When it comes to automakers, every company appears to have at least one vehicle that ends up being a complete lemon, and for Kia, that vehicle is the Optima. Newer model years receive considerably less complaints, but the 2011 and 2013 Optimas are the worst Kia vehicles you should never purchase.
In This Article...
Some serious problems
The Kia Optima isn’t simply the worst car because of its appearance or features; even when they were bought brand-new, the vehicles had major mechanical issues. The Kia Optima was intended to be a cheap sedan for the typical consumer, with prices starting about $20,000 and rising to just over $30,000 when fully equipped, but it was anything from dependable.
What was initially a cheap car quickly accrued repair expenses. The worst and most frequent mechanical incident in 2011 was total engine failure. That could be what you anticipate from a 1998 Honda Accord with 300,000 miles on it, but it’s not something you want to happen to your more recent Kia. Kia finally had to issue several recalls as a result of numerous incidents of the engine seizing while being driven, leaving drivers and their families stranded on the side of the road. But before Kia issued these recalls, customers would have had to spend hundreds of dollars on an entirely new engine or purchase a brand-new vehicle.
There were costly engine issues with other models as well, not just the 2011 model. Even on vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles on them, the 2013 model year had catastrophic engine failure. Many owners of the Kia brand were negatively impacted by the issue because it was so severe and costly to remedy, and even as the car’s original owners, they continue to speak out strongly about their experiences.
Even on the higher models Optima
If you’re still considering purchasing this ten-year-old Kia Optima under the justification that a more expensive trim level would provide the answer, you’d be mistaken. If you choose the SXL option, the Kia Optima also had a turbocharged engine, and the engines weren’t any less prone to failure. Now, SXL owners had to worry about the turbochargers failing in addition to their engine seizing despite strict maintenance.
Most cars can be driven with a blown turbocharger and may not suffer catastrophic engine damage as a result of damaged or malfunctioning turbochargers. However, a failed turbocharger can produce a lot of unsettling noise, occasionally lead to other engine issues, and significantly reduce driving enjoyment. Numerous Optima owners have voiced complaints about the SXL trim’s failing turbochargers, which may be repaired or replaced for thousands of dollars.
The Optima should always be avoided when trying to purchase a used Kia, and for several very good reasons. The Optima is simply poor news, since other Kia vehicles have been noticeably more dependable.
Are Kia Optimas dependable vehicles?
The anticipated reliability rating for the 2020 Kia Optima is 83 out of 100. A predicted reliability score from J.D. Power of 91 to 100 is regarded as the best, 81 to 90 as great, 70 to 80 as medium, and 0-69 as fair and below average.
Why do Kia automobiles cost so little?
Why are KIAs so inexpensive when they are regarded for having a comfortable ride, a respectable new-vehicle warranty, and lots of cargo space?
Each automobile owner has a reason(s) for favoring a particular brand’s model. While some people are seeking the excitement and speed, others are searching for a reliable car for their family. The features you require, how the car is made, and the brand will all affect how much it costs. While some purchasers aren’t concerned with the vehicle’s price, others will focus on the perks that come with the cost.
KIAs are affordable since the raw material for their car bodies is plastic. As they are designed to survive five to seven years, they have a short production line and a bad image as disposable cars. Another factor contributing to KIAs affordability is the cheap cost of labor.
The company’s entry into the United States wasn’t easy, and most people thought of KIA as a budget brand with subpar automobiles. But over time, the Korean business has worked to disprove these allegations by spending money on production and research to demonstrate KIA’s dependability.
Continue reading to find out why KIAs are so affordable and whether you should buy one.
Here is what we learned after conducting our investigation and speaking with numerous professionals in the field of vehicle production.
How durable are Kia Optimas typically?
The Kia Optima has a typical lifespan of 200,000 miles, which equates to around 13 years of service when you consider the average annual mileage of 15,000 miles. Because of this, the Kia Optima is an affordable option on the used automobile market that will last you for many years.
Kia Optimas: Are they worth it?
The Kia Optima is well known for its excellent ride quality and responsive handling. Whether you intend to purchase a new or used Kia Optima, the cost is unquestionably justified. It will be affordable for you to maintain and is a dependable vehicle. It also sells well secondhand.
A luxury vehicle, the Kia Optima?
Brands like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Cadillac, Lexus, Audi, and Acura are referred to as “luxury labels. The Mercedes E-class is a, in our opinion “luxury vehicle But what exactly are “luxury brands” or “luxury cars”? Exist various tiers of luxury? Is price important? I’ll (try to) address each of these queries in this post.
However, this Kia Optima, which has heated and cooled Nappa leather seats, rear sunshades, navigation, and more as options, is not regarded as a luxury vehicle “luxury vehicle It is categorized as a common midsize car. Nappa leather is not even an option with the BMW. Dakota leather, a lower grade, is used. Despite having more features than the BMW, the Kia is not regarded as a luxury vehicle. why not It’s as easy as “brand cachet.” Kia is a more recent manufacturer of automobiles, and while they currently top the industry in quality and dependability, their earliest models did not create a favorable impression. Take the Kia Spectra, for instance:
It’s dull, subpar, and inexpensive. Early on, cars like this damaged Kia’s reputation, and even though the company now produces superb cars, the public still has certain misgivings and cautions about the brand. However, BMW produced beautiful, enjoyable to drive sports vehicles throughout the 20th century. Although the less expensive versions are less opulent inside and less enjoyable to drive than the more expensive models, the public still identifies BMW as a manufacturer of high-quality, fun-to-drive automobiles. Since their brand is mostly supported by badge snobbery and reputation, BMW has slacked off a little bit despite having an excellent reputation. Even though many of their automobiles are probably better, Kia nevertheless struggles to reach the same sales and public reputation levels as BMW. We consider an automobile or brand for a variety of factors, including its cachet and history “luxury.
But what is, you might question, “what luxury is meant to be. According to theory, a luxury item is one that provides pleasure, fulfillment, and enjoyment in addition to meeting fundamental necessities. Not being a need, it is a want. As a frill, perhaps. If this is what luxury entails, why isn’t the Kia, which has more so-called luxurious features, included? “a luxury automobile (more opulent than the BMW)? According to the dictionary’s definition of luxury, today’s majority of mainstream automobiles would fall under this category. As a result, the Optima is a “luxury automobile” and Kia is a “luxury brand” in principle. The Optima is more affordable, more valuable, and “more luxurious than a BMW. Price therefore does not necessarily determine whether something is desirable or not “opulent or not. Yes, that is accurate. a definition from a dictionary “A luxury good is less expensive than an everyday item. This effectively blurs the distinction between luxury and mainstream transportation, which is a solid argument not to purchase a luxury vehicle for its own sake “cachet. After all, a BMW 320i basic isn’t quite as good, and the Optima SXL has a lot more features!
After describing why the general public refers to a certain car or brand “I’ll now go on to the second section of luxury: the tiers and levels of luxury. I consider there to be three tiers: Super-luxury is the top tier (i.e Rolls-Royce, Bentley) Luxury is the next level (i.e Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lexus, Genesis, Cadillac, Maserati) The top tier is luxury (i.e Buick, Acura, Infiniti, Lincoln) A tier 1 Rolls-Royce is prettier and has more cachet than a tier 3 Acura. These tiers are based on the actual quality of the items as well as consumer perception.
But why is an Acura tier 1 and a Lexus tier 2, for instance? Here is a justification: While Acura lacks a sub-brand, Lexus offers the F-sport series, which competes with BMW M and AMG. While Acura’s flagship is the V-6 midsize RLX, Lexus also offers a true flagship in the full-size V-8 LS. You can see what I mean by taking a look at the backseats below:
The Lexus is a whole lot nicer. It might be a Mercedes, based on appearances. The Honda Accord’s backseat could be in the Acura. Why? A true flagship is the Lexus.
Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis Motors, has a true flagship, the Genesis G90, making it a tier 2 manufacturer.
Buick, however, is a unique instance. According to GM, Cadillac is a tier 2 vehicle meant to compete with Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and Audi. However, Buick is a middle-ground option between Full-on Luxury Cadillac and Mainstream Chevrolet “tier 3 brand, premium brand. Buick faces up against brands like Acura. They offer cars with inexpensive luxury-like amenities for sale. Lincoln is also an odd instance. Lincoln is now a tier 3 luxury brand, but if the Continental gains popularity and sales, and the upcoming 2018 Navigator (an Escalade rival) is a hit, Lincoln could move up to tier 2. Despite a few hiccups, like as the terrible Cimmaron and Catera, Cadillac’s reputation remained mostly untarnished. Lincoln had more flaws, therefore their reputation took a far worse hit. Part 2 of the article is here.
Thank you for reading my explanation about luxury goods and automobiles. Please leave a comment if you have any more thoughts. I’ll be glad to answer. Thanks!
What drawbacks exist with Kia vehicles?
Everyone can find a Kia, but the drawback of buying a Borrego, Forte, Optima, Sorento, Spectra, Sportage, or any other model you can afford is that you will almost certainly have transmission issues. Owners of Sorentos are likely to have noticed jerking when changing, especially when moving uphill at a speed of roughly 75 mph.
Kia’s transmission issues, however, go beyond jerking. A 2019 Kia Forte owner from Delaware claims that, despite having less than 5,000 miles on the odometer, the transmission has already been changed twice. Similar depressing transmission-related experiences are common among Forte owners.
Why not purchase a Kia?
Those wanting to buy a Kia automobile received some advice from a very helpful Kia mechanic. The initial one was to buy a car with a 2.4L engine. The 2.4L engine is available in a large selection of Kia vehicles, and the manufacturer guarantees a LIFETIME WARRANTY on these motors.
Yes, you read correctly. lifelong guarantee. infinite distances. Kia will cover the cost of repair if any engine component malfunctions due to carelessness on the part of the owner or irresponsible maintenance. They will install a brand-new engine in your car if the entire engine fails. This is a fantastic price, especially given that replacing the engine is one of the most expensive repairs a car owner will do.
In other words, even if you buy a used Kia car with a 2.4 liter engine, the engine will have a lifetime warranty because this warranty is for the life of the car, not the length of time the original buyer had it. Before you buy, make sure you obtain a complete set of maintenance documents from the previous owner to confirm the vehicle’s warranty is still in effect. Store these papers securely as well.
The next piece of advice he gave was to stay as far away from Kia hybrid vehicles as possible.
Do not purchase a hybrid under any circumstances. They’re garbage. They barely have a lifespan of 80,000 to 100,000 miles before developing problem after problem. Repairing them also costs money.
We then asked him which automobile he would suggest purchasing, either from Kia or another brand.
“Kia Optima or Hyundai Sonata are two options I would consider. They are reliable vehicles that last a lifetime. In essence, Optimas are Hyundai Sonatas with Kia branding. The same folks are the owners of Hyundai and Kia. The powertrain and drivetrain are identical in both cars. merely various interiors and designs. Because I like the interior of the Optima better, I choose it. I guess you could say it seems a little fancier.
He added that certain of the car models the company makes are noticeably superior than others. like the Telluride and Optima.
All of the vehicles made by the company, according to our Kia mechanic, are generally very dependable. The bulk of the time, he claimed, cars return to the dealership mechanic for routine maintenance, but some models are infamous for being more prone to catastrophic problems. You’ll want to avoid these cars at all costs, no pun intended.
“Hybrids and Kia Souls are the most common vehicles in need of major repairs. There are a few Kia Sportages here and there, but not many.
Sedans:
A spacious vehicle for passengers is the Kia Cadenza. It has excellent handling, and the ride quality overall is good but not outstanding. The Cadenza doesn’t attract much attention when compared to the award-winning Kia Optima in the sedan segment, but it does well in the competition with its sibling car. The Toyota Avalon’s direct rival and the largest sedan produced by the automaker is the Cadenza.
The car’s specifications state that it has a 3.3-liter engine with 290 horsepower and an estimated 24 miles per gallon. This model had its most recent revision in 2017. Interior that is elegant and comfortable is an option. A variety of safety systems, including emergency braking, front end collision warnings, blind spot warnings, and pedestrian detection, are included on all models, both standard and luxury.
Customers will typically spend $33,912 for a brand-new Kia Cadenza at the dealership, which is around $4,000 less than the MSRP. In conclusion, the Kia Cadenza is a fantastic car for anyone searching for a roomy sedan with good safety ratings and who wants to pay a reasonable amount for a brand-new car. Remember that these cars will have a far lower resale value than those of their rivals.
The Forte, which is generally mediocre, is the next on the list of Kia vehicles. The car company offers a little sedan called the Forte. One complaint is that the Kia Forte’s firm suspension causes you to feel every bump and little pothole. The car’s interior is quite drab, and the seats are not especially comfy.
It’s not good if you’re seeking for a relaxing ride because the automobile is extremely noisy. The car does have some good points, such as its fuel efficiency of about 34 miles per gallon and how user-friendly the controls are. The entertainment system, which is stylish and simple to operate, and an intelligent thermostat that maintains the cab at the correct temperature are two of these controls. All 2020 Forte cars come standard with autonomous emergency braking and front collision warning.
The car is average all over, but the proper driver might find it useful. The base Kia Forte costs just $17,900 on average, which is fairly cheap for a new car. However, given the interior, suspension, and general noisiness of the car, it’s simple to see why.
The Kia K5 is a brand-new model for the automaker, so chances are you haven’t heard of it yet. Since the K5 is essentially the most recent and greatest Kia Optima, we have high expectations for it because, if anything, the Optima is the car you should buy from Kia. The K5, which borrows styling cues from both the Kia Optima and the Hyundai Sonata, has two four-cylinder twin turbocharged engines that are each connected to an eight-speed transmission that shifts magnificently from gear to gear.
The K5’s interior is quite conventional, but there are a number of customization options available, including the size of the infotainment system’s screen and different interior improvements like leather seats. This new model’s MSRP is $26,355, and they aren’t much lowering it for those of you willing to barter. The typical price for a brand-new 2021 Kia K5 is $25,974.
After preliminary testing, the Kia K5 appears promising overall, but when these new cars enter the market, only time will tell.
We fully intend to heed the counsel of the mechanic whose words we referenced earlier in the article to avoid purchasing any hybrid Kia vehicle. Kia Niros are alright. That is the most accurate approach to sum up the car as a whole. It isn’t exceptional in any sense, although it does have certain advantages. The Niro simply can’t compete with the Toyota Prius or the Hyundai Ioniq in terms of fuel economy, which is what matters most with a hybrid car. The Niro’s fuel economy is good but not exceptional at 43 miles per gallon.
The car’s drive is not particularly smooth, and similar to the Forte, the suspension may use some work because passengers will notice every bump in the road. Additionally, the car’s handling may use some work; it makes corners securely but not smoothly.
The optional power driver’s seat is something you should buy if you’re trying to improve this model because it offers significantly more support than the standard seat. This is something I would consider mandatory if you routinely take lengthy road trips or have lower back problems. A larger infotainment system screen is among the other updated features, and it really performs quite well compared to those of rival vehicles.
A 1.6 liter, 4-cylinder engine powers the car. The vehicle has a total output of 139 horsepower when combined with the electric propulsion. The Kia Niro’s base price is about $24,590, but if you want the improved safety features that come standard in other Kia vehicles, you’ll have to pay more. You will have to pay more than $30,000 for one of these cars to add safety technologies like automated emergency braking, pedestrian detection, blind spot warning, lane keeping assistance, and rear cross traffic warning.
A completely electric Niro is also available from Kia, and like its hybrid counterpart, it is a middle-of-the-road vehicle. The Kia Niro is not the car for you if you’re looking to get an electric vehicle that performs spectacularly. Instead, stick with Toyota or Tesla. Nevertheless, it does have certain advantages as well.
The completely electric Niro has a range of 239 miles, making it more efficient than many electric cars that cost significantly more than this one. Remember that Kia’s warranty isn’t nearly as impressive for its hybrid and electric vehicles as it is for its conventional gasoline-powered counterparts. They are also expensive to repair.
The Hyundai Kona and the soon-to-be-released Kia Soul Ev both utilize the same electric drivetrain as the electric Niro. The batteries on the cars can be fully charged in 10 hours, and they have a 64 KW-hr capacity that can go 239 miles. If you wish to go on a road trip in this vehicle, make sure to plan for extended pit stops somewhere with a charging station. The vehicle takes a 240 watt plug to charge.
Speaking of road trips, the Niro does feature the same cargo space as its hybrid sibling, which has enough for five passengers and a ton of stuff or pets in the back. The car’s load area is comparable to that of many small SUVs currently on the market.
The Optima is one of the greatest Kia vehicles to purchase, in our opinion based on our research and observations. They have excellent safety ratings and have a tendency to break less frequently. Purchasing a Kia Optima is a smart move, according to our insider Kia technician. The Optima offers a more plush interior than some of Kia’s other car lines, in addition to additional opulent options like heated leather seats and a steering wheel.
The Optima has a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder engine that provides 28 miles per gallon of fuel efficiency. If you are considering buying a used Optima in this model year, keep in mind that the engine will come with a lifetime guarantee due to the full engine recall that affected the Optima from 2011 to 2015. This is quite beneficial.