Ford Fusion vs Kia Optima: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2020, owners filed an average of 1,498 complaints per model year about the Ford Fusion and 452 about the Kia Optima.
Side by side
| Ford Fusion | Kia Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2020 | 2006-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 22,468 | 6,784 |
| Complaints per model year | 1,498 | 452 |
| Recalls | 46 | 18 |
| Years to avoid | 201020112012 | 201120122013201420152016 |
| Best years | 200620182019 | 200820092010 |
| Most common problem | Steering | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 23-42 mpg combined (2020) | 24-41 mpg combined (2020) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Fusion | Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Steering | 5,781 | 739 |
| Engine | 3,962 | 3,331 |
| Airbags | 3,531 | 453 |
| Transmission | 3,144 | 473 |
| Brakes | 2,690 | 495 |
| Electrical | 1,669 | 809 |
| Fuel system | 1,543 | 459 |
Questions about the Ford Fusion vs Kia Optima
Which is more reliable, the Ford Fusion or the Kia Optima?
Between 2006 and 2020, the Ford Fusion has 3 years to avoid and the Kia Optima 6. The Ford Fusion has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Optima drew fewer complaints per model year (452 vs 1,498), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Ford Fusion or the Kia Optima?
From 2006 to 2020, the Ford Fusion was covered by 46 recalls and the Kia Optima by 18.
What years of the Ford Fusion and Kia Optima should you avoid?
Ford Fusion: 2010, 2011 and 2012. Kia Optima: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
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