Kia Optima Recalls (2010-2019)
The Kia Optima has been the subject of 18 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA across the 2010 to 2019 model years. They cluster mostly around the service brakes, fuel system, and engine.
The Kia Optima scores 29 out of 100 (grade D), a busier recall record than most. That score reflects how serious the recalls are rather than how many. 67% involve a critical safety system, none carried a do-not-drive warning, and 11% were issued in the last three years. How the score works.
Those 18 campaigns span 10 model years of the Kia Optima. The single largest affected 1,730,192 vehicles, over service brakes. A recall repair is free at a franchised dealer and most never expire, so an older open recall is still worth fixing. Beyond recalls, you can also see the most common Optima problems owners report and its crash-test safety ratings.
The full record is below, grouped first by model year and then listed in detail. Each entry gives the defect NHTSA describes, the safety risk it creates, the manufacturer's remedy, the number of vehicles in that campaign, and the dates. A recall covers a whole production run, so a campaign listed for the Kia Optima may not apply to your exact vehicle, and one you have already had repaired will still appear in the history. To see what is actually open and unfixed on a specific car, check its 17-digit VIN.
Kia Optima recalls by model year
Recall activity by model year. Select a year to jump to its recalls below. Older years often carry more recalls simply because defects surface over time.
Kia Optima recalls by affected system
Which vehicle systems the recalls touch, using NHTSA's component groups. Select a system to see how it is recalled across every make and model.
Recalls by model year
2019 Kia Optima Recalls
1 recall affects the 2019 Kia Optima, involving the forward collision avoidance.
2018 Kia Optima Recalls
3 recalls affect the 2018 Kia Optima, involving the latches/locks/linkages, engine, and hybrid propulsion system.
2017 Kia Optima Recalls
4 recalls affect the 2017 Kia Optima, involving the engine, latches/locks/linkages, and fuel system.
2016 Kia Optima Recalls
5 recalls affect the 2016 Kia Optima, involving the air bags, latches/locks/linkages, and engine.
2015 Kia Optima Recalls
4 recalls affect the 2015 Kia Optima, involving the service brakes, engine, and fuel system.
2014 Kia Optima Recalls
7 recalls affect the 2014 Kia Optima, involving the service brakes, fuel system, and engine.
2013 Kia Optima Recalls
10 recalls affect the 2013 Kia Optima, involving the service brakes, fuel system, and engine.
2012 Kia Optima Recalls
6 recalls affect the 2012 Kia Optima, involving the engine, service brakes, and structure.
2011 Kia Optima Recalls
6 recalls affect the 2011 Kia Optima, involving the engine, service brakes, and fuel system.
2010 Kia Optima Recalls
1 recall affects the 2010 Kia Optima, involving the exterior lighting.
Every Kia Optima recall in detail
Select any recall to read the full defect, risk, and remedy text. Do Not Drive and Park Outside warnings stay visible without opening anything.
Service Brakes
- Affected years
- 2011-2015 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 1,730,192
- Reported
- Sep 25, 2023
- Owners notified
- Mar 29, 2024
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 23V652000.
Latches/Locks/Linkages
- Affected years
- 2016-2018 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 319,436
- Reported
- Aug 24, 2023
- Owners notified
- Oct 19, 2023
Defect: 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."
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 23V594000.
Structure
- Affected years
- 2012-2013 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 257,998
- Reported
- Aug 1, 2022
- Owners notified
- Sep 26, 2022
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 22V560000.
Fuel System
- Affected years
- 2013-2014 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 72,848
- Reported
- Feb 17, 2022
- Owners notified
- Aug 2, 2022
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 22V093000.
Engine
- Affected years
- 2017-2018 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 10,731
- Reported
- Oct 29, 2021
- Owners notified
- Nov 29, 2021
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
NHTSA campaign number 21V844000.
Service Brakes
- Affected years
- 2013-2015 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 440,370
- Reported
- May 10, 2021
- Owners notified
- Jul 2, 2021
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 21V331000.
Engine
- Affected years
- 2011-2013 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 294,756
- Reported
- Dec 2, 2020
- Owners notified
- Jan 25, 2021
Defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
NHTSA campaign number 20V750000.
Service Brakes
- Affected years
- 2013-2015 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 440,370
- Reported
- Aug 27, 2020
- Owners notified
- Oct 20, 2020
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 20V519000.
Fuel System
- Affected years
- 2013-2014 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 141,774
- Reported
- Feb 21, 2020
- Owners notified
- Jun 12, 2020
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 20V100000.
Forward Collision Avoidance
- Affected years
- 2019 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 11,423
- Reported
- Jul 19, 2019
- Owners notified
- Aug 27, 2019
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 19V539000.
Engine
- Affected years
- 2011-2017 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 71,653
- Reported
- Dec 19, 2018
- Owners notified
- Jan 17, 2019
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 18V907000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2011-2013 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 507,587
- Reported
- Jun 1, 2018
- Owners notified
- Sep 28, 2018
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 18V363000.
Hybrid Propulsion System
- Affected years
- 2017-2018 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 1,710
- Reported
- Mar 8, 2018
- Owners notified
- May 3, 2018
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 18V161000.
Engine And Engine Cooling
- Affected years
- 2011-2014 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 618,160
- Reported
- Mar 31, 2017
- Owners notified
- Jun 20, 2017
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 17V224000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2016 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 1
- Reported
- Jan 6, 2017
- Owners notified
- Jan 10, 2017
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 17V007000.
Power Train
- Affected years
- 2016 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 12,214
- Reported
- Oct 3, 2016
- Owners notified
- Nov 30, 2016
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 16V705000.
Air Bags
- Affected years
- 2016 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 17
- Reported
- Apr 21, 2016
- Owners notified
- May 6, 2016
Defect: 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.
Risk: 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.
NHTSA campaign number 16V231000.
Exterior Lighting
- Affected years
- 2010-2011 Kia Optima
- Vehicles in this recall
- 980,377
- Reported
- Apr 1, 2013
- Owners notified
- Apr 19, 2013
Defect: 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.
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.
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.
NHTSA campaign number 13V114000.
Common questions about Kia Optima recalls
- Does the Kia Optima have any recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA has 18 recall campaigns on record for the Kia Optima across the 2010 to 2019 model years. The most common areas are the service brakes, fuel system, and engine.
- How many times has the Kia Optima been recalled?
- The Kia Optima has 18 recall campaigns from the 2010 to 2019 model years. A single campaign often covers several model years at once, so the number of recalls is not the same as the number of years affected.
- What is the most serious Kia Optima recall?
- The most serious recall on record involves the service brakes, affecting 1,730,192 vehicles. Owners were told to park outside and away from buildings because of a fire risk. An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Which Kia Optima model year has the most recalls?
- The 2013 Kia Optima has the most, with 10 recall campaigns on record. Older model years often pick up more recalls over time, since defects can surface years after a car is built.
- How do I check if my Kia Optima has an open recall?
- Enter your 17-digit VIN on the recall check page. It returns the recalls tied to your exact vehicle straight from NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer, with no expiration on most safety recalls.
Recall data comes from NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation. For how it is sourced and how the safety score is built, see the methodology and data sources. This page is a reference, not legal or safety advice.