Midsize sedans · JF generation
Think twice Below average
It scores 22 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize sedans. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $13,854 to own, including $4,913 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Optima.
Reliability
22/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$4,913
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,581
31 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$9,104
$8,012 – $10,197, estimate
Recalls
3
on record
Owner complaints
257
filed with NHTSA
These are estimates, not guarantees. They come from public NHTSA complaint and recall data and EPA fuel economy, assuming 5 years of ownership and 12,000 miles a year. Change the assumptions or see how it works.
Expected over 5 years, by area of the car.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued dur
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Check whether a specific car still has open recalls with its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
These links go to independent sites. We don't earn anything from them.
Of the years we rate, the 2019 scores best (24/100) and the 2015 worst (0/100).
| Year | Reliability |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 16/100 |
| 2019 | 24/100 |
| 2018 | 20/100 |
| 2017 | 22/100 |
| 2016 | 4/100 |
| 2015 | 0/100 |
Yes. It scores 22 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize sedans of 2015–2024.
It scores 22 out of 100 against other midsize sedans from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 257 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $4,913 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $13,854 over 5 years: $2,360 in lost value, $4,913 in repairs and $6,581 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $9,104 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2019 scores best (24/100) and the 2015 worst (0/100).
3 recalls on record with NHTSA.