Kia Optima owners filed 2,598 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 10 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2015 Kia Optima drew the most complaints (1,006); across all years, owners complain most about engine (59% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2015, with 1,006 complaints, led by engine (622) and 4 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,527 complaints but no recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: 3 recalls told owners to park outside until repaired (23V652000, 21V331000, 20V519000).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2015 (3.9 times as many complaints), 2016 (3.0 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: brakes complaints came at a median 22k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 120 complaints mention a fire and 98 a crash, with 80 injuries and 2 deaths reported.
Kia Optima complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 4 recalls | 1,006 | Engine (622), Electrical system (135), Body structure (76) median 80k mi · 31 crashes · 74 fires |
| 2016 5 recalls | 754 | Engine (424), Electrical system (102), Transmission / powertrain (73) median 68k mi · 27 crashes · 19 fires |
| 2017 3 recalls | 255 | Engine (164), Electrical system (25), Transmission / powertrain (21) median 54k mi · 4 crashes · 9 fires |
| 2018 2 recalls | 232 | Engine (131), Electrical system (33), Transmission / powertrain (18) median 45k mi · 10 crashes · 10 fires |
| 2019 1 recall | 206 | Engine (88), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (36), Electrical system (23) median 30k mi · 20 crashes · 6 fires |
| 2020 no recall | 145 | Engine (98), Transmission / powertrain (26), Electrical system (13) median 60k mi · 6 crashes · 2 fires |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 15, more than the 10 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Kia Optima problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,527 | 59% | 0 | 82k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Electrical system | 331 | 13% | 0 | 62k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 204 | 8% | 1 | 55k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Fuel system | 158 | 6% | 1 | 86k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Body structure | 143 | 6% | 0 | 44k mi | — |
| Steering | 122 | 5% | 0 | 39k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Brakes | 119 | 5% | 3 | 22k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 104 | 4% | 0 | 39k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Kia Optima owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
My vehicle is constantly running out of oil within a 30 day period and I constantly getting an oil change. I was advised to get an oil consumption test at the dealer and was out of oil in 3 weeks. I was told that I have a warranty, however, it's only if the rod bearings are an issue. I think my engine should be replaced without paying a $300 diagnostic fee that might get refunded without an exact time frame.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11573686
The oil is leaking into the engine, was taken to a Kia dealer for repair $542.45 unsuccessful , I am putting oil in my car every 3 weeks. Purchased the car in april and over $2500 spent. The oil is still going into the engine, no leaks on the ground. Was told to deal with it and wait until my engine pops by thomas Kia of highland indiana
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11491508
None of these 1,527 engine complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
1,527 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Air bag light came on after I also began having issues with blind spot detection warning lights. ABS lights on as well. Took vehicle to Kia dealer in gainesville ga and they told me it was the left rear wheel sensor. Wanted $800 to repair ( no longer under warranty). Took vehicle to my mechanic, who ordered the part and replaced sensor. ABS lights & bsd lights went off for almost 2 weeks, then came back on.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11437036
While driving my 2015 Kia Optima I was getting ready to turn in to my residence.my car completely shut off but my lights had got dimmed.so I had it towed to the Kia dealership then proceeded to tell me it has three recalls on it.then a customer service representative said that I would have to pay $200,AND something dollars to have my car diagnostic done.whoever I replied even with these recalls I have to pay for…
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11691385
None of these 331 electrical system complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
331 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
Recently my transmission case cracked as it passed over a manhole cover on a street being resurfaced. My dealers service department said this has happened a lot. I waited nine weeks for the part to come in. I lost $1,100.00ON car rentals. Car's transmission case is too low to the ground.
2015 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 10956873
This vehicle suffers from a hesitation during take off. According to Kia this hesitation come from a 7 speed dual clutch transmission(dct). Which causes the vehicle the driver to feel a shudder sensation. This vehicle has a double clutch. I have taken my 2016 Kia Optima dealers for repair to this problem without any solution. Runs rough.
2016 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 10984188
Related recalls: 16V705000 (2016): If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
204 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Kia Optima recalls
Check these first: 23V652000 (2015, service brakes, hydraulic: park outside); 21V331000 (2015, service brakes, hydraulic: park outside); 20V519000 (2015, service brakes, hydraulic: park outside).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V652000 | 2023-09-25 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V594000 | 2023-08-24 | 2016–2018 | Latches and locks | A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. |
| 21V331000 | 2021-05-10 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving. |
| 20V519000 | 2020-08-27 | 2015 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire. |
| 19V539000 | 2019-07-19 | 2019 | Automatic emergency braking / collision warning | Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V907000 | 2018-12-19 | 2015–2017 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. |
| 18V161000 | 2018-03-08 | 2017–2018 | Hybrid battery / drive system | If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V007000 | 2017-01-06 | 2016 | Air bags | In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury. |
| 16V705000 | 2016-10-03 | 2016 | Transmission / powertrain | If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 16V231000 | 2016-04-21 | 2016 | Air bags | If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death. |
What this data can and can't tell you
2,598 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Kia models in the index
- Kia Sorento (4,270)
- Kia Soul (3,124)
- Kia Telluride (1,977)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.