2010 Kia Optima Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 3%of 75 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 67,750miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2010 Kia Optima, 3% of the 75 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,750 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, 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 was parking my car in a lot when it surged forward (accelerated suddenly) without my depressing the accelerator causing me to lose control of my car and hit another vehicle, severely damaging the other vehicle and mine. My car was towed to a repair facility.”
NHTSA complaint #10340860, filed 2010-06, 500 miles“The contact owns a 2010 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 1 mph, the vehicle started overheating then there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the engine. Upon investigation, it was found that the radiator had a hole on the right side. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer and was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11417917, filed 2021-05, 135,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10133170Mar 2, 2018PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned…
- 10037347Nov 1, 2010Kia: there is a procedure to reset the electronic throttle control value.
- 10034250Apr 1, 2010Kia: ecm upgrade for improved shift quality-equipped with 2.4l engine and a/t. Provides the procedure to upgrade the engine control module (ecu) of some vehicles with 2.4l…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8 | 5% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 14 | 6% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 24 | 3% |
| 2015 | 31 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 3% |
| 2013 | 42 | 3% |
| 2012 | 20 | 2% |
| 2011 | 8 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 6 | 4% |
| 2004 | 11 | 5% |
| 2003 | 7 | 5% |
| 2002 | 7 | 7% |
| 2001 | 24 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2010 Kia Optima
24 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsOther or unknown
5 complaintsBrakes
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 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 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