2007 Kia Optima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 10%of 167 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 99,560miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the engine of the 2007 Kia Optima, 10% of the 167 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 99,560 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 5 a fire, according to the filers.
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“I came to a complete stop and proceeded to turn left when I noticed the check engine light came on and as I pulled over there I noticed a thick cloud of blue smoke out of my rear view mirror. I opened the hood and saw flames at the back of the engine around the transmission and airconditioner area of the car. Flames continued until the interior began burning and windshield broke.”
NHTSA complaint #10462303, filed 2012-06, 98,000 miles“My check engine light keeps coming on. At first it would go off and on with no code. Now it stays on with the code p0420 for the catalytic converter. Also I heard about an air bag recall”
NHTSA complaint #11186208, filed 2019-03, 187,000 miles“I was driving the vehicle and it started shaking and slowing down on it's own. Then it just cut right off on me. I pulled over and tried to restart the vehicle ...to no avail.....there were no warning lights or anything going on.....I had to get it towed to my mechanic who informed me that he felt it was either the starter or the alternator...he replaced the starter first and then told me the engine had ceased and I would need a new or rebuilt on put it. …”
NHTSA complaint #10542253, filed 2013-09, 88,000 miles“My Kia Optima began consuming large amounts of oil but it wasn't leaking out or burning off anywhere. I began to watch the oil levels closely and was down 2 qts every week. At some point the oil pressure got too low and we think sucked air into the engine. The check engine light came on and then off again as it has been for the ppast yr but for an evap problem - a very small leak kept getting detected. I spent $1800 at firestone the previous ur the colder kept coming back on and off. But this didn't explain the sidden massive oil consumption. Suddenly on oct. …”
NHTSA complaint #11160635, filed 2018-12, 151,000 milesEngine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 102 | 68% |
| 2019 | 92 | 43% |
| 2018 | 132 | 57% |
| 2017 | 165 | 64% |
| 2016 | 426 | 56% |
| 2015 | 623 | 62% |
| 2014 | 284 | 48% |
| 2013 | 614 | 44% |
| 2012 | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 | 256 | 43% |
| 2010 | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 | 14 | 12% |
| 2008 | 19 | 13% |
| 2007 | 16 | 10% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2007 Kia Optima
65 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
33 complaintsExterior lighting
27 complaintsElectrical system
14 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsBrakes
8 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 27, 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