Power
Fuel (combined)
What owners say
Overview
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2011) report exceptionally high reliability and satisfaction, with examples reaching over 270,000 miles with minimal maintenance beyond oil changes.
Best version
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim or powertrain. Feedback is contradictory: some owners strongly recommend the V6 engine (available in earlier models) for its bulletproof reliability compared to the proble
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 468 | 3 | engine |
| 2017 | 300 | 4 | engine |
| 2016 | 751 | 5 | engine |
| 2015 | 1,010 | 4 | engine |
| 2013 | 1,420 | 10 | engine |
| 2011 | 623 | 6 | engine |
| 2010 | 75 | 1 | power train |
| 2009 | 116 | 1 | power train |
| 2008 | 143 | 3 | air bags |
| 2005 | 144 | 0 | latches/locks/linkages |
| 2003 | 144 | 2 | latches/locks/linkages |
| 2001 | 143 | 3 | structure |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices42 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2018 · hybrid propulsion systemcampaign 18V161000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
2018 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 23V594000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety St
2018 · enginecampaign 21V844000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
2017 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 18V907000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to
2017 · hybrid propulsion systemcampaign 18V161000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
2017 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 23V594000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety St
2017 · enginecampaign 21V844000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
2016 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 18V907000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to
2016 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 17V007000
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
2016 · power train:axle assembly:axle shaftcampaign 16V705000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
2016 · air bags:frontalcampaign 16V231000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in
2016 · latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latchcampaign 23V594000
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety St
2015 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 18V907000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to
2015 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 20V519000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
2015 · service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/modulecampaign 21V331000
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2013-2015 Optima and 2014-2015 Sorento vehicles previously recalled under recall 20V-519. Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
27 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
Generation
Version
2.4 MPI (171 Hp) Sportmatic
From 2018-2020
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