Kia Optima years to avoid and best years
Newer Kia Optima years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. 2013 has the most complaints per year, at 46 (1,383 complaints). 2012 through 2015 are in that same range. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall. Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 8 (from 146 complaints), 2017 at 10 (from 255 complaints), and 2019 at 14 (from 208 complaints). On the 2013 Kia Optima, 390 of 1,383 complaints name Engine.
Data as of .
Kia Optima reliability by year
Each year is complaints filed in that year’s first 3 years on the road, divided by however many of those years have passed. A model year younger than 3 years is too early to compare, so it is left out of the years named as having the fewest or the most complaints. Recalls are a separate count. The numbers are for the US-market Kia Optima. How we count.
By model year
| Year | Per year on the road | Complaints | Recalls | Most-filed complaint | Avg. combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 → Fewest | 8 | 146 | 0 | Engine | 32.3 |
| 2019 → Fewest | 14 | 208 | 1 | Engine | 32 |
| 2018 → | 14 | 232 | 2 | Engine | 31.6 |
| 2017 → Fewest | 10 | 255 | 3 | Engine | 32.5 |
| 2016 → | 17 | 754 | 5 | Engine | 30.1 |
| 2015 → | 27 | 1,008 | 4 | Engine | 30.8 |
| 2014 → | 27 | 585 | 7 | Engine | 30.8 |
| 2013 → Most | 46 | 1,383 | 9 | Engine | 30.6 |
| 2012 → | 35 | 919 | 5 | Engine | 29 |
Years with a → link have a full model-year page.
What owners file about
Generations
- Body styles
- Sedan
- Oil
- 5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.4L and 2.0L turbo per manual) · 5 qt capacity
- Tire size
- 215/55R17 to 245/45R18 (trim dependent)
Known issues for this generation
NHTSA campaign 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. 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. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
Frequently asked questions
Which Kia Optima years have fewer owner complaints?
Among years old enough to compare, the fewest complaints per year are 2020 at 8 (from 146 complaints), 2017 at 10 (from 255 complaints), and 2019 at 14 (from 208 complaints).
Which Kia Optima year has the most owner complaints?
2013 has the most complaints per year, at 46 (1,383 complaints). 2012 through 2015 are in that same range. On the 2013 Kia Optima, 390 of 1,383 complaints name Engine.
How do Kia Optima owner complaints compare by year?
Newer Kia Optima years have fewer owner complaints per year than the older ones. From 2016 on, complaints per year fall.
What oil does a Optima take?
5W-20 or 0W-20 (2.4L and 2.0L turbo per manual)
What does NHTSA recall 18V-161 cover on the Kia Optima?
NHTSA campaign 18V161000.
What generation is the 2013 Kia Optima?
4th generation (JF) (2012-2020).