Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. Highlighted: 2012. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 Optima Hybrid | 3 | 2 |
| 2017 Optima Hybrid | 26 | 2 |
| 2016 | 4 | 0 |
| 2015 Optima Hybrid | 12 | 0 |
| 2014 Optima Hybrid | 31 | 0 |
| 2013 Optima Hybrid | 55 | 2 |
| 2012 Optima HybridMost complaints | 109 | 3 |
| 2011 Optima Hybrid | 34 | 3 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Engine147
- Electrical system72
- Power train32
- Unknown or other27
- Steering20
- Service brakes, hydraulic19
- Service brakes18
- Vehicle speed control17
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
Crash-test ratings by year
NHTSA 5-star results for 9 model-year variants; 9 of 9 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Year | Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
| 2019 | 2019 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
| 2018 | 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
| 2017 | 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
| 2016 | 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.6 % |
| 2015 | 2015 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.6 % |
| 2014 | 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.6 % |
| 2013 | 2013 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.6 % |
| 2012 | 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.6 % |
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption by year
Official Canadian test results for 10 model years, best variant per year. Combined consumption ranges from 5.6–6.6 L/100 km.
| Year | Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 5.9 | 5.2 | 5.6 |
| 2019 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.1 | 5.2 | 5.7 |
| 2018 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.0 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| 2017 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.0 | 5.1 | 5.6 |
| 2016 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.6 | 5.9 | 6.3 |
| 2015 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.6 | 5.9 | 6.3 |
| 2014 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| 2013 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.5 | 5.9 | 6.2 |
| 2012 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.9 | 6.2 | 6.6 |
| 2011 | Optima Hybrid · Mid-size · Regular gasoline | 6.9 | 6.2 | 6.6 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
New registrations in Europe
36 new Kia Optima Hybrid cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2011 and 2015, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2015 the largest markets were Austria (1).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 | — |
| 2014 | 3 | — |
| 2013 | 12 | — |
| 2012 | 19 | — |
| 2011 | 1 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Recalls
5 campaigns cover the Optima Hybrid.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2019 Borrego, 2014-2016 Cadenza, 2010-2013 Forte, Forte Koup, Sportage, 2015-2018 K900, 2011-2015 Optima, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, Soul, 2012-2017 Rio, 2011-2014 Sorento, and 2010-2011 Rondo vehicles. The Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit (HECU) may experience an electrical short, which can result in an engine compartment fire while parked or driving.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Kia Forte, Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Kia Optima and 2011-2012 Kia Optima Hybrid and Sedona vehicles. In the event of a crash, the air bag control unit (ACU) may short circuit, preventing the frontal air bags and seat belt pretensioners from deploying.
NHTSA recalls