The most-reported Optra run is KL1JK89Z05K (2005 builds) with 2 complaints, 1.7× the typical run. Exterior lighting problems make up 50% of reports; NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for Optra model years 2005–2007.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Chevrolet Optra has 6 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 86% of every Optra complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KL1JK89Z05K•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| KL1JD69Z35K•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| KL1JK59Z85K•••••• | 2005 | — | 1 | |
| KL1JK69Z95K•••••• | 2005 | — | — | |
| KL1JD61626K•••••• | 2006 | — | — | |
| 9GAJM52337B•••••• | 2007 | — | — |
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5 | 4 | — |
Heaviest year here is 2005 at 1.3 complaints per run; lightest is 2005 at 1.3.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 50% of everything Chevrolet Optra owners report: Exterior Lighting, 5 of 7 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exterior Lighting | — | 1 | |
| Electrical System | — | — | |
| Air Bags | — | — | |
| Power Train | — | — | |
| Engine | — | — | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | — | — |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 2 recall campaigns on the Chevrolet Optra; the 2 below cover build years 2005 to 2007. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 07V328000 | Seat Belts:front:buckle Assembly | 2006–2007 |
| 07V482000 | Exterior Lighting:headlights | 2005–2006 |
07V328000 was opened in 2007 on cars built from 2006: 1 year on the road before the recall.
The Optra against its rivals
The Optra draws 1.2 complaints per production run; the BMW 328i 2.4, the BMW 330i 3.4 and the BMW 335i 1.4. That is the lowest rate of the 4.
How serious were they
| Outcome | Chevrolet Optra | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 7 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 0 (0%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 1 (14.3%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 100% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Chevrolet Optra share of that is 7 complaints over 6 runs, 0% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Chevrolet Optra VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 7 NHTSA complaints from 6 Optra runs and 2 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Optra production run has the most complaints?
KL1JK89Z05K, a 2005 build, with 2 complaints. The typical Optra run has 1.2.
Does the Optra get more complaints than the BMW 328i?
No: 1.2 complaints per production run for the Optra against 2.4 for the BMW 328i.
How many Optra complaints involve a crash?
0% of 7 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 1 involved a fire.
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