Body complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | 6,000 miles |
| 2019 | 14 | 7% | 3,000 miles |
| 2018 | 7 | 3% | 16,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 2% | 75,000 miles |
| 2016 | 40 | 5% | 34,000 miles |
| 2015 | 76 | 8% | 56,000 miles |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% | 80,000 miles |
| 2013 | 127 | 9% | 70,000 miles |
| 2012 | 39 | 4% | 52,000 miles |
| 2011 | 21 | 4% | 50,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 80,000 miles |
| 2009 | 4 | 3% | 83,000 miles |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% | 52,000 miles |
| 2007 | 4 | 2% | 147,000 miles |
| 2006 | 12 | 8% | 61,000 miles |
| 2005 | 22 | 15% | 80,000 miles |
| 2004 | 42 | 19% | 105,000 miles |
| 2003 | 25 | 18% | 115,000 miles |
| 2002 | 30 | 28% | 127,000 miles |
| 2001 | 35 | 24% | 99,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I am the owner of a 2019 Kia Optima SX Turbo in Snow White Pearl (SWP) paint. At approximately 100,000 miles, I observed bubbling and peeling of the paint-no collision or exterior impact occurred to trigger this. The peeling area has since enlarged, exposing the underlying primer or bare metal, which is visible in an attached photo. I contacted Kia around 115,000 miles when I fully realized the paint failure. Kia declined to offer any repair or goodwill assistance, citing that the vehicle is no longer under warranty. However, this is a widely reported defect affecting many Kia and Hyundai vehicles with the Snow White Pearl paint. Numerous owners have experienced similar peeling and flaking without misuse or accidents. This is clearly a manufacturing defect in paint adhesion, rather than normal deterioration. …
Paint peeling on my 2019 Kia Optima Snow White Pearl paint code. Started from the back of trunk and continues to travel through out the body, peeling started at 84,000 miles with small bubbles and continued to its now 86,000 miles. The paint issues have been known and talked about in Kia forums as well as Hyundai. Hyundai has been proactive on addressing the issues but when I called to submit a complaint with Kia, I was asked to get 3 quotes for repaint on effected areas and submit photos, after all of this I was given 2 month run around only to be told I was out of warranty. I believe this is a serious defect and should be investigated.
About a month ago my paint on my 2018 Kia Optima snow white pearl car started bubbling, then it turned into peeling and has since then been coming off more and more. It is occurring right under the back seat of the drivers side window. Reading into this issue more, it is happening to many who own a Kia Optima owners, especially those who own the snow white pearl color. Kia is not helping customers who are out of warranty but since this is a manufacturer defect they should be, even if they are out of warranty.
My teenage daughter regularly drives this vehicle. The vehicle began experiencing significant oil consumption, oil leaks, and intermittent loss of power. During an early inspection at an independent repair facility, a check engine code P1326 was identified. Due to the symptoms and diagnostic code, the repair facility advised that the vehicle could be heading toward engine failure and recommended that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealership because potential engine issues may fall under manufacturer warranty coverage. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealership. During the first visit, the dealership retained the vehicle for an extended period of time, approximately two months. …
Several weeks ago, we had trouble opening and closing the trunk of our 2017 KIA Optima. Then a few weeks ago, the trunk of our KIA Optima closed and would not open at all. Because of the pandemic, we didn't contact KIA. But today, 16 Dec. 2021, as my wife was driving north in heavy traffic on US Highway 25 in Albuquerque, NM, the trunk suddenly opened and blocked her view of the cars behind her. Luckily she was in the right lane and was able to exit the highway. Otherwise there might have been a serious accident. We bought the car in 2017 from Fiesta KIA in Albuquerque, NM [phone]). They have been unresponsive.
On 11/02/2023 I mailed in the KIA request for Reimbursement form. I included a reciept from KIA of Fargo, ND for the Trunk latch assembly. My trunk latch failed in August of 2022, I had to leave Fargo so I cancelled my service appointment. Then purchased the trunk latch assembly and installed it myself. I included labor of $180 and part cost of $62.68. KIA sent an aknowlegment of the reimbursement form on 02/22/2024 they were reviewing the form. As of today I have not yet received the reimbursement. KIA is not following through in a timely manner on this trunk latch recall.
I was told that my engine had a recall on it so I had an upcoming appointment with Kia in like 2 weeks for them to check my engine but the car didn't make it. I was driving my car on interstate 20 my car had began to have a bad chemical smell and started smoking so I pulled over on the interstate and my car was in flames. Me and my daughter was in the car we could have lost our lives thank God we were able to make it out just in time. The fire department came and made a report on the incident. It wasn't any engine light on at the time. I have contacted Kia about the tragedy that has happened but nothing has been resolved yet.
The body shop later informed me that there is a recall for engine fire recently,but my year/make is not listedin the info obtained online. The car started stalling while driving down the off. Smoke started coming through the vents. I pulled over to the side of the highway. A passerby told me that the car was on fire. Called 911. To note I had just picked the car up from Jim marsh Kia for battery replacement and problems with steering after the car was stolen in July. I had no previous issues with my car other than routine maintenance which I have records for.
Related recalls (1)
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
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.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Optima years have body problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (127), 2015 (76), 2014 (48), 2004 (42) and 2016 (40) model years. Body complaints make up 9% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Kia Optima body problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 22V-560 (roof and pillars, Aug 1, 2022). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Kia Optima body problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 23% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the body (444 mentions), followed by the frame and members (44).
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.