Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
The most-reported problem — Engine (56.4% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that did not result in a recall.
Engine complaints here are 4.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
2 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 4 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 421 · 56.4% | Investigation closed | DP22003 |
| Electrical System | 96 · 12.9% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 70 · 9.4% | Recalled | Recall 16V705000 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 53 · 7.1% | Recalled | Recall 18V907000 |
| Exterior Lighting | 43 · 5.8% | No official action | — |
| Structure:body | 39 · 5.2% | No official action | — |
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 747 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · 2018 · reported 12/19/2018
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 17V007000 · 2017 · reported 01/06/2017
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V705000 · 2016 · reported 10/03/2016
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 16V231000 · 2016 · reported 04/21/2016
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 2023 · reported 08/24/2023
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
“P1326 ENGINE CODE CAME ON WHILE DRIVING 60MPH ON THE INTERSTATE. LUCKILY WAS IN FAR LEFT LANE WHEN ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WAS SAFELY ABLE…”NHTSA complaint 11283209 — filed 12/02/2019 · ENGINE
“E - C V V T SEAL SEATING ISSUE. MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA IS GIVING AN OBD II ERROR CODE OF P0010 "A" CAMSHAFT POSITION…”NHTSA complaint 11283015 — filed 11/30/2019 · ENGINE
“I AM STARTING TO EXPERIENCE ENGINE TROUBLE WITH MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE NEW WITH 0 MILES. MY ISSUE STATED ON FRIDAY…”NHTSA complaint 11267758 — filed 10/10/2019 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 421 of 747 NHTSA complaints (56.4%), followed by unspecified/other issues (120), electrical system (96), power train (70). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
747 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 26 involved a crash, 19 involved a fire, and 21 reported injuries. 1 deaths were reported.
Yes — 5 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
2 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
