Wheel & Tire complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 5 | 2% | 48,000 miles |
| 2018 | 2 | 1% | 15,000 miles |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% | 21,000 miles |
| 2016 | 7 | 1% | 82,000 miles |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% | 25,000 miles |
| 2014 | 4 | 1% | 79,000 miles |
| 2013 | 21 | 2% | 50,000 miles |
| 2012 | 14 | 2% | 30,000 miles |
| 2011 | 12 | 2% | 17,000 miles |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% | 2,000 miles |
| 2008 | 3 | 2% | 22,000 miles |
| 2007 | 2 | 1% | 35,000 miles |
| 2006 | 6 | 4% | 13,000 miles |
| 2004 | 6 | 3% | 86,000 miles |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% | 170,000 miles |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% | 140,000 miles |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% | 100,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to express my extreme dissatisfaction and concern regarding the Goodyear Assurance Weather Ready tires, size 235/45R18, installed on my 2019 Kia Optima SX. These tires have proven to be defective, failing to meet the standards of safety and durability promised by Goodyear. I would like Goodyear to refund for the defective tires! Despite being well within the mileage limit of the 60,000-mile warranty, Goodyear has refused to stand by their product. Instead, they have absurdly attempted to shift the blame onto me, suggesting that frequent alignments are necessary at every oil change. This is not only an inconvenience but also an unjustifiable expense for a supposedly high-quality product.I have diligently maintained my vehicle and have documentation to support the fact that the tires are defective. …
Dear National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, I am writing to bring to your attention a grave safety concern regarding my 2019 Kia Optima SX. Despite diligent maintenance and care, my vehicle has experienced persistent alignment issues, particularly on the right side. Additionally, I have encountered premature axle shaft and axle boot failures, all of which have occurred well before reaching 60,000 miles. These issues have not only posed a significant financial burden but have also jeopardized the safety of myself and other road users. The repeated alignment problems have resulted in the rapid deterioration of tires, leading to baldness within a month of replacement, creating a hazardous driving condition and increasing the risk of accidents. The premature failure of axle shafts and boots is unacceptable for a vehicle of this age and mileage. …
The contact's daughter owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the TPMS warning light illuminated. Additionally, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the contact's daughter that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 53,000.
We have had two motor replacements in less than 6 months that we have owned this vehicle for the first one started started a knocking noise right after a flashing check engine light both Kia is by us totus will we can't get it in today wouldn't give us a rental and was going to charge us for a diagnostics fee right up front and told us it would still be a few days before they could get it in so we had no choice but to continue driving it not even 2 days later left my fiance on the side of the road wouldn't start wouldn't do nothing engine seized Kia dealer number one put the motor put it back together wrong and then when it seized again in less than 5,000 mi try telling us that they weren't responsible well if we did the engine again give it back to us notice that the ignition coils were not put on properly and orbital down properly You're still an electrical issue and the engines are …
On May 11, 2024, we took our 2015 Kia Optima to Hutchinson Kia Service Center 3931 River Pl, Macon, Ga. due to brakes not working. When you apply brakes the vehicle would not stopped you would have to apply the emergency brakes for a complete stop. On that day, I was told no one was there to check my brakes due it was a Saturday and would need to schedule another appointment when they could do a brake diagnostic. The next appointment was June 4,2024, on that day we had the vehicle towed due to brakes. Today is September 2, 2024 and our vehicle is still there. On July 12, 2024, we were contacted staying vehicle was repaired and the problem wa a pin hole in the right brake line. We picked up the vehicle proceeded home at the first traffic stop same problem happen with the brakes.We returned immediately back to Kia Service center, explaining the same problem still exists. …
Was at light then proceeded once light turned green traveling on left lane on a 2 lane city road. Used turning signal to move to right lane when another car that had turned at the traffic light on to the road I was traveling on. I did not see the car after turning to look due to the blind spot in rear of my car. At the time I hit the other cars front left fender/tire area causing minor damage to both cars. I was ticketed for improper lane change even though I turned my signal on & looked. I now have to go to traffic school to keep points off my license & pay out of pocket for repair damage to my car. There have been a few other close calls when attempting to change lanes due to the blind spot area in my car.
I was getting into traffic and felt like power steering went on left turn Took to Kia repair shop on 5/26 RECEIVED call on 6/7 that repairs had been made costing $938.03 SAME PROBLEM NEXT DAY TOOK CAR BACK 6/11 RECEIVED message that car is repaired on 6/25 at NO Cost Picked up drove about 5 miles any took right turn to come home same it happened again They now have the car in the shop
2014 Kia Optima sxl turbo. Wife's car. Drives in eco mode 99% of the time. Hankook optimo h431 tire size 225/45r18. 31000 miles in 36 months. I know because it's a lease! Found multiple cracks on side wall of tire on driver front. Tires are original from factory/dealer or I (have never changed them myself.) car 100% parked in garage. Found multiple cracks 2 days ago from one inch to 3 inches long. Went to dealer in covina ca. No replacement offered. This is my 2nd step.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Optima years have wheel & tire problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2013 (21), 2012 (14), 2011 (12), 2015 (8) and 2016 (7) model years. Wheel & Tire complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2013.
Is there a recall for Kia Optima wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires 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 wheel & tire problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles; 54% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the tread/belt (5 mentions), followed by the pressure monitoring and regulating systems (5).
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.