Model year guide

2009 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2009 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 74 on record.

2009 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2009 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints116
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$5,347

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2009 Kia Optima recalls 1

Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch NHTSA Campaign #13V114000 · 01/04/2013

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, …

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2009 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.

2009 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined24 mpg
City21 mpg
Highway31 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,517

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2009 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$3,200
Typical price
$5,347
High
$7,400

From 74 comparable 2009 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2009 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,585
Depreciation (5 yrs)$3,750
Total$16,335
Per mile$0.22

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($5,347) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,591), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2009 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · MG · SX
Engines
2.4L · 2.7L 6-cyl

2009 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228495314648 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE228995319960 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228X95282921 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima lxKNAGE123795241970 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE228695314098 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE228895310537 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE228495334799 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228595318871 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228795288269 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228095289912 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228595365687 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228795334876 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228695318541 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228795296937 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228095321550 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228095310841 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228995356166 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE228395355840 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228395356664 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE224995338036 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228395323048 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228895312479 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima LXKNAGE228795288272 2009 Kia Optima 2009 Kia Optima EXKNAGE228595324931

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2009 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2009 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2009 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Kia Optima?

Based on 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, steering.

What gas mileage does the 2009 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2009 Kia Optima at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2009 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2009 Kia Optima listings run roughly $3,200–$7,400, typically around $5,347 (from 74 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.