What's Wrong with the 2nd Generation (2006–2010) Optima?

Optima owners have made 89 complaints about the 2006–2010 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 35th out of 42 Kia generations in overall reliability, with real engine and interior concerns.

Compare With Other Optima Generations

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

2nd Generation (2006–2010) Optima Key Numbers

  1. 5 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 89 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 35th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 42 eligible generations.

Recent 2nd Generation (2006–2010) Optima News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

  1. A lawsuit thinks it has enough evidence to prove fault in an incredibly sad crash that killed 7-year-old twins and an 83-year-old driver last year.

    According to the lawsuit, Parks had enough time to not only repeatedly hit the brakes, but she also turned on the hazard lights and flashed her headlights to warn other drivers. The lawsuit also alleges Parks tried to shift the Optima into NEUTRAL but on top of that not working, she couldn't turn off the ignition.

    Parks’ car was going 90mph at the time of the crash. Even the parents of the two young boys think unintended acceleration is to blame.…

    keep reading article "Kia Sued for Not Installing a Brake-Throttle Override System"

  2. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is being asked to investigate if possible mechanical malfunctions led to a deadly crash on New Year’s Eve.

    NHTSA has been asked to investigate a crash that killed twin 7-year-old boys and an 83-year-old woman. The 11:30 a.m. New Year's Eve crash in Winchester, Tennessee, occurred when a 2008 Kia Optima traveling 90 mph slammed into the rear-end of a minivan.

    The whole story is just sad. The Optima driver told authorities it felt like the gas pedal was stuck and she couldn’t get it to move. She died the next day of injuries sustained in the crash.

    keep reading article "Government Asked to Investigate a Fatal Optima Crash"