DecodedCars2010 Kia Optima
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2010 models.
- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.7L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 25 combined · 22 city / 32 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints41 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 140 for similar models.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2010 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2010 Kia Optima is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.4L 4-cyl and 2.7L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 25 MPG combined (22 city / 32 highway), 13% better than the 2010 midsize car average of 22.2 MPG, for an estimated $2,700 a year in fuel.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 41 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2010
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2009 Optima — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2009; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2009 Optima →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 25 | +13% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Optima | 2.4L 4-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 25 | +13% | $2,700 | 355 |
| Optima | 2.7L 6-cyl | Automatic 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +4% | $2,900 | 386 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2010 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2010 Kia Optima under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2010 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 Kia Optima (this car) | 25 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2010 Toyota Camry | 34 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2010 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 10 |
| 2010 Hyundai Elantra | 29 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Chevrolet Malibu | 29 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2010 Volkswagen Passat | 25 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2010 Nissan Altima | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (1)
Exterior Lighting › Brake Lights › Switch · Apr 1, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V114000 · 980,377 vehicles
- Problem
- Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year 2007-2009 Amanti, and model year 2009 Borrego vehicles. Originally, in April 2013, Kia recalled 623,658 model year 2007-2010 Rondo and Sportage, model year 2007-2011 Sorento, model year 2007 Sedona, model year 2010-2011 Soul, and model year 2011 Optima vehicles. In September 2013, Kia informed the agency that it was adding an additional 356,719 vehicles to this campaign. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 980,377. In the affected vehicles, the stop lamp switch may malfunction. A malfunctioning stop lamp switch may cause the brake lights to not illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed or may cause an inability to deactivate the cruise control by depressing the brake pedal. Additionally, a malfunctioning stop lamp switch may also result in intermittent operation of the push-button start feature, affect the operation of the brake-transmission shift interlock feature preventing the shifter from being moved out of the PARK position and cause the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) malfunction light to illuminate.
- Risk
- Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch, free of charge. Owners may contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's recall campaign number is SC098.
Not every 2010 Kia Optima is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2010 Kia Optima buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Electrical System — 11 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 9 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Engine — 9 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 75,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2010 Kia Optima. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Optima years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 153 |
| 2019 Optima | 41 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 213 |
| 2018 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 244 |
| 2017 Optima | 42 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 306 |
| 2016 Optima | 37 | 191.3 in | ★★★★★ | 5 | 764 |
| 2015 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 1,020 |
| 2014 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 580 |
| 2013 Optima | 37 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 10 | 1,352 |
| 2012 Optima | 36 | 190.6 in | Not rated | 6 | 917 |
| 2011 Optima | 36 | – | Not rated | 6 | 544 |
| 2009 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 1 | 55 |
| 2008 Optima | 25 | – | Not rated | 3 | 60 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Kia. How we calculate this →