Window & Wiper complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 1% | 58,000 miles |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% | 10,000 miles |
| 2018 | 1 | 0% | — |
| 2017 | 4 | 2% | 12,000 miles |
| 2016 | 37 | 5% | 70,000 miles |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% | 75,000 miles |
| 2014 | 12 | 2% | 26,000 miles |
| 2013 | 21 | 2% | 20,000 miles |
| 2012 | 28 | 3% | 48,000 miles |
| 2011 | 11 | 2% | 40,000 miles |
| 2010 | 2 | 3% | 82,000 miles |
| 2009 | 2 | 2% | 19,000 miles |
| 2008 | 14 | 10% | 51,000 miles |
| 2007 | 33 | 20% | 67,000 miles |
| 2006 | 13 | 8% | 45,000 miles |
| 2005 | 1 | 1% | 59,000 miles |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% | 10,000 miles |
| 2003 | 4 | 3% | 110,000 miles |
| 2002 | 2 | 2% | 60,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% | — |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power windows, windshield, wipers, mirrors, sunroof).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
On December 26, 2023, this vehicle received a complete engine assembly replacement at an authorized dealership under a manufacturer warranty repair order. Following the engine overhaul, the vehicle developed a severe, raw gasoline smell entering the passenger cabin through the climate control AC vents while sitting at an idle.The vehicle was brought back to Kia Store East on September 10, 2026, specifically to report this volatile safety issue. On September 17, 2026, the dealership technician explicitly duplicated and confirmed the raw fuel odor coming from the engine area in writing. Despite confirming the gasoline smell, the dealership is refusing to perform a manual high-pressure fuel system pressure-drop test to isolate the physical vapor leak. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Kia Optima. While driving 40 MPH, the fixed pane glass abruptly fractured. There were no injuries. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The failure mileage was 3,100. The VIN was invalid.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the sun roof exploded without impact while parked in the garage. The contact stated that while in the house she heard an abnormally loud booming sound. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,300.
The rear view mirror is situated too low, creating a large blind spot in the center of the windshield. Often, at a 4-way stop, the car approaching from the right is completely blocked out. Driver is forced to crouch down so as to look under the mirror in many driving situations. This has nearly caused an accident a number of times.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to operate properly. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local Good Year Service Center where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery, alternator, and drive belt needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, several miles later the engine seized. The local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. In addition, the contact stated that all four windows shattered, and the window regulators were replaced several times. The contact stated that the front driver's and front passenger's side windows had shattered, and moisture entered the cabin of the vehicle during inclement weather. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to an undisclosed NHTSA recall. …
The contact's grandmother owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, the rear driver's side window inadvertently fell. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and pulled up the window manually. She then inserted a piece of paper in the upper right corner of the window to keep it in place. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred while driving. The front and rear driver's side windows and the rear passenger's side window also inadvertently fell. The contact inserted pieces of paper in the upper right corner of each window. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle would be repaired at her expense. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide any assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact received a recall repair regarding a system upgrade for the knock sensor detection system and experienced the failure since the repair was performed. The vehicle was emitting a fuel odor and had a burning odor as if the vehicle was overheating. The driver's and passenger's side side-view mirrors would close while driving at various speeds. The Push to Start button had to be pressed several times to start the vehicle. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the fuel odor was due to a hole in the fuel line hose. The passenger's side side-view mirror had been replaced. The failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. …
I have owned my kia optima for several years and I've had issues with the windshield wipers not going fast enough. I work from home so I do not travel that often but just recently went on a trip & was on the interstate when it started raining very hard. I could not see the car in front of me at all, not even their tail lights. I understand visibility is always worse when it rains but all the other cars were still going at a steady pace & passing me. I had to pull over on the side of the interstate until the rain slowed down to just a sprinkle before I could see well enough to drive. This caused me a great amount of anxiety because i didn't know if I was going to run into someone or if I was even in the right lane. I have several friends that also have the kia optima 2015 & 2016 models and they have said the same thing. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Optima years have window & wiper problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2016 (37), 2007 (33), 2012 (28), 2013 (21) and 2008 (14) model years. Window & Wiper complaints make up 5% of all complaints for the 2016.
Is there a recall for Kia Optima window & wiper problems?
No. NHTSA lists no windows, wipers & sunroof recall for any Kia Optima model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Kia Optima window & wiper problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 52% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the sun/moon roof assembly (43 mentions), followed by the power window devices and controls (20).
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.