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NHTSA recalls & complaints · 2001–2020

Kia Optima recalls, complaints and VIN decoding

NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns and 7,499 owner complaints for the Kia Optima, covering model years 2001 to 2020. The 2013 model year drew the most complaints (1,383), and Engine is the component owners name most often.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint flat files, updated September 25, 2026.

Decode your Kia Optima VIN

See the model year, plant and build details of one vehicle, then the recalls for its exact year.

  • 22 recall campaigns on file
  • 7,499 owner complaints (unverified reports to NHTSA)
  • 20 model years with data (2001–2020)
  • most complaints: 2013 (1,383 for that model year)
  • top component: Engine (3,153 complaints)
  • latest recall 23V652000 (reported Sep 25, 2023)
  • 313 complaints reporting a crash (4.2%)
  • 412 complaints reporting a fire (5.5%)
  • 203 complaints reporting an injury (2.7%)
  • 14 complaints reporting a death (0.2%)

Kia Optima complaints by model year

20 model years · NHTSA complaints

The 2013 model year has the most complaints: 1,383 of 7,499, or 18.4%. Next come 2015 (1,008) and 2012 (919). The fewest are for 2010, with 75 complaints.

Owner complaints per model yearHighest yearOther years
Kia Optima owner complaints to NHTSA by model year, 2001–2020Column chart of 7,499 complaints across 20 model years. The highest is 2013 with 1,383. The full figures are in the table below the chart.2001: 143 complaints14320012002: 107 complaints10720022003: 141 complaints14120032004: 225 complaints22520042005: 144 complaints14420052006: 155 complaints15520062007: 167 complaints16720072008: 144 complaints14420082009: 116 complaints11620092010: 75 complaints7520102011: 593 complaints59320112012: 919 complaints91920122013: 1,383 complaints1,38320132014: 585 complaints58520142015: 1,008 complaints1,00820152016: 754 complaints75420162017: 255 complaints25520172018: 232 complaints23220182019: 207 complaints20720192020: 146 complaints1462020
Show the figures for all 20 model years
Kia Optima complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Kia Optima complaints by model year, with complaints reporting a crash, fire, injury or death
Model yearComplaintsReporting a crashReporting a fireReporting an injuryReporting a death
200114315050
2002107154100
20031418250
20042258370
20051447150
20061553120
200716711550
2008144204154
20091165441
2010757250
20115932333141
20129192577220
20131,38348114274
20145852042172
20151,0083174201
20167542719171
20172554920
2018232101070
2019207206110
20201466230
All model years7,49931341220314

Crash, fire, injury and death columns count complaints that report at least one of them, not people.

Most-reported Kia Optima components

top 15 · NHTSA categories

Engine is the component named most often, in 3,153 complaints (42.0% of all 7,499), followed by Electrical System (933) and Steering (756).

Components named most often in Kia Optima complaints (top 15)
Components named most often in Kia Optima complaints (top 15)
ComponentComplaintsShare of complaints
Engine3,15342.0%
Electrical System93312.4%
Unknown or Other84511.3%
Steering75610.1%
Air Bags5617.5%
Structure5597.5%
Power Train5076.8%
Fuel/Propulsion System3775.0%
Exterior Lighting3584.8%
Service Brakes3144.2%
Vehicle Speed Control2753.7%
Latches/Locks/Linkages2713.6%
Engine and Engine Cooling2463.3%
Service Brakes, Hydraulic2092.8%
Suspension1812.4%

One complaint can name several components, so the shares add up to more than 100%. Component names are NHTSA’s top-level categories.

What NHTSA owner complaints mean

These figures count complaints that vehicle owners and other members of the public have submitted to NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. NHTSA uses complaints, together with other data, to spot safety issues that may warrant an investigation and to check whether existing recalls go far enough.

  • They are reports, not findings. Each complaint is the submitter's own account. Its presence in the database does not mean NHTSA has confirmed a defect.
  • Counts are not defect rates. The data doesn't say how many vehicles were sold, so a raw count can't tell you what share of vehicles had a problem.
  • Popular models collect more complaints. A model sold in large numbers will usually gather more complaints than a rare one, simply because more people own it.
  • One complaint can name several components. Totals by component can therefore add up to more than the number of complaints.
  • Coverage starts in 1995. NHTSA's complaint file contains complaints received since January 1, 1995.

Use complaint patterns as a prompt for questions: whether a recall covers the issue, whether the vehicle you are considering has had the fix, and what a mechanic finds on inspection. For confirmed safety defects, see the recall list for this model.

Kia Optima recalls

22 campaigns · newest first

Every vehicle recall campaign NHTSA lists under the model name Optima, newest first. The 22 campaigns cover model years 2001 to 2019. The 2013 model year appears in the most campaigns (9).

  • 22 recall campaigns
  • 3 “Park Outside” advisories
Kia Optima recall campaigns covering each model year
DecadeYears ending in 0Years ending in 1Years ending in 2Years ending in 3Years ending in 4Years ending in 5Years ending in 6Years ending in 7Years ending in 8Years ending in 9
2001: 3 campaigns2002: 3 campaigns2003: 2 campaigns2004: 1 campaign2005: no campaigns2006: 2 campaigns2007: 2 campaigns2008: 3 campaigns2009: 1 campaign
2010: 1 campaign2011: 5 campaigns2012: 5 campaigns2013: 9 campaigns2014: 7 campaigns2015: 4 campaigns2016: 5 campaigns2017: 3 campaigns2018: 2 campaigns2019: 1 campaign
Highlighted: the model year with the most campaigns.

  1. NHTSA campaign 23V652000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2011–2015

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.

    Consequence:
    An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed November 14, 2023. Owner notification letters were mailed March 29, 2024 through June 18, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC284.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 23V594000

    Reported

    Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch

    Model years 2016–2018

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

    Consequence:
    A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 22V560000

    Reported

    Structure › Body › Roof and Pillars

    Model years 2012–2013

    Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.

    Consequence:
    A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 22V093000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2013–2014

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 21V331000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2013–2015

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

    Consequence:
    An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
    Remedy:
    Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 2, 2021. This recall supersedes previous NHTSA recall number 20V-519. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC212.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 20V519000

    Reported

    Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit/Module

    Model years 2013–2015

    NHTSA “Park Outside” advisory: because of the fire risk, park affected vehicles outside and away from buildings until the recall repair is done.

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.

    Consequence:
    If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the HECU for leaking brake fluid and replace the HECU if necessary, free of charge. Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. The recall began October 20, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC197.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 20V100000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2013–2014

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.

    Consequence:
    If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 19V539000

    Reported

    Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking

    Model year 2019

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.

    Consequence:
    Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 18V907000

    Reported

    Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, and Fittings

    Model years 2011–2017

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

    Consequence:
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Remedy:
    Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 18V363000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Air Bag/Restraint Control Module

    Model years 2011–2013

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.

    Consequence:
    If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle Harness Connector. For all other affected vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to install the extension wire harness kit. The recall began September 28, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC165.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Show 12 more recalls

  1. NHTSA campaign 18V161000

    Reported

    Hybrid Propulsion System

    Model years 2017–2018

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

    Consequence:
    If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  2. NHTSA campaign 17V224000

    Reported

    Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine

    Model years 2011–2014

    Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.

    Consequence:
    Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  3. NHTSA campaign 17V007000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module

    Model year 2016

    Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.

    Consequence:
    In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
    Remedy:
    The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  4. NHTSA campaign 16V705000

    Reported

    Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft

    Model year 2016

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.

    Consequence:
    If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  5. NHTSA campaign 16V231000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model year 2016

    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.

    Consequence:
    If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  6. NHTSA campaign 13V114000

    Reported

    Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch

    Model years 2008–2011

    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 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

    Consequence:
    Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
    Remedy:
    Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  7. NHTSA campaign 12V014000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Frontal

    Model years 2006–2008

    Kia motors america, inc. (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured from September 29, 2005, through January 29, 2008, and model year 2007 and 2008 Kia Rondo vehicles manufactured from September 13, 2006, through March 21, 2008. The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) may become damaged through usage over time. If the clock spring contact assembly becomes damaged, the driver's air bag electrical circuit will experience a high resistance condition potentially causing the driver's air bag to not deploy.

    Consequence:
    If the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
    Remedy:
    Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vehicle's air bag clock spring contact assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 11, 2012. Owners may contact Kia customer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  8. NHTSA campaign 11V153000

    Reported

    Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Lever and Linkage › Column Shift

    Model years 2006–2008

    Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 Optima vehicles manufactured from September 29, 2005, through June 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.

    Consequence:
    If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on March 23, 2011. Owner may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  9. NHTSA campaign 09V183000

    Reported

    Suspension › Front

    Model years 2001–2004

    Kia motors corporation (KMC) is recalling 36,538 model year 2001-2004 Optima vehicles originally sold in or currently registered in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia. Road salt applied in these states during the winter months may result in progressive, internal corrosion of the front subframe. Over time, such subframe corrosion near the connection to the lower control arm can lead to wheel misalignment and/or other noticeable stress in steering, or accelerated abnormal tire wear.

    Consequence:
    Corrosion of the front subframe could lead to separation, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash.
    Remedy:
    KMC will notify owners and dealers will repair the vehicles free of charge. The safety recall began on June 15, 2009. Owners may contact Kia's consumer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  10. NHTSA campaign 04V180000

    Reported

    Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly

    Model years 2002–2003

    Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur.

    Consequence:
    Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began June 25, 2004. Owners should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  11. NHTSA campaign 03V067000

    Reported

    Electrical System › Starter Assembly

    Model years 2001–2002

    On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5 and 2.7 liter V6 engines, the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) cases did not meet dimensional specifications.

    Consequence:
    Internal gaps within the cases allowed epoxy to contact the printed circuit board, which resulted in cracking of the circuit board capacitor. A damaged CKP capacitor could result in engine stalling.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will replace the CKP. Owner notification began March 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

  12. NHTSA campaign 01V156000

    Reported

    Air Bags › Side/Window

    Model year 2001

    Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The side air bag wire harness for the driver position could be mis-routed, which could result in it being pinched or cut by the seat cushion tilt mechanism.

    Consequence:
    Damage to the wire harness could result in the side air bag not deploying in an accident.
    Remedy:
    Dealers will check for proper routing of the side air bag wire harness and secure it in place with a plastic tie-wrap. If the wire harness is damaged, it will be replaced. Owner notification is expected to begin during May 2001. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

    Filed by Kia America, Inc.

Recall text is shown as NHTSA publishes it; older campaigns, which NHTSA stores in capital letters, are shown in sentence case. NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline, 1-888-327-4236, also answers recall questions.

How to read this recall list

This list shows every safety recall campaign NHTSA has on file for this make, model and model year. It is not specific to one vehicle: a recall often covers only vehicles built in a certain date range or with a certain part, and many of the vehicles it covers will already have been repaired.

What each recall field means
What each recall field means
FieldWhat it tells you
Campaign numberNHTSA's unique ID for the recall, such as 20V771000. Quote it to a dealer or when searching NHTSA's site.
ComponentThe system or part involved, for example air bags, brakes or electrical software.
SummaryWhat the defect or non-compliance is and which vehicles are covered.
ConsequenceThe safety risk if the problem isn't fixed.
RemedyWhat the manufacturer will do, such as a repair, replacement or software update, and whether it is free.
  • Some recalls carry an NHTSA consumer advisory, “Do Not Drive” or “Park Outside”. Follow it until the repair is done.
  • A single campaign often covers several models or model years, so the same campaign number can appear in more than one list.
  • Recalls are shown as NHTSA publishes them. Very recent campaigns may take time to appear.

Does your vehicle have an open recall? Only a VIN check can tell you. Enter the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or on the manufacturer's website. Our VIN recall check guide explains what each option covers.

Kia Optima questions

5 questions

How many recalls does the Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 22 vehicle recall campaigns for the Kia Optima, covering model years 2001 to 2020. The most recent, 23V652000, was reported on September 25, 2023 and is filed under “Service brakes, hydraulic”. The 2013 model year is covered by the most campaigns (9).

Which Kia Optima model year has the most complaints?

The 2013 model year, with 1,383 of the 7,499 complaints in NHTSA’s file (18.4%). The next are 2015 (1,008) and 2012 (919). Complaint counts also reflect how many vehicles of each year were sold and how long they have been on the road, so they are not a reliability ranking.

What is the most common Kia Optima complaint?

Engine is the component named most often: 3,153 complaints, or 42.0% of all 7,499. Electrical System (933) and Steering (756) follow. Complaints are unverified reports from owners, not confirmed defects, and one complaint can name several components.

Does every recall on this page apply to my Kia Optima?

Not necessarily. Each campaign lists specific model years, and many cover only vehicles built in a certain period or fitted with a certain part; repairs already carried out aren’t shown. To see whether a recall is open on your vehicle, enter its VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup (opens in a new tab) or ask a Kia dealer.

How many Kia Optima complaints report a crash, fire, injury or death?

Of the 7,499 complaints, 313 report a crash, 412 a fire, 203 at least one injury and 14 at least one death. These figures count complaints, not people, and each complaint is the submitter’s own unverified account.

Other Kia models

8 models · most complaints first

The Kia models with the most NHTSA complaints, and the Kia VIN decoder with every Kia model page, WMI code and VIN note.

  • Kia Sorento 2003–2026 · 40 recalls · 10,159 complaints
  • Kia Soul 2010–2025 · 15 recalls · 5,532 complaints
  • Kia Sportage 1995–2026 · 36 recalls · 4,687 complaints
  • Kia Forte 2009–2024 · 18 recalls · 2,539 complaints
  • Kia Sedona 2002–2021 · 23 recalls · 2,406 complaints
  • Kia Telluride 2020–2027 · 19 recalls · 2,009 complaints
  • Kia Sephia 1995–2003 · 7 recalls · 1,687 complaints
  • Kia Rio 2000–2023 · 11 recalls · 1,290 complaints

All Kia models and WMI codesLook up recalls by year

Data: NHTSA recalls and complaints flat files, updated September 25, 2026. Recall campaigns are vehicle (V) campaigns listed for this model name; complaints are counted once per NHTSA ODI number and model year.