2005 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 1%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 42,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Kia Optima, 1% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 42,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brakes turned to sponge on at least three separate occasions in fall 2009, again in feb 2010,summer 2010 and again 12/ 22/ 2010. At first occurrence winter of 2009 I assumed I had hit ice and was unable to brake for that reason. However, every incident after that confirmed that road condition was not a contributing factor. During first event the brakes were not functioning,car continued to move forward at red traffic light. Brake failure recurred twice at 4 way stop and again on residential street as I am preparing to park. …”
NHTSA complaint #10372244, filed 2010-12, 57,000 miles“Hydraulic master cylinder in the clutch malfunctioned causing the clutch to stay engaged. I did not have a collision but was forced to leave the roadway to avoid having a truck strike me from the rear. When I took the vehicle to a dealer they refused to look at the vehicle unless I prepaid them, and they would later determine if I would reimbursed. Note that the car had only four years and 27k miles of a 10 year/100k warranty. This defect is extremely dangerous and someone not having multiple defensive driving courses and training may not have known how to respond. …”
NHTSA complaint #10291980, filed 2009-11, 27,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10026726Aug 28, 2008Kia: all models. Article provides information relating to the improved durability of bulb life for rear combination bulb; rear stop lamp/tail lamp bulb utilized on multiple kia…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 19 | 9% |
| 2018 | 17 | 7% |
| 2017 | 6 | 2% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 90 | 9% |
| 2014 | 42 | 7% |
| 2013 | 114 | 8% |
| 2012 | 88 | 10% |
| 2011 | 47 | 8% |
| 2010 | 4 | 5% |
| 2009 | 21 | 18% |
| 2008 | 7 | 5% |
| 2007 | 8 | 5% |
| 2005 | 2 | 1% |
| 2004 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% |
| 2002 | 12 | 11% |
| 2001 | 14 | 10% |
Other parts of the 2005 Kia Optima
66 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsEquipment
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2005 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology