2009 Kia Optima: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 116 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is power train (23% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Apr 2013
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2009 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle was making an abnormal knocking noise and then stalled. The contact stated that the battery and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to an independent mechanic and the vehicle stalled several times while driving to the mechanic. The mechanic had diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there were metal shavings in the oil pan and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 152,000.”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2023
“After 131,500 miles, struts, rotors and pads wore out. Lower ball joint and control arm also wore out, No injuries or accident.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2023
“The airbags did not deploy while the car was being driven at 65 mph on Interstate 275 S and crashed into a wall barrier. Since the airbags did not deploy, the driver's head was thrown around because the rest of his body was held firm by the seat belt. The driver was transported by ambulance to the hospital. After several tests, it was determined that the driver suffered a broken neck and spinal damage and must wear as an Aspen neck brace for 6 weeks and then be examined by a Neurosurgeon to determine if there is any further damage or additional medical care is required. The driver is unable to work until released by a Neurosurgeon. The car was declared a total loss.”Owner report · Air Bags · Sep 2021
Show 7 more owner reports
“While driving the car when cold the car downshifts hard into first at about 20 mph. Almost at sometimes feeling like I have been hit from the back. My neck has started hurting from whiplash. This is a very horrible problem that needs to be fixed. In states where roads become wet, icy, and covered with snow, this can cause a lot of damage/ possibly death.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2021
“Transmission downshift very hard from 2nd to 1st. Dealer reset module 10 months ago. Solved problem. Problem recurred. Dealer reset module but problem continues. Checked internet, problem seems to be widespread.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2021
“When car is slowing down and /or approaching a stop sign it gives a hard jerk. Even if traffic slows down on the express way it gives a hard jerk. This has been going on since november 2020.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2020
“Last week, on aug 29th 2020, I tried to make a left u-turn on a residential street and the steering wheel locked up. I got scared and just drove forward to the next street and turned right onto that street. On aug the 17th, 2020 I had my car inspected. The mechanic said the brake fluid was leaking and had to fix that. Approx 2 weeks later, sept 2nd, the motor blew on my car while driving on a hwy. There was black smoke coming through the a/c vent right before it happened. The car is a total loss.”Owner report · Engine · Sep 2020
“Driving at 70 mph, engine died and car started smoking. Pulled to shoulder, front end of car caught fire. Fire department extinguished with foam. Car a total loss.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2020
“A bearing in the motor or something gave out as I was driving. I am unable to start it and keep it started. I was told the engine ceased up. It only has like 126000 miles on it.”Owner report · Engine · Nov 2018
“Srs light came on while stationary and continued while vehicle is running..now it stays on all the time. No matter how many times they reset it comes back next day and stays on.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jul 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2009 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Optima by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2009 Kia Optima reliable?
NHTSA has 116 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2009 Kia Optima. The most complained-about area is power train (23% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2009 Kia Optima problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 65,000 miles or less.
Does the 2009 Kia Optima have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:brake lights:switch. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.