Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 3 | −83% | 2 | Engine | Good |
| 2017 | 26 | −16% | 2 | Engine | Average |
| 2015 | 12 | −56% | — | Electrical | Good |
| 2014 | 31 | typical | — | Engine | Average |
| 2013 | 55 | 1.3× | 2 | Electrical | Average |
| 2012 | 109 | 3.2× | 3 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2011 | 34 | typical | 3 | Engine | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Optima Hybrid year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Latest Kia Optima Hybrid recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will replace the HECU fuse, free of charge.
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Latch
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542.
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS).
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge.
Air bags › Air bag/restraint control module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners. For model year 2011 Sedona vehicles, Kia will instruct dealers to verify the ACU part number and, if necessary, install an extension wire harness kit between the ACU Connector and the Vehicle…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Optima Hybrid should you avoid?
2012 — this year has the most complaints relative to other Optima Hybrid years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2012.
What is the best year for the Kia Optima Hybrid?
2018 has the fewest complaints compared with other Optima Hybrid years at the same age, followed by 2015 and 2017. Newer years can look better simply because fewer complaints have come in yet, so we compare like with like.
What are the most common Kia Optima Hybrid problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (147), electrical system (70) and brakes (38). Engine complaints peak in the 2012 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Optima Hybrid had?
5 recalls across 2011–2018. The model year with the most is 2011. See all Kia Optima Hybrid recalls by year.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.