NHTSA Data Explorer
Kia Optima
Data refreshed July 24, 2026
Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Optima.
Complaints
7,747
Active records
Recalls
24
Active records
TSBs
781
Active records
Filing history
Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.
Reported severity
Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.
Deaths
18
Injuries
274
Crashes
326
Fires
421
Top reported issues — Kia Optima
Click a category to expand its values.
Operating state
Condition issue
Reporting mechanism
Engine behavior
Noise
Performance issue
Fluid issue
Thermal issue
Safety restraint issue
Access/entry issue
Steering behavior
Vibration/harshness
Lighting behavior
Starting behavior
Braking behavior
Driver assistance issue
Transmission/drivetrain behavior
Ride/handling behavior
Smell
Electrical issue
Safety restraint behavior
Electrified system issue
Powering on/off behavior
Recent change
Infotainment behavior
HVAC behavior
Wiper/washer behavior
Communication/network issue
Charging behavior
Recent filings
The 10 most recent filings for each type.
2013 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 21, 2026
I own a 2013 Kia Optima and I am experiencing recurring fuel system-related symptoms. The fuel gauge fluctuates even when the vehicle has a full tank of fuel, causing an inaccurate fuel level reading. In addition, the vehicle has begun to hesitate during operation, which raises concern that there may be an underlying fuel delivery or fuel system issue. I previously experienced a similar issue years ago, and I believe the vehicle was repaired during a Kia recall or service campaign. The problem…
2013 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 20, 2026
Paint began chipping/flaking off little by little everytime I washed the car. It’s a common occurrence with snowy white Kia paint in this year
2015 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 20, 2026
My girlfriend was driving on interstate 95 to pick me up from the metro. The engine suddenly cut off in a manner that appears to have melted the wiring harness of the vehicle, risking fire. She was able to safely get to the side of the road and call a tow. After taking it to a local repair shop, they diagnosed the issue as related to the KSDS recall. We had it towed to the dealership that has also confirmed it is related to the recall. The engine is completely seized following this incident and…
2014 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 20, 2026
While driving the engine seized In April 2026 on the interstate. The vehicle started to decelerate while cars where flying on the interstate. The problem has not been fixed. The issue has been inspected by the manufacturer. There were no warnings or sighs before the care seized.
2018 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 19, 2026
I was run off the road by a drunk driver I hit a tree at 35MPH MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID MY SEAT BELT LOCK!!!! I NOW HAVE MULTIPLE INJURIES I HAVE BROKEN BONES ALL THROUGHOUT MY FACE!!!!! A SEVERE CONCUSSION!!!!! Any time I call the the customer care center and try and get information or call someone I either get hung up or gave the run around and then hung up on my mother in law has also tried calling and have received the same response this is so unacceptable and unprofessional.
2020 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 19, 2026
My engine failed while driving which put me and others at risk. It was confirmed by the Kia dealership as rod bearing failure. Which is a known recall on the Kia 2.4L Theta II engine. My specific VIN number is not listed on the Kia recall list. And Kia is stating that it does not qualify for a warranty replacement. Although it is the same engine with the known defect.
2013 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 19, 2026
the engine revs high and transmission wont shift and when you turn the steering wheel ya get a loud click and the steering wheels jumps
2019 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 18, 2026
Strong smell of gasoline from the rear of the vehicle started around 60,000 miles . Car dealership said it’s normal but I don’t smell other cars like this
2014 KIA OPTIMA
Filed Jul 17, 2026
The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle unexpectedly stopped. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact used a scanner and retrieved a code for failure with the knock sensor detection system and glow plug relay. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. There was a question about the…
2012 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID
Filed Jul 17, 2026
Electriconic braking moduel with Check Brake indication light andHybrid System Warning! and vehicle will come to a stop and warning flights will flash until you turn off the vehicle sit for 10-20 minutes. Brakes will not work and vehicle loses power. Battery has been replaced and large 140 fuse in trunk of vehicle and no improvement. KIA states no recall on my vehicle, but my vehicle has had to have recall repairs done on it regardless of not being listed on this site. I need to know what to…