2007 Kia Optima engine problems
16 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2007 Kia Optima — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“After adding oil..Car stopped while driving…Smoke and Fire occurred.. Now engine will not start.. 2 Mechanics Stated “Engine needs to Be Replaced”… A/C Front Blower Doesn’t Work Console Has a Short and Doesn’t Work”
filed Aug 1, 2025
“I've seen in other forums about engine recalls. I was never notified and the engine in my car disintegrated. It was replaced with an engine from a wrecking yard. This should be covered by manufacturer. I had issues with the brake lines rusting out. This should not have happened either. Not being…”
filed Jan 22, 2021
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% |
| 2009 Optima | 14 | 12% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2007 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.