2010 Kia Optima Problems
Compared with other Kia Optima years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Kia Optima year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 12 of its 75 complaints were filed by the end of 2012.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalling, knocking or seizure (17 complaints, median 76,500 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 75filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 70,500miles, 61 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 22 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2010 Kia Optima (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2010 Kia Optima most often describe a sharp, brief lurch or hard downshift as the car slows to about 20 mph, and a recurring air bag warning light traced by dealers to the passenger seat occupant sensor. Power door locks that stop responding to the fob or interior switch, and engine stalls or knocking on higher-mileage cars, also come up repeatedly in the sample.
- Transmission and drivetrain
Hard lurch or downshift when slowing to about 20 mph
- 14 complaints (19%)
- median 68,500 mi at 3.8 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2022
Complaints describe a sudden, hard downshift from second to first gear as the car decelerates toward roughly 20 mph, felt as a sharp jerk forward or a jolt that snaps the driver. It happens both when braking and when simply coasting down, and some owners say it is worse when the car is cold or in stop-and-go traffic. Several report dealers said they could not reproduce the condition, and one repair-related bulletin for this model covers transmission fluid type and fill quantity. Reported from a few hundred miles to well past 100,000 miles, with many filing between about 32,000 and 75,000 miles; owners often note it is most noticeable at low speed and when cold.
What to check: Drive the car and slow gently from about 35 mph to a stop to see whether it jerks near 20 mph. Ask whether the transmission fluid was serviced with the specified fluid and whether any software or shift-quality update was applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hard jerk when downshift into first gear at 20-22 MPH. I am concerned that this could cause an accident on wet, icy or snow covered roads. When I asked the dealer about this problem, he said he had not heard of it.”
NHTSA complaint #10555247, filed 2013-12, 67,000 miles“The car buckles when reducing your speed to around 20 MPH. Also the rear seat door lock stopped working and my car is no longer under warranty and Kia wants to charge me around 700 dollars to fix it.”
NHTSA complaint #10543322, filed 2013-09, 60,000 miles - Electrical system
Power door locks fail to lock or unlock
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 63,150 mi at 4.6 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2016
Complaints describe doors that stop responding to the key fob, the interior lock switch, or both, and the failure tends to move from one door to another over time. Owners say they end up unlocking with the key or exiting through another door, and some note it happens more when the car is hot. According to the complaints, dealers either could not find the cause or quoted several hundred dollars to replace a latch or actuator. Mostly reported between about 65,000 and 80,000 miles, with a few noted at low mileage; several owners mention hot weather making it worse.
What to check: Lock and unlock every door with the fob and with the interior switch, then repeat after the car has sat in the sun. Ask whether any latch or actuator has already been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Power door locks will not work at times both inside and with the remote preventing all ability to get out of the vehicle. This occurs when the car is at a stop both while running and not running. I generally do not try to open the doors while I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #10861988, filed 2016-04, 75,000 miles“My rear passenger door lock stopped working. The door will not unlock. I called the dealership while I was still under warranty but they could not get me in for an appointment in a timely manner and now my warranty has expired and the dealership is telling me it costs over $200 to fix the problem. I consider this to be a safety issue. If I were ever in an accident the person sitting in this seat would have a hard time getting out of the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10505793, filed 2013-04, 50,000 miles - Engine
Engine stalling, knocking or seizure
- 17 complaints (23%)
- median 76,500 mi at 6.1 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2026
Owners report the engine cutting out in traffic or at low speed with no warning light, sometimes restarting and sometimes not, and in other cases a loud knock followed by a seized engine. Complaints mention oil and coolant at normal levels and no prior symptoms, and some owners ask whether it relates to engine recalls on later model years. The sample also includes engine failures described after an oil change and an overheating episode traced to a radiator leak. Mostly reported at higher mileage, from roughly 73,000 to 150,000 miles, often while driving at steady speed or slowing for a stop.
What to check: Listen for a knock at cold start and at idle, check the oil level and condition, and ask for maintenance records. Confirm whether the car falls under any open engine-related campaign for its year.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The engine on my 2010 Kia Optima suddenly seized without warning around 150,000 miles. The vehicle had no knocking sounds or warning signs prior to failure. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. This created a sudden loss of vehicle operation. I am concerned this may be related to the known engine failure issues reported in Kia vehicles.”
NHTSA complaint #11722673, filed 2026-03“While driving home one day in december 2015, each time I approached a stop light, yield sign or slowed to a low speed (less than 15 MPH), my vehicle would shut-off multiple times. My in motion speed was approx 45 MPH when not approaching a stop light or yield sign. It happened both when I was turning and going straight on main roads with 2-4 lanes. The dealership and another asme certified mechanic both state engine failure, which seems to be a widespread problem with 2.4l engines manufactured by Kia and hyundai around this year up to 2015.”
NHTSA complaint #10861976, filed 2016-04, 80,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light / passenger seat sensor
- 10 complaints (13%)
- median 81,400 mi at 5.7 yrs old (9 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2020
Owners describe the air bag warning light coming on and staying on, or the passenger air bag on/off indicator switching by itself. According to complaints, dealers typically diagnosed the front passenger seat occupant classification sensor or cushion assembly and quoted repairs running from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. A warranty extension bulletin for the 2006-2010 Optima covers replacement of that sensor mat. Widely spread, from about 18,000 to 100,000 miles; several complaints note the light appearing intermittently before staying on.
What to check: Turn the key and confirm the air bag light goes out after the bulb check, and that the passenger air bag indicator reads correctly with the seat empty and occupied. Ask whether the occupant sensor mat was replaced under the warranty extension.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Takata recall. Light on clock area showed an off from the day I purchased the car. The suddenly on or about 3/6/2016 an indicator light showed an air bag warning. I took it into champion automotive care plus. They inspected the indicator light and contacted the manufacture and stated to replace the part it would cost over $1000.00. The next day the light went out. Then a few days later a message came up that the passenger air bags were off. My engine was turned on, when I put it in gear the off light went on. …”
NHTSA complaint #10845558, filed 2016-03, 22,129 miles“Air bag lights will not go off dealer reset but came back on soon afterwards. Another dealer said it was not covered under warranty and part was over $1000. Multiple dead car batteries due to running lights not turning off after you park the car. Please for the love of everything good in this world just recall and fix already.”
NHTSA complaint #10934582, filed 2016-12, 99,000 miles - Air bags
Air bags not deploying in a collision
- 7 complaints (9%)
- median 36,062 mi at 3.2 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2010–2018
Several owners describe collisions, including rear impacts and a rollover, after which the air bags did not deploy. Complaints also note related symptoms in the same incidents, such as a reclined seat back or a steering wheel lock-up afterward. Some owners say they contacted the manufacturer and were told the vehicle was not covered by a relevant recall. Reported across a wide mileage range, from about 36,000 to 63,000 miles in the sampled complaints, in crash situations rather than at a predictable age.
What to check: Ask whether the car has any accident history and whether the air bag system was inspected afterward. Check that the air bag light behaves normally and that no crash-related codes are stored.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle was involved in a 1 car accident where it went off the road, into the ditch and rolled several times. There was significant damage to the front end of the vehicle but none of the air bags deployed. The back of the driver's seat was broken during the accident and was all the way reclined rendering the seat belt ineffective. The injuries could have been much worse than they actually were given the fact that no bags deployed. …”
NHTSA complaint #10497669, filed 2013-02, 36,062 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Kia Optima. The contact stated that another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 63,100.”
NHTSA complaint #10562773, filed 2014-02, 63,100 miles
Buying note. A 2010 Optima is worth a careful test drive rather than a quick one: check for the low-speed lurch, ask about transmission fluid service, and verify the air bag light and the passenger seat sensor. Door lock operation on every door and engine service records round out the checks, since most of the reported trouble shows up at higher mileage.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima. 61 of the complaints include a mileage, and 28% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 70,500 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 34 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 12 Kia Optima model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags17 23%
- Electrical system13 17%
- Engine9 12%
- Vehicle speed control6 8.0%
- Other or unknown5 6.7%
- Brakes4 5.3%
- Engine cooling2 2.7%
- Exterior lighting2 2.7%
Also reported: Seat belts (2), Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Equipment (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1), Suspension (1), Tires (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Takata recall transmission has a grinding and whining noise!! But transmission shift gear smoothly. These noise worse at cold condition and turn to the left, and passing over speedbump. As I heard in the south korea, this is common often reported by drivers who drive this vehicle. I am trying to figure out what is going on but all car mechanic could not found it. I am very scary when I driving. I think it could be a safety issue in the future.”
NHTSA complaint #11047250, filed 2017-11, 110,000 milesAir bags: “The contact owns a 2010 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the air bag, ABS, and brake system warning lights continuously illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technician diagnosed that the air bag needed to be replaced. No repairs were made to the vehicle. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,400.”
NHTSA complaint #10717174, filed 2015-05, 81,400 milesElectrical system: “Went to go out(6:30 am) and found that my trunk lid was unlatched, not open, just unlatched. Found out by it showing on my dashboard. Yesterday, 9/3/15, neighbor knocked on my door (2:45 pm) and told me my parking lights were on. I had come home at 7:30 am. I had gone out with a neighbor a couple of times, lights were not on. Last time was around noon.”
NHTSA complaint #10761482, filed 2015-09, 18,900 milesEngine: “My Optima has 104,000 miles. Just last week while driving on wet roads, I lost control as the power steering stopped working. The battery light comes on during this period for between 5-30 seconds as you loose almost all control of your vehicle's steering. Just as your vehicle gains power steering again, a screeching sounds comes from the engine compartment (maybe belts re-engaging). It has been raining her the past week and the issue has happened about 8 times. Sometimes directly after driving through puddles, and sometimes just while driving. …”
NHTSA complaint #11311465, filed 2020-02, 2 milesMileage when problems were reported
28% of the 61 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 40,000 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2010 Kia Optima. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima · sedan FWD | not rated | 5 / 5 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2010 Kia Optima version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 22 | 32 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Optima FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 22 | 32 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Optima FWD | 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Exterior lighting › Brake lights › SwitchCovers: Kia Optima 2008–2011, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009…
Recall details for the 2010 Kia Optima → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- DP21003Throttle control system vulnerabilitiesClosed · Nov 12, 2021
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 34 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11017172Apr 17, 2025Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black…
- 11000787May 16, 2024Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
- 10226555Nov 18, 2022Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia…
- 10201529Sep 13, 2021Body and structure, Exterior lighting. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated…
- 10194559May 19, 2021Body and structure. Tsb_bod056r1_closed: technical service bulletin closed
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020Equipment, Brakes. PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied…
- 10174520Apr 24, 2020Transmission and drivetrain. TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct…
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018Engine cooling. PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to…
- 10109855Mar 21, 2017Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Equipment. TSB: DEFOGGING LOGIC ? NORMAL OPERATION, DISABLING, AND ENABLING - Starting with 2010MY, all Kia vehicles, except Rio (JB), incorporate a defogging logic to prevent the interior windows from…
- 10109812Jan 18, 2017Equipment. TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly…
Other model years of the Kia Optima
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 151 | 60,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 23 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2019 | 212 | 30,224 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 233 | 45,325 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 49 · Typical | Rising |
| 2017 | 257 | 54,000 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 48 · Typical | Rising |
| 2016 | 760 | 68,000 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 98 · More | Rising |
| 2015 | 1,010 | 80,000 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2014 | 591 | 71,688 | 7 | 5 | 26 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2013 | 1,387 | 83,450 | 9 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2012 | 920 | 80,000 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 594 | 90,000 | 5 | 5 | 27 | 96 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 75 | 70,500 | 1 | — | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 116 | 64,000 | 1 | — | 25 | 20 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 144 | 61,500 | 3 | — | 25 | 41 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 167 | 75,500 | 2 | — | 25 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 155 | 61,894 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 144 | 76,000 | 0 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 225 | 82,500 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 141 | 84,200 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2002 | 107 | 85,000 | 3 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 143 | 81,500 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
All Kia Optima model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Optima?
Owners of the 2010 Kia Optima most often describe a sharp, brief lurch or hard downshift as the car slows to about 20 mph, and a recurring air bag warning light traced by dealers to the passenger seat occupant sensor. The issues reported most often: Hard lurch or downshift when slowing to about 20 mph; Power door locks fail to lock or unlock; Engine stalling, knocking or seizure.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2010 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA recorded 75 consumer complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2010 Kia Optima is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 24 complaints (32% of the total), followed by air bags with 17.
Has the 2010 Kia Optima been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2010 Kia Optima get?
The EPA rates the 2010 Kia Optima (Optima, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2010 Kia Optima reported?
Among the 61 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 70,500 miles and the middle half falls between 40,000 and 80,000 miles; 28% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.