2015–2020 · 6 model years · 15 recalls
Avoid the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Kia Optima: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2019.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $8,751 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $6,721 over 5 years. 4 recalls, 1,010 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $7,688 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $5,696 over 5 years. 5 recalls, 760 owner complaints.
Well below average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,726 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $3,377 over 5 years. 0 recalls, 153 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,811 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $3,513 over 5 years. 2 recalls, 233 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,913 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $3,662 over 5 years. 3 recalls, 257 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,363 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,984 over 5 years. 1 recall, 212 owner complaints.
Below average for its class. Expected repairs: $4,363 over 5 years. Biggest repair risk: engine & cooling, about $2,984 over 5 years. 1 recall, 212 owner complaints.
| Generation | Years | Average score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| TF | 2015–2015 | 0/100 | Well below average |
| JF | 2016–2020 | 17/100 | Well below average |
| Model year | Reliability | Complaints | Recalls | Best mpg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 16/100 · Well below average | 153 | 0 | 31 |
| 2019 Optima | 24/100 · Below average | 212 | 1 | 31 |
| 2018 Optima | 20/100 · Below average | 233 | 2 | 31 |
| 2017 Optima | 22/100 · Below average | 257 | 3 | 31 |
| 2016 Optima | 4/100 · Well below average | 760 | 5 | 31 |
| 2015 Optima | 0/100 · Well below average | 1,010 | 4 | 26 |
Reliability compares each year with similar cars from 2015 to 2024, using owner complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold. Complaint counts on their own aren't a score: popular cars get more of them.
Avoid the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 Kia Optima: they score lowest for reliability, with the most owner complaints for each car sold. The best year to buy is 2019.
The 2019 scores best for reliability (24/100) of the years we rate.
The 2016, with 5 recalls on record with NHTSA.