Kia Optima problems by model year

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

NHTSA has 4,024 owner complaints and 18 recalls on file for the Kia Optima (2005–2020). The 2013 Optima has the most serious complaints, most often about engine.

Complaints: 4,024
Recalls: 18
Model years: 16
Worst year: 2013

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Kia Optima model year. Click a bar for details.

Newer model years have had less time on the road, so they naturally have fewer complaints. Compare a year against its neighbors rather than against brand-new models.

Worst Kia Optima years to buy

Ranked by our severity-weighted complaint score (crashes, fires and injuries count extra — how it works).

2013 Kia Optima — 841 complaints, 18 crashes, 67 fires; top problem: Engine
2015 Kia Optima — 756 complaints, 22 crashes, 57 fires; top problem: Engine
2016 Kia Optima — 642 complaints, 14 crashes, 14 fires; top problem: Engine
2012 Kia Optima — 402 complaints, 5 crashes, 35 fires; top problem: Engine
2014 Kia Optima — 364 complaints, 11 crashes, 29 fires; top problem: Engine

Fewest serious complaints among years at least 3 years old: 2006 (2 complaints).

Every Kia Optima model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2020 Optima	149	6	3	5	0	Engine
2019 Optima	200	16	6	13	1	Engine
2018 Optima	209	6	7	3	2	Engine
2017 Optima	226	3	8	7	3	Engine
2016 Optima	642	14	14	8	5	Engine
2015 Optima	756	22	57	16	4	Engine
2014 Optima	364	11	29	13	7	Engine
2013 Optima	841	18	67	15	9	Engine
2012 Optima	402	5	35	12	5	Engine
2011 Optima	177	5	10	4	5	Engine
2010 Optima	12	0	1	0	1	Engine
2009 Optima	10	2	1	3	1	Engine
2008 Optima	19	2	1	1	3	Airbags
2007 Optima	13	3	1	0	2	Airbags
2006 Optima	2	0	0	0	2	Lighting
2005 Optima	2	0	0	0	0	Body & Structure

Most common Kia Optima problem areas (all years)

Engine
2,306 complaints
Electrical System
514 complaints
Brakes
372 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
336 complaints
Body & Structure
302 complaints
Steering
262 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
248 complaints
Lighting
167 complaints
Airbags
129 complaints
Acceleration & Cruise Control
120 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Kia Optima received by NHTSA each month.

Kia Optima recalls

Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesModel years 2011–2015
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 23V594000Aug 24, 2023319,436 vehiclesModel years 2016–2018
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 22V560000Aug 1, 2022257,998 vehiclesModel years 2012–2013
Risk: A plate that detaches during a crash may strike an occupant, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 22V093000Feb 17, 202272,848 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: A fuel leak can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 21V331000May 10, 2021440,370 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015
Risk: An electrical short in the HECU increases the risk of a fire while parked or driving.
Recall 20V519000Aug 27, 2020440,370 vehiclesModel years 2013–2015
Risk: If the HECU short circuits, there is an increased risk of an engine compartment fire.
Recall 20V100000Feb 21, 2020141,774 vehiclesModel years 2013–2014
Risk: If the fuel hose cracks, a fuel leak can occur, increasing the risk of a fire.
Recall 19V539000Jul 19, 201911,423 vehiclesModel years 2019
Risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehiclesModel years 2011–2017
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Recall 18V363000Jun 1, 2018507,587 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013
Risk: 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.
Recall 18V161000Mar 8, 20181,710 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: 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.
Recall 17V224000Mar 31, 2017618,160 vehiclesModel years 2011–2014
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 17V007000Jan 6, 20171 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
Recall 16V705000Oct 3, 201612,214 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: 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.
Recall 16V231000Apr 21, 201617 vehiclesModel years 2016
Risk: If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Recall 13V114000Apr 1, 2013980,377 vehiclesModel years 2008–2011
Risk: 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.
Recall 12V014000Jan 17, 2012145,755 vehiclesModel years 2006–2008
Risk: If the clock spring develops high resistance, in the event of a crash, the drivers air bag will not deploy and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Recall 11V153000Mar 9, 201170,115 vehiclesModel years 2006–2008
Risk: If the driver leaves the vehicle without engaging the parking brake, there is a possibility that the vehicle can roll injure a person in its path or cause a crash.

Other Kia models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. Methodology