2010 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the brakes of the 2010 Kia Optima, 5% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 40,000 miles. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
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.
“We have been having electrical issues with our 2010 Kia Optima, which currently has 45000 miles on it. The TPMS, (!) and the airbag off/on lights all go off and on continually. They will be on for a few days, then go off and stay off for an undetermined amount of time. The brakes also jerk our car very roughly forward when we are braking. Even if we are going 5 MPH, we press on the brakes, then the car gives a big jerk before it comes to a complete stop.”
NHTSA complaint #10554972, filed 2013-12, 40,000 miles“Loud grinding noise developed in right rear brake. Upon his examination, mechanic found right rear brake caliper frozen in the engaged or closed position. Also, left rear brake caliper found to be frozen in the disengaged or open position. In essence, both rear brakes were inoperable! We were driving a car that only had front brakes functioning properly. Our mechanic couldn't remember a case where both rear brakes were inoperable on a car. We believe this problem to be unacceptable and extremely dangerous on a vehicle with only 74,314 miles and only 5 years old.”
NHTSA complaint #10747305, filed 2015-08, 74,314 miles“When braking at lower speeds of less then 20mph the car lurches or jerks like the anti-lock brakes are engaging or the transmission is downshifting hard.”
NHTSA complaint #10501992, filed 2013-03, 20 miles“Car would not engage into “Park” while attempting to park car in driveway. Shifter would not engage in any gear. Tried to reset button in center console. Contacted mechanic, he towed to garage. Plastic clip connected to cable broke. Earlier Kia’s had a recall due to this issue, why not all Kias due to it is still happening. I was very fortunate that this happened to me in my driveway and not on the highway. …”
NHTSA complaint #11533397, filed 2023-07Related recalls
- 13V114000Apr 1, 2013Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul…Covers: Kia Optima 2008–2011, Sorento 2007–2011, Sedona 2007–2011 +6 more
Related service bulletins
- 10179255Aug 25, 2020PITSTOP - 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…
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 2010 Kia Optima
24 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsEngine cooling
2 complaintsExterior lighting
2 complaintsSeat belts
2 complaintsSteering
2 complaintsBody and structure
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2010 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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