2010 Kia Optima Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima, 21% of all complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 73,000 miles. No related recall is listed for this engine issue.
- Engine complaints
- 16
- 21% of 75
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 73,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Owners report sudden unintended acceleration or surging without pressing the accelerator, in some cases leading to a crash.
- Some describe the engine stalling or shutting off unexpectedly at low speeds, including while slowing for stops or turns.
- Several report a knocking or banging noise from the engine followed by loss of power, with one describing a rod through the engine block.
- One owner reported the engine overheating with a hole found in the radiator, accompanied by a fire.
- A few describe rod bearing knocking noises that stopped the vehicle from running, with no warning lights present.
When 2010 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 30, 2010, latest Mar 7, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2010 Kia Optima
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Engine complaints by Optima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does NHTSA have for the 2010 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 16 engine complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima, which is 21% of the 75 total complaints filed for the model year.
- Is there a recall for the 2010 Kia Optima engine problems?
- No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine issue on the 2010 Kia Optima.
- At what mileage do 2010 Kia Optima engine problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2010 Kia Optima is 73,000 miles.
- Were there any crashes or fires linked to engine complaints on this model year?
- NHTSA data shows 2 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury among the engine complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima.