2009 Kia Optima transmission problems
The 2009 Kia Optima has 33 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 20% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.
33
Transmission complaints
20%
Share of year
0
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Transmission complaints by year
What owners report
“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.”
Common questions
How many transmission complaints does the 2009 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the 2009 Kia Optima transmission — 20% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.