2009 Kia Optima Kia Optima 2009

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2009 Kia Optima repairs by problem area

Engine (0%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (38%)

Brakes and Traction Control (0%)

Suspension and Steering (0%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (31%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (15%)

Other (15%)

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Chart based on 13 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2009 Kia Optima.

2009 Kia Optima repair cost distribution

$2500+ (0%)

$1000 - $2499 (0%)

$500 - $999 (0%)

$100 - $499 (23%)

< $100 (77%)

Worried about potential repair costs? An extended warranty can provide peace of mind.

Chart based on 13 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2009 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD

Kia Optima in Minnesota, United States
- Sep 2009
Sep 2009

396 mi
seat latch was loose. 
Kia Optima in Texas, United States
Sep 2013 - Jun 2016
Oct 2013

61000 mi
Airbag sense under passenger seat went out. While it's out of the factory warranty, the extended warranty is covering it. 
Kia Optima in North Carolina, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2022
Mar 2016

39000 mi
The car downshifts rough at 22 mph when the engine is cold. The nearest dealer is over 30 miles away & they want me to rent a car & leave my car for up to a week. I have decided to drive the car until it is no longer drive-able. 
Jan 2017

27600 mi
Car still downshifts rough at 22 miles an hour. I have not taken it in to repair as I have seen horror stories on the internet & many have this problem & it is supposedly a computer problem. Would like it fixed for free though. Car still downshifts at 22 miles per hour when engine is cold. Warming up car does not help, must drive for 10 miles or more before car shifts normally. No repair done. Kia wants me to leave car at dealership for up to a week & rent a car. I continue to drive as is but slow when car nears 22 MPH. 
Oct 2017

43000 mi
Same problem as before, rough downshifts at 22 mp....after driving approximately 10-15 miles it does not do it anymore. Kia wants me to leave car there for at least a week & rent a car at my own expense. I only have a year left on drive train warranty so I am going to have to at some point....til then I am driving & trying to slow down before I get to the 22 mph mark. 
Jul 2018

52000 mi
Same problem as before, downshifts at 22 mph until I drive it for ten minutes or so...warming up engine does not stop the rough downshift, I must drive it before it is not felt. 
Kia Optima in Idaho, United States
Mar 2010 - Nov 2013
Feb 2010

250 mi
Warranty repair on back passenger cloth panel, Cloth coming loose, Noticed on test drive Dealer Replaced panel.. 
Nov 2013

27000 mi

US $20
Driver inside door handle broke in half for no reason just broke in our hand when using it..Also plastic covering on visors coming away from mirrors and cloth coming off door panels.. All repairs covered by Kia 
Kia Optima in Georgia, United States
Feb 2011 - Aug 2013
Mar 2012

23000 mi

US $115
Battery failed, and it was an OEM. Replacement installed by AAA Road Service at residence 
Apr 2012

23300 mi

US $125
Trunk latch had become out of adjustment. This resulted in a constant battery drain as a signal light showing trunk light was remaining on. Dealer adjusted latch so trunk lid would properly close 
Dec 2012

27000 mi

US $271
Tire Pressure Monitoring System, sensor failed and was discovered damaged likely from a previously installed set of tires purchased elsewhere and improperly installed. 

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2009 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan

175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD

Kia Optima in New York, United States
Oct 2012 - Jan 2014
Jan 2014

53000 mi
Headlight automatically turning off when car shut off do not function properly 

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2009 Kia Optima Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2009 Kia Optima problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.