Recalls by ModelChevrolet Malibu vs Kia Optima: recalls and problems
Since 2000 the Chevrolet Malibu has 50 recalls and 17,168 owner complaints; the Kia Optima has 22 recalls and 7,544 complaints. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
At a glance
| Chevrolet Malibu | Kia Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 50 | 22 |
| Do-not-drive / park-outside recalls | 0 | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 17,168 | 7,544 |
| Crashes reported | 671 | 313 |
| Fires reported | 159 | 418 |
| Injuries reported | 562 | 271 |
| Most reported problem | Steering | Engine |
NHTSA data, model years 2000 onward.
Complaints by model year
Chevrolet MalibuKia Optima
Every model year
| Year | Malibu recalls | Malibu complaints | Optima recalls | Optima complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 12 | — | — |
| 2024 | 2 | 46 | — | — |
| 2023 | 2 | 73 | — | — |
| 2022 | 1 | 100 | — | — |
| 2021 | 2 | 90 | — | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 203 | 0 | 153 |
| 2019 | 1 | 193 | 1 | 214 |
| 2018 | 6 | 701 | 2 | 233 |
| 2017 | 4 | 705 | 3 | 258 |
| 2016 | 9 | 841 | 5 | 762 |
| 2015 | 3 | 270 | 4 | 1,011 |
| 2014 | 6 | 351 | 7 | 591 |
| 2013 | 10 | 837 | 9 | 1,388 |
| 2012 | 2 | 907 | 5 | 923 |
| 2011 | 3 | 978 | 5 | 594 |
| 2010 | 3 | 1,363 | 1 | 75 |
| 2009 | 5 | 1,511 | 1 | 116 |
| 2008 | 4 | 989 | 3 | 144 |
| 2007 | 3 | 977 | 2 | 167 |
| 2006 | 6 | 1,119 | 2 | 155 |
| 2005 | 3 | 975 | 0 | 144 |
Chevrolet Malibu: top problems
Steering5,370
Electrical System4,365
Engine2,744
Exterior Lighting1,747
Service Brakes1,713
Power Train1,591
Kia Optima: top problems
Engine3,397
Electrical System939
Unknown or other850
Steering759
Air Bags564
Structure560
Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Check your VIN →Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.
Questions
Which has more problems, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Kia Optima?
Since model year 2000 owners have filed 17,168 complaints about the Chevrolet Malibu and 7,544 about the Kia Optima with NHTSA, so the Kia Optima has fewer. These are raw counts: the model that sold more will usually have more complaints, so compare individual model years too.
Which has more recalls, the Chevrolet Malibu or the Kia Optima?
NHTSA lists 50 recall campaigns for the Chevrolet Malibu and 22 for the Kia Optima since model year 2000.