Recalls by ModelKia Optima vs Volkswagen Passat: recalls and problems
Since 2000 the Kia Optima has 22 recalls and 7,544 owner complaints; the Volkswagen Passat has 44 recalls and 6,354 complaints. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each were sold.
At a glance
| Kia Optima | Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Recalls | 22 | 44 |
| Do-not-drive / park-outside recalls | 3 | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 7,544 | 6,354 |
| Crashes reported | 313 | 200 |
| Fires reported | 418 | 262 |
| Injuries reported | 271 | 205 |
| Most reported problem | Engine | Air Bags |
NHTSA data, model years 2000 onward.
Complaints by model year
Kia OptimaVolkswagen Passat
Every model year
Kia Optima: top problems
Engine3,397
Electrical System939
Unknown or other850
Steering759
Air Bags564
Structure560
Volkswagen Passat: top problems
Air Bags1,622
Engine1,328
Electrical System1,009
Fuel System913
Service Brakes588
Steering438
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 Kia Optima or the Volkswagen Passat?
Since model year 2000 owners have filed 7,544 complaints about the Kia Optima and 6,354 about the Volkswagen Passat with NHTSA, so the Volkswagen Passat 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 Kia Optima or the Volkswagen Passat?
NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for the Kia Optima and 44 for the Volkswagen Passat since model year 2000.