NHTSA lists 75 complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima, 7 of them mention a crash and 2 mention a fire. 5 complaints mention an injury, with 5 injuries and 0 deaths reported.
Data build 2026-10-08.
NHTSA lists this vehicle as KIA OPTIMA.
Model-generated complaint tags: This model year has not been tagged.
Recalls
See new recalls and investigations this week.
1 recalls.
Date: 2013-04-01. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING.
Defect: Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model (excerpt)
Consequence: Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash. (excerpt)
Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098. (excerpt)
Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.
Investigations
2 investigations; 0 open.
DP22003
Opened: 2022-09-12. Closed: 2023-12-12.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints i
Systems: ENGINE.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
DP21003
Opened: 2021-11-12. Closed: 2023-06-20.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003. Accordingly, Model Year (MY) 2005-2016 Kia Optima/K5, MY 2006-2015 Kia Sorento, MY 2007
Systems: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.
Linked campaign numbers: None listed.
Manufacturer communications
34 manufacturer communications.
Communications by system| System | Count |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT | 16 |
|---|
| AIR BAGS | 7 |
|---|
| EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY | 5 |
|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 4 |
|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 4 |
|---|
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 3 |
|---|
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 3 |
|---|
| STRUCTURE | 3 |
|---|
11017172
Date: 2025-04-17. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid ty
11000787
Date: 2024-05-16. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
10226555
Date: 2022-11-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart
10201529
Date: 2021-09-13. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EXTERIOR LIGHTING, STRUCTURE.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models tha
10194559
Date: 2021-05-19. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.
TSB_BOD056R1_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED
10179255
Date: 2020-08-25. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.
PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
10174520
Date: 2020-04-24. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: POWER TRAIN.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a
10133170
Date: 2018-03-02. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING.
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
10109855
Date: 2017-03-21. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, VISIBILITY.
TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from becoming excessively fogged. Depending on the specific model, the HVAC control head monitors ambient temperat
10109812
Date: 2017-01-18. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY.
TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washe