2009 Kia Optima
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 |
| 2002 | 107 |
| 2003 | 141 |
| 2004 | 225 |
| 2005 | 144 |
| 2006 | 155 |
| 2007 | 166 |
| 2008 | 143 |
| 2009 | 116 |
| 2010 | 75 |
| 2011 | 589 |
| 2012 | 916 |
| 2013 | 1371 |
| 2014 | 576 |
| 2015 | 998 |
| 2016 | 747 |
| 2017 | 252 |
| 2018 | 227 |
| 2019 | 200 |
| 2020 | 136 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
25% of complaints: power train — 29 distinct reports on file.
FIRE24% of complaints: air bags — 28 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY DEATHShow complaint excerpts
WHILE HITTING SEVERAL TREES IN MY KIA OPTIMA, GOING ABOUT 45MPH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE AND FROM LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE OF THE CAR, THEY ALSO THINK THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20151111
TL* THE DRIVER OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DRIVER WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO HER. THE DRIVER'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A BUILDING AS A RESULT AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20111214
15% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V114000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC, EXTERIOR LIGHTING).
NHTSA ODI report, 20190404
AFTER RETURNING FROM WORK AND PARKING MY VEHICLE AT HOME, THE CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HRS. I WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING AND FOUND MY CAR ON FIRE AND IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130130
10% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
AFTER RETURNING FROM WORK AND PARKING MY VEHICLE AT HOME, THE CAR SAT IN MY DRIVEWAY IN 40 DEGREE WEATHER FOR APPROXIMATELY 12 HRS. I WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING AND FOUND MY CAR ON FIRE AND IS A TOTAL LOSS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130130
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
Campaign 13V114000 — check if this car was fixed
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
Loss of Motive Power
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2009 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (29 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (28 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V114000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2009 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2009 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 25% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2009 Kia Optima have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.