Wednesday, September 23, 2026
RecallGazette

Vehicle problems, recalls & safety intelligence

Kia Optima vs Lexus GS 350

Owner complaints, worst years and recall history side by side, from official NHTSA data. Last verified Sep 23, 2026. Raw complaint counts are not adjusted for sales volume.

Kia Optima

Total complaints
7,496
Avg per model year
375
Recall campaigns (all years)
22
Most complained year
2013 (1,382)
Top problems: Engine, Electrical System, Unknown / Other

Lexus GS 350

Total complaints
102
Avg per model year
16
Recall campaigns (all years)
9
Most complained year
2007 (57)
Top problems: Vehicle Speed Control, Engine, Air Bags

Complaints by model year

YearKia OptimaLexus GS 350
20172554
20167543
20151,00815
201458516
20131,38226
20115934
2010757
20091168
200814419
200716757
Method. Complaints are unique NHTSA reports per model year. A model that sold more units will naturally accumulate more complaints — compare the shape across years, not just the raw totals, and read the year pages for what actually fails.