2007 Kia Optima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2007 Kia Optima ranks 13th of 16 model years with a complaint index of 20 and a Good verdict, though that verdict is capped due to incomplete early-year records. NHTSA lists 167 complaints, 2 recalls, and airbags as the top problem area, cited in 39% of complaints.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #13 of 16 Optima years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 167
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 5
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Airbags
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 21 city / 31 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2007 Kia Optima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Airbags65 (39%)
- Electrical System38 (23%)
- Visibility & Wipers33 (20%)
- Engine25 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain13 (8%)
- Brakes9 (5%)
- Other8 (5%)
- Structure & Body7 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (3%)
- Fuel System3 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including rollovers and collisions at highway speeds.
- Owners report anti-lock brakes failing suddenly, leading to loss of control.
- Engine compartment fires occurred with thick smoke or flames appearing near the transmission or engine bay, sometimes with no warning lights.
- A driver's seat reportedly detached from its track and twisted during a crash, reducing seatbelt effectiveness.
- Some owners describe sudden loss of engine and electrical power at highway speed followed by smoke in the cabin.
- One owner reported a brake failure while in reverse that resulted in a crash into a building.
2007 Kia Optima recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 12V014000Jan 17, 2012Airbags145,755 vehicles
Air bags:frontal
Kia motors america, inc. (kia) is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 kia optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through january 29, 2008, and model year 2007 and 2008 kia rondo vehicles manufactured from september 13, 2006, through march 21, 2008. The clock spring contact assembly for the driver's side air bag supplemental restraint system (SRS) may become damaged through usage over time. If the clock spring contact assembly becomes damaged, the driver's air bag electrical circuit will experience a high resistance condition potentially causing the driver's air bag to not deploy.
Risk: If the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the vehicle's air bag clock spring contact assembly, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 11, 2012. Owners may contact kia customer assistance center at 1-800-333-4542.
- NHTSA 11V153000Mar 9, 2011Transmission & Powertrain70,115 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:lever and linkage:column shift
Kia is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 optima vehicles manufactured from september 29, 2005, through june 13, 2007. There is a possibility that the shift cable may have been installed incorrectly, causing tension in the cable. If present, this condition could cause the cable to detach from the shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted. The shift lever can then be moved into the park (p) position while the vehicle's transmission is still in the last used gear before detachment.
Risk: If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the shift cable and reinstall if necessary free of charge. The safety recall began on march 23, 2011. Owner may contact kia at 1-800-333-4542.
2007 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 21 MPG
- Highway
- 31 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,600
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2007 compared with other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2007 Kia Optima reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 20, ranking it 13th out of 16 Optima model years. It carries a Good verdict, though that rating is capped because complaint records for 2005-2009 Optimas are less complete.
- What are the most common problems with the 2007 Kia Optima?
- Airbags are the top problem area, making up 39% of complaints, followed by electrical system issues at 23% and visibility/wiper issues at 20%. Median mileage at failure for airbag complaints was 75,000 miles.
- Does the 2007 Kia Optima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for the airbag clock spring contact assembly and one for a transmission shift cable that may have been installed incorrectly, both covering the 2006-2008 model years.
- How does the 2007 Optima compare to other years?
- Its complaint index of 20 is lower than the 2011-2016 Optima years, which range from 67 to 100 and carry Caution or Avoid verdicts. The 2010 Optima has the lowest complaint index at 13 and a Best verdict.
- Did the 2007 Kia Optima have airbag deployment failures?
- Yes, several sample complaints describe airbags failing to deploy during crashes, including rollovers and highway-speed collisions, with the airbag recall addressing a clock spring contact assembly issue.