NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Optima

Data refreshed May 30, 2026

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

Complaints

7,685

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

271

Crashes

324

Fires

416

Top reported issues — Kia Optima

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

2,500

Condition issue

2,181

Reporting mechanism

1,721

Engine behavior

1,479

Noise

1,351

Performance issue

1,144

Fluid issue

974

Thermal issue

821

Safety restraint issue

652

Access/entry issue

609

Steering behavior

511

Vibration/harshness

505

Lighting behavior

427

Starting behavior

358

Braking behavior

319

Driver assistance issue

309

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

289

Ride/handling behavior

248

Electrical issue

237

Smell

237

Safety restraint behavior

217

Electrified system issue

195

Powering on/off behavior

188

Recent change

119

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.

2016 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 28, 2026


This vehicle is eligible for Theta II class action settlement, and I cannot seem to get the Kia dealerships, or the Kia Corporate to honor the engine failure issue that I was told by the AAA mechanic should have been replaced. I have also been told by others, including another mechanic at a nationally recognized mechanic that it needs to be taken care of, and that they had the same vehicle and had there's taken care of without any issues.

2020 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 27, 2026


I was driving on the freeway and my check engine light started to flicker and I felt my car shake and going to limp mode. I made an appointment with the Kia dealership and they told me the engine is failing. They submitted a request for a Goodwill case to Kia corporation and it was denied since there’s no open recalls and is not covered by the extended warranty. the dealership recommended me to take my car and keep driving it even though it’s unsafe the vehicle will not go above 50 mph and it…

2017 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 27, 2026


The engine of this vehicle is still exhibiting the issues that are under the class action lawsuit. Engine. Was not repaired properly by dealership. I must change my oil around 1700 miles

2017 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 26, 2026


The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on three of four occasions while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began rattling and shaking, and he observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced, and he was advised that his vehicle may have been included in Manufacturer Recall Number: SC162. The vehicle was…

2016 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 24, 2026


While accelerating onto the highway in my 2016 Kia Optima 2.4L, the vehicle suddenly lost all engine power without warning. The vehicle would no longer accelerate and I was forced to coast and brake to safety. Immediately after the engine shut off, the check engine light, oil light, and battery light illuminated on the dashboard. After the incident, the vehicle would not restart or crank at all. The electrical systems, dashboard lights, and chimes still function normally, and the battery is…

2013 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 22, 2026


The contact stated that while driving the vehicle began to unexpectedly slow and then stalled. The vehicle was unable to restart. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage 215,000.

2016 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 22, 2026


The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle a knocking and rattling noise coming from the engine and the check engine light had remained illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who informed that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 150,000.

2015 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 19, 2026


Fire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 mph and slowing down to enter a parking garage, she observed black smoke emanating from under the hood, and the vehicle stalled. The contact then observed flames near the windshield wipers coming from under the hood of the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and called 911. She observed flames coming from under the hood and under the vehicle, and the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The contact stated that…

2016 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 18, 2026


1 injured
Crash

UNKNOWN THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR HIT OTHER DRIVER FROM BEHIND.

2014 KIA OPTIMA

Filed May 18, 2026


The contact owns a 2014 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH, the vehicle stalled after 7 months of ownership. The vehicle stalled in the intersection. A few guys were able to push the vehicle out of the roadway. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed as having a locked-down motor. The vehicle was not…

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

Updated May 30, 2026. Refreshed nightly.