Kia Optima years to avoid
The Kia Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2010 is the cleanest year on record.
10,363
Total complaints
22
Recall campaigns
2001–2020
Years covered
6
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Optima years to avoid
Every Optima year
Common questions
What are the worst Kia Optima years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2010.
What is the best year for the Kia Optima?
By complaint volume, 2010 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Optima years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Kia Optima have?
Across all model years, the Optima has 22 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 10,363 consumer complaints on file.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.