CarRecallDB

2010 Kia Optima recalls and problems

1 recall and 75 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2010 Kia Optima.

1
recalls
75
owner complaints
7
complaints mentioning a crash
2
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2010 Kia Optima recalls

Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch

NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · reported April 1, 2013 · Kia Motors Corporation · 980,377 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The 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.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Mar 7, 2026 · 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…

Mar 3, 2025 · 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…

Feb 2, 2025 · 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

Jul 20, 2023 · 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…

Sep 10, 2022 · 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…

Optima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2007 2167115
2008 3144204
2009 111654
2010 17572
2011 55942333
2012 59202577
2013 91,38748114

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2010 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2010 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on April 1, 2013 (Exterior lighting: brake lights, switch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 75 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is power train (24 complaints), followed by air bags (17).
How many 2010 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?
7 of 75 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 5 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received March 7, 2026.