2010 Kia Optima recalls and problems
The 2010 Kia Optima has 1 safety recall and 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2010 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2010 Kia Optima recalls
Recall 13V-114: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
2010 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| 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 | |
| Steering | 2 | |
| Seat Belts | 2 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 2
- Air Bags › Frontal — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 1
- Equipment › Electrical › Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc. — 1
- Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire — 1
- Visibility › Windshield — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 70,500 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2010 Kia Optima complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Optima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2010 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2010 Kia Optima: 13V-114 (exterior lighting). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2010 Kia Optima?
Owners report power train problems most often (24 reports), followed by air bags (17). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 70,500 miles.
Are Kia recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.