KIA Optima Power Train Problems
Owners have filed 508 complaints with NHTSA about power train problems on the KIA Optima across 20 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (74).
- 508power train complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 16mention a crash
- 7mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $1,000typical repair cost reported by owners
- 36%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 power train repair on the KIA Optima at $1,000, and half of them between $390 and $2,400.
Based on 9 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2021), 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 power train problems happen?
Based on 303 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 508 complaints, 16 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 7 an injury.
KIA Optima power train complaints by model year
| Model year | Power Train complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 27 | 18% | — |
| 2019 Optima | 17 | 8% | 19,600 |
| 2018 Optima | 18 | 8% | 26,475 |
| 2017 Optima | 21 | 8% | 36,500 |
| 2016 Optima | 74 | 10% | 50,000 |
| 2015 Optima | 49 | 5% | 82,794 |
| 2014 Optima | 20 | 3% | 93,242 |
| 2013 Optima | 64 | 5% | 64,837 |
| 2012 Optima | 54 | 6% | 78,993 |
| 2011 Optima | 25 | 4% | 36,000 |
| 2010 Optima | 24 | 32% | 73,000 |
| 2009 Optima | 33 | 28% | 62,000 |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% | 130,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 13 | 8% | 72,000 |
| 2006 Optima | 14 | 9% | 61,100 |
| 2005 Optima | 3 | 2% | 34,000 |
| 2004 Optima | 8 | 4% | 22,100 |
| 2003 Optima | 8 | 6% | 33,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 6 | 6% | 86,020 |
| 2001 Optima | 12 | 8% | 11,750 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Power train:axle assembly:axle shaft
Model years: 2016
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
Risk: If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Model years: 2006, 2007, 2008
Problem: Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through june 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.
Risk: If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 23, 2011. Owner may 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.
Severe engine defect (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Sudden total loss of power, metallic knocking, severe oil consumption, and imminent catastrophic failure while driving, creating a high safety risk. Vehicle is currently out of service in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION…
While driving to work, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode in the middle of the highway, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The check engine light immediately started flashing and displaying diagnostic code P1326 which indicates an…
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…
While driving, my 2020 Kia Optima suddenly lost engine power and went into limp mode on the road, leaving me stranded and creating a severe safety hazard in traffic. The vehicle threw diagnostic trouble code P1326, which indicates a catastrophic rod bearing failure. The problem has been confirmed…
Vehicle was purchased in 2023. AC blower failure occurred for the first time in June 2024 and was repaired by PepBoys. On 4/2/2025 the ve3hicle had an active recall event when the engine seized on the highway because of a faulty oil pump/filter, Engine was replaced 4/17/2025 under that recall. Kia…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have power train problems?
No. NHTSA has 508 owner complaints about power train 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 power train?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list power train. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix power train problems on the KIA Optima?
Owners report a typical cost of $1,000 (half paid between $390 and $2,400), from 9 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
Other KIA Optima problems
- Engine problems (3,164)
- Electrical System problems (936)
- Steering problems (758)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
- Service Brakes problems (314)
See all KIA Optima problems.