NHTSA Data Explorer

Kia Optima

Data refreshed July 19, 2026

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

Complaints

7,737

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

273

Crashes

325

Fires

421

Top reported issues — Kia Optima

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

2,512

Condition issue

2,195

Reporting mechanism

1,733

Engine behavior

1,488

Noise

1,357

Performance issue

1,150

Fluid issue

984

Thermal issue

827

Safety restraint issue

655

Access/entry issue

612

Steering behavior

513

Vibration/harshness

507

Lighting behavior

429

Starting behavior

362

Braking behavior

322

Driver assistance issue

315

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

289

Ride/handling behavior

248

Electrical issue

238

Smell

238

Safety restraint behavior

218

Electrified system issue

195

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.

2019 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 16, 2026


Blind spot forward collision detection lane departure warning rear cross traffic warning

2019 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 15, 2026


Unknown was just driving to go to my husband to work and it came on when I was coming back home and when I went to pick my husband up from work and was stopped at a stop sign the lights came back on

2013 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID

Filed Jul 15, 2026


The car lights have dimmed tremendously, I replaced lights by myself with no luck over the years. It has just come to my attention, they knew and addressed reported problems but never sent a recall or safety notice that the reflective material designates. My car is at the dealer and confirmed this is the problem, your help would be great. Also, a steering recall and the part was replaced with the same material, it now needs to be changed again and they want me to pay. I thought all safety…

2015 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 14, 2026


I would say that the time this incident happened I was driving and me and me nephew were in car at time taking to shop to see why it was making a sound like air and all of sudden the car started swerving and slowing down and then it made a pop sound and smoke started coming from the car and I was thankful that I didn’t get hit but affraid and also hit my head in car due to the sudden jerk car mad and then it popped sound a d smoke came from good. The next day I have to pay to get back on the…

2015 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 14, 2026


Fire

The contact owned a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving to the residence, the vehicle caught on fire. The contact stated that while at a traffic light, the vehicle suddenly shut off. After exiting the vehicle, the hood was opened, and there was smoke coming from the engine compartment. The contact called an independent mechanic and, within two minutes, became aware of the fire. The contact called 911 for the Emergency Services. The Fire Department arrived and extinguished the…

2011 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 13, 2026


About six months ago, I lost the heated steering wheel functionality in my steering wheel, then from there, I slowly lost functionality like cruise control, and the most recent now my airbag and horn do not work. If you press on the horn, it is silent, and the airbag light has been illuminated consistently for the last couple of months. I had this issue diagnosed and it came up with the codes of B1346. And B1481. After some research, these issues are the result of a bad clock, spring and cause…

2014 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 13, 2026


Steering coupler issue. When turning the steering wheel. It is making a clunking noise even when in park and making it feel not smooth to turn the wheel either way. Very distracting and awkward when driving. When speeding up you can feel the issue with the steering coupler more. You can feel the noise and clunk feel when driving over bumps and turns. There has been a campaign/recall for other makes and models. But this car hasn’t been included.

2016 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 13, 2026


NHTSA Bulletin TSB BOD300 My KIA 2016 Optima Turbo has all four windows impacted by the defective gear. I've opened a case with KIA and it's case number 25563361. None of my windows roll up or down. This presents several very serious safety issues. The dealer has had my vehicle for over 2 weeks. Why has KIA not been forced to issue a recall on these defective gears?

2014 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 13, 2026


1 injured
Fire

On 7/13/26 around 0715 my son was driving our 2014 Kia optima when it caught fire and burned from the engine to the back of the car. Fire dept and law enforcement had to respond and the vehicle along with thousands of dollars of property was destroyed by the fire. This vehicle is a total loss and I’m trusting an investigation as to I believe their fire started due to the engjbe and electrical faults of Kia motors.

2018 KIA OPTIMA

Filed Jul 9, 2026


I’ve had my 2018 kia optima for round about two years.I only got this car because they refused to replace my previous engine on my 2015 Kia optima,even though I had a warranty but that’s another story(Kia on the Blvd).This car have given me problems from the start.Going through oil in less than a month,which they can never find a leak,not being able to go over a certain speed before I start to hear noises.Ive complained about noises,they act like they can’t hear,and said nothing is wrong with…

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

Updated July 19, 2026. Refreshed nightly.