KIA Optima Hybrid Problems by Year
KIA Optima Hybrid years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Optima Hybrid year: 2012, 2013. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2012 Optima Hybrid: 109 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2013 Optima Hybrid: 55 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2011 Optima Hybrid: 34 complaints, 3 recalls
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2020 Optima Hybrid: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
- 2018 Optima Hybrid: 3 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2016 Optima Hybrid: 4 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common KIA Optima Hybrid problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine problems | 147 | 9 | 3 |
| Electrical System | 72 | 9 | 4 |
| Power Train | 32 | 9 | 1 |
| Steering | 20 | 5 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 19 | 3 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 18 | 5 | 3 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 17 | 4 | 4 |
| Air Bags | 13 | 5 | 7 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 7 | 5 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Structure | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Suspension | 4 | 4 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Wheels | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Firerelated | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
KIA Optima Hybrid problems by model year
Problem areas with enough reports for their own page.
All KIA Optima Hybrid model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima Hybrid | 1 | 0 | 5★ | Electrical System | |
| 2019 Optima Hybrid | 0 | 0 | 5★ | — | |
| 2018 Optima Hybrid | 3 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | |
| 2017 Optima Hybrid | 26 | 2 | 5★ | Engine | About as many complaints as other years |
| 2016 Optima Hybrid | 4 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | |
| 2015 Optima Hybrid | 12 | 0 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2014 Optima Hybrid | 31 | 0 | 5★ | Engine | More complaints than other years |
| 2013 Optima Hybrid | 55 | 2 | 5★ | Electrical System | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2012 Optima Hybrid | 109 | 3 | 5★ | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2011 Optima Hybrid | 34 | 3 | — | Engine | More complaints than other years |
More from KIA: all KIA models · KIA VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which KIA Optima Hybrid years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2012 (109), 2013 (55) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Optima Hybrid year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the KIA Optima Hybrid?
Engine, with 147 complaints across 9 model years.
How many recalls does the KIA Optima Hybrid have?
5 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.