NHTSA Safety Recalls
Kia Optima Recalls by Year
Every model year from 2001 to 2019, ranked by how many recalls it carries.
Across 18 model years (2001–2019) the Kia Optima has 59 NHTSA recalls. The worst year is 2013 with 9; the cleanest is 2019 with 1.
- Model years
- 18
- Total recalls
- 59
- Worst year
- 2013
- Cleanest year
- 2019
2001–2019
9 recalls
1 recalls
Recalls by model year
| Year | Recalls | Relative |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Optima | 1 | |
| 2018 Kia Optima | 2 | |
| 2017 Kia Optima | 3 | |
| 2016 Kia Optima | 5 | |
| 2015 Kia Optima | 4 | |
| 2014 Kia Optima | 7 | |
| 2013 Kia Optima | 9 | |
| 2012 Kia Optima | 5 | |
| 2011 Kia Optima | 5 | |
| 2010 Kia Optima | 1 | |
| 2009 Kia Optima | 1 | |
| 2008 Kia Optima | 3 | |
| 2007 Kia Optima | 2 | |
| 2006 Kia Optima | 2 | |
| 2004 Kia Optima | 1 | |
| 2003 Kia Optima | 2 | |
| 2002 Kia Optima | 3 | |
| 2001 Kia Optima | 3 |
What gets recalled most on the Kia Optima
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE11
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS11
- SUSPENSION:FRONT4
- AIR BAGS:FRONTAL4
- ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE4
- EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS:SWITCH4
- AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE3
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH3
- POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:COLUMN SHIFT3
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY2
Reading these numbers
A high recall count is not the same as an unreliable car. Recalls are safety defects the manufacturer reports and repairs free; a maker that files many of them is often being more diligent, not less. Older model years also accumulate recalls simply by existing longer.
What matters for a specific car is whether its own VIN is covered by an open campaign. Check it on NHTSA's lookup or call 1-888-327-4236.