Midsize sedans · JF generation
Think twice Below average
It scores 24 out of 100 for reliability compared with other midsize sedans. Over the next 5 years we expect it to cost about $13,766 to own, including $4,363 in repairs.
Early estimate: this rating uses our own sales estimate for the Kia Optima.
Reliability
24/100
Below average
Repairs, 5 years
$4,363
at 12,000 mi a year
Fuel, 5 years
$6,581
31 mpg, $3.40/gal
Price today
$10,889
$9,582 – $12,196, estimate
Recalls
1
on record
Owner complaints
212
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 Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. 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.
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 24 out of 100, among the least reliable midsize sedans of 2015–2024.
It scores 24 out of 100 against other midsize sedans from 2015 to 2024, which is below average. Based on 212 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, we expect about $4,363 in repairs over the next 5 years at 12,000 miles a year.
About $13,766 over 5 years: $2,822 in lost value, $4,363 in repairs and $6,581 in fuel at $3.40 a gallon. A typical one sells for about $10,889 today.
Of the years we rate, the 2019 scores best (24/100) and the 2015 worst (0/100).
1 recall on record with NHTSA.