2007 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 5%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 59,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the brakes of the 2007 Kia Optima, 5% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 59,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“I've seen in other forums about engine recalls. I was never notified and the engine in my car disintegrated. It was replaced with an engine from a wrecking yard. This should be covered by manufacturer. I had issues with the brake lines rusting out. This should not have happened either. Not being able to service the transmission and arguing with the dealership about this should be replaced by manufacturer!”
NHTSA complaint #11389463, filed 2021-01, 99,560 miles“While backing out of a parking space, my car suddenly accelerated while in reverse gear. I put the brakes on but to no avail. I had no control of the speed. This is all happening going in reverse. I crashed into the building next to the parking lot. The floor mat was seated properly and yes my foot was on the brake pedal.”
NHTSA complaint #10588601, filed 2014-05, 90,000 miles“I was traveling 25 miles an hour on a road and my brakes locked up at a red light. This happen once before, I thought it was because of the rain. Lucky they car in front of us ran the red light to keep us from hitting them. But on the 8th of this month my sister used my car for her drivers test, she tried to use the emergency brake for her test. The man testing her said it does not work. I do not have the funds to fix this. I feel the dealership I bought it from should fix it or replace the car. This could cause a wreck that could kill our family.”
NHTSA complaint #10638154, filed 2014-09, 11,100 miles“Bought a 2007 Kia Optima in july 2010, after 3 months had to have brakes and rotors replaced. Now only a month later the brakes are bad again. I have to take it to the shop. The back driver side brakes are grinding. The car continues to squeal. I talked to the dealership where I bought the car this is not covered under warranty. However when I bought the car they said there was more than 50% brake pads left. When I changed them the first time they were completely gone in the back on the drivers side. I do not feel that I should have to be replacing the brakes again, just one month later. …”
NHTSA complaint #10365348, filed 2010-11, 24,500 miles“Parking brake indicator light, exterior lighting, brake lights. The rear stop lamp and tail lamp bulb have a definite malfunction. When pressing on the brake the lights blink and certain interior and exterior lights are affected. This is very dangerous and must be covered in the recall.”
NHTSA complaint #10294027, filed 2009-11, 59,000 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 2007 Kia Optima
65 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsEngine cooling
4 complaintsEquipment
4 complaintsOther or unknown
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsFuel system
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2007 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