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2010 Kia Optima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2010 Optima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2010 Kia Optima is a passenger car with a 4.7-quart engine oil capacity and a 5W-20 / 5W-30 API viscosity specification. In owner-reported reliability data it drew just 75 complaints and one recall, with power train cited as the top complaint area. Across the 2001–2020 Optima span, the 2010 model records the lowest complaint count—far beneath the 2013 high of 1,371—placing it among the quieter years in the model’s reported history, though the power-train category still warrants close inspection.

Model year2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2010

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.7 qtOEM · verified

Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 APIOEM · verified

Lug nut torque65-80 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 124R · 600 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 124R · 600 CCAOEM · verified

Tail / brake / turnFUSEOEM · verified

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Optima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.6–8.9 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.60 sec — 2007 EX V6

Year	Trim / engine	0–60	¼ mile	HP	Drivetrain
2008	EX 2.4L I-4	8.80 sec	16.70 sec	162 hp	FWD
2007	EX V6 2.7L V6	8.60 sec	16.60 sec	185 hp	FWD
2007	EX 2.4L I-4	8.90 sec	16.90 sec	162 hp	FWD
2006	EX 2.4L I-4	8.90 sec	17.00 sec	162 hp	FWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.7 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 65-80 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	8.2
Automatic Transmission Fluid	ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity	10
Engine Coolant	ETHYLENE GLYCOL
Engine Oil	5W-20 · 5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity	4.7 qt
Engine Oil	5W-20 · 5W-30 · API

Engine torques

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs	6
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	122-130 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts	123-130 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	94-101 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts	53-56 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts	14-17 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	29-33 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts	22-25 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts	65-80 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub	148-203 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order	1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order	1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.61-.82 ohms
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance	.56-.68 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance	5,950-8,050 ohms

Battery & A/C

Refrigerant	R134a
Refrigerant Capacity	1.04-1.16 lbs
Oil Group	PAG
Oil Type	46
Oil Capacity	4.72-5.40 oz
Standard BCI Group Number	124R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance	600 cca
Standard BCI Group Number	124R

Service checks

Pressure Test	12-16 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief	12-16 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature	177 °F
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	55.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)	49.0-51.0 psi
Injector Primary Resistance	13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Injector Primary Resistance	13.8-15.2 @ 68 degreesF ohms
Engine Compression	164-185 PSI. 15 Maximum variation PSI

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket	16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	58-72 ft-lbs
Brake Application	WITH FN3 (16 inch) CALIPER PR NOS. 1LH/1ZG
Torque Caliper to Bracket	16-23 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle	58-72 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad Thickness	0.079 in
Minimum Shoe Thickness	0.039 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation	0.0004 in / 0.0002 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

13-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-94

13–16 ft. lbs

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

13-16 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-94

13–16 ft. lbs

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages

tighten bolts in sequence 2, 1, 4, 3, 6, 5, 8, 7

2.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages

18 ft. lbs., Step 2: 90-94

18 ft. lbs

Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

12 ft. lbs., Step 2: 60 degrees, Step 3: 60

12 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi.

At 7,500 mi	Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level)
Every 7,500 mi	Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate) · Vacuum Line (inspect)
At 15,000 mi	Air Conditioning System (inspect)
Every 15,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level)
At 30,000 mi	Battery (inspect) · Body Fasteners (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Drum Assembly (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Brake Pedal Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 mi	Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Filter (inspect)
Every 37,500 mi	Transmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
At 60,000 mi	Accessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 mi	Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2010 Kia Optima recorded 75 complaints, 1 recall, 2 investigations and 34 TSBs, which is notably lower than the 2009 figure of 116 complaints and the 2008 figure of 143 complaints. Compared with the immediate subsequent years, complaints jump to 590 in 2011, 916 in 2012 and peak at 1,371 in 2013, while recalls and investigations also rise sharply after 2010. This places the 2010 model year in a clear trough of reported issues within the 2001‑2020 span, following a modest decline from 2008‑2009 and preceding a steep upward trend that begins in 2011. The data do not specify the underlying causes for these fluctuations, so any interpretation of reliability must rely solely on the reported counts. Consequently, based on the lower complaint and recall numbers, the 2010 Optima appears to be a comparatively favorable year to purchase among the available model years.

Open recalls

NHTSA campaigns

Service bulletins

Manufacturer communications

ODI investigations

Office of Defects Investigation

Owner complaints

7 involved a crash · 2 a fire

Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

’01 ’02 ’03 ’04 ’05 ’06 ’07 ’08 ’09’10’11 ’12 ’13 ’14 ’15 ’16 ’17 ’18 ’19 ’20

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 75 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train19

Air Bags12

Electrical System6

Engine5

Engine & Engine Cooling2

Vehicle Speed Control2

Power Train,Vehicle Speed Control2

Latches/Locks/Linkages2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

13V114000Exterior Lighting:Brake Lights:SwitchReported 01/04/2013

Kia Motors Corporation (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Rondo, model year 2007-2011 Sedona, Sorento and Sportage, model year 2010-2011 Soul, model year 2008-2011 Optima, model year 2010 Forte, model year… Remedy: Kia will send an interim notification to owners in May 2013. When parts are available, owners will receive a second notification and dealers will replace the stop lamp switch…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 34 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

Bulletin	Date	Component	Summary
TSB_TRA046_R5	2025-04-17	Power Train	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…
TSB_TRA046_R4	2024-05-16	Power Train	This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and…
TSB_TRA046_R3	2022-11-18	Power Train	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides…
TSB_BOD055_R1	2021-09-13	Structure	TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This…
TSB_BOD056R1_CLS	2021-05-19	Structure	TSB_BOD056R1_CLOSED: TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CLOSED

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420

Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1

P0300

Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected

P0171

System too lean — Bank 1

P0455

Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak

P0128

Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature

P0442

Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN

Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Optima. OEM

Build data

Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.

Recalls

Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Group 124R battery Vehicles taking 4.7 qt

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Vehicle recalls & TSBs OBD-II trouble codes Torque specifications Maintenance schedules Fluid capacities & specs

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2010 Optima take?

4.7 qt of 5W-20 OR 5W-30 API SM, per the factory manual.

Does the 2010 Optima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.