VehicleVerdict

2009 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2009 Kia Optima is among the quieter years of the Optima on NHTSA's books: 166 complaints (38% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 5 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (33), airbags (28), and electrical system (25), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

166

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

10

Fires reported

5

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2009 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2009 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2009 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission3320%
Airbags2817%
Electrical System2515%
Brakes2113%
Engine1610%
Speed Control117%
Lighting106%
Steering74%
Body & Structure42%
Suspension42%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Other21%
Seat Belts11%
Fuel System11%
Child Seat11%

Does the 2009 Kia Optima have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V114000LightingApril 1, 2013 · 980,377 units

Defect

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.

Consequence

Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“DRIVING AT 70 MPH, ENGINE DIED AND CAR STARTED SMOKING. PULLED TO SHOULDER, FRONT END OF CAR CAUGHT FIRE. FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED WITH FOAM. CAR A TOTAL LOSS.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 19, 2020 · fire

“WHILE HITTING SEVERAL TREES IN MY KIA OPTIMA, GOING ABOUT 45MPH, THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. MY INSURANCE COMPANY SAID FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE AND FROM LOOKING AT THE DAMAGE OF THE CAR, THEY ALSO THINK THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED. HOWEVER, NOBODY WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED, NO THANKS TO THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 26, 2015 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 2, 2015 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM FAILED AND CAUSED THE CONTACT TO BE INVOLVED IN A CRASH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS. THE DEALER CONFIRMED THAT THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM HAD MALFUNCTIONED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · August 12, 2011 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2009 KIA OPTIMA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, ANOTHER MOTORIST NOTIFIED THE CONTACT THAT THE UNDERCARRIAGE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND NOTICED SMOKE AND FLAMES UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 2, 2015 · fire

2009 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2009 Kia Optima reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 166 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Optima year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2009 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (33 complaints), airbags (28 complaints), electrical system (25 complaints).

Does the 2009 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2009 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2009 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.