2010 KIA OPTIMA

1 recalls, 99 complaints - 54 TSBs

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

Component	Complaints
POWER TRAIN	25
AIR BAGS	16
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
ENGINE	7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	7
SERVICE BRAKES	4
STEERING	3
STRUCTURE:BODY	3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	3

Incident date: Sep 18, 2020

1) The electric power steering system failed. The dashboard displayed the message “Service Power Steering Now,” and the steering assist stopped working, making the steering extremely stiff. The vehicle also lost reverse gear, where the engine revs but the vehicle does not move when shifted into ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

This is now the THIRD time this has happened, and GM doesn't seem to care, because when my mechanic "fixed" my auto stop problem, it was because GM themselves got the code to "fix" my car. My auto stop worked one time, before today, after my repair last week. I was at a stop light where my auto stop... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2025

The check engine light illuminated cause us to park the vehicle until diagnosed. The diagnosis is the Onstar system has failed causing the check engine light to illuminate. Even without paying the fee for onstar the light still illuminates rendering the vehicle “disabled” under Indiana clean air... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2025

The engine shuts off while driving and attempting to accelerate, happens frequently.

Incident date: Jan 31, 2025

The complaint is against Reading Truck Body, LLC regarding safety concerns left unresolved and property damage incurred because of the recall remedy work (NHTSA Campaign Number 18E-021) performed on my 2017 Silverado 3500HD Crew Cab service truck by Reading Truck Body, LLC. In May 2020, I was notifi... Read more

Incident date: Jan 31, 2025

I am writing to formally raise a significant safety concern regarding my 2018 Subaru Crosstrek. I recently discovered a malfunction in the transfer case (pictures attached), specifically involving the center differential gear set, which necessitated immediate replacement. This issue first became app... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2023

The right back tire shock and spring mount broke right off

Incident date: May 5, 2023

I, and many other owners of Chevy Bolts are having our speed suddenly reduced without warning. The vehicle immediately drops to a max speed of 30 mph and gives an error message "Propulsion Power is Reduced". One common cause seems to be defective transmission fluid pumps, although other electrical... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2023

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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

Incident date: Mar 16, 2021

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

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

Incident date: Feb 15, 2020

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

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.

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

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

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

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

Incident date: Dec 23, 2017

Crash 1 injured

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

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

Incident date: Feb 3, 2018

VEHICLE JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AT ABOUT 20 MPH.

Incident date: Feb 3, 2018

VEHICLE JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AT ABOUT 20 MPH.

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

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.

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

Incident date: Jun 20, 2015

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

Incident date: Dec 6, 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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

Incident date: Mar 1, 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

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

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	$2,500
2.7L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	20.0	28.0	23.0	Regular	$2,700
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic 5-spd (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	32.0	25.0	Regular	$2,500

CO2 Emissions: -1.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

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

Technical Service Bulletins, 2010 KIA OPTIMA

54 manufacturer communications from 32 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	14
143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION	6
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	5
100000 POWER TRAIN	3
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	3
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	3
061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE	2
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	2

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmis

160000 STRUCTURE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This b

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

160000 STRUCTURE

TSB_BOD056R1_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED

350000 EQUIPMENT

PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requ

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

357100 EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the spe

130000 VISIBILITY

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some example

354000 EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with sta

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

140000 AIR BAGS

WARRANTY BULLETIN: WTY002 (REVISION #1) - 2006~2010MY OPTIMA PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE REPLACEMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OC

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

OWNER LETTER: WTY002 OPTIMA - DEAR KIA OPTIMA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA?S HIGHEST COMMITMENT IS TO YOUR SAFETY. TO THAT END, KIA IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT TO 1

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

"Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION"

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

"Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION"

350000 EQUIPMENT

"Q AND A: WTY002 - CERTAIN 2008-2011 MY KIA RIO VEHICLES AND ALL 2006-2010 MY KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT KIA NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION"

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM: WTY002 OPTIMA - IF YOU HAVE PAID TO HAVE THE FRONT PASSENGER OCS SENSOR MAT REPLACED, YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR REIMBURSEMENT FOR SOME OR ALL OF THAT EXPENSE. MAIL THIS COMPLETED REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

350000 EQUIPMENT

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY RIO PASSENGER SEAT OCS SENSOR MAT WARRANTY EXTENSION (WTY002) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS EXTENDING THE WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) SENSOR MAT

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units th

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TSB: KDS - AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) - THE GDS AUDIO UPDATE MODULE (AUM) WAS INTRODUCED IN FOURTH QUARTER OF 2013. THIS SPECIAL SERVICE TOOL (SST) WAS DEVELOPED TO IMPROVE THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF UPDATING 2010MY, AND LATER, KIA

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

350000 EQUIPMENT

"TSB: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN - APPLICATION OF ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL (SC122) - TO IMPROVE CUSTOMER SATISFACTION, KIA IS LAUNCHING THIS BULLETIN TO APPLY ADDITIONAL ANTICORROSION PROTECTION TO VARIOUS VEHICLE UNDERBODY COMP

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. WILL BE CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN, AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE, TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 2

350000 EQUIPMENT

DEALER SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC122) - KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN AS A PREVENTATIVE MEASURE TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2011 MY RIO, 2004-2009 MY SPECTRA, 20

350000 EQUIPMENT

OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER (SC122) - DEAR KIA OPTIMA OWNER: KIA MOTORS AMERICA, INC. IS CONDUCTING A VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN TO ADD ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION MATERIAL TO THE UNDERBODY OF ALL 2006-2010 KIA OPTIMA VEHICLES THAT WERE ORIGINA

350000 EQUIPMENT

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS FOR VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN SC122 ? UNDERBODY ? ADDITIONAL ANTI-CORROSION TREATMENT

161100 STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

KIA: AN ADDITIONAL APPLICATION OF ANTI-CORROSION PROTECTION WILL BE APPLIED ON SOME VEHICLES UNDERBODY COMPONENTS TO HELP PREVENT CORROSION. MODEL 2004-09 SPECTRA, 2006-10 OPTIMA, 2006-11 RIO 2007-10 RONDO AND 2010-13 SOUL. *PE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

PITSTOP: STOP LAMP SWITCH IDENTIFICATION MATRIX (SC098) - KMA HAS RECEIVED A NUMBER OF INCORRECT WARRANTY RETURN PARTS RELATED TO CAMPAIGN SC098 AND HAS DETERMINED THAT AT TIMES DEALER STAFF MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN QUICKLY AND EASILY IDENTIF

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

100000 POWER TRAIN

TSB: AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE CORRECT AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION FLUIDS THAT ARE REQUIRED FOR EACH KIA MODEL. REFER TO THE SHOP MANUAL ON KGIS FOR THE SPECIFIC KIA MODEL

355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

123000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS

SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.

350000 EQUIPMENT

TSB: WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER REPLACEMENT - THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO POSSIBLE FOREIGN DEBRIS ACCUMULATION ON THE WINDSHIELD WASHER PUMP INLET FILTER. OVER TIME, SOME KIA VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT A LIMITED APPLI

130000 VISIBILITY/WIPER (PWS)

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: THERE IS A PROCEDURE TO RESET THE ELECTRONIC THROTTLE CONTROL VALUE. *RM

140000 AIR BAGS

KIA: THE AIR BAG OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM IN CERTAIN VEHICLES IS SENSITIVE AND CAN BE DEFEATED BY ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR WATER. *RM

103100 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

KIA: PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATED TO THE ECM SOFTWARE UPGRADE OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 3.8L AND 2.7L ENGINES WHICH MAY EXPERIENCE A MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH THE PCM (POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE) SYSTEM RELATED DTC(S). *PE

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

061000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE

KIA: ECM UPGRADE FOR IMPROVED SHIFT QUALITY-EQUIPPED WITH 2.4L ENGINE AND A/T. PROVIDES THE PROCEDURE TO UPGRADE THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU) OF SOME VEHICLES WITH 2.4L ENGINES. COMPLAINTS OF POOR SHIFT QUALITY/PATTERN DURING UP SHIFTS

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.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optim... Read more

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... ons of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

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

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

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).

59 Total Recalls

10,296 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

524 Reported Crashes

467 Reported Fires

24 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	199	View
2019	1	309	View
2018	2	329	View
2017	3	351	View
2016	5	1,067	View
2015	4	1,389	View
2014	7	780	View
2013	9	1,872	View
2012	5	1,260	View
2011	5	771	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

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2010 KIA OPTIMA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

EPA Fuel Economy, 2010 KIA OPTIMA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2010 KIA OPTIMA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models