Kia Optima Hybrid years to avoid
The Kia Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011 — each drew complaint volumes well above the model's norm or has an open safety investigation. The 2019 is the cleanest year on record.
409
Total complaints
5
Recall campaigns
2011–2020
Years covered
4
Years to avoid
Complaints by model year
Optima Hybrid years to avoid
| Year | Why | Complaints | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | High complaints + open investigation | 155 | |
| 2013 | High complaints + open investigation | 85 | |
| 2014 | High complaint rate | 51 | |
| 2011 | High complaints + open investigation | 47 |
Every Optima Hybrid year
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2017 | 38 | 2 | |
| 2016 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2015 | 17 | 0 | |
| 2014avoid | 51 | 0 | |
| 2013avoid | 85 | 2 | |
| 2012avoid | 155 | 3 | |
| 2011avoid | 47 | 3 |
Common questions
What are the worst Kia Optima Hybrid years?
Based on NHTSA complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011. The cleanest year on record is 2019.
What is the best year for the Kia Optima Hybrid?
By complaint volume, 2019 has the cleanest NHTSA record among Optima Hybrid years with enough data to compare.
How many recalls does the Kia Optima Hybrid have?
Across all model years, the Optima Hybrid has 5 distinct NHTSA recall campaigns and 409 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.