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