Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2020, owners filed an average of 931 complaints per model year about the Hyundai Sonata and 452 about the Kia Optima.
Side by side
| Hyundai Sonata | Kia Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2020 | 2006-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 13,959 | 6,784 |
| Complaints per model year | 931 | 452 |
| Recalls | 43 | 18 |
| Years to avoid | 200620112012201320152017 | 201120122013201420152016 |
| Best years | 201020182020 | 200820092010 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Engine |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 31-52 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
| Sonata | Optima | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4,819 | 3,331 |
| Steering | 2,276 | 739 |
| Electrical | 1,756 | 809 |
| Airbags | 1,691 | 453 |
| Brakes | 1,087 | 495 |
| Lights | 973 | 344 |
| Transmission | 848 | 473 |
| Fuel system | 886 | 459 |
Questions about the Hyundai Sonata vs Kia Optima
Which is more reliable, the Hyundai Sonata or the Kia Optima?
Between 2006 and 2020, the Hyundai Sonata has 6 years to avoid and the Kia Optima 6. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Optima drew fewer complaints per model year (452 vs 931), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Sonata or the Kia Optima?
From 2006 to 2020, the Hyundai Sonata was covered by 43 recalls and the Kia Optima by 18.
What years of the Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima should you avoid?
Hyundai Sonata: 2006, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. Kia Optima: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016.
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