Kia Optima problems, recalls & best years
The deets on every Optima from 2001 to 2020: 7,519 owner complaints and 59 recalls across 20 model years.
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (1385), 2015 (1009), 2012 (919). Best fuel economy: 31 mpg combined (2020).
Problem areas across all years
Year by year
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Best mpg | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 3 | 143 | 21 | |
| 2002 | 3 | 107 | 21 | |
| 2003 | 2 | 141 | 23 | |
| 2004 | 1 | 225 | 23 | |
| 2005 | 0 | 144 | 23 | |
| 2006 | 2 | 155 | 23 | |
| 2007 | 2 | 167 | 25 | |
| 2008 | 3 | 144 | 25 | |
| 2009 | 1 | 116 | 25 | |
| 2010 | 1 | 75 | 25 | |
| 2011 | 5 | 594 | 27 | |
| 2012 | 5 | 919 | 27 | |
| 2013 | 9 | 1385 | 27 | |
| 2014 | 7 | 589 | 26 | |
| 2015 | 4 | 1009 | 26 | |
| 2016 | 5 | 757 | 31 | |
| 2017 | 3 | 256 | 31 | |
| 2018 | 2 | 232 | 31 | |
| 2019 | 1 | 211 | 31 | |
| 2020 | 0 | 150 | 31 |
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Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the Kia Optima.
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FAQ
What is the worst year for the Kia Optima?
The model years with the most owner complaints are 2013 (1385), 2015 (1009), 2012 (919).
How many recalls has the Kia Optima had?
Across 2001–2020, NHTSA lists 59 vehicle recall campaigns by model year (a campaign that covers several years counts once per year).