2009 Kia Optima engine problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2009 Kia Optima — 12% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Last week, on aug 29th 2020, I tried to make a left u-turn on a residential street and the steering wheel locked up. I got scared and just drove forward to the next street and turned right onto that street. On aug the 17th, 2020 I had my car inspected. The mechanic said the brake fluid was leaking…”
filed Sep 3, 2020
“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.”
filed Feb 28, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
PS539 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 2, 2018
Engine problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 92 | 67% |
| 2019 Optima | 86 | 42% |
| 2018 Optima | 129 | 56% |
| 2017 Optima | 161 | 64% |
| 2016 Optima | 423 | 56% |
| 2015 Optima | 618 | 62% |
| 2014 Optima | 280 | 48% |
| 2013 Optima | 610 | 44% |
| 2012 Optima | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 Optima | 254 | 43% |
| 2010 Optima | 9 | 12% |
| 2008 Optima | 18 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2009 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.