MYRModel Year Report

2010 Kia Optima

▲ Better than typical
2010 Kia Optima
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:39:38.299Z

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints
75
Recalls
1

Campaigns on file for 2010

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Power train

32% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 75 2011: 594 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,384 complaints 2013 2014: 588 complaints 2015: 1,009 complaints 2016: 759 complaints 2016 2017: 257 complaints 2018: 232 complaints 2019: 212 complaints 2019 2020: 151 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 75 2011: 594 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,384 complaints 2013 2014: 588 complaints 2015: 1,009 complaints 2015 2016: 759 complaints 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 232 complaints 2019: 212 complaints 2019 2020: 151 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 75 2011: 594 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,384 complaints 2013 2014: 588 complaints 2014 2015: 1,009 complaints 2015 2016: 759 complaints 2016 2017: 257 complaints 2017 2018: 232 complaints 2018 2019: 212 complaints 2019 2020: 151 complaints 2020

2010: 75 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011594
2012919
20131,384
2014588
20151,009
2016759
2017257
2018232
2019212
2020151

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

32% · 24 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2010-06-03

Also filed under Air bags

Air bags

23% · 17 reports

Most commonly citing frontal.

CRASHINJURY
Show 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, 2018-07-18

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

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, 2014-01-31

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, 2013-02-10

Electrical system

17% · 13 reports

Engine

12% · 9 reports
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, 2025-02-02

Also filed under Forward collision avoidance

Vehicle speed control

8% · 6 reports
CRASHINJURY

Safety timeline

1 recall · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2013-04-19Exterior lighting13V114000 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…

    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.…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. I
    2021-11-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-06-20 Throttle control system vulnerabilities
  3. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power

Buy-smart checklist

2010 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Power train: 24 reports on file for this year.
  • Air bags: 17 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 13 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V114000 · Exterior lighting
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.