2010 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 75 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 20th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2010 reports, 7 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Exterior lighting, brake lights, switchApr 1, 2013
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. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Campaign 13V114000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: vehicle speed control
6 reports, newest first. Show all
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Mar 16, 2021
ENGINE BLEW DOING 40-45 ON A COUNTY ROAD 1,000 RPM 5TH GEAR, IN AUTOMATIC. 2ND TO 1ST, SOFT TO HARD KICK. VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR MUST BE FAULTY I HAVE TO PUMP BRAKE MORE TO SLOW THE ENGINE SPEED IT LIKES TO BOG TRYING TO SPEED UP IN AUTOMATIC MODE
Vehicle speed control, Feb 7, 2019
WHEN COMING TO A STOP MY CAR SHIFTS FROM 3RD TO 2ND HER VERY ABRUPTLY. IT MAKES IT FEEL AS THOUGH I'VE SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES VERY SUDDENLY. IT ALSO DOES IT WHEN I SLOW MY CAR THEN PRESS THE GAS TO ACCELERATE SOMETIMES. I'VE TAKEN MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP OVER 5 TIMES SINCE FIRST PURCHASED BY MY MOTHER IN 2010 AND THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS CLAIMED TO BE UNABLE TO NOTICE THE SUDDEN JERKING. THIS JERKING HAPPENS MOSTLY ON THE STREET DUE TO MY CONTINUAL STOP AND GO, BUT IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE GETTING ON THE FREEWAY AND DURING FREEWAY TRAFFIC.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Jul 18, 2018, crash
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. *TT *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 3, 2018
VEHICLE JERKS WHEN DOWNSHIFTING AT ABOUT 20 MPH.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Dec 2, 2014
WHILE DECELERATING, EITHER BRAKING OR COASTING, THE CAR WILL LURCH VIOLENTLY WHEN REACHING APPROXIMATELY 22 MPH. THE SEVERITY OF THE LURCH VARIES BUT IN MOST INSTANCES IT IS HARD ENOUGH TO SNAP MY NECK FORWARD. *JS
Vehicle speed control, Nov 22, 2013
THE CRUISE CONTROL IS INOPERATIVE. THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT WILL COME ON, BUT YOU CANNOT "SET" THE CRUISE CONTROL. I HAVE READ ONLINE ABOUT SEVERAL OTHER KIA MAKES AND MODELS HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. AS FAR AS I CAN RESEARCH, THERE IS NOT A FUSE FOR THE CRUISE CONTROL. *TR