Kia Optima years to avoid
More than twice the Optima's typical complaint count for a model year.
Best Kia Optima years
Fewest owner complaints among the last 20 model years, counting only those with at least four years on the road.
Kia Optima complaints by model year
Owner complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so expect them to grow.
Most common Kia Optima problems
All model years combined.
- Engine3,396
- Electrical937
- Steering759
- Airbags564
- Body560
- Brakes534
- Transmission510
- Fuel system500
- Lights361
- Acceleration276
- Locks271
- Visibility206
Most reported problems on the Kia Optima
Check engine light 881Stalling 723Airbag light 288Door locks 270Ball joint 47
Kia Optima problems year by year
Tap a year to see its problems, recalls and what owners say.
| Year | Score | Complaints | Top problem | Typical mileage | Recalls | Crashes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 81 | 153 | Engine | 60,000 | 0 | 6 | |
| 2019 | 73 | 214 | Engine | 30,449 | 1 | 20 | |
| 2018 | 72 | 233 | Engine | 45,325 | 2 | 10 | |
| 2017 | 67 | 257 | Engine | 55,000 | 3 | 4 | |
| 2016 | 26 | 762 | Engine | 68,086 | 5 | 27 | Avoid |
| 2015 | 17 | 1,011 | Engine | 80,000 | 4 | 31 | Avoid |
| 2014 | 33 | 591 | Engine | 71,875 | 7 | 20 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 5 | 1,387 | Engine | 84,000 | 9 | 48 | Avoid |
| 2012 | 19 | 922 | Engine | 80,000 | 5 | 25 | Avoid |
| 2011 | 35 | 594 | Engine | 90,000 | 5 | 23 | Avoid |
| 2010 | 88 | 75 | Transmission | 70,500 | 1 | 7 | Fewest complaints |
| 2009 | 85 | 116 | Transmission | 64,000 | 1 | 5 | Fewest complaints |
| 2008 | 71 | 144 | Airbags | 62,000 | 3 | 20 | Fewest complaints |
| 2007 | 80 | 167 | Airbags | 76,000 | 2 | 11 | |
| 2006 | 81 | 155 | Airbags | 62,000 | 2 | 3 | |
| 2005 | 82 | 144 | Locks | 77,000 | 0 | 7 | |
| 2004 | 73 | 225 | Locks | 82,500 | 1 | 8 | |
| 2003 | 83 | 141 | Locks | 84,200 | 2 | 8 | |
| 2002 | 80 | 107 | Body | 85,000 | 3 | 15 | |
| 2001 | 81 | 143 | Body | 82,000 | 3 | 15 |
Recalls 22
Compare the Optima
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Questions about the Kia Optima
What years of the Kia Optima should you avoid?
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Each has more than twice the Kia Optima's typical number of owner complaints for a model year; 2013 alone has 1,387, mostly about engine and steering.
What is the best year for a used Kia Optima?
2010, 2009 and 2008 have the fewest owner complaints among model years that have been on the road for at least four years (75, 116 and 144).
What is the most common problem with the Kia Optima?
Engine, with 3,396 complaints across all years, followed by electrical (937) and steering (759).
How many recalls does the Kia Optima have?
22 recalls between 2001 and 2020. The 2013 model year has the most, with 9.
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