Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 09/08/2026
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 (64.3% of complaints) — was examined in a now-closed NHTSA investigation that closed with a recall campaign (23V877).
Engine complaints here are 5.4× the median for that category across the 2584 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
| Complaint category | Reports | Official status | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 164 · 64.3% | Investigation closed | DP22003 · EA21003 → recall 23V877 |
| Electrical System | 23 · 9% | No official action | — |
| Power Train | 21 · 8.2% | No official action | — |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 20 · 7.8% | Recalled | Recall 18V907000 |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 · 5.5% | No official action | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 · 5.1% | 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 255 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 18V161000 · 2018 · reported 03/08/2018
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing 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 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.
“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, black smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe…”NHTSA complaint 11511029 — filed 03/09/2023 · ENGINE
“The contact's son owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally…”NHTSA complaint 11508744 — filed 02/23/2023 · ENGINE
“I am the second owner of this car. According to carfax it has been well maintained at kia since day one. I have owned it…”NHTSA complaint 11507594 — filed 02/16/2023 · ENGINE
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 164 of 255 NHTSA complaints (64.3%), followed by unspecified/other issues (33), electrical system (23), power train (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
255 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 09/08/2026. Of those, 4 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, and 7 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V907000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is 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.
