Complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | vs. typical* | Recalls | Top problem | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 151 | 1.5× | — | Engine | Caution |
| 2019 | 212 | 1.9× | 1 | Engine | Caution |
| 2018 | 232 | 1.9× | 2 | Engine | Caution |
| 2017 | 257 | 1.9× | 3 | Engine | Caution |
| 2016 | 759 | 5.2× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2015 | 1,009 | 6.2× | 4 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2014 | 590 | 3.3× | 7 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2013 | 1,386 | 7.1× | 9 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2012 | 920 | 5.2× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2011 | 594 | 3.4× | 5 | Engine | Avoid |
| 2010 | 75 | −53% | 1 | Transmission | Good |
| 2009 | 116 | −26% | 1 | Transmission | Average |
| 2008 | 144 | −19% | 3 | Airbag | Average |
| 2007 | 167 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2006 | 155 | typical | 2 | Airbag | Average |
| 2005 | 144 | typical | — | Door Lock & Latch | Average |
| 2004 | 225 | typical | 1 | Door Lock & Latch | Average |
| 2003 | 141 | −31% | 2 | Door Lock & Latch | Average |
| 2002 | 107 | −50% | 3 | Body | Good |
| 2001 | 143 | −15% | 3 | Body | Average |
* Complaints compared with the median Optima year at the same age, so new and old years are judged fairly. How this works.
Most common Kia Optima problems
Latest Kia Optima 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.
Structure › Body › Roof and pillars
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Optima vehicles. The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the headliner plates, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 26, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC245.
Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2014 Optima vehicles that were previously repaired under NHTSA recall number 20V-100. The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low pressure fuel hose, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 2, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-33-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC228.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip › Control unit/module
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Remedy: Owners are advised to park outside and away from other vehicles and structures until the recall repair is completed. Dealers will install a new multi-fuse, and inspect the HECU for leaks, replacing the HECU if…
Frequently asked questions
What years of the Kia Optima should you avoid?
2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2011 and 2014 — these years have the most complaints relative to other Optima years at the same age, led by engine & cooling problems in the 2013.
What is the best year for the Kia Optima?
2010 has the fewest complaints compared with other Optima years at the same age, followed by 2009 and 2008. 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 problems?
Across all years, owners report the most problems with the engine & cooling (3,385), electrical system (936) and steering (758). Engine complaints peak in the 2013 model year.
How many recalls has the Kia Optima had?
22 recalls across 2001–2020. The model year with the most is 2013. See all Kia Optima 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.