KIA Optima Engine Problems
Owners have filed 3,164 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the KIA Optima across 19 model years. The 2015 model year has the most (622). The words owners use most often: “oil change” (9% of reports).
- 3,164engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 46mention a crash
- 36mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $6,800typical repair cost reported by owners
- 54%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Oil change: mentioned in 279 of 3,164 complaints (9%)
- Engine seized: mentioned in 224 of 3,164 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the KIA Optima at $6,800, and half of them between $3,300 and $9,100.
Based on 95 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2014–2026), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 1,636 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 3,164 complaints, 46 mention a crash, 299 a fire, 36 an injury.
KIA Optima engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 102 | 68% | 103,593 |
| 2019 Optima | 92 | 43% | 65,000 |
| 2018 Optima | 131 | 56% | 69,000 |
| 2017 Optima | 164 | 64% | 72,000 |
| 2016 Optima | 426 | 56% | 88,000 |
| 2015 Optima | 622 | 62% | 87,992 |
| 2014 Optima | 284 | 48% | 85,000 |
| 2013 Optima | 613 | 44% | 99,062 |
| 2012 Optima | 398 | 43% | 100,000 |
| 2011 Optima | 256 | 43% | 101,000 |
| 2010 Optima | 9 | 12% | 76,500 |
| 2009 Optima | 14 | 12% | 70,000 |
| 2008 Optima | 19 | 13% | 96,000 |
| 2007 Optima | 16 | 10% | 99,560 |
| 2006 Optima | 7 | 5% | 105,735 |
| 2004 Optima | 3 | 1% | 89,400 |
| 2003 Optima | 2 | 1% | 60,000 |
| 2002 Optima | 4 | 4% | 118,049 |
| 2001 Optima | 2 | 1% | 105,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine; fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Problem: 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 during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Engine and engine cooling:engine
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
Problem: Kia Motor Company (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento and 2011-2013 Sportage vehicles. Machining errors during the engine manufacturing process may cause premature bearing wear within the engine.
Risk: Bearing wear may result in the engine seizing, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly, and replace the engine if necessary, free of charge. The recall began June 20, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC147.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
Severe engine defect (Theta II 2.4L GDI). Sudden total loss of power, metallic knocking, severe oil consumption, and imminent catastrophic failure while driving, creating a high safety risk. Vehicle is currently out of service in [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION…
Car smelled of what seemed like motor oil while driving. Parked, saw white smoke, and confirmed an engine fire. I was clearly in life threatening danger, especially with a full tank of gas. Fire developed rapidly into a roaring blaze. Entire front of car melted. Car is currently being investigated…
My vehicle keeps consuming/burning oil. In between oil changes I still need to add oil
Vehicle shut off while driving at 40mph, engine seized ,will not crank .suspected conecting rod bearing failure under safety recall sc200, i call kia 18003334542 denied recall repair and bearing clearance test stating vehicle is rebuilt title. Federal safety recall cannot be denied due to rebuilt…
At around 103K miles, I took to the dealership for a multipoint inspection for knocking when braking and my forward collision/lane assist systems going offline mid drive. I learn I have to replace my axle, despite replacing my axle in sept 2025. I return a week after due to the red oil light…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optimas have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 3,164 owner complaints about engine for the KIA Optima. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Optima engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the KIA Optima?
Owners report a typical cost of $6,800 (half paid between $3,300 and $9,100), from 95 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the KIA Optima?
The most frequent phrase is “oil change”, in 279 of 3,164 complaints, followed by “engine seized” (224).
Other KIA Optima problems
- Electrical System problems (936)
- Steering problems (758)
- Air Bags problems (563)
- Structure problems (559)
- Power Train problems (508)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (381)
- Exterior Lighting problems (359)
- Service Brakes problems (314)
See all KIA Optima problems.