Which Kia Optima years should I avoid?

Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2013, and 2015 Optima have the highest Complaint Index scores (80, 90, and 100) and are marked Avoid relative to other Optima years.

What is the best year for the Kia Optima?

The 2010, 2017, and 2020 Optima have the lowest Complaint Index scores (0, 20, and 10) and are marked Best among the 11 model years covered.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Optima?

Engine problems are the top issue across all years, accounting for 3,332 of 6,158 total complaints, or 54%.

Does the Kia Optima have engine recalls?

Yes. The 2012, 2013, and 2015 model years are covered by recalls tied to engine replacement history and a related fuel pipe inspection, part of the broader 16 recall campaigns issued across all Optima years.

How many complaints does NHTSA have on the Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 6,158 total complaints across the 2010-2020 Kia Optima, with 16 recall campaigns spanning those model years.

Kia Optima Best and Worst Years (2010–2020)

The Kia Optima years to avoid are 2012, 2013, and 2015, which post the highest Complaint Index scores (80, 100, and 90) and are dominated by engine failures. The best years are 2010, 2017, and 2020, with Complaint Index scores of 0, 20, and 10.

Avoid 2012 Avoid 2013 Avoid 2015 Best 2010 Best 2017 Best 2020

Model years: 11; 2010–2020
NHTSA complaints: 6,158
Recall campaigns: 16
Crashes reported: 221
Fires reported: 388
Top problem area: Engine

Optima Complaint Index by year

Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Kia Optima problems and recalls by year

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Recalls	Top issue	MPG	NCAP
2010	Best	0	75	7	2	1	Transmission & Powertrain	25	—
2011	Caution	50	593	23	33	5	Engine	27	5★
2012	Avoid	80	919	25	77	5	Engine	27	5★
2013	Avoid	100	1,383	48	114	9	Engine	27	5★
2014	Caution	60	585	20	42	7	Engine	25	5★
2015	Avoid	90	1,008	31	74	4	Engine	25	5★
2016	Caution	70	754	27	19	5	Engine	28	5★
2017	Best	20	255	4	9	3	Engine	29	5★
2018	Good	30	232	10	10	2	Engine	28.5	5★
2019	Good	40	208	20	6	1	Engine	29	5★
2020	Best	10	146	6	2	0	Engine	29	5★

Optima years to avoid: what went wrong

2013 Kia Optima Index 100 · 1,383 complaints · 9 recalls

The 2013 Optima has the highest Complaint Index of any year, 100, based on 1,383 complaints, the most of any model year. Engine complaints make up 48% of the total, with a median failure mileage of 99,061.5. Owners describe engines stalling and, in some cases, catching fire while driving. NHTSA recorded 114 fires, 48 crashes, and 4 deaths tied to this year. Nine recalls apply, including a low-pressure fuel hose issue and the same brake fluid HECU leak recall shared with 2011-2015 models.

2013 engine problems →2013 steering problems →2013 electrical system problems →

2015 Kia Optima Index 90 · 1,008 complaints · 4 recalls

The 2015 Optima carries a Complaint Index of 90 across 1,008 complaints. Engine problems dominate at 65% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,996. Owners report sudden loss of acceleration and brake function along with dashboard warning lights before stalling. Electrical system complaints, 15% of the total, include reports of fires starting near the steering column. NHTSA recorded 74 fires and 31 crashes for this year. Four recalls apply, including two separate brake fluid HECU leak campaigns issued in 2020 and 2021.

2015 engine problems →2015 electrical system problems →2015 brakes problems →

2012 Kia Optima Index 80 · 919 complaints · 5 recalls

NHTSA lists 919 complaints for the 2012 Optima, with a Complaint Index of 80, the third-worst of all years covered. Engine problems account for 48% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 98,130. Steering issues follow at 20%, with failures reported at a median of 54,000 miles. Owners describe engines stalling at highway speed and needing full replacement. The year saw 77 reported fires and 34 injuries across 25 crashes. Five recalls apply to this year, including a brake fluid leak fix and a headliner plate recall affecting only 2012-2013 models.

2012 engine problems →2012 steering problems →2012 electrical system problems →

Most common Kia Optima problems (all years)

Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.

Engine3,332 (54%)
Electrical System959 (16%)
Other808 (13%)
Steering721 (12%)
Brakes520 (8%)
Fuel System437 (7%)
Structure & Body424 (7%)
Transmission & Powertrain392 (6%)
Airbags254 (4%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires153 (2%)

Frequently asked questions

Which Kia Optima years should I avoid?: Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2012, 2013, and 2015 Optima have the highest Complaint Index scores (80, 90, and 100) and are marked Avoid relative to other Optima years.
What is the best year for the Kia Optima?: The 2010, 2017, and 2020 Optima have the lowest Complaint Index scores (0, 20, and 10) and are marked Best among the 11 model years covered.
What is the most common problem with the Kia Optima?: Engine problems are the top issue across all years, accounting for 3,332 of 6,158 total complaints, or 54%.
Does the Kia Optima have engine recalls?: Yes. The 2012, 2013, and 2015 model years are covered by recalls tied to engine replacement history and a related fuel pipe inspection, part of the broader 16 recall campaigns issued across all Optima years.
How many complaints does NHTSA have on the Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 6,158 total complaints across the 2010-2020 Kia Optima, with 16 recall campaigns spanning those model years.