NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Optima

Data refreshed September 6, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Kia Optima.

Complaints

7,792

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

276

Crashes

328

Fires

428

Top reported issues — Kia Optima

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

2,531

Condition issue

2,216

Reporting mechanism

1,741

Engine behavior

1,501

Noise

1,360

Performance issue

1,160

Fluid issue

995

Thermal issue

837

Safety restraint issue

658

Access/entry issue

614

Steering behavior

517

Vibration/harshness

508

Lighting behavior

430

Starting behavior

363

Braking behavior

330

Driver assistance issue

315

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

290

Ride/handling behavior

248

Electrical issue

242

Smell

241

Safety restraint behavior

220

Electrified system issue

197

Powering on/off behavior

190

Recent change

126

HVAC behavior

59

Infotainment behavior

56

Wiper/washer behavior

10

Communication/network issue

5

Charging behavior

4

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2020 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Sep 1, 2026


The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred. The Service In message flashed on and off on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the low-pressure fuel pump needed to be…

2013 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 31, 2026


Module 1 7.5 amp fuse continues to short and blow over and over again. Known issues with auto headlamp leveling sensor. Problem continues to happen. Lose my highbeams, shift lock, rear defrost, rearview auto dimmer, steering wheel controls. Anytime the fuse blows

2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID

Filed Aug 31, 2026


Based on reading some service forms, it seems it may be the hydraulic booster, causing the issue. In order for them to take a look at the brakes system. I was charged a upfront diagnostics fee of $316. While driving warning light comes on Check brake system then the car slows down to 10mph immediately. While pressing on the brakes they squeaking, very badly. I have to turn the car off and back on until the flashing Check brake system turns off. This happens every 5 to 10 minutes while…

2020 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 30, 2026


I have a 2020 Optima, apparently there is a recall for the older models, yet mine is experiencing the exact same issues. Over oil consumption leading to engine failure. I have been in a rental for a month and a half due to fighting with Kia to correct the issue all while they drag their feet. Smells like another class action.

2014 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 30, 2026


2 injured
Crash
Fire

I owe a lady made a complete stop in front of me and I hit her. I wasn’t traveling close behind her. Her car was not damaged at all, but my Kia was totaled from the front. They had to cut the car off because it was smoking like it was gonna catch a fire. I’ve been had this sign on my car the steering wheel with an! It says that the car is hot before the car accident I had driven to [XXX] back to my house in the car motor was just shaking up under even though the car was off about 1015 minutes a…

2014 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 28, 2026


The component was the engine. The engine has since been replaced. The safety of myself or others was not in immediate danger before the engine seized. Luckily my mechanics employee was test driving for other issues at the time. My mechanic said it was likely due to the recalls that have been issued from KIA. Unfortunately the engine was seized so the dealership I had the car towed to was unable to inspect the motor for the recall because of the engine seizing. The vehicle was not inspected by…

2020 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 27, 2026


I own a 2020 Kia Optima and have been experiencing multiple ongoing problems with the vehicle. The vehicle is leaking and/or losing engine oil at an excessive rate. I have had to add oil multiple times within a short period of time because the oil level continues to drop. I am concerned that the continued loss of oil could result in engine damage or engine failure while the vehicle is being driven. I am also experiencing an electrical problem with the vehicle. The air conditioning and heating…

2007 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 27, 2026


The contact owns a 2007 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving, the airbag warning light remained illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 12V014000 (Air Bags); however, the contact stated that the vehicle experienced failure described in the recall. The local dealer was not contacted. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 82,000.

2020 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 27, 2026


Snow White Pearl exterior paint is peeling off hood and sides of our 2020 Kia Optima. We paid an extra $495 for this paint.

2013 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Aug 27, 2026


Both front door lock actuators failed within a one month period. It is a safety issue because the actuator is failing in a way that can prevent the door from opening, closing, properly latching and locking. The vehicle is available for inspection. I have taken it to a mechanic to confirm the failure.

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

Updated September 6, 2026. Refreshed nightly.