Kia Optima Hybrid problems by model year

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

NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 5 recalls on file for the Kia Optima Hybrid (2011–2020).

Complaints: 74
Recalls: 5
Model years: 9
Worst year: —

Complaints by model year

NHTSA complaints per Kia Optima Hybrid 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.

Every Kia Optima Hybrid model year

Year	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Recalls	Top problem
2020 Optima Hybrid	1	0	0	0	0	Electrical System
2018 Optima Hybrid	3	0	0	0	2	Engine
2017 Optima Hybrid	18	1	1	1	2	Engine
2016 Optima Hybrid	1	0	1	0	0	Electrical System
2015 Optima Hybrid	1	0	0	0	0	Engine
2014 Optima Hybrid	6	0	0	0	0	Engine
2013 Optima Hybrid	21	0	0	0	2	Brakes
2012 Optima Hybrid	18	0	0	0	3	Engine
2011 Optima Hybrid	5	0	0	0	3	Brakes

Most common Kia Optima Hybrid problem areas (all years)

Engine
41 complaints
Brakes
25 complaints
Electrical System
16 complaints
Transmission & Drivetrain
8 complaints
Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
6 complaints
Steering
3 complaints
Lighting
2 complaints
Visibility & Wipers
1 complaints
Driver Assistance & Safety Tech
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints

Complaint trend

Complaints about the Kia Optima Hybrid received by NHTSA each month.

Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

Recall 23V652000Sep 25, 20231,730,192 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013
Risk: An engine compartment fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
Recall 23V594000Aug 24, 2023319,436 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Recall 21V844000Oct 29, 202110,731 vehiclesModel years 2017–2018
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recall 20V750000Dec 2, 2020294,756 vehiclesModel years 2011–2013
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Recall 18V363000Jun 1, 2018507,587 vehiclesModel years 2011–2012
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.

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