KIA Optima Fuel System, Gasoline Problems
Owners have filed 109 complaints with NHTSA about fuel system, gasoline problems on the KIA Optima across 17 model years. The 2013 model year has the most (28). The words owners use most often: “fuel gasoline engine” (17% of reports).
- 109fuel system, gasoline complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 4related recalls
- 52%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Fuel gasoline engine: mentioned in 18 of 109 complaints (17%)
- Gas tank: mentioned in 12 of 109 complaints (11%)
- Motive power: mentioned in 10 of 109 complaints (9%)
- High pressure: mentioned in 7 of 109 complaints (6%)
At what mileage do fuel system, gasoline problems happen?
Based on 85 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 109 complaints, 6 a fire, 1 an injury.
KIA Optima fuel system, gasoline complaints by model year
| Model year | Fuel System, Gasoline complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 1 | 1% | 145,000 |
| 2019 Optima | 1 | 0% | 95,658 |
| 2017 Optima | 2 | 1% | 57,000 |
| 2016 Optima | 9 | 1% | 87,500 |
| 2015 Optima | 10 | 1% | 126,662 |
| 2014 Optima | 6 | 1% | 126,874 |
| 2013 Optima | 28 | 2% | 130,000 |
| 2012 Optima | 12 | 1% | 100,014 |
| 2011 Optima | 3 | 1% | 28,874 |
| 2008 Optima | 2 | 1% | 46,500 |
| 2007 Optima | 1 | 1% | — |
| 2006 Optima | 4 | 3% | 6,937 |
| 2005 Optima | 9 | 6% | 70,150 |
| 2004 Optima | 9 | 4% | 87,800 |
| 2003 Optima | 7 | 5% | 77,752 |
| 2002 Optima | 4 | 4% | 81,848 |
| 2001 Optima | 1 | 1% | 87,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (4)
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2013, 2014
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) or 2.0L GDI Turbo engines. The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia will notify Owners, and Dealers will inspect the low pressure fuel hose for damage or leaking, replacing it as necessary. If no damage or leaking is found, a heat-protective tape will be installed. Repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2020. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC187.
Engine; fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly
Model years: 2002, 2003
Problem: Some passenger vehicles may contain a fuel tank assembly valve that may not close properly. If a vehicle with a fuel tank assembly valve that is not properly closed were to roll over, fuel spillage may occur.
Risk: Fuel spillage in the presence of an ignition source could result in a fire.
Fix: Dealers will install an additional fuel tank assembly valve. Owner notification began june 25, 2004. Owners 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.
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. Soon after the failure, the engine caught fire; however, the fire dissipated independently. The insurance agent was contacted and arrived at the scene to inspect the vehicle. The…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the…
The contact owns a 2013 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving or while the vehicle was parked, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was leaking fuel from the high-pressure pipe leading to the fuel pump. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check engine light illuminated. The brake pedal was depressed, and the steering wheel seized. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the highway and contacted the Highway…
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving at undisclosed speeds, there was an abnormal fuel odor inside the vehicle after the vehicle was serviced by the dealer. The contact stated that the vehicle received an undisclosed…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have fuel system, gasoline problems?
No. NHTSA has 109 owner complaints about fuel system, gasoline 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 fuel system, gasoline?
Yes: 4 safety recalls list fuel system, gasoline. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about fuel system, gasoline problems on the KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “fuel gasoline engine”, in 18 of 109 complaints, followed by “gas tank” (12).
Other KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (3,164)
- Electrical System problems (936)
- Steering problems (758)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Power Train problems (508)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
See all KIA Optima problems.