565 of the 10,355 complaints filed about the KIA Optima are about the body and structure — 5% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2013.
565
Complaints
5%
Share of all complaints
30
Crashes
40
Fires
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint began chipping/flaking off little by little everytime I washed the car. It’s a common occurrence with snowy white Kia paint in this year
NHTSA complaint #11751654 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
My 2015 white Kia Optima is having terrible paint peeling problems. It is peeling and chipping on the hood, along the sides of the windshield, above the wind shield, on my back bumper, above my back tires, and just about every place in between. PLEASE HELP!
NHTSA complaint #11748405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
UNKNOWN THE AIRBAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY WHEN THE CAR HIT OTHER DRIVER FROM BEHIND.
NHTSA complaint #11738585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Factory paint defect/delamination known to Kia causing excessive paint bubbling, peeling, flaking, large chunks of paint falling off, a widespread issue documented inherent to appear on the roof, front pillars both sides next to windshield, trunk, door panels and hood rapidly expanding. Notorious on model Optima 2013 - 2017 with Snow White Paint (SWP). This issue comes with an extreme safety hazard I am officially reporting to you; Windshield at Risk of Detachment - Paint defect has expanded inside the glass layers of the windshield up and down both sides causing the adhesive to bubble/weaken, potentially could detach causing serious injuries to myself, passengers and all other drivers. Citrus Kia Ontario, CA inspected my vehicle May and June 2025, confirmed damages are a result of a factory paint defect known to Kia and their body shop has repaired many of these Optimas with SWP. I was directed to file a report with Kia Customer Care, they will issue a claim number needed to schedule an appointment for repair. Kia denied my claim. Contact Dealer reporting paint defect; 11/7/2017 repair made for peeling paint Confirmation X03S999EM3, 6/11/24 officially reported paint cracking bubbling Claim # 16453820, May & June 2025 Citrus inspected my vehicle explained the damages to my vehicle a factory paint defect known to Kia, their body shop has already repaired many model 2015 Optima SWP, confirmed my vehicle is eligible for repair. I was directed to file a report with Customer Care, a claim number would be issued for so I could schedule a repair date. I filed a report. Kia reopened Claim 16453820 & denied the claim. I have written a formal letter to Kia Corporate requesting repair, no response.Kia's factory paint defect is a documented global widespread inherent issue affecting thousa+nds of Kia consumers, refusing to accept responsibility, refusing to honor TSB Extended warranty. This is a disgrace.Our vehicles look horrible & are safety hazards.
NHTSA complaint #11738221 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Snow white pearl paint bubbling, peeling, and chipping in multiple areas of my vehicle
NHTSA complaint #11734736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I am submitting a defect complaint regarding the paint on my vehicle, which has been progressively deteriorating. The issue begins as small bubbles in the paint, which eventually lead to peeling and complete paint loss in affected areas. This condition is currently present on the trunk, roof, and rear sides of the vehicle, and early signs are now appearing on the hood. This defect is more than cosmetic. As the paint peels, it exposes the underlying metal panels to environmental elements, increasing the risk of corrosion and rust. Over time, this can compromise the structural integrity of the vehicle. Additionally, significant peeling—particularly on surfaces like the roof or hood—can create glare or release debris, posing a potential safety hazard and distraction to both myself and surrounding drivers. I initially brought this issue to a Kia dealership, where the manager advised me to contact Kia Customer Affairs. Upon doing so, I was informed that the issue falls outside the warranty timeframe. However, after speaking with other Kia owners experiencing similar problems—especially with the same paint color—it appears this may be a widespread manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear. Furthermore, a professional paint specialist evaluated the condition and indicated that the bubbling and peeling are consistent with poor paint adhesion or a defective clear coat/mid-coat application during manufacturing.
NHTSA complaint #11733116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint on car is coming off from hood and doors headlights are not bright had to change to aftermarket to make it brighter
NHTSA complaint #11723669 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
My teenage daughter regularly drives this vehicle. The vehicle began experiencing significant oil consumption, oil leaks, and intermittent loss of power. During an early inspection at an independent repair facility, a check engine code P1326 was identified. Due to the symptoms and diagnostic code, the repair facility advised that the vehicle could be heading toward engine failure and recommended that the vehicle be taken to an authorized dealership because potential engine issues may fall under manufacturer warranty coverage. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealership. During the first visit, the dealership retained the vehicle for an extended period of time, approximately two months. During that visit, several recommended services were completed, including replacement of spark plugs, ignition wires, and replacement of the valve cover gasket along with other recommended maintenance. During that visit, it was also stated that the vehicle has a known issue with excessive oil consumption. Because of this, the oil level is checked weekly and oil is added as needed. I also informed the dealership that the independent repair facility had identified code P1326, but I was told that the dealership diagnostic codes were different. After these repairs, the vehicle experienced another incident where it lost power and began idling roughly while being driven on a busy highway. The vehicle was taken back to the dealership. During that visit, it was stated that the fuel injector harness and oil pressure sensor needed to be replaced. The dealership also indicated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced again, even though they had been replaced at the same dealership less than a year earlier. At that time, I asked if the vehicle would be safe to drive for approximately one week because I needed to travel out of town and my daughter would need the vehicle. The dealership advised that it was safe to drive during that time. The vehicle was then brought back to the deal
NHTSA complaint #11723632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
About a month ago my paint on my 2018 Kia Optima snow white pearl car started bubbling, then it turned into peeling and has since then been coming off more and more. It is occurring right under the back seat of the drivers side window. Reading into this issue more, it is happening to many who own a Kia Optima owners, especially those who own the snow white pearl color. Kia is not helping customers who are out of warranty but since this is a manufacturer defect they should be, even if they are out of warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11722839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
While driving the Kia on the highway (in the passing lane on Route 93, Boston, MA), the hood of the car flew open and shattered the windshield. Prior to getting into the vehicle, there was no notification, warning light/display, that alerted to the hood or anything else not being 'closed', no rattling of the hood either. The hood blocked my entire vision with the exception of a small area below, where I miraculous got over to the breakdown lane without causing any accident. When I got out of the car, the hood was bent and the second latch was loose. It did not hold its shape. Called the police and the insurance company, the car was deemed a total loss. This incident occurred on January 31, 2026 at 10:05AM. The conditions were dry and sunny. The state trooper said that this incident could have had serious safety consequences to the driver and others since no one expects a hood to fly open, block visibility...this highway is a busy road and could have impacted several other vehicles on the road. We no warning lamps/message- this was traumatic- this put the safety of the driver and the public at great risk.
NHTSA complaint #11717872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2015 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the driver's side and passenger's side doors' exterior trims separated from the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair was not covered because the VIN was not included in an unknown related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
NHTSA complaint #11715114 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicle paint is bubbling and peeling
NHTSA complaint #11710752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Engine burners oil at about 1qt per 1000 miles. There is no leak, and no repair to stop the oil from burning quickly. I have to refill my engine with oil several times in between oil changes. Paint is peeling in various spots on my hood and bumper. I first noticed a small area along the border of the hood nearest the windshield (mostly visible from the driers seat). Then 3 more spots on the opposite side of the hood and eventually all over the bumper.
NHTSA complaint #11703133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Paint peeling from driver side door.
NHTSA complaint #11701971 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The computer modular or engine control module yes, it is available for inspection. I can be at risk because my lights flicker off and, on my turn, signals do not work, and it will not go into drive I have to start my car 30 minutes before I can leave for work at 5:30am in the morning. I had a security update on my car and ever since that took place, I had this issue. I just had the P1326 code come up on my car last November took it to Vero Beach Kia and had that update done on my car for the engine problems that is going on, and they replaced the last recall which was the knock sensor. I had explained to them the issue my car does when starting it they told me it has nothing to do with the update that would cause it. When looking this issue up there are other people having the same issue, but Kia will not inspect it out so can you please investigate this issue and plus the paint on my car has peeled so bad.
NHTSA complaint #11700621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
locked the car as most people do, then went to unlock the car heard it unlock but the door would not open. I could hear the door sound like it was locking/unlocking like it was stuck. I tried to climb through the passenger side to open the door from the inside and it will not open. The door appears to be "unlocked" but it is not and will not open creating a hazard if in an accident there is no way to get to safety. In researching online this is a common problem and there is a part in the lock mechanism that gets stuck so the door does not unlock and cannot open. It appears it has been reported several times on the year of my car and other years but nothing has been done. There is no warning that this will happen, you just lock the doors and then it doesn't unlock.
NHTSA complaint #11699168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
My cars paint is peeling uncontrollably due to delamination of the paint. The issue with the paint has been reported by others also.
NHTSA complaint #11698296 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The clear coat is delaminating and the Paint is peeling off in multiple areas of the car.
NHTSA complaint #11698251 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
I have a 2013 Kia Optima and my paint on the vehicle is pilling so bad and fast it is exposing the body of the vehicle. I have done plenty of research and this is a commonly known problem with the pearl white paint jobs. It will start effecting the body and exterior of my vehicle and then turn efforts onto the inside of the vehicle. This is a huge problem so please as a huge company take responsibility and fix this problem.
NHTSA complaint #11695755 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STRUCTURE:BODY
White paint is chipping away excessively
NHTSA complaint #11694901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.