Model year guide

2010 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2010 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 105 on record.

2010 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls1
Owner complaints75
Combined24 mpg
Typical price$6,352

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

2010 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.

2010 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 75 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.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
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.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

2010 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 2010 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$4,400
Typical price
$6,352
High
$8,500

From 104 comparable 2010 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2010 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,585
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,500
Total$17,085
Per mile$0.23

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 ($6,352) with the same model 5 model-years older ($1,853), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2010 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

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

2010 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A80A5372641 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A89A5440323 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A8XA5386563 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A83A5385531 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A86A5435127 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A84A5442979 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A88A5405479 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima EXKNAGH4A81A5401688 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A85A5400952 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A89A5386179 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A87A5406039 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima EXKNAGH4A85A5439554 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A85A5374983 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A88A5412674 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A88A5370524 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A88A5400430 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A81A5369358 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A84A5380645 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A87A5377819 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A80A5382103 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A89A5409914 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A83A5414610 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A85A5412146 2010 Kia Optima 2010 Kia Optima LXKNAGG4A83A5454881

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2010 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2010 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2010 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 2010 Kia Optima?

Based on 75 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, power train.

What gas mileage does the 2010 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2010 Kia Optima at about 24 mpg combined (21 city / 31 highway).

How much is a 2010 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2010 Kia Optima listings run roughly $4,400–$8,500, typically around $6,352 (from 104 vehicles).

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