Here Are The Kia Optima Years To Avoid

Published April 16, 2024
in Avoid

The Kia Optima is a five-seat mid-size sedan that competes with the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima. The Kia Optima is a roomy mid-size sedan with easy-to-use controls and a long list of active safety systems. While popular, the Optima does have its fair share of issues and has a few specific years you should be on the lookout for. Here are the Kia Optima years to avoid.

Short Answer: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015

When it comes to automobile brands, many seem to have at least one model that turns out to be a complete dud, and Kia’s Optima is one of them. Although later model years have fewer complaints, the five-year stretch between 2011 and 2015 turned out to be Kia Optima years to avoid and should get a second look if you’re interested in buying one.

While it’s a great overall design, sells well, and is an affordable option, the Optima is not one of the most reliable options out there due to its many mechanical issues. It isn’t rated poorly for lack of modern amenities or its high entry-level price, but it has major mechanical problems for both used and new models.

The Kia Optima was designed to be an affordable sedan for the average consumer, but a lack of reliability outweighed its affordability. Ranging between $20,000 and $30,000 for most standard models, the Optima is a modest base vehicle with some flaws that raise maintenance costs.

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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2011

Engine failure is the most common problem with the 2011 Kia Optima, with an average repair cost of over $4,5000 and frequently occurring under 100,000 miles when the problem occurs. Based on statistics collected on complaints made about the Kia Optima over its lifetime, 2011 was the worst year on record for the Kia Optima. There were enough issues and pressure from consumers with widespread criticism that a class-action lawsuit was filed against Kia. Eventually, the carmaker recalled the 2011-2014 Optimas with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines, among other cars.

What began as a low-cost vehicle rapidly accumulated repair expenditures. The worst and most prevalent mechanic issue in 2011 was total engine failure. That’s something you’d expect from a Honda Accord with 300,000 miles, but it’s not something you want to happen to a newer Kia. Following many instances of the engine seizing while driving and leaving drivers and their families stranded on the side of the road, Kia issued several recalls. If Kia hadn’t issued these recalls, consumers would have had to pay hundreds of dollars to repair the entire engine or buy a new car.

The 2011 model wasn’t the only one to have costly engine issues. Even automobiles with fewer than 75,000 miles experienced catastrophic engine failure in 2013. The problem was so severe and expensive to repair that it wrecked the project.

Common issues for the 2011 model year:

Problems with steering
Problems with the fuel system
Interior accessories that aren’t working properly
Electrical issues
Brakes that don’t work

Most of the difficulties that had been present in previous years began to fade by 2016, with almost all concerns being eliminated by the 2017 model year. Since the Kia Optima is only available for used or semi-used options, the best model years to choose from are 2017 to 2020, and they are relatively affordable.

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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2013 & 2014

The 2013-2014 model year for the Kia Optima that featured the 2.4-liter four-cylinder and 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines were subject to a recall. Low-pressure gasoline lines in the engines caused occasional fractures and leaks, which led to a significant fire hazard. It was unclear what was causing the cracking, but the heat from the engine bay appears to be the primary issue and impacted a small but significant number of Kias.

Common issues for the 2013 and 2014 model years:

Engine recalls
Fire hazard
Expensive maintenance costs

Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2015

Engine failure was still reported in certain 2015 Optimas, according to CarComplaints.The years between 2012 and 2015 had many similar issues, with an average of 500-1000 complaints filed across the four years. The 2015 model received the most problems on the highway, with engines commonly seizing. There were even instances of several vehicles catching fire, which is a hazard for the driver, passenger, and other pedestrians.

Common issues for the 2015 model year:

Total engine failure and weak performance
Fire hazards

THE MOST RELIABLE YEARS FOR THE KIA OPTIMA

Let’s walk you through the different Kia Optima generations and determine which used model years are most reliable.

The 2016 Optima was revamped, and while it had fewer complaints than prior model years, it did have several faults. Due to cracked front driveshafts, some 2.4-liter cars had to be recalled. Some owners have also reported window regulator failure; however, this appears to be an unusual issue, according to CarComplaints. Finally, according to Consumer Reports, sunroof-equipped cars have been reported to have difficulties with their sunroofs failing to close, the tracks warping, or simply rattling owing to old seals.

Common issues for the 2016 model year:

Sunroof failure
Power window regulation
Poor sealant insulation

Kia Optima Recalls by Year

0 in 2000
3 in 2001
3 in 2002
2 in 2003
1 in 2004
0 in 2005
2 in 2006
2 in 2007
3 in 2008
1 in 2009
1 in 2010
4 in 2011
3 in 2012
5 in 2013
4 in 2014
2 in 2015
4 in 2016
2 in 2017
1 in 2018
1 in 2019
0 in 2020

Most of the consistent recalls were across the five years from 2011-2015. The older you go, the more likely you will run into general issues, but these five were consistent in repair and maintenance requirements.

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What Are The Good Kia Optima Model Years?

With the 2017-2019 Optimas, there are basically no difficulties. With a redesign planned for the 2021 model year, they will undoubtedly be available at a discount shortly. However, none of the issues in the 2016 Optima are necessarily deal-breakers if the recall work has been completed correctly.

Like most other strong vehicle years, even the best Optimas from 2017 and 2018 have been recalled, just the hybrid versions. A software problem with the front-collision warning systems has also resulted in the recall of some 2019 models. The 2019 Kia Optima gets the greatest CR dependability rating of the bunch. If you’re in the market for a used Optima, one of the options from the latest generation or most recent five years is a safe bet.

Common Kia Optima Problems

The Kia Optima has relatively high reliability ratings. However, it does have some issues that any potential used buyer should know:

Obsolete transmission software: According to experts, the 2001-2017 Kia Optimas may struggle with transmission issues due to a dated transmission control module (TCM). Affected vehicles may experience excessive jerking while downshifting. Kia has released a software update to fix the issue.
Defective door latches: Many Optima years have struggled with faulty door latches. Frustrated owners claimed that the doors would refuse to open from inside and outside the vehicle. This issue reportedly occurred at around 100k miles. The suggested fix is to replace the door latch.
Faulty engine issues: Several Optima models were also notorious for their engine problems. According to numerous reports, the engine tends to seize, and at times, it won’t even start at all. The engine also developed loud knocking noises, which may lead to failure.
Weak alternators: Many Kia Optima years have also suffered from weak alternators. Reports have claimed they’re having start issues and low battery charging capabilities with their vehicle. Several owners said that they had to jumpstart their vehicles every time because of this problem.

Frequently Asked Questions: Kia Optima Years to Avoid

Q: Which Kia Optima model years have the most reported problems?

A: The five-year period between 2011 and 2015 is considered the worst for the Kia Optima, with the highest number of complaints and issues during these model years.

Q: What are the most common issues reported in the 2011 Kia Optima?

A: The 2011 Kia Optima is notorious for its engine failure problems, often under 100,000 miles and costing over $4,500 to repair. Other issues include steering problems, fuel system issues, malfunctioning interior accessories, electrical problems, and brake failures.

Q: What problems were reported in the 2015 Kia Optima?

A: The 2015 Kia Optima faced issues similar to those of the previous model years, with engine failure being the most severe problem. Some owners reported their engines seizing while driving on the highway, and even vehicles caught fire.

Q: Which Kia Optima years are considered the most reliable?

A: The 2017-2019 Kia Optima models are generally considered the most reliable, with very few reported issues. These newer models are a safer bet for those purchasing a used Optima. The 2019 model, in particular, has received the highest dependability rating from Consumer Reports among recent Optima years.

Are Kia Optimas typically reliable?

Now known as the K5, the Kia Optima has been available in the U.S. for more than 20 years. During this time, the company has produced many model years with solid records for reliability. However, a few with problem-filled histories stand out (hint: 2011-2015).

How much does a used Kia Optima typically cost?

Expect costs for a used Kia Optima to vary significantly. Age, condition, mileage, and other factors affect pricing. CoPilot Price Pulse shows that a 2010 Kia Optima typically sells for $6,976, which includes a 21% premium due to current market conditions. Shopping for a newer Optima from 2018 means spending $17,525 (reflecting a 33% market premium).

Is the Kia Optima a good car to purchase?

Buying a Kia Optima can be wise if you avoid the pitfalls of model years known for problems. And, unfortunately, the Optima has its share of these. Check out the most reliable years of the Kia Optima to be sure.

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