KIA Optima Visibility Problems
Owners have filed 131 complaints with NHTSA about visibility problems on the KIA Optima across 19 model years. The 2016 model year has the most (30). The words owners use most often: “sun roof” (13% of reports).
- 131visibility complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 0related recalls
- 54%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.
- Sun roof: mentioned in 17 of 131 complaints (13%)
- Sunroof exploded: mentioned in 11 of 131 complaints (8%)
- Loud explosion: mentioned in 8 of 131 complaints (6%)
- Window regulators: mentioned in 7 of 131 complaints (5%)
At what mileage do visibility problems happen?
Based on 107 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 131 complaints, 1 an injury.
KIA Optima visibility complaints by model year
| Model year | Visibility complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 1 | 1% | 58,009 |
| 2019 Optima | 1 | 0% | 10,479 |
| 2017 Optima | 1 | 0% | 37,300 |
| 2016 Optima | 30 | 4% | 70,000 |
| 2015 Optima | 3 | 0% | 63,550 |
| 2014 Optima | 8 | 1% | 31,500 |
| 2013 Optima | 14 | 1% | 14,000 |
| 2012 Optima | 16 | 2% | 44,000 |
| 2011 Optima | 8 | 1% | 36,531 |
| 2010 Optima | 1 | 1% | 82,000 |
| 2009 Optima | 2 | 2% | 11,500 |
| 2008 Optima | 7 | 5% | 33,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 13 | 8% | 60,000 |
| 2006 Optima | 12 | 8% | 37,500 |
| 2005 Optima | 1 | 1% | 59,000 |
| 2004 Optima | 1 | 0% | 10,000 |
| 2003 Optima | 5 | 4% | 9,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 2 | 2% | 60,233 |
| 2001 Optima | 5 | 3% | — |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (0)
No safety recall lists visibility for the KIA Optima. A pattern of complaints does not always lead to a recall.
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 10 MPH, the front driverâs and passengerâs side windows lowered unintendedly. Neither the dealer nor an independent was contacted. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was loud banging sound coming from the vehicle and there were shards of glass on the right elbow of the contact. No warning light was illuminated. Upon further inspection, the contact stated that…
The contact owns a 2012 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the contact pressed on the horn, and the horn failed to function as intended. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, upon starting the vehicle and attempting to adjust…
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather on several occasions, all four windows of the vehicle became intermittently inoperable. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was notified of the…
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to make a right turn, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear driverâs side window. The contact discovered that the glass had shattered. The contact stated that the Police Department advised her to contact the…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have visibility problems?
No. NHTSA has 131 owner complaints about visibility 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 visibility?
No recall currently lists visibility for this vehicle.
What do owners say about visibility problems on the KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “sun roof”, in 17 of 131 complaints, followed by “sunroof exploded” (11).
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.