By year
Owner complaints about Optima vehicles peaked at 8 in 2008
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, 2008 to 2026. 2026 runs through October.
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints and recalls files. Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Make
Optima
The complete NHTSA record for Optima vehicles: owner complaints, recall campaigns, defect investigations and manufacturer communications, for every model and model year on file.
Most Optima recalls are filed by Optima Bus, part of Optima.
Owner complaints in the last five years112 on file in all, across 5 models
Recall campaigns120 in five years
Severity index41.7Crash, fire, injury or death per 100 complaints
Investigations05 service bulletins
Components
Engine and cooling draws the most owner complaints about Optima vehicles, 42% of them
Share of all owner complaints on file, by component.
Source: NHTSA ODI.
Models
The Opus has the most complaints of any Optima model
Every Optima model with complaints or recalls on file, by complaints. Counts are not rates: NHTSA publishes no sales volumes.
| Model | Model years | Complaints | Severity index | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opus | 2000 to 2009 | 9 | 33.3 | 17 | 0 |
| Opus 29 | 1998 to 2005 | 0 | None | 17 | 0 |
| Opus 34 | 1998 to 2005 | 0 | None | 17 | 0 |
| AH-28 | 1998 to 2005 | 0 | None | 9 | 0 |
| RT-52 | 1998 to 2003 | 0 | None | 6 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA ODI. Recall counts add campaigns across model years, so a campaign covering three years counts three times.
Latest recalls
Recent campaigns listing a Optima product
- 13V-457 Sep 19, 2013
Specific potting compound used in the subject products for insulation was found to be capable of conducting electricity after being exposed to heat
Electrical system · 4,061 vehicles - 12V-189 May 2, 2012
Pinch bolts in the steering column shaft may loosen to the extent that they may fall out allowing the steering shaft to separate
Steering · 50 vehicles - 09V-495 Dec 29, 2009
Connector board can corrode due to an accumulation of moisture under the connector
Equipment · 2,370 vehicles - 07V-206 May 10, 2007
On certain transit buses equipped with graham white air dryers, the air dryer timer modules may allow sufficient quantities of moisture to enter…
Brakes · 85 vehicles - 05V-405 Sep 13, 2005
On certain transit vehicles and trolleys equipped with cummins isb-02 diesel engines built with emc controlled fuel lift pumps
Fuel system · 167 vehicles - 05V-358 Aug 15, 2005
On certain transit buses, there is a possibility that the hydraulic line coming from the radiator fan motor to the cac motor is rubbing on the chassis
Engine and cooling · 49 vehicles - 05V-167 Apr 25, 2005
On certain transit buses with cummins isb02 engines, the hydraulic line coming off of the power steering pump is rubbing on top of the air governor
Steering · 201 vehicles - 05V-110 Mar 24, 2005
On trolleys and transit coaches equipped with cummins isb diesel engines, the fuel lift pump could fail in a manner which results in engine fuel…
Fuel system · 417 vehicles - 05V-108 Mar 24, 2005
On certain transit buses equipped with webasto heaters, the burner tubes are made of material that does not meet specifications and could fail…
Engine and cooling · 2 vehicles - 05V-029 Feb 4, 2005
On certain transit buses equipped with arvinmeritor urresko tie rod clamps, heat treatment of clamps created a surface hardness that could lead to…
Steering · 35 vehicles
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.