT, AND PASSING OVER SPEEDBUMP. AS I HEARD IN THE SOUTH KOREA, THIS IS COMMON OFTEN REPORTED BY DRIVERS WHO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE. I AM TRYING T... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 23, 2017
Incident date: Jun 3, 2016
THE IGNITION WANT TURN ALL TO WAY OFF I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND ON 2 OR 3 TIMES BEFORE IT WILL TURN COMPLETELY OFF SO I CAN REMOTELY LOCK THE DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR ACTUATOR WORK WHEN IT GET READY I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH KEY AND MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Dec 12, 2016
Incident date: Jun 20, 2015
AIR BAG LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF DEALER RESET BUT CAME BACK ON SOON AFTERWARDS. ANOTHER DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND PART WAS OVER $1000. MULTIPLE DEAD CAR BATTERIES DUE TO RUNNING LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF AFTER YOU PARK THE CAR. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WO... Read more
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Dec 12, 2016
Incident date: Jun 20, 2015
AIR BAG LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF DEALER RESET BUT CAME BACK ON SOON AFTERWARDS. ANOTHER DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND PART WAS OVER $1000. MULTIPLE DEAD CAR BATTERIES DUE TO RUNNING LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF AFTER YOU PARK THE CAR. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WO... Read more
AIR BAGS Dec 12, 2016
Incident date: Jun 20, 2015
AIR BAG LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OFF DEALER RESET BUT CAME BACK ON SOON AFTERWARDS. ANOTHER DEALER SAID IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND PART WAS OVER $1000. MULTIPLE DEAD CAR BATTERIES DUE TO RUNNING LIGHTS NOT TURNING OFF AFTER YOU PARK THE CAR. PLEASE FOR THE LOVE OF EVERYTHING GOOD IN THIS WO... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 9, 2016
Incident date: Dec 6, 2016
WHEN ACCELERATING OR SLOWING DOWN MY VEHICLE JERK EVEN WHEN I'M ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SET IT WILL DO THE SAME THING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO OR IF THERE IS ANY KIND OF RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE IT AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I HAVE SEEN MULTI... Read more
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM Dec 9, 2016
Incident date: Dec 6, 2016
WHEN ACCELERATING OR SLOWING DOWN MY VEHICLE JERK EVEN WHEN I'M ON THE HIGHWAY AND HAVE THE CRUISE CONTROL SET IT WILL DO THE SAME THING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT I NEED TO DO OR IF THERE IS ANY KIND OF RECALL ON THIS BECAUSE I REALLY CAN'T AFFORD TO TAKE IT AND HAVE IT LOOKED AT. I HAVE SEEN MULTI... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 18, 2016
Incident date: May 1, 2016
THE ELECTRICAL DOOR LOCK DO NOT WORK MOST OF THE TIME.I HAVE TO OPEN THE DOOR WITH THE KEY SOMETIME.THE CAR IS STATIONARY. THIS START IN MAY 2016 AND CONTINUE.
SEAT BELTS Jun 24, 2016
Incident date: Jun 16, 2016
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATED, THE PASSENGER NOTICED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT CONNECTED. THE WARNING CHIME DID NOT INDICATE THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS NOT LATCHED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE SERVICE MANAGER DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INHE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 17, 2016
Incident date: Mar 1, 2016
WHEN IT IS HOT AND THE SUN IS SHINING DOWN ON THE VEHICLE FOR A LONG PERIOD OF TIME, THE DRIVERS DOOR AND REAR PASSENGER DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT OPERATE FROM THE KEY FOB? WHEN IT COOLS DOWN SUCH AS EVENING OR EARLY MORNING THE LOCKS WORK JUST FINE FROM THE KEY FOB? SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO HOT OR COOL WE... Read more
ENGINE Apr 28, 2016
Incident date: Dec 15, 2015
WHILE DRIVING HOME ONE DAY IN DECEMBER 2015, EACH TIME I APPROACHED A STOP LIGHT, YIELD SIGN OR SLOWED TO A LOW SPEED (LESS THAN 15 MPH), MY VEHICLE WOULD SHUT-OFF MULTIPLE TIMES. MY IN MOTION SPEED WAS APPROX 45 MPH WHEN NOT APPROACHING A STOP LIGHT OR YIELD SIGN. IT HAPPENED BOTH WHEN I WAS TURNIN... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Apr 28, 2016
Incident date: Mar 15, 2015
POWER DOOR LOCKS WILL NOT WORK AT TIMES BOTH INSIDE AND WITH THE REMOTE PREVENTING ALL ABILITY TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THIS OCCURS WHEN THE CAR IS AT A STOP BOTH WHILE RUNNING AND NOT RUNNING. I GENERALLY DO NOT TRY TO OPEN THE DOORS WHILE I'M DRIVING.
AIR BAGS Mar 8, 2016
Incident date: Mar 6, 2016
TAKATA RECALL. LIGHT ON CLOCK AREA SHOWED AN OFF FROM THE DAY I PURCHASED THE CAR. THE SUDDENLY ON OR ABOUT 3/6/2016 AN INDICATOR LIGHT SHOWED AN AIR BAG WARNING. I TOOK IT INTO CHAMPION AUTOMOTIVE CARE PLUS. THEY INSPECTED THE INDICATOR LIGHT AND CONTACTED THE MANUFACTURE AND STATED TO ... Read more
POWER TRAIN Dec 6, 2015
Incident date: Nov 26, 2015
THE CAR HAS A LURCHING ISSUE WHEN IT SLOWS DOWN TO 20MPH WHEN THE CAR LURCHES WITH A HARD DOWN SHIFT TO 1ST GEAR. THIS PHENOMENA IS ESPECIALLY ACUTE WHEN THE CAR IS COLD OR WHEN YOU FIRST START DRIVING IT.
VISIBILITY/WIPER Dec 1, 2015
Incident date: Mar 1, 2015
THE WEATHER STRIP ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST STRARTED LIFTING UP AND COMING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I CHECKED THE DAMAGE AND SAW THE BLACK PIECE COMPLETELY OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT CONTINUED TO LIFT MORE AS I DROVE. WHEN IT RAINED I BELIEVE WATER IS NOW IN THE SENSORS BEC... Read more
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) Dec 1, 2015
Incident date: Mar 1, 2015
THE WEATHER STRIP ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST STRARTED LIFTING UP AND COMING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I CHECKED THE DAMAGE AND SAW THE BLACK PIECE COMPLETELY OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT CONTINUED TO LIFT MORE AS I DROVE. WHEN IT RAINED I BELIEVE WATER IS NOW IN THE SENSORS BEC... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Dec 1, 2015
Incident date: Mar 1, 2015
THE WEATHER STRIP ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST STRARTED LIFTING UP AND COMING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I CHECKED THE DAMAGE AND SAW THE BLACK PIECE COMPLETELY OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT CONTINUED TO LIFT MORE AS I DROVE. WHEN IT RAINED I BELIEVE WATER IS NOW IN THE SENSORS BEC... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Sep 4, 2015
Incident date: Sep 1, 2015
WENT TO GO OUT(6:30 AM) AND FOUND THAT MY TRUNK LID WAS UNLATCHED, NOT OPEN, JUST UNLATCHED. FOUND OUT BY IT SHOWING ON MY DASHBOARD. YESTERDAY, 9/3/15, NEIGHBOR KNOCKED ON MY DOOR (2:45 PM) AND TOLD ME MY PARKING LIGHTS WERE ON. I HAD COME HOME AT 7:30 AM. I HAD GONE OUT WITH A NEIGHBOR A COUPLE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Aug 25, 2015
Incident date: Feb 11, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FOUR POWER DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY WOULD NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WHEN ACCESSING WITH THE KEY FOB, AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKS, OR MANUALLY. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND BECAME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE. ON ONE OCCASION, THE DRIVER... Read more
STRUCTURE:BODY Aug 18, 2015
Incident date: Aug 3, 2015
VARIOUS DOORS WILL NOT PROPERLY LOCK/UNLOCK FROM THE ELECTRIC SWITCH AND THE KEY FOB. THIS IS AN INTERMENT FAILURE AFFECTING MULTIPLE DOORS IN THE VEHICLE. DIFFERENT DOORS LOCKS ARE FAILING AT DIFFERENT TIMES, BOTH LOCKING AND UNLOCKING. BASED ON MY RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, THIS AFFECTS A SIGNIFI... Read more

Showing 50 of 99 complaints.

EPA Fuel Economy — 2010 KIA OPTIMA

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.4L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 32.0 25.0 Regular $2,400
2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 20.0 28.0 23.0 Regular $2,600
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive) 22.0 32.0 25.0 Regular $2,400

CO2 Emissions: 355.5 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

NHTSA Safety Investigations — KIA OPTIMA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

RQ17003 Opened: May 18, 2017 — Closed: Dec 22, 2021
RQ — Closed — Model Year: 2011
Scope and Timeliness
NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s asserti... Read more
PE10046 Opened: Nov 22, 2010 — Closed: Apr 5, 2011
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2008
Transmission Shift Cable Detachment
During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift ... Read more
EA04030 Opened: Nov 4, 2004 — Closed: Nov 7, 2005
EA — Closed — Model Year: 2001
POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE
INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOO... Read more
PE04050 Opened: Jul 7, 2004 — Closed: Nov 4, 2004
PE — Closed — Model Year: 2001
POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE
THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.

KIA OPTIMA — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA across all model years (2001–2019).

100 Total Recalls
10,128 Total Complaints
4 Investigations
493 Reported Crashes
613 Reported Fires
28 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2020 0 184 View
2019 1 296 View
2018 5 320 View
2017 7 337 View
2016 9 1,031 View
2015 10 1,370 View
2014 14 767 View
2013 19 1,844 View
2012 10 1,243 View
2011 7 767 View
2010 (current) 1 99
2009 1 166 View
2008 3 188 View
2007 2 217 View
2006 2 214 View
2005 0 180 View
2004 1 306 View
2003 2 190 View
2002 3 168 View
2001 3 231 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
SORENTO 188 13,593 View
SPORTAGE 165 6,601 View
SEDONA 118 3,350 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View
FORTE 56 3,494 View