2010 Kia Optima Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2010 Kia Optima recalls

Most common 2010 Kia Optima problems

Problem areas named in the 75 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Power Train	24
Air Bags	17
Electrical System	13
Engine	9
Vehicle Speed Control	6
Service Brakes	4
Unknown Or Other	4
Latches/Locks/Linkages	3
Engine And Engine Cooling	2
Exterior Lighting	2

What owners report

2026-03-07, Engine
The engine on my 2010 Kia Optima suddenly seized without warning around 150,000 miles. The vehicle had no knocking sounds or warning signs prior to failure. A mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a seized engine. This created a sudden loss of vehicle operation. I am concerned this may be related to the known engine failure issues reported in Kia vehicles.

2025-03-03, Electrical System
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.

2025-02-02, Engine
I was getting ready to go out of town for work so before I left my home town. I went to a place to get my oil change. Before going everything was fine. I left there and literally 5 minutes after my car killed. Once it start back. The motor start making a noise it’s been parked

2023-07-20, Service Brakes
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.

2022-09-10, Engine
Rod bearing knocking noise. Vehicle stopped running when slowing down. Car is available for inspection. No warning lights come on. The rod bearing can pierce the engine and cause oil to leak and then a fire. Problem first identified by Monroe and then another independent when the car died in front of his shop- both confirmed this is a known issue with kias- but since ours is a 2010 it is not covered under the current recall for the same issue in years 2011 to 2013. I spoke with cooper Kia in Utica as I was looking for support with this issue and was told by Mike Digiovanni to call a lawyer. On a later call to Pat Stacey he said they don’t work for Kia and he stated that the salesman said

2010 Kia Optima questions

Does the 2010 Kia Optima have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2010 Kia Optima: Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:Switch. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Optima?

Based on 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Power Train (24), Air Bags (17), Electrical System (13).

How do I check if a recall on my 2010 Kia Optima has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.