Excellent handling, spacious back seat. A wonderful feature for better fuel efficiency is the ECO setting. Reliable; other than the plastic molding along the back window, the car has never given me any problems. It was removed due to a loose screw. The only thing I would modify is that I would want to see the logos and chrome strips on the automobiles improved so that the chrome looks nicer. My logo has a chip and is now almost entirely black.
In This Article...
How durable is a 2012 Kia Optima?
A 2012 Kia Optima with good maintenance has a lifespan of approximately 150,000 miles, which is less than other midsize cars. Around 100,000 miles, engines start to fail often, which is expensive and can mechanically destroy some cars. Repair Pal calculates that the typical yearly maintenance expenditures for the class come to $537 annually.
nothing other than standard maintenance. The body and paint are enduring the scorching Florida sun extremely nicely.
Yes, to a point. In my perspective, Japanese automobiles are superior. For instance, any other vehicle is more dependable than a Honda, Acura, or Toyota. Although Kia is really nice, I think it could be better and more dependable.
No issues, low mileage, and good gas mileage. has had good engine performance. It is always in working order and gets good gas mileage.
No issues. Drives superbly. Although the transmission occasionally slips, I think it is mostly excellent. Once it has at least half a tank, it is fantastic on gas.
Most of the time, it is dependable. However, I have encountered certain issues with it, and these issues definitely exist. for instance, the radio and the engine.
This vehicle is very dependable. Never once have I had any problems with it. This has been mys since 2014.
Mine has always been dependable. Despite my car having a lot of miles on it, no issues have yet arisen.
The Optima is really dependable. Since I bought it new, I have driven it approximately 200,000 miles, and I have never experienced any issues.
What is the 2012 Kia Optima’s flaw?
Owners will be informed, and dealers will do a free engine test, inspection for gasoline and/or oil leaks, and any necessary repairs, including an engine replacement, at the owners’ expense. Additionally, Kia is now working on a software upgrade for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) that, when ready, will be carried out by dealers at no cost. On January 27, 2021, the recall is anticipated to start. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. The recall number for Kia is SC200.
Fuel system, gasoline, engine
Certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento, and 2011-2018 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). These vehicles previously had their engines replaced under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. During the engine replacement process, the high pressure fuel line that links to the fuel pump output may have been broken, misaligned, or poorly torqued, potentially leading to a fuel leak.
A fuel leak with an ignite source nearby can make a fire more likely.
Owners have been informed by Kia, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe for free as needed. beginning on January 17, 2019, the recall. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC172 is the Kia recall number.
Air bags
Certain 20102013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 20112013 Kia Optima, 20112012 Kia Optima Hybrid, and Sedona vehicles are being recalled by Kia Motors America (Kia). The air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit during a collision, which would prevent the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from inflating.
In the case of a car crash that calls for the deployment of these safety systems, there is a higher risk of injury to the occupants of the vehicle if the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners are disabled.
The fix for this recall is still being worked on. Plans call for the recall to start on July 27, 2018. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC165 is the Kia recall number.
Engine and engine cooling
Certain 2011-2014 Optima, 2012-2014 Sorento, and 2011-2013 Sportage cars are being recalled by Kia Motor Company (Kia). Premature bearing wear within the engine may result from machining flaws made during the engine construction process.
Owners will be notified by Kia, and dealers will inspect the engine assembly and, if necessary, replace the engine, free of charge. The start of the recall is anticipated for May 25, 2017. Call 1-800-333-4542 to reach Kia customer support. SC147 is the Kia recall number.
Does the Kia Optima have issues?
Engine issues with the Kia Optima are widely documented. According to reports, the 20112014 Kia Optima has a serious manufacturing problem with the engine that could lead to premature bearing wear. Uncontrollable engine seizing could result from this, raising the possibility of collisions or crashes.
How trustworthy are Kia Optimas?
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.
When did the Kia Optima experience engine issues?
The Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, and Nissan Altima are competitors of the five-seat mid-size Kia Optima. The spacious Kia Optima is a mid-size car with simple controls and numerous active safety features. Despite being well-liked, the Optima does have certain problems, and there are a few particular years you should watch out for. These Kia Optima years should be avoided.
Short Answer: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015
The Optima from Kia is one of several automaker manufacturers that appear to have at least one model that is an absolute failure. The five-year period between 2011 and 2015 turned out to be the Kia Optima years to avoid, and if you’re interested in buying one, you should give subsequent model years a second look even though there are fewer complaints about them.
The Optima is not one of the most dependable solutions available even if it has a wonderful overall design, sells well, and is an economical option because of its numerous mechanical problems. Its low rating isn’t due to a lack of contemporary features or a high starting price, but rather to persistent major mechanical problems that affect both new and old versions.
The Kia Optima was intended to be a cost-effective sedan for the typical consumer, but its cost-effectiveness was overshadowed by a lack of dependability. The Optima is a modest base car that costs between $20,000 and $30,000 for the majority of regular variants and has some issues that drive up maintenance expenses.
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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2011
2011 was the worst year on record for the Kia Optima, according to figures compiled from complaints received about the vehicle over its lifetime. The 2011 Kia Optima’s most frequent issue is engine failure, which often occurs under 100,000 miles and has an average repair cost of over $4,500. A class-action lawsuit was brought against Kia because there were sufficient problems and significant customer pressure along with widespread criticism. In the end, the automaker recalled various vehicles, including 2011-2014 Optimas with 2.0-liter and 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines.
What was initially a cheap automobile quickly racked up repair costs. Total engine failure was the worst and most frequent mechanical event in 2011. That is something you would anticipate from a Honda Accord with 300,000 miles, but not from a more recent Kia. Kia issued a number of recalls as a result of numerous incidents in which the engine seized while being driven, leaving drivers and their families stranded on the side of the road. If Kia hadn’t issued these recalls, consumers would have had to spend hundreds of dollars to replace the entire engine or purchase a new vehicle.
There were expensive engine problems with other models besides the 2011 one. In the 2013 model year, catastrophic engine failure occurred even in vehicles with fewer than 75,000 miles. The project was destroyed by the issue because it was so significant and expensive to fix.
For the 2011 model year, these common problems:
- issues with the steering
- difficulties with the fuel system
- Interior fixtures that are malfunctioning
- electric problems
- A broken set of brakes
- Pains in the body
By 2016, the majority of the problems that had existed in prior years had mostly disappeared. By the 2017 model year, all issues had been resolved. The finest model years to choose from are the 2017 to 2020 range because they are quite reasonable and are currently the only options available for the Kia Optima that are used or semi-owned.
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Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2013 & 2014
A recall was issued for the Kia Optima model years 20132014 that used the 2.4liter and 2.0liter turbocharged fourcylinder engines. The engines’ low-pressure fuel lines occasionally fractured and leaked, creating a serious fire hazard. Although the exact cause of the cracking was unknown, heat from the engine bay seems to be the main problem, which affected a small but sizable number of Kias.
Typical problems with the 2013 and 2014 model years are:
- Recalls of engines
- Fire risk
- High upkeep expenses
Kia Optima Years to Avoid: 2015
According to CarComplaints, certain 2015 Optimas still had engine failure complaints. With an average of 500 to 1000 complaints made across the four years, the years between 2012 and 2015 experienced many of the same problems. On the highway, the 2015 model experienced the biggest problems, with engines frequently seizing. There have also been incidents where many cars have caught fire, posing a risk to the driver, passengers, and other people.
Typical problems with the 2015 model year:
- engine failure completely and poor performance
- Fire risks
Despite receiving fewer complaints than earlier model years, the 2016 Optima nonetheless has a number of flaws. Some 2.4-liter vehicles had to be recalled because their front driveshafts were damaged. Window regulator failure has also been reported by certain owners, however according to CarComplaints, this problem seems unlikely. Finally, Consumer Reports reports that sunroof-equipped automobiles have issues with their sunroofs not closing, the tracks warping, or just rattling due to worn seals.
Typical problems with the 2016 model year:
- roof collapse
- power window management
- inadequate sealant insulation
Kia Optima Recalls by Year
- 0 in 2000
- 3 in 2001
- 3 in 2002
- 2 in 2003
- 1 in 2004
- 0 in 2005
- 2 in 2006
- 2 in 2007
- 3 in 2008
- 1 in 2009
- 1 in 2010
- 4 in 2011
- 3 in 2012
- 5 in 2013
- 4 in 2014
- 2 in 2015
- 4 in 2016
- 2 in 2017
- 1 in 2018
- 1 in 2019
- 0 in 2020
The majority of the repeat recalls occurred within the five-year period between 2011 and 2015. Although general problems are more likely to arise as people age, these five have continuous repair and maintenance needs.
These are the ideal vehicles for college students since they can transport you, your friends, and your belongings everywhere you need to go, whether you need to squeeze into a small campus parking space or transport ten loads of laundry home.
What are the good Kia Optima Model Years?
There are essentially no issues with the Optimas for 2017 through 2019. They will undoubtedly be discounted in the near future since a facelift is anticipated for the 2021 model year. All of the 2016 Optima’s problems, meanwhile, are not necessarily fatal provided the recall work was done properly.
Even the greatest Optimas from 2017 and 2018 have been recalled, but just the hybrid models, exactly like most other strong vehicle years. Some 2019 vehicles have been recalled due to a front-collision warning system software issue. With the highest CR reliability rating of the group, the 2019 Kia Optima. One of the models from the most recent generation in the last five years is a sure choice if you’re looking for a used Optima.
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How many miles can a Kia Optima handle?
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.
Do Kia Optimas have issues with the transmission?
In order to enable you to drive at the correct speed, the gearbox transfers power from the motor to your wheels.
Due to the transmission’s duty to convert the proper amount of power into the appropriate speed,