Kia Optima years to avoid (and the best years)
6,152 NHTSA owner complaints and 16 recalls across 11 model years, 2010 to 2020. Built from NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, generated October 26, 2026.
- 6,152complaints
- 16recalls
- 221reported crashes
- 388reported fires
- 196reported injuries
- 9reported deaths
Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the Kia Optima year to avoid is 2013. The typical Kia Optima year has 585 complaints on file.
- 2013: 1,381 complaints, 2.4 times the typical year. Most complaints name the engine (47% of complaints) and the steering (15% of complaints).
What are the best Kia Optima years?
The Kia Optima years with the fewest complaints on file are the 2010 (75), 2020 (145) and 2019 (206). Model years after 2023 are left out: they have not been on the road long enough to compare.
NHTSA does not publish sales figures, so these are complaint counts, not a rate per car on the road. A year that sold more cars collects more complaints, and older years have had longer to collect them.
Every model year
| Year | Complaints | vs typical year | Recalls | Crashes | Injuries | Our read | Most reported |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 145 | 0.2× | 0 | 6 | 4 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2019 | 206 | 0.4× | 1 | 20 | 16 | Few red flags | Engine |
| 2018 | 232 | 0.4× | 2 | 10 | 9 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2017 | 255 | 0.4× | 3 | 4 | 7 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2016 | 754 | 1.3× | 5 | 27 | 21 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2015 | 1,007 | 1.7× | 4 | 31 | 23 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2014 | 585 | 1.0× | 7 | 20 | 22 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2013 | 1,381 | 2.4× | 9 | 48 | 36 | Approach with caution | Engine |
| 2012 | 919 | 1.6× | 5 | 25 | 34 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2011 | 593 | 1.0× | 5 | 23 | 19 | Some concerns to check | Engine |
| 2010 | 75 | 0.1× | 1 | 7 | 5 | Few red flags | Transmission and drivetrain |
Most reported problem areas
Share of the 864 complaints sorted by system, all years together.
- Engine & powertrain430 (50%)
- Electrical & infotainment136 (16%)
- Steering, suspension & tires109 (13%)
- Other systems63 (7%)
- Brakes51 (6%)
Recalls (16)
Brakes · 23V652000 · Sep 2023 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Safety · 23V594000 · Aug 2023 · model years 2016, 2017, 2018
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Structure · 22V560000 · Aug 2022 · model years 2012, 2013
A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Fuel system · 22V093000 · Feb 2022 · model years 2013, 2014
A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Brakes · 21V331000 · May 2021 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Brakes · 20V519000 · Aug 2020 · model years 2013, 2014, 2015
If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Fuel system · 20V100000 · Feb 2020 · model years 2013, 2014
If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Safety · 19V539000 · Jul 2019 · model year 2019
Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Fuel system · 18V907000 · Dec 2018 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Airbags · 18V363000 · Jun 2018 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013
If the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled, there is an increased risk of injury to the vehicle occupants in the event of a vehicle crash that necessitates deployment of these safety systems.
Safety · 18V161000 · Mar 2018 · model years 2017, 2018
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine · 17V224000 · Mar 2017 · model years 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 17V007000 · Jan 2017 · model year 2016
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Transmission · 16V705000 · Oct 2016 · model year 2016
If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Airbags · 16V231000 · Apr 2016 · model year 2016
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Exterior lighting · 13V114000 · Apr 2013 · model years 2010, 2011
Failure to illuminate the stop lamps during braking or inability to disengage the cruise control could increase the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the ignition is in the 'ON' position, the transmission shifter may be able to be moved out of PARK without first applying the brake. This may lead to unintentional movement of the car which may increase the risk of a crash.