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Vehicle safety record

2010 Kia Optima Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 75 complaints about the 2010 Kia Optima with NHTSA, most often about the transmission & drivetrain (24) and the airbags (17). Those complaints describe 7 crashes, 2 fires and 5 injuries. It is covered by 1 recall, the latest in April 2013 for the switch. For comparison, the 2009 has 116 and the 2011 has 594.

NHTSA data checked

AFar fewer problems than a typical Optima year, for its age

#116 most complained-about 2010 vehicle

Complaints
75
Recalls
1
Crashes
7
Fires
2
Injuries
5
Deaths
0

Most common 2010 Kia Optima problems

Share of all 75 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2010 Kia Optima recalls 1

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Exterior lighting: switch

13V114000980,377 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

What owners say

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75 complaints about the 2010 Kia Optima

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 3.

Engine & cooling

The engine on my 2010 Kia Optima suddenly seized without warning around 150,000 miles. The vehicle had no knocking sounds or warning signs prior to failure. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. This created a sudden loss of vehicle operation. I am concerned this may be related to the known engine failure issues reported in Kia vehicles.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11722673
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

1.We were driving and the car just cut off. Not from the lack of fuel but cut off in the middle of traffic. (Available for inspection) 2.The car stopping in traffic running about 65 mph causes the safety of all on the highway. A very dangerous situation. 3. The problem has showed itself numerous times. 4. The car had been inspected/checked after the incident. There was no errors on the computer after diagnosis. 5. No errors nor warning lights prior the incident. After the incident, the car cranks right back up without error.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11646102
Engine & coolingDriver assistance

I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back. The motor start making a noise it's been parked

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11640182
Electrical systemBrakes

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. I understand there is the same part at the other end of the cable, connects to transmission and shifter, if it also breaks it is going to be very expensive to repair due to placement of the part. I had to rent a vehicle for work while part had to be ordered and replaced.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · Service brakesNHTSA 11533397
Engine & cooling

Rod bearing knocking noise. Vehicle stopped running when slowing down. Car is available for inspection. No warning lights come on. The rod bearing can pierce the engine and cause oil to leak and then a fire. Problem first identified by Monroe and then another independent when the car died in front of his shop- both confirmed this is a known issue with kias- but since ours is a 2010 it is not covered under the current recall for the same issue in years 2011 to 2013. I spoke with cooper Kia in Utica as I was looking...

Read the full complaint

for support with this issue and was told by Mike Digiovanni to call a lawyer. On a later call to Pat Stacey he said they don't work for Kia and he stated that the salesman said I came in threatening to call a lawyer- not true- I was advised to call one. I had gone in explaining that I was upset as I thought this was a safe car for my 17 year old to travel in between college and work and it's the same issue as the 2011-2013 recall

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11483785
Engine & cooling

At 134000 miles car got a knock on interstate. 5 miles to next exit a loud bang. Then the knock went to a loud loud bang. Pulled over to find rod thru block. It is a 2010 kia optima with 2.4l 1 year before the recalls with exact probelm. Full of oil and coolant. Just out of the blue.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11466668
Transmission & drivetrain

The car lurches or jerks when slowing down or stopping at about 20 mph . Lurch or jerking is enough to jerk to the driver . Has anyone got answer to why the Kia Optima 2010 does this.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11452917
Transmission & drivetrain

Car has very hard downshift at low speed going from 2nd gear to 1st. Seems to be alot of these complaints and would be nice to know of a fix for this problem!

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11418644
Engine & coolingFire

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11417917
Acceleration & cruise controlEngine & cooling

Engine blew doing 40-45 on a county road 1,000 rpm 5th gear, in automatic. 2Nd to 1st, soft to hard kick. Vehicle speed sensor must be faulty I have to pump brake more to slow the engine speed it likes to bog trying to speed up in automatic mode

Filed Incident Vehicle speed control · EngineNHTSA 11403364
Airbags

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 kia optima. The contact stated that the air bag warning lights were illuminated. Gervais kia (6 industrial ave, lowell, ma 01851, (978)454-1202) was contacted and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the seat occupant detection system needed to be replaced at a cost of $5,000. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11331104
SteeringEngine & cooling

My optima has 104,000 miles. Just last week while driving on wet roads, I lost control as the power steering stopped working. The battery light comes on during this period for between 5-30 seconds as you loose almost all control of your vehicle's steering. Just as your vehicle gains power steering again, a screeching sounds comes from the engine compartment (maybe belts re-engaging). It has been raining her the past week and the issue has happened about 8 times. Sometimes directly after driving through puddles, and sometimes just while driving. The issue only occurs though when the roads are wet. This is a major safety issue.

Filed Incident Steering · EngineNHTSA 11311465
Suspension

Vehicle has a terrible rattle coming from the rear end while driving and the vehicle moves from side to side. Not sure what it is. Bought in 2016

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11259003
Airbags

Airbag light came on and says I need to replace the airbags in the passenger seat. Now airbag system is disengaged.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11255422
Engine & cooling

Driving car just shut off in heavy traffic on rd average speed 40 no warning lights came on restarted stalled all the way home and huge knocking sound

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11195570
Acceleration & cruise control

When coming to a stop my car shifts from 3rd to 2nd her very abruptly. It makes it feel as though I've slammed on my brakes very suddenly. It also does it when I slow my car then press the gas to accelerate sometimes. I've taken my car to the dealership over 5 times since first purchased by my mother in 2010 and the dealership always claimed to be unable to notice the sudden jerking. This jerking happens mostly on the street due to my continual stop and go, but it has also happened while getting on the freeway and during freeway traffic.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11174898
Other & unknownFire

Driving home from work may7 on i64 st.Charles co,mo.Smoke coming from under hood as I approached bride over missouri river and as soon as I crossed bridge it was worse and I called home to say my car was on fire and I was getting out of it ,then I called 911 and police and fire dept from from cottleville arriver. The car completely burned all the way to the trunk. T here was no apparent condition to have caused it to burn as car was well maintained and in good condition

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11143621
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2010 kia optima. The contact called on behalf of the driver. While driving 35 mph, the driver lost control of the vehicle as it inadvertently accelerated. As a result, the driver struck another vehicle. The contact stated that the driver had to turn off the vehicle in order for it to stop. The air bags did not deploy. The driver sustained head and left leg injuries that did not require medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 24,000. *Tt *tr

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11112204
Airbags

The passage seat air bag light is on steady code stored b1448 ocs mat is defective car was parked in yard

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11079104
Transmission & drivetrain

Takata recall - hard downshift from 2nd to 1st, usually around the 20mph mark! It's a sudden jerk as if it has been slammed into a a lower gear

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11071802
Transmission & drivetrainAcceleration & cruise control

VEHICLE JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AT ABOUT 20 MPH.

Filed Incident Power train · Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11066815
Transmission & drivetrain

Takata recall transmission has a grinding and whining noise!! But transmission shift gear smoothly. These noise worse at cold condition and turn to the left, and passing over speedbump. As I heard in the south korea, this is common often reported by drivers who drive this vehicle. I am trying to figure out what is going on but all car mechanic could not found it. I am very scary when I driving. I think it could be a safety issue in the future.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11047250
Electrical system

The ignition want turn all to way off I have to turn it off and on 2 or 3 times before it will turn completely off so I can remotely lock the door. The driver side rear door actuator work when it get ready I have to unlock the driver side door with key and manually lock and unlock the door.

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10980032
Electrical systemLightsAirbags

Air bag lights will not go off dealer reset but came back on soon afterwards. Another dealer said it was not covered under warranty and part was over $1000. Multiple dead car batteries due to running lights not turning off after you park the car. Please for the love of everything good in this world just recall and fix already.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Exterior lighting · Air bagsNHTSA 10934582
Fuel system

When accelerating or slowing down my vehicle jerk even when I'm on the highway and have the cruise control set it will do the same thing. I would like to know what I need to do or if there is any kind of recall on this because I really can't afford to take it and have it looked at. I have seen multiple reports of the same problem and with all of the report I don't see how kia has not done anything about it.

Filed Incident Unknown or other · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10934080

Kia Optima: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
201459172043Engine & coolingF
20131,388948115Engine & coolingF
201292352578Engine & coolingF
201159452333Engine & coolingF
201075172Transmission & drivetrainA
2009116154Transmission & drivetrainB
20081443204AirbagsC
20071672115AirbagsB
2006155231AirbagsB
All Optima years

2010 Kia Optima vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2010 Kia Optima

Does the 2010 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2010 Kia Optima: switch (April 2013). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Optima?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the transmission & drivetrain (24), airbags (17), electrical system (13).

How many complaints has the 2010 Kia Optima had?

75 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on June 3, 2010 and the latest on March 7, 2026. Of these, 7 describe a crash and 2 a fire, and together they report 5 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2010 Kia Optima a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 82 out of 100 (grade A: far fewer problems than a typical Kia Optima year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Kia Optima years have the most complaints?

2013 (1,388), 2015 (1,011), 2012 (923). See every Kia Optima year compared.

What should I do if my 2010 Kia Optima has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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