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2016–2023 Kia Optima FAQ
Should I replace automatic transmission fluid because it looks darker?
2023
No; automatic transmission fluid normally darkens as the vehicle is driven, so color alone should not determine replacement.
Page 438 in the 2023 manual →2021–2022
Do not check the automatic transmission fluid under normal conditions; in severe conditions, have an authorized Kia dealer change it according to scheduled maintenance.
Use only the specified automatic transmission fluid, because using a non-specified fluid could cause transmission malfunction or failure.
Page 527 in the 2022 manual →2016–2020
Have the dual clutch transmission fluid inspected according to the maintenance schedule.
Page 477 in the 2020 manual →How should I check or service the automatic transmission fluid?
2023
Do not check automatic transmission fluid under normal usage conditions; under severe conditions, have an authorized Kia dealer change it according to scheduled maintenance.
Use only the specified automatic transmission fluid because non-specified fluid can cause transmission malfunction and failure.
Page 438 in the 2023 manual →2021–2022
No; automatic transmission fluid normally starts red and darkens with driving, so color change alone does not indicate that replacement is needed.
Page 527 in the 2022 manual →What should I do if the cabin airflow suddenly decreases?
2023
If airflow suddenly decreases, have the climate control system inspected by an authorized Kia dealer.
Page 207 in the 2023 manual →2016–2022
Replace the climate control air filter according to the Maintenance Schedule, with more frequent inspections and changes on dusty or rough roads.
Page 233 in the 2022 manual →What should I do when the oil-life alert appears?
2023
- If equipped, the Oil Life Management System can alert you before the normal interval when driving severity increases oil deterioration; have the oil and filter changed by an authorized Kia dealer.
- If the recommended engine oil was not used, follow the severe-usage schedule and check the oil amount regularly.
- Reset the remaining oil life after every oil change using the cluster or infotainment system's Oil Change Reminder reset menu.
- If no alert appears by the maximum maintenance interval, have the vehicle checked by an authorized Kia dealer.
2016–2020
On the normal maintenance schedule for non-turbo models, rotate the tires every 7,500 miles (12,000 km).
Page 465 in the 2020 manual →What should I do if moisture appears inside an exterior lamp?
2023
Moisture after washing or rain is normal and should disappear while driving with the headlamp on; have the vehicle checked if it remains.
Page 476 in the 2023 manual →2016–2020
If the High Beam Assist system has a problem, a warning message appears briefly, then the master warning light comes on; have an authorized Kia dealer check the system.
Page 197 in the 2020 manual →How often should brake fluid be inspected or replaced?
2021–2022
Inspect brake fluid every 8,000 miles (13,000 km) or 12 months, and replace it every 48,000 miles (78,000 km) or 48 months.
Page 522 in the 2022 manual →What should I do if the brake fluid warning light stays on?
2016–2020
- If the parking brake is released and the light remains on, the brake fluid level in the reservoir is low.
- Drive carefully to the nearest safe location, stop, turn off the engine, and check the brake fluid level immediately.
- Add fluid as required, then check all brake components for leaks; do not drive if leaks remain, the light stays on, or braking is improper.
- Have the vehicle towed to an authorized Kia dealer for inspection if any of those conditions apply.
What does the check engine light mean, and what should I do?
2016–2020
The Malfunction Indicator Lamp normally stays on until the engine starts; if it illuminates afterward, the emission control system may have a malfunction.
Have the vehicle inspected by an authorized Kia dealer as soon as possible because catalytic converter or emission-system damage may result, affecting engine power, drivability, or fuel economy.
Page 178 in the 2020 manual →Kia Optima complaints to NHTSA
Complaints that owners filed with NHTSA for each model year. They are unverified reports and are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.
| Year | Complaints | Crashes / fires / injuries | Most reported areas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 0 | 0 / 0 / 0 | None reported |
| 2022 | 0 | 0 / 0 / 0 | None reported |
| 2021 | 0 | 0 / 0 / 0 | None reported |
| 2020 | 146 | 6 / 2 / 4 | Engine (99), Power train (27), Unknown or other (16) |
| 2019 | 208 | 20 / 6 / 16 | Engine (89), Unknown or other (42), Forward collision avoidance (36) |
| 2018 | 232 | 10 / 10 / 9 | Engine (131), Unknown or other (37), Electrical system (33) |
| 2017 | 255 | 4 / 9 / 7 | Engine (164), Unknown or other (33), Electrical system (25) |
| 2016 | 756 | 27 / 19 / 21 | Engine (425), Unknown or other (121), Electrical system (103) |
| 2014 | 586 | 20 / 42 / 22 | Engine (283), Steering (95), Unknown or other (88) |
| 2012 | 919 | 25 / 77 / 34 | Engine (398), Steering (188), Electrical system (122) |
| 2011 | 593 | 23 / 33 / 19 | Engine (256), Steering (100), Exterior lighting (88) |
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All Kia Optima manuals
| Year | Generation | Pages | File |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 2023 | 522 pages | 10.8 MB |
| 2022 | 2021–2022 | 626 pages | 11.3 MB |
| 2021 | 2021–2022 | 586 pages | 9.4 MB |
| 2020 | 2016–2020 | 591 pages | 14.8 MB |
| 2019 | 2016–2020 | 577 pages | 14.5 MB |
| 2018 | 2016–2020 | 532 pages | 11.3 MB |
| 2017 | 2016–2020 | 629 pages | 16.0 MB |
| 2016 | 2016–2020 | 591 pages | 11.4 MB |
| 2014 | 2014 | 479 pages | 13.9 MB |
| 2012 | 2011–2012 | 382 pages | 9.2 MB |
| 2011 | 2011–2012 | 385 pages | 9.3 MB |
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