2009 Kia Optima Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 3%of 116 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 58,250miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the body and structure of the 2009 Kia Optima, 3% of the 116 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 58,250 miles. 1 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.
“While hitting several trees in my Kia Optima, going about 45mph, the air bags did not deploy. My insurance company said from their experience and from looking at the damage of the car, they also think the air bags should have deployed. However, nobody was seriously injured, no thanks to the air bags.”
NHTSA complaint #10789825, filed 2015-11, 95,000 miles“Water leak car roof to body side weld never sealed at factory, cause extensive mold damage. Ceiling replaced, carpets , Kia dealer unable to find replacement back seat can't repair, moldy smell. Certified mold expert said entire interior of car needs replaced, and air tested bye a certified expert ($2000).”
NHTSA complaint #10638161, filed 2014-09, 33,500 miles“The front passager door handle snapped in half. One week later the drivers door handle snapped in half while being opened. There was no extra force or pressure on the handles they just broke in your hands.”
NHTSA complaint #10483964, filed 2012-11, 83,000 miles“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Optima . While driving approximately 25 MPH and up, the vehicle began to drift to the right. He has taken the vehicle to the dealer multiple times, and the vehicle was realigned six times. The repair has not remedied the failure. The manufacturer referred him to an independent auto body shop to have the frame readjusted. The failure mileage was 123. The current mileage is 1500. Updated 11/10/09 the vehicle pulled extremely hard to the right, the vehicle was re-aligned and the tires were replaced. …”
NHTSA complaint #10286895, filed 2009-10, 123 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this…
- 10194559May 19, 2021Tsb_bod056r1_closed: technical service bulletin closed
- 10058518Jul 1, 2015Kia: an additional application of anti-corrosion protection will be applied on some vehicles underbody components to help prevent corrosion. Model 2004-09 spectra, 2006-10…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% |
| 2019 | 14 | 7% |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% |
| 2016 | 41 | 5% |
| 2015 | 76 | 8% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 127 | 9% |
| 2012 | 39 | 4% |
| 2011 | 21 | 4% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 12 | 8% |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% |
| 2004 | 42 | 19% |
| 2003 | 25 | 18% |
| 2002 | 30 | 28% |
| 2001 | 35 | 24% |
Other parts of the 2009 Kia Optima
33 complaintsAir bags
28 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectrical system
16 complaintsEngine
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsElectronic stability control
9 complaintsExterior lighting
9 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsSuspension
4 complaintsOther or unknown
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2009 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