2005 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 7%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,486miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the fuel system of the 2005 Kia Optima, 7% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,486 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.
“In 2011 we had a hole form in the gas tank of our 2005 Kia Optima. We took it to a repair shop in which they determined that the straps that hold the gas tank in had caused wear onto the actual tank. They replaced the tank with new gas tank (original factory gas tank) on february 7, 2012 the same problem occurred and the vehicle has been taken back in for servicing.”
NHTSA complaint #10447687, filed 2012-02, 102,832 miles“My car began to leak fuel. I sent it into the dealer who found that the gas tank was cracked on the top side of the tank. I was further advised that the leak was not caused by any normal wear and tear or any damage. The car is still under warranty, and I replaced the fuel tank.”
NHTSA complaint #10240119, filed 2008-08, 56,983 miles“In october of 2006 we bought a 2005 Kia Optima. Shortly after the check engine light came on, so we took it to the dealership and they told us it was air in the tank and just to open the tank and let the air out. They said the sensor would go off in about 60,000 miles. We then started having problems filling the tank up and the sensor continued to come on. We kept doing what the dealer said to do. On 13/14 of october, 2008 we started smelling large amounts of gas fumes and it continued. …”
NHTSA complaint #10246082, filed 2008-10, 70,150 miles“I am about to replace my gas tank for the 2nd time in less than a year. I am told by the dealer that the composite tanks are prone to puncture or splitting on the seams.”
NHTSA complaint #10234950, filed 2008-07, 82,652 miles“The gas tank on this 05 Kia was leaking at 78,000 miles, took it to dealer, I had to pay for labor, they furnished the new gas tank cost me $330, now at 98,000 miles it is leaking again and Kia is refusing to fix it, I feel this is a safety issue, going on 3 gas tanks less than 100,000 miles. Paid dealer $95 to inspect the tank as told by Kia consumer dept, dealer didnt look at the tank instead said it needed a gas valve first $400, before they would look at the tank. The dealer is lee Kia, in ft walton beach fl. So I guess I just continue driving car till something real serious happens? …”
NHTSA complaint #10414530, filed 2011-07, 78,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10016851Dec 1, 2004Enhanced diagnosis and repair for p0446/p2422.
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2005 Kia Optima
66 complaintsElectrical system
29 complaintsAir bags
22 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsEngine cooling
6 complaintsOther or unknown
6 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsBrakes
2 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 29, 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