2005 Kia Optima Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 2%of 144 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 34,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2005 Kia Optima, 2% of the 144 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 34,000 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.
“The contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. She stated that while driving, making left and right turns or driving in reverse there was a knocking sound on the right passenger side of the vehicle near the tires. The contact told the dealer that the failure could be related to the cv shaft and the dealer repaired that part; however, the vehicle continued to make the knocking sound. The dealer later confirmed that the axle needed to be repaired. The failure and current mileages were 62,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10284084, filed 2009-09, 62,000 miles“The contact stated the vehicle continuously lost transmission fluid. Also, while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle lost acceleration power, causing a lag in the pickup. The vehicle was taken to a service dealer who was unable to determine the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10169716, filed 2006-10, 34,000 miles“The contact owns a 2005 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle would come out of gear while driving approximately 35 MPH which made it difficult to move forward. Occasionally, the vehicle appeared to be in the neutral position. Over the course of the day the vehicle would gradually correct itself; although, the check engine light would illuminate and stay on for a couple days. She took the vehicle to several dealers and the transmission was replaced but the problem recurred. She called the manufacturer and was instructed to take her vehicle to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10302341, filed 2010-01, 25,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating…
- 10091489Dec 6, 2013Tsb: automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating to the correct automatic transmission fluids that are required for each kia…
- 10021561Jan 1, 2007Automatic transmission adaptive value reset/relearn.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 27 | 18% |
| 2019 | 17 | 8% |
| 2018 | 19 | 8% |
| 2017 | 21 | 8% |
| 2016 | 74 | 10% |
| 2015 | 49 | 5% |
| 2014 | 20 | 3% |
| 2013 | 64 | 5% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 25 | 4% |
| 2010 | 24 | 32% |
| 2009 | 33 | 28% |
| 2008 | 18 | 13% |
| 2007 | 13 | 8% |
| 2006 | 14 | 9% |
| 2005 | 3 | 2% |
| 2004 | 8 | 4% |
| 2003 | 8 | 6% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 12 | 8% |
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 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