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

2,516

Condition issue

2,200

Reporting mechanism

1,735

Engine behavior

1,491

Noise

1,358

Performance issue

1,152

Fluid issue

984

Thermal issue

828

Safety restraint issue

657

Access/entry issue

612

Steering behavior

514

Vibration/harshness

507

Lighting behavior

429

Starting behavior

362

Braking behavior

323

Driver assistance issue

315

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

290

Ride/handling behavior

248

Smell

239

Electrical issue

238

Safety restraint behavior

220

Electrified system issue

196

Powering on/off behavior

188

Recent change

124

Infotainment behavior

56

HVAC behavior

55

Wiper/washer behavior

10

Communication/network issue

5

Charging behavior

4

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


1 injured
Crash

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…

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated July 24, 2026. Refreshed nightly.