Ask the seller for proof the repair was completed, or run the free VIN check. Recall repairs are done at no cost by a dealer.
Recalls
Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.
Exterior lighting recall
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.
- 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.
- Status
- Remedy available. Confirm by VIN that this repair was completed.
- What to do
- Enter the VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm this car was repaired.
Owner complaints by system
Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.
Engine & powertrain
35
Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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The engine on my 2010 Kia Optima suddenly seized without warning around 150,000 miles. The vehicle had no knocking sounds or warning signs prior to failure. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. This created a sudden loss of vehicle operation. I am concerned this may be related to the known engine failure issues reported in Kia vehicles.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11722673 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Electrical & infotainment
11
Most reports here involve software faults.
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THE IGNITION WANT TURN ALL TO WAY OFF I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND ON 2 OR 3 TIMES BEFORE IT WILL TURN COMPLETELY OFF SO I CAN REMOTELY LOCK THE DOOR. THE DRIVER SIDE REAR DOOR ACTUATOR WORK WHEN IT GET READY I HAVE TO UNLOCK THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR WITH KEY AND MANUALLY LOCK AND UNLOCK THE DOOR.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10980032 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Brakes
4
Most reports here involve unintended acceleration.
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1.We were driving and the car just cut off. Not from the lack of fuel but cut off in the middle of traffic. (Available for inspection) 2.The car stopping in traffic running about 65 mph causes the safety of all on the highway. A very dangerous situation. 3. The problem has showed itself numerous times. 4. The car had been inspected/checked after the incident. There was no errors on the computer after diagnosis. 5. No errors nor warning lights prior the incident. After the incident, the car cranks right back up without error.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11646102 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Steering, suspension & tires
4
Most reports here involve loss of steering. Of these, 1 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.
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MY OPTIMA HAS 104,000 MILES. JUST LAST WEEK WHILE DRIVING ON WET ROADS, I LOST CONTROL AS THE POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING. THE BATTERY LIGHT COMES ON DURING THIS PERIOD FOR BETWEEN 5-30 SECONDS AS YOU LOOSE ALMOST ALL CONTROL OF YOUR VEHICLE'S STEERING. JUST AS YOUR VEHICLE GAINS POWER STEERING AGAIN, A SCREECHING SOUNDS COMES FROM THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT (MAYBE BELTS RE-ENGAGING). IT HAS BEEN RAINING HER THE PAST WEEK AND THE ISSUE HAS HAPPENED ABOUT 8 TIMES. SOMETIMES DIRECTLY AFTER DRIVING THROUGH PUDDLES, AND SOMETIMES JUST WHILE DRIVING. THE ISSUE ONLY OCCURS THOUGH WHEN THE ROADS ARE WET. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11311465 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Airbags & seat belts
17
Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 2 mention an injury.
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHTS WERE ILLUMINATED. GERVAIS KIA (6 INDUSTRIAL AVE, LOWELL, MA 01851, (978)454-1202) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE SEAT OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF $5,000. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11331104 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
Structure & body
4
Most reports here involve other issues.
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THE WEATHER STRIP ON THE WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVER SIDE JUST STRARTED LIFTING UP AND COMING OFF AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I CHECKED THE DAMAGE AND SAW THE BLACK PIECE COMPLETELY OFF OF THE WINDSHIELD. IT CONTINUED TO LIFT MORE AS I DROVE. WHEN IT RAINED I BELIEVE WATER IS NOW IN THE SENSORS BECAUSE MY ODOMETER ONLY READS "ECO" ABOVE THE ACTUAL ODOMETER READING. IT BECAME SUCH A HAZARD WHILE DRIVING I HAD TO TAPE DOWN THE WEATHER STRIP JUST TO KEEP IT FROM FULLY COMING OFF MY CAR AND CAUSING FURTHER PAINT DAMAGE TO THE SIDE IT SMACKS AGAINST. NO MECHANIC WILL FIX THE ISSUE DUE TO BEING A MAUFACTURE ERROR AND I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD IF I DID IT MYSELF. I HAVE CALLED KIA MANUFACTORS IN GA ONLY TO BE PLACED TO VOICEMAIL WITHOUT RESPONSE. I ASKED THE DEALERSHIP I BOUGHT THE CAR FROM AND THEY ALSO SAID TO CALL KIA.
Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #10807726 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov
How does it compare with other years? The 2010 has 75 complaints on file, fewer than the 2011 (593). Of the 11 model years of the Kia Optima we cover, the 2013 has the most (1,381). Older model years have had longer to collect complaints.