KIA Optima Electrical System Problems
Owners have filed 936 complaints with NHTSA about electrical system problems on the KIA Optima across 20 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (146).
- 936electrical system complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 29mention a crash
- 17mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- $710typical repair cost reported by owners
- 44%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical electrical system repair on the KIA Optima at $710, and half of them between $420 and $2,000.
Based on 10 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do electrical system problems happen?
Based on 490 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 936 complaints, 29 mention a crash, 104 a fire, 17 an injury.
KIA Optima electrical system complaints by model year
| Model year | Electrical System complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 14 | 9% | — |
| 2019 Optima | 23 | 11% | 18,000 |
| 2018 Optima | 33 | 14% | 39,463 |
| 2017 Optima | 25 | 10% | 24,000 |
| 2016 Optima | 104 | 14% | 66,500 |
| 2015 Optima | 135 | 13% | 81,250 |
| 2014 Optima | 60 | 10% | 71,500 |
| 2013 Optima | 146 | 11% | 86,900 |
| 2012 Optima | 122 | 13% | 79,000 |
| 2011 Optima | 63 | 11% | 85,650 |
| 2010 Optima | 13 | 17% | 75,000 |
| 2009 Optima | 16 | 14% | 66,500 |
| 2008 Optima | 15 | 10% | 97,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 14 | 8% | 89,500 |
| 2006 Optima | 23 | 15% | 65,150 |
| 2005 Optima | 29 | 20% | 99,000 |
| 2004 Optima | 45 | 20% | 85,000 |
| 2003 Optima | 25 | 18% | 78,769 |
| 2002 Optima | 14 | 13% | 72,000 |
| 2001 Optima | 17 | 12% | 9,500 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Electrical system:starter assembly
Model years: 2001, 2002
Problem: On certain passenger vehicles equipped with 2.5 and 2.7 liter v6 engines, the crankshaft position sensor (ckp) cases did not meet dimensional specifications.
Risk: Internal gaps within the cases allowed epoxy to contact the printed circuit board, which resulted in cracking of the circuit board capacitor. A damaged ckp capacitor could result in engine stalling.
Fix: Dealers will replace the ckp. Owner notification began march 28, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
On August 20, 2026, while my minor son and I were inside my 2020 Kia Optima LX, strong burning odors and fumes entered the passenger compartment through the HVAC vents. No dashboard warning lights or messages appeared before or during the incident. Although no visible flames were observed, I…
I am reporting a serious safety concern involving my 2016 Kia Optima, purchased from CarMax in 2024 and financed through CarMax Auto Finance. On or about October 5, 2026, I returned to my parked vehicle and discovered extensive black soot/smoke residue throughout the interior. Wiring and interior…
3 times windows different ones has stopped rolling up/down. 3 motors purchased and installed.
While driving, my vehicle suddenly began shuddering and shaking. The vehicle lost power and would not accelerate properly. I had to press the brake pedal unusually hard. After parking, the vehicle would not move properly in reverse or drive. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and it moved…
I own a 2011 Kia Optima, VIN [XXX]. My vehicle was taken to Rockwall Kia on August 25, 2026, for completion of NHTSA Safety Recall 23V-652 / Kia SC284TF involving the HECU fuse. The dealership replaced the HECU multi-fuse and label kit. Before the recall repair, the vehicle was operating normally…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have electrical system problems?
No. NHTSA has 936 owner complaints about electrical system for the KIA Optima. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Optima electrical system?
Yes: 1 safety recall list electrical system. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix electrical system problems on the KIA Optima?
Owners report a typical cost of $710 (half paid between $420 and $2,000), from 10 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (3,164)
- Steering problems (758)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Power Train problems (508)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
- Service Brakes problems (314)
See all KIA Optima problems.