2010 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
32% of complaints: power train — 24 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A RENTED 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONSUMER STATED SHE STOPPED THE VEHICLE WHILE THE GEAR WAS IN DRIVE, TURNED OFF THE IGNITION AND ATTEMPTED TO REMOVE THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION, BUT IT WOULD NOT RELEASE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100603
21% of complaints: air bags — 16 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180718
WHILE SITTING AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, A VEHICLE REAR-ENDED MY 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE DRIVER HIT MY KIA SO HARD, I HIT THE MUSTANG IN FRONT OF ME. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON EITHER IMPACT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20140131
THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A 1 CAR ACCIDENT WHERE IT WENT OFF THE ROAD, INTO THE DITCH AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. THERE WAS SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BUT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130210
17% of complaints: electrical system — 13 distinct reports on file.
12% of complaints: engine — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back.
NHTSA ODI report, 20250202
8% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT CALLED ON BEHALF OF THE DRIVER. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE DRIVER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS IT INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180718
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
2010 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (24 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (16 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (13 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 2010 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Kia Optima is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 32% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 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.