Kia Optima by year

Midsize cars. Every model year EPA has rated, with what owners and NHTSA have on file.

Owner complaints ran highest for the 2013 (1,441, most about engine) and lowest for the 2010 (75), among years with at least 10. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so a lower count doesn't mean a more reliable year.

Kia Optima, each model year
YearComplaintsMost named partRecall campaignsNHTSA overallCombined mpg
2020153Engine05 stars24–42
2019213Engine15 stars24–41
2018243Engine35 stars25–42
2017305Engine45 stars25–42
2016763Engine55 stars25–37
20151,021Engine45 stars24–37
2014620Engine75 stars24–37
20131,441Engine105 stars26–37
20121,029Engine65 stars26–36
2011628Engine65 stars26–36
201075Power train1–23–25
2009116Power train1–23–25
2008144Air bags3–23–25
2007167Air bags2–23–25
2006155Air bags2–21–25

Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, not adjusted for sales or for how long each year has been on the road: a newer year's lower count doesn't make it more reliable. NHTSA's overall rating is the lowest across the versions it tested that year. About the data