Question 1

Is the Kia OPTIMA reliable?

Accepted Answer

The Kia OPTIMA has 8,409 total NHTSA complaints across 11 model years. The most reliable years are 2010 (99 complaints), 2020 (199 complaints), 2019 (307 complaints). Years to avoid: 2013 (1871 complaints), 2015 (1387 complaints), 2012 (1259 complaints).

Question 2

What years of the Kia OPTIMA should I avoid?

Accepted Answer

Avoid the 2013, 2015, 2012 Kia OPTIMA. The 2013 model has the most complaints (1871) with the top issue being ENGINE.

Question 3

What is the best year for the Kia OPTIMA?

Accepted Answer

The best years for the Kia OPTIMA are 2010 (99 complaints), 2020 (199 complaints), 2019 (307 complaints). These years have the fewest reported issues to NHTSA.

Year	Complaints	Top Issue	Verdict
2020	199	Owner's manual states the 1.6Turbo requires 4.75 q...	Above Average
2019	307	I BOUGHT MY 2019 OPTIMA BRAND NEW BACK IN NOVEMBER...	Above Average
2018	325	WHEN I GOT IN MY CAR THE CHECK ENGINE CAN ON. I ST...	Average
2017	348	TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTAC...	Average
2016	1064	WHEN STARTING FROM A DEAD STOP, THE CAR HESITATES ...	Below Average
2015	1387	TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT...	Avoid This Year
2014	779	MY KIA OPTIMA 2014 STARTED A NOISE NEAR THE ENGINE...	Below Average
2013	1871	2013 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEH...	Avoid This Year
2012	1259	TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTAC...	Below Average
2011	771	SUDDEN ACCELERATION! HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY 6 MON...	Average
2010	99	TL* THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING A RENTED 2010 KIA OPTI...	Excellent Reliability

Kia OPTIMA — All Years

Kia OPTIMA — NHTSA Complaints by Year

Best Years to Buy

Years to Avoid