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2010 Kia

Optima

Auto 5-spd, 4 cyl, 2.4 L

Kia Optima: best and worst years
2010 Kia Optima (photo 1 of 2)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2010.

PhotoDamian B OhCC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Large CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic 5-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
RegularEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
175
Axle ratio
3.31
Cyl
4EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
32 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
22 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
25 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$2,500EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Real-world MPG
26 mpg, reported by 4 driversabout 1 mpg above the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
Yes

Dimensions & capacity

Pass. Vol
104 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
14 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
1
Owner complaints
75
Reported injuries
5
Theft rate
2.4 per 1,000 produced (CY 2010 federal data)

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • POWER TRAIN24%
  • AIR BAGS17%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13%
  • ENGINE9%
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6%
  • SERVICE BRAKES4%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 99 total.

Kia Optima: best and worst years

Federal investigations NHTSA defect investigations, model year

  • DP22003opened Sep 12, 2022ENGINE

    Loss of Motive Power

  • DP21003opened Nov 12, 2021VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:THROTTLE

    Throttle control system vulnerabilities

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

34 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Apr 17, 2025POWER TRAINTSB_TRA046_R5

    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 bar in the margin area. 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, and the transmission oil cooler is transferred to the new transmission.

  • May 16, 2024POWER TRAINTSB_TRA046_R4

    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.

  • Nov 18, 2022POWER TRAINTSB_TRA046_R3

    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 model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2.

  • Sep 13, 2021EXTERIOR LIGHTINGTSB_BOD055_R1

    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 by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine r

  • May 19, 2021STRUCTURETSB_BOD056R1_CLS

    TSB_BOD056R1_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED

  • Aug 25, 2020SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPERPS675

    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 during assembly.

  • Apr 24, 2020POWER TRAINTSB_TRA046_R1

    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. 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, refer to applicable vehicles on page 2. Refer to the shop manual on KGIS for the specific Kia model for the correct transmission fluid check/fill procedures.

  • Mar 2, 2018ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGPS539

    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 the new engine.

  • and 26 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
5 yr / 60k mi
Powertrain
10 yr / 100k mi
Roadside assistance
5 yr / 60k mi
EV battery
10 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.