Kia Optima Best and Worst Years (2005–2020)
Kia Optima years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016, based on NHTSA complaint data and recalls, with 2013 the worst (complaint index 100, 1,383 complaints, 9 recalls). The 2010 model year rates Best (complaint index 13), while 2005-2009, 2017, and 2020 rate Good.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 16
- 2005–2020
- NHTSA complaints
- 6,884
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Crashes reported
- 267
- Fires reported
- 403
- 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.
Kia Optima problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Good | 7 | 144 | 7 | 1 | 0 | Structure & Body | 21.5 | — |
| 2006 | Good | 0 | 155 | 3 | 1 | 2 | Airbags | 23 | — |
| 2007 | Good | 20 | 167 | 11 | 5 | 2 | Airbags | 25 | — |
| 2008 | Good | 47 | 144 | 20 | 4 | 3 | Airbags | 25 | — |
| 2009 | Good | 27 | 116 | 5 | 4 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25 | — |
| 2010 | Best | 13 | 75 | 7 | 2 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 25 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 73 | 593 | 23 | 33 | 5 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2012 | Avoid | 87 | 919 | 25 | 77 | 5 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2013 | Avoid | 100 | 1,383 | 48 | 114 | 9 | Engine | 27 | 5★ |
| 2014 | Caution | 67 | 585 | 20 | 42 | 7 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2015 | Avoid | 93 | 1,008 | 31 | 74 | 4 | Engine | 25 | 5★ |
| 2016 | Avoid | 80 | 754 | 27 | 19 | 5 | Engine | 28 | 5★ |
| 2017 | Good | 40 | 255 | 4 | 9 | 3 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Caution | 53 | 232 | 10 | 10 | 2 | Engine | 28.5 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 60 | 208 | 20 | 6 | 1 | Engine | 29 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 33 | 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 is the worst-ranked year, with 1,383 complaints and a complaint index of 100, the highest in the lineup. Engine complaints account for 48% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 83,792.5 miles; owners describe engines catching fire and losing steering and braking while driving. NHTSA lists 9 recalls, more than any other Optima year, including fuel hose and brake fluid leak campaigns. Steering (15%) and electrical (13%) problems were also common.
2013 engine problems →2013 steering problems →2013 electrical system problems →
2015 Kia Optima Index 93 · 1,008 complaints · 4 recalls
The 2015 Optima had 1,008 complaints and a complaint index of 93, ranking 2nd worst. Engine problems dominate at 65% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 87,996 miles; owners describe loss of acceleration and braking along with warning lights coming on simultaneously. NHTSA lists 4 recalls, including three separate brake fluid leak campaigns tied to the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit that could cause an electrical short. Electrical system complaints made up 15% of reports.
2015 engine problems →2015 electrical system problems →2015 brakes problems →
2012 Kia Optima Index 87 · 919 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2012 Optima logged 919 complaints with a complaint index of 87, ranking 3rd worst of all years covered. Engine issues made up 48% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 98,130 miles. Owners describe sudden stalling at highway speeds and engines that could not restart, sometimes tied to a prior engine-replacement recall. Steering complaints (20%) and electrical complaints (16%) also appear. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this year, including a 2023 brake fluid leak recall and a 2022 headliner plate recall.
2012 engine problems →2012 steering problems →2012 electrical system problems →
2016 Kia Optima Index 80 · 754 complaints · 5 recalls
The 2016 Optima had 754 complaints and a complaint index of 80, ranking 4th worst. Engine complaints make up 60% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 87,250 miles; owners describe engines revving on their own, oil leaks, and burning odors. NHTSA lists 5 recalls, including a trunk latch base recall and an engine fuel pipe recall tied to a prior engine replacement campaign. Electrical system complaints (19%) include reports of vehicles catching fire while parked.
2016 engine problems →2016 electrical system problems →2016 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Kia Optima problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Engine3,440 (50%)
- Electrical System1,106 (16%)
- Other848 (12%)
- Steering738 (11%)
- Structure & Body567 (8%)
- Brakes562 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain473 (7%)
- Airbags472 (7%)
- Fuel System465 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers190 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What year Kia Optima should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaint and recall data, avoid the 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016 Kia Optima. The 2013 model has the highest complaint index at 100 and the most recalls at 9.
- What is the best year for the Kia Optima?
- The 2010 Optima rates Best, with a complaint index of 13, the lowest among years with full complaint records. Years 2005-2009, 2017, and 2020 rate Good.
- Why is the 2013 Kia Optima rated so poorly?
- The 2013 Optima has 1,383 complaints, the highest complaint index (100) of any Optima year, and 9 recall campaigns. Engine complaints make up 48% of reports, with a median failure mileage of 83,792.5 miles.
- Does the Kia Optima have engine issues across multiple years?
- Yes. Engine is the top problem area for the Optima overall, accounting for 3,440 of 6,884 total complaints (50%), and it is the leading complaint category in every avoid year: 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2016.
- How many recalls does the Kia Optima have in total?
- Across all covered model years (2005-2020), NHTSA lists 18 recall campaigns for the Kia Optima, with the 2013 model year alone accounting for 9 of them.