Most common 2010 Kia Optima problems
Share of the 75 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Optima complaints by model year
Best Optima years: 2010, 2009, 2008. Years to avoid: 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2011. Compare all years →
2010 Kia Optima recalls (1)
Exterior lighting › Brake lights › Switch
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.
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.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 2 possible defects involving the 2010 Kia Optima:
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.
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a petition letter dated October 10, 2021, requesting an investigation of possible defects in the electronic throttle control (ETC) system on certain Kia vehicles resulting in the opening of DP21-003.
What 2010 Kia Optima owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 24 →
Tl* the contact was driving a rented 2010 Kia Optima. The consumer stated she stopped the vehicle while the gear was in drive, turned off the ignition and attempted to remove the key from the ignition, but it would not release. The gear shift had lock up and she was unable to move the gear into neutral or the park position. She stated the manual read to start car, the gear shift must be in the park position and the foot must be on the brake. The consumer stated as she slightly moved the key, the vehicle started with high speed and crashed head on into a building. The consumer was injured and the air bag failed to deploy the failure and current mileages were 1,750. Updated 12/01/10.
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.
Air bags
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.
While sitting at a traffic light, a vehicle rear-ended my 2010 Kia Optima. The driver hit my Kia so hard, I hit the mustang in front of me. No air bags deployed upon either impact. Kia was drivable, but there were noticeable differences in the way the car drove (I.e. Started pulling to the right, wheel shaking, etc). This was the evening of 01/23/2014. On 01/29/2014, the steering wheel locked up and collided with a parked vehicle (totaling the Kia) @ 28-30 MPH. Again air bags did not deploy, and the impact lifted me up and my head shattered the windshield from the top. Seat belt was in use, but did not lock upon impact, failing to secure my body. Major concussion received along with multiple bruises, cuts, and scrapes. Investigation unable to determine the cause of the steering malfunction due to the extent of the damage.
Electrical system
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.
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.
2010 Kia Optima engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 22 / 32 / 25 |
| 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 22 / 32 / 25 |
| 2.7L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 20 / 28 / 23 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2010 Kia Optima a good car?
Based on 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2010 Optima rates better than average: 53% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Optima at the same age. It is one of the best Optima years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Kia Optima?
The transmission & drivetrain — 24 complaints, 32% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the air bags (17) and electrical system (13).
How many recalls does the 2010 Kia Optima have?
There is 1 recall for the 2010 Kia Optima, the most recent from April 1, 2013 (switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Optima?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2010, 2009 and 2008. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016 and 2011. See the full Kia Optima years comparison.
At what mileage do 2010 Kia Optima problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 71,000 miles; 28% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.