The Lemon Index

All cars · Kia Optima · 2010

2010 Kia Optima. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index79100 = average car
Complaints28NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold27,382U.S. model year
Per 100K sold102complaints
Year rank#9 of 22#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 3

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.4L 4-cylManual 5-spdFWD22 / 32 / 25Regular$2,500
2.4L 4-cylAuto 5-spdFWD22 / 32 / 25Regular$2,500
2.7L 6-cylAuto 5-spdFWD20 / 28 / 23Regular$2,700

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 38,000 and 80,700 miles. Median 70,500, from 61 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Transmission & drivetrain73,00059,000–82,00021
Airbags63,10022,600–88,80016
Electrical75,00035,000–80,40010

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Transmission & drivetrain57%
Airbags21%
Brakes7%
Engine4%
Equipment & accessories4%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
7572500

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 13V114000 Apr 2013 Exterior Lighting / Brake Lights / Switch

    Defect. 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

    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.

    Remedy. 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.

NHTSA investigations

StatusSubjectOpenedClosed
ClosedLoss of motive power20222023
ClosedThrottle control system vulnerabilities20212023

Manufacturer communications 34

Kia filed 34 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake…
  • Ecm upgrade for improved shift quality-equipped with 2.4l engine and a/t
  • Automatic transmission fluid application guide - this bulletin provides information relating

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardNoNo

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
20071194340,901Airbags
2008883944,904Airbags
2009772337,527Transmission & drivetrain
2010792827,382Transmission & drivetrain
2011858484,590Steering
201295156152,399Steering
2013107205155,893Steering

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

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