Kia Optima reliability and problems by year
Owners have filed 6,177 complaints about the Kia Optima with NHTSA since 2010, most often about engine and other or unspecified. Kia has filed 31 warranty extensions and 41 service campaigns for it, and there are 16 safety recalls on file.
From NHTSA's public data files, downloaded 2026-10-10.
How reliable is the Kia Optima? What NHTSA's records show
We don't give the Optima a reliability score. NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. Here is what's on file for model years 2010 on.
- Owner complaints
- 6,177
- Filed with NHTSA, all model years
- Warranty extensions
- 31
- Filed by Kia
- Service campaigns
- 41
- Filed by Kia
- Safety recalls
- 16
- Each covers part of the model
Every model year compared
Complaints rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so a newer or rarer year will show fewer. Compare years of the Optima with each other.
| Year | Complaints | Most named | Recalls | Warranty / campaigns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 150 | Engine (67%) | 0 | 6 |
| 2019 | 211 | Engine (43%) | 1 | 9 |
| 2018 | 232 | Engine (56%) | 2 | 8 |
| 2017 | 256 | Engine (64%) | 3 | 9 |
| 2016 | 757 | Engine (56%) | 5 | 11 |
| 2015 | 1,009 | Engine (62%) | 4 | 15 |
| 2014 | 589 | Engine (48%) | 7 | 39 |
| 2013 | 1,385 | Engine (44%) | 9 | 39 |
| 2012 | 919 | Engine (43%) | 5 | 38 |
| 2011 | 594 | Engine (43%) | 5 | 37 |
| 2010 | 75 | Transmission and drivetrain (32%) | 1 | 10 |
Look up one model year, or a VIN
See the complaints, recalls and warranty extensions for a single Optima model year, with the typical mileage when owners reported each problem.
Acknowledged by Kia
Warranty extensions and service campaigns Kia filed with NHTSA for the Optima, in its own words. A warranty extension means Kia pays for the repair beyond the normal warranty.
- Warranty extensionSep 2025· Airbags· model years 2019–2020
SIDE AIRBAG (SAB) INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT FOR DTC(S) B1380/B1384 (WTY036) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.
- Warranty extensionFeb 2024· Airbags· model years 2019–2020
WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION (WTY036) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage, to all owners, for repairs related to the illumination of the Airbag Warning Light in 2019-2020 MY Optima vehicles…
- Warranty extensionJan 2023· Electrical system· model years 2013–2016
HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY SAFETY PLUG FUSE INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the "Hybrid System Warranty Extension Program" (WTY029) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the High Voltage Battery (HVB) Safety Plug Fuse Assembly or Main…
- Warranty extensionJul 2022· Fuel system· model years 2016–2020
WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure in 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured at a Kia assembly plant in…
- Warranty extensionMar 2022· Steering· model years 2016–2017
MDPS WARNING LAMP DIAGNOSTIC INSPECTION & SINGLE PARTS REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the diagnosis of Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), also known as Electronic Power Steering (EPS), and parts replacement associated with the âÂÂWarranty…
- Warranty extensionJun 2019· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2013
This document is a Reimbursement Request that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extension program launch.
- Warranty extensionMar 2019· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Dear Kia Optima Owner: Kia Motors America, Inc. would like to thank you for your purchase of a Kia Optima vehicle.
- Warranty extensionSep 2018· Brakes· model years 2012–2013
WARRANTY EXTENSION PROGRAM (WTY011) - REQUEST FOR REIMBURSEMENT FORM - 2012-2013 MY OPTIMA BRAKE STOPPER PAD Kia New Vehicle Limited Warranty Extension
- Warranty extensionJul 2017· Mobility equipment· model years 2014
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION BULLETIN: 2017-01 - 2014 MY OPTIMA (TF) ENGINE SHORT BLOCK WARRANTY EXTENSION - The purpose of this bulletin is to provide information related to the extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty for the Engine Short Block Assembly (engine block, crankshaft…
- Warranty extensionApr 2017· Steering· model years 2011–2014
TSB: MDPS FLEXIBLE COUPLING REPLACEMENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM (CS1604) - This bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (QF/TF/TFH) vehicles, produced from August…
- Warranty extensionOct 2016· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2015
TSB: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: EVAPORATIVE CANISTER INSPECTION AND/OR REPLACEMENT (SC135) - This bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some Optima (TF) vehicles, produced from September 2, 2010 through November…
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Engine· model years 2011–2015
Is conducting a voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program regarding the evaporative canister in your vehicle.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2015
Tsb: Voluntary emissions service campaign: Evaporative canister inspection and/or replacement (SC135) - this bulletin provides information to inspect and/or replace the evaporative canister assembly on some optima (tf) vehicles, produced from september 2, 2010 Through november…
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2015
Dealer principal memo (SC135) - attention: All dealer principals, kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2015
Dealer parts & service manager memo (SC135) - attention: All dealer parts and service managers, kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Engine and cooling· model years 2011–2015
Q and a (SC135/WTY009) - evaporative canister voluntary emissions service campaign / warranty extension program
- Warranty extensionSep 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Tsb REV1: Mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (CS1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from…
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Tsb: Mdps flexible coupling replacement customer satisfaction program (CS1604) - this bulletin provides information regarding the replacement of the flexible coupling in the motor driven power steering (mdps) on some 2011-2014 MY Optima (qf/tf/tfh) vehicles, produced from august…
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Dealer principal memo: CS1604 - kia motors america, inc. Is conducting a customer satisfaction / warranty extension program regarding the motor driven power steering (mdps) on all 2011-2013 MY And some 2014 MY Kia optima vehicles.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Dealer parts and service manager memo: CS1604 - kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Request for reimbursement form: CS1604 - 2011-2013 And some 2014 MY Optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) customer satisfaction/warranty extension program - if you have paid to have the flexible coupling in the mdps replaced, you may be eligible for reimbursement…
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Would like to thank you for your purchase of a kia optima vehicle.
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Steering· model years 2011–2014
Q and a: CS1604 - all 2011-2013 MY And some 2014 MY Optima vehicles motor driven power steering (mdps) flexible coupling customer satisfaction / warranty extension program
- Warranty extensionAug 2016· Airbags· model years 2010
Warranty bulletin: WTY002 (revision #1) - 2006~2010MY Optima passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (WTY002) - this bulletin provides information related to the replacement of the front passenger occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat in 2006 ~ 2010 MY Optima…
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Engine· model years 2011–2014
Warranty bulletin: WTY004 - 2011-2014 MY Optima (tf/qf) engine short block warranty extension (WTY004) - this warranty bulletin provides information related to the extension of the new vehicle limited warranty for the engine short block assembly (engine block, crankshaft and…
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010
To that end, kia is extending the warranty coverage for the front passenger occupant classification system (ocs) sensor mat to 15 years with unlimited mileage, starting from the date of first service.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2011–2014
In order to maintain these standards, kia is extending the warranty coverage, to all owners, for the engines short block assembly on 2011-2014 Model year optima vehicles with 2.4L gdi or 2.0L turbo gdi to 10 years starting from the date of first service or 120,000 miles,…
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2010
Dealer principal memo: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY Rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (WTY002) - kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Equipment and accessories· model years 2010–2011
Dealer parts and service manager memo: WTY002 - 2008~2011MY Rio passenger seat ocs sensor mat warranty extension (WTY002) - kia motors america, inc.
- Warranty extensionJun 2016· Airbags· model years 2010
Q and a: WTY002 - certain 2008-2011 MY Kia rio vehicles and all 2006-2010 MY Kia optima vehicles front passenger ocs sensor mat kia new vehicle limited warranty extension
What owners report most
The parts of the car owners named in their complaints, across every Optima model year. Unverified, and not a failure rate.
- Engine3,094 (50%)
- Other or unspecified793 (13%)
- Electrical system738 (12%)
- Steering677 (11%)
- Transmission and drivetrain372 (6%)
- Fuel and propulsion339 (5%)
- Body and structure305 (5%)
- Brakes198 (3%)
Safety recalls
16 recalls cover at least one Optima model year. Each covers a range of VINs, not every car. Check one car at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
The right and left headliner plates may not be secured properly, which can result in the plates detaching in the event of a side curtain air bag deployment.
The low pressure fuel hose may be damaged, or missing heat-protective tape, which can result in a fuel leak.
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Brake fluid may leak inside the Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU), possibly resulting in an electrical short.
The low pressure fuel hose may deteriorate and crack over time due to heat generated within the engine compartment.
A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle.
The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
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 necessitating crashes.
And 1 more recall on NHTSA.
NHTSA investigations
Defect investigations NHTSA opened. Many close without a recall.
- AQ23002Audit query· opened Nov 2023, still open· Brakes· model years 2011–2015
Hyundai and Kia ABS Module Fires
- DP22003Defect petition· opened Sep 2022, closed Dec 2023· Engine· model years 2010–2020
Loss of Motive Power
- EA21003Engineering analysis· opened Dec 2021, closed Feb 2024· Engine· model years 2011–2014, 2017
Engine Fires
Led to recall 23V877.
- DP21003Defect petition· opened Nov 2021, closed Jun 2023· Cruise control and speed control· model years 2010–2016
Throttle control system vulnerabilities
- EA19001Engineering analysis· opened Apr 2019, closed Sep 2024· Airbags· model years 2013–2019
Electrical overstress
Led to recall 20V024.
- PE19004Preliminary evaluation· opened Mar 2019, closed Dec 2021· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 20V088000.
- DP18003Defect petition· opened Aug 2018, closed May 2019· Electrical system· model years 2011–2014
Non-crash Vehicle Fires
Led to recall 18V907000.
- RQ17003Recall query· opened May 2017, closed Dec 2021· Engine· model years 2011–2014
Scope and Timeliness
Led to recall 17V224000.
NHTSA's own page for the 2020 Kia Optima has the complaint text and every document.
Was the work actually done on the car you're looking at?
Model-year records can't tell you about one car. A Kia service history check returns that vehicle's own dealer records by VIN.
Check a Kia's service historyCommon questions
Is the Kia Optima reliable?
We don't score reliability: NHTSA publishes complaint counts but no sales figures, so complaints can't be turned into a rate or compared between models. What's on file for model years 2010 on: 6,177 owner complaints, 31 warranty extensions and 41 service campaigns Kia filed, and 16 safety recalls. The model years with the most complaints are 2013 (1,385), 2015 (1,009), 2012 (919). Whether a known problem was fixed on one car is what its service records show.
What are the most common problems with the Kia Optima?
Across every model year since 2010, owners' complaints to NHTSA most often name engine (50%), other or unspecified (13%), electrical system (12%). Kia has filed 31 warranty extensions covering the Optima, listed on this page.
Which Optima model years have the most complaints?
2013 (1,385), 2015 (1,009), 2012 (919). Complaint counts rise with how many were sold and how long they've been on the road, so compare years of the Optima with each other rather than with other models.
Has Kia extended the warranty on the Optima?
Yes: airbags (model years 2019–2020); airbags (model years 2019–2020); electrical system (model years 2013–2016), and 28 more. A dealer does a covered repair for free within the extended time or mileage.
How do I check recalls on a Optima?
Enter the car's 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. That answers for one vehicle; the 16 recalls listed here are for the model, and each covers only part of it.