Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Kia Optima owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
After adding oil..Car stopped while driving...Smoke and Fire occurred.. Now engine will not start.. 2 Mechanics Stated "Engine needs to Be Replaced"... A/C Front Blower Doesn't Work Console Has a Short and Doesn't Work
On Saturday 9/14/19 my daughter was driving on the highway when she heard a noise and the check engine/oil light came on and then a driver pulled up next to her and told her that the car was on fire. The engine ended up in full flames.
I was in a crash and I have to say that this is a problem. After I received my car back from the body shop the car has been malfunctioning ! The 2.7l has stumble on and at acceleration the failure is the throttle position switch this is a safety problem for all driver's that drive a 2007 Kia Optima. The malfunction occurs five times in one day. This problem May cause severe or fatal injuries to the occupants in the vehicle. Nothing was done to correct the failure and the old throttle position switch is available! I really thank that this is found to have a defect that affects safety and the automakers need voluntarily announce a recalls on all the 2007 Kia Optima that have the same throttle position switch as this vehicle.
I was driving and without warning. The car suddenly stopped. I managed to get it to the side of the road. It started smoking and a small fire from engine. No warning lights, nothing. I purchased the care brand new in 2007 and had all required maintenance including new tires. This car just stopped while I was driving. I could have been seriously injured, but it was late and no traffic. I the was towed to Kia dealer. The said the engine is shot. I towed to another dealer, they said there is a whole in the engine. Repair cost $7,000. The car only has 62,000 miles on it. I'm appalled!
While driving my 2007 Kia Optima at approximately 70 MPH, I heard a loud pop from the engine compartment. I immediately lost electrical and engine power. I managed to steer to the shoulder where I came to a stop. Once my Optima came to a stop, white smoke began billowing into the passenger compartment. My wife and I got out. Once we did, there was another explosion from the engine compartment which sent burning shrapnel out from under the engine compartment and the entire front end of my car erupted in flames.
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, the engine started to make an abnormal noise. The engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the main bearing in the engine failed causing one of the rods to fracture. As a result, the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 125,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle shut down in the middle of the road, without any warning indicator. The vehicle was pulled to the side and was towed to a local dealer the following day. The technician diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000. The VIN was not provided.
I've seen in other forums about engine recalls. I was never notified and the engine in my car disintegrated. It was replaced with an engine from a wrecking yard. This should be covered by manufacturer. I had issues with the brake lines rusting out. This should not have happened either. Not being able to service the transmission and arguing with the dealership about this should be replaced by manufacturer!
I came to a complete stop and proceeded to turn left when I noticed the check engine light came on and as I pulled over there I noticed a thick cloud of blue smoke out of my rear view mirror. I opened the hood and saw flames at the back of the engine around the transmission and airconditioner area of the car. Flames continued until the interior began burning and windshield broke.
I was driving to work and my drivers side airbag came on. A few months prior, we had to replace the o2 sensor because the check engine light was on. Now on the second day with the airbag light on, the check engine light came back on! Is it bad wiring, will my airbag not work?
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
Engine complaints in other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2007 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2007 Kia Optima, 12% of the model year's 167 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Kia Optima engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2007 Kia Optima, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2007 Kia Optima engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 5 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.