2023 Kia Optima. Advanced data.

Engines and drivetrains 3

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 16,800 and 62,500 miles. Median 37,000, from 14 complaints with a mileage.

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

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

Severity, all complaints

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

• 25V794000 Nov 2025 Fuel System, Gasoline

  Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2024 K5 vehicles. A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.

  Risk. A melted fuel tank can leak, increasing the risk of a fire.

  Remedy. Dealers will replace the check valve. The fuel tank will be inspected for damage and replaced as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 16, 2026. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC356. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov

• 25V493000 Jul 2025 Structure / Body / Roof And Pillars

  Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023-2025 K5 vehicles. The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.

  Risk. Detached trim pieces can create a road hazard for other vehicles, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the C-pillar trim assemblies, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 19, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC346.

• 23V149000 Mar 2023 Air Bags / Side/Window / Curtain

  Defect. Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The side curtain air bags may have been installed incorrectly, causing them not to deploy properly in the event of a crash.

  Risk. Air bags that do not deploy as intended can increase the risk of injury in a crash.

  Remedy. Dealers will inspect and reinstall the side curtain air bags, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC263.

• 22V760000 Oct 2022 Power Train / Automatic Transmission

  Defect. Kia Motors, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Sorento and 2021-2023 K5 vehicles. The vehicle's "fail-safe" limited-mobility drive mode may be impaired, when prompted by a transmission oil pump malfunction, which can result in a complete loss of drive power.

  Risk. Loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.

  Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the transmission, as necessary. Dealers will also update the transmission control unit software. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 9, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC250.

NHTSA investigations

Manufacturer communications 68

Kia filed 68 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

• Technical service bulletin: customer satisfaction: anti-theft s/w logic upgrade & decal…
• REAR OCCUPANT ALERT (ROA) W/REAR DOOR LOGIC - This bulletin has been revised to include…
• TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 8-SPEED WDCT REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS - This bulletin provides…

Crash ratings by version

Safety equipment

Nearby model years