Kia Optima vs Toyota Camry: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2020, owners filed an average of 452 complaints per model year about the Kia Optima and 667 about the Toyota Camry.
Side by side
| Kia Optima | Toyota Camry | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2020 | 2006-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 6,784 | 10,000 |
| Complaints per model year | 452 | 667 |
| Recalls | 18 | 36 |
| Years to avoid | 201120122013201420152016 | 200720082009 |
| Best years | 200820092010 | 20162017 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Acceleration |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24-41 mpg combined (2020) | 25-52 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
| Optima | Camry | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,331 | 1,545 |
| Electrical | 809 | 823 |
| Steering | 739 | 573 |
| Brakes | 495 | 1,058 |
| Transmission | 473 | 1,220 |
| Fuel system | 459 | 465 |
| Acceleration | 260 | 1,572 |
| Visibility | 192 | 1,269 |
| Body | 406 | 1,091 |
Questions about the Kia Optima vs Toyota Camry
Which is more reliable, the Kia Optima or the Toyota Camry?
Between 2006 and 2020, the Kia Optima has 6 years to avoid and the Toyota Camry 3. The Toyota Camry has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Optima drew fewer complaints per model year (452 vs 667), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Optima or the Toyota Camry?
From 2006 to 2020, the Kia Optima was covered by 18 recalls and the Toyota Camry by 36.
What years of the Kia Optima and Toyota Camry should you avoid?
Kia Optima: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Toyota Camry: 2007, 2008 and 2009.
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