Own a Kia Optima in the Phoenix area? EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains the Kia Optima for model years 2005 to 2020. Our shop at 9050 N 9th St handles everything from routine service to diagnostics and major repairs.
To help Optima owners know what to watch for, we reviewed public records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For these model years NHTSA has 7,222 owner complaints on file for the Optima and 20 safety recall campaigns. The most-reported problem areas are engine (3,318), electrical system (919), steering (762).
Most-Reported Kia Optima Problems
These problem areas come up most often in NHTSA owner complaints for the Optima (all model years combined). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected, so popular and older models naturally have more.
| Problem area (NHTSA component) | Complaints | Share | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,318 | 45% | |
| Electrical System | 919 | 12% | |
| Steering | 762 | 10% | |
| Power Train | 510 | 7% | |
| Air Bags | 490 | 6% | |
| Structure | 432 | 5% | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 384 | 5% | |
| Exterior Lighting | 353 | 4% |
Engine
3,318 of the 7,222 complaints (45%) mention the engine and cooling system. Engine and cooling complaints are best caught early in Phoenix, where heat pushes cooling systems and engine oil to their limits. We diagnose warning lights and check coolant, hoses and oil condition. See our check engine light diagnostics and oil change & maintenance pages.
Electrical System
919 of the 7,222 complaints (12%) mention the electrical system. Electrical problems are made worse by desert heat, which ages batteries, cables and connectors. We test the battery, starter and charging system and trace faults to the actual part. See our battery replacement and starter & alternator repair pages.
Steering
762 of the 7,222 complaints (10%) mention steering. Steering complaints deserve prompt attention. We inspect steering components and alignment so the car tracks straight and responds predictably. See our suspension & alignment page.
Kia Optima Complaints by Model Year
The Optima model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2012, 2015. Older model years have had more time to collect reports, so use this table as a guide for what to inspect, not as a verdict on any one vehicle.
| Model year | Complaints on file | |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 144 | |
| 2006 | 155 | |
| 2007 | 167 | |
| 2008 | 144 | |
| 2009 | 116 | |
| 2010 | 75 | |
| 2011 | 628 | |
| 2012 | 1,029 | |
| 2013 | 1,442 | |
| 2014 | 621 | |
| 2015 | 1,021 | |
| 2016 | 764 | |
| 2017 | 306 | |
| 2018 | 244 | |
| 2019 | 213 | |
| 2020 | 153 |
Most Common Kia Optima Check Engine Codes
Owners often put the exact trouble code in their NHTSA complaint. These are the codes cited most often for the Optima. The most-cited is P1326 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), mentioned in 100 complaints. Counts reflect complaints that name a code, not every car on the road.
| Code | What it means | Complaints citing it |
|---|---|---|
| P1326 | Manufacturer-specific powertrain code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 100 |
| P0014 | Exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1) Commonly an oil, solenoid or timing component problem. | 9 |
| P0303 | Cylinder 3 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 6 |
| B1481 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 5 |
| P0010 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 5 |
| B1346 | Manufacturer-specific body code The meaning of this code varies by make and model, so it needs to be looked up for your vehicle and tested. | 4 |
| P0304 | Cylinder 4 misfire Commonly a bad spark plug or ignition coil on that cylinder. | 4 |
| P2562 | Powertrain code A scan and test is needed to confirm what this code means for your vehicle. | 4 |
A code is a clue, not a diagnosis. The same code can have several causes, so we test before replacing parts. See our check engine light diagnostics, and read whether it is safe to drive with the check engine light on.
Kia Optima Safety Recalls
NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the Optima in these model years, most often involving air bags, fuel system, gasoline, service brakes, hydraulic. Recalls are repaired by the manufacturer at no charge to you, but each applies only to certain vehicles. Look up your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- 2023 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 23V652000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011...
- 2023 recall, Latches/Locks/Linkages (campaign 23V594000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
- 2022 recall, Structure (campaign 22V560000): Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
- 2022 recall, Fuel System, Gasoline (campaign 22V093000): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100.
- 2021 recall, Service Brakes, Hydraulic (campaign 21V331000): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519.
- 2021 recall, Engine (campaign 21V844000): Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Serious Incident Reports
Of the NHTSA complaints on file for the Optima, 282 involved a crash, 423 involved a fire, 246 reported injuries. These numbers are drawn from self-reported complaints and are not verified findings. If your vehicle has an open recall, get it repaired promptly.
Keeping a Kia Optima Reliable in Phoenix
Arizona heat is the hardest test a Kia will face. Batteries, belts, hoses, tires and engine oil all wear faster here, and a Optima that spends its life in stop-and-go Valley traffic needs maintenance earlier than the owner's manual's normal schedule suggests.
Our recommendation for Optima owners: follow the severe-service schedule, test the battery before every summer, inspect brakes and tires twice a year, and have any warning light diagnosed instead of ignored. If you are shopping for a used Kia Optima, a pre-purchase inspection shows what the paperwork does not.
Kia Optima Services at EZ Swap LLC
Get the details on our Phoenix Kia Optima repair service, or choose a service below.
Check Engine Light Diagnostics
Scan, test and pinpoint the real cause.
Details →Oil Change & Maintenance
Oil, filters, fluids, tires and scheduled service.
Details →Battery Replacement
Test, replace and protect against Phoenix heat.
Details →Starter & Alternator Repair
Charging and starting system repair.
Details →Suspension & Alignment
Shocks, struts, alignment and steering.
Details →Kia Optima FAQ
What are the most common problems with the Kia Optima?
Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the most-reported problem areas for the Kia Optima are engine (3,318), electrical system (919), steering (762). Complaint counts reflect reports filed, not the share of vehicles affected.
Which Optima model years have the most complaints?
The Optima model years with the most NHTSA complaints on file are 2013, 2012, 2015. Older years have had longer to collect reports, so inspect any specific vehicle before buying.
What are the most common check engine codes on the Kia Optima?
In NHTSA owner complaints for the Kia Optima, the codes cited most often are P1326 (manufacturer-specific powertrain code), P0014 (exhaust camshaft timing over-advanced (bank 1)), P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). A code points to a system, and testing confirms the actual failed part.
Does the Kia Optima have any safety recalls?
NHTSA lists 20 recall campaigns for the Kia Optima across model years 2005 to 2020. Each recall applies only to certain vehicles, so enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is affected.
Do you repair the Kia Optima in Phoenix?
Yes. EZ Swap LLC repairs and maintains Kia vehicles including the Optima, at 9050 N 9th St in Phoenix. Call or text (602) 246-9063 for an appointment.
Is a pre-purchase inspection worth it for a used Kia Optima?
Yes. An inspection checks the engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, A/C and electrical system, and scans for stored codes, so you know the real condition before you buy.
How often should I service my Kia Optima in Phoenix?
Follow the severe-service schedule in your owner's manual, since heat and stop-and-go driving count as severe use. Test the battery before summer and inspect brakes and tires regularly.
More Kia Models We Service
Source: public complaint and recall records from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov). Counts reflect reports filed and do not predict the condition of any individual vehicle.