Honda Accord vs Kia Optima: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2020, owners filed an average of 773 complaints per model year about the Honda Accord and 452 about the Kia Optima.
Side by side
| Honda Accord | Kia Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2020 | 2006-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 11,590 | 6,784 |
| Complaints per model year | 773 | 452 |
| Recalls | 37 | 18 |
| Years to avoid | 200820132018 | 201120122013201420152016 |
| Best years | 2011 | 200820092010 |
| Most common problem | Electrical | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 26-33 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
| Accord | Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | 2,185 | 809 |
| Engine | 2,141 | 3,331 |
| Brakes | 1,870 | 495 |
| Airbags | 1,397 | 453 |
| Steering | 1,130 | 739 |
| Driver assistance | 1,065 | 169 |
| Transmission | 782 | 473 |
| Fuel system | 1,046 | 459 |
Questions about the Honda Accord vs Kia Optima
Which is more reliable, the Honda Accord or the Kia Optima?
Between 2006 and 2020, the Honda Accord has 3 years to avoid and the Kia Optima 6. The Honda Accord has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Optima drew fewer complaints per model year (452 vs 773), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Honda Accord or the Kia Optima?
From 2006 to 2020, the Honda Accord was covered by 37 recalls and the Kia Optima by 18.
What years of the Honda Accord and Kia Optima should you avoid?
Honda Accord: 2008, 2013 and 2018. Kia Optima: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
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