Kia Optima 2016–2020 problems by year and mileage
4th generation · JF
NHTSA data through 18 October 20261,673 complaints, 554 with mileageMethod
Which year is yours? Tap it to see what breaks on it.
The 2016 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 68,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 759
- Recalls naming this year
- 5
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2016
- Engine426 reports · median 88,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise121 reports
- Electrical system104 reports · median 66,000 mi
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid · Engine · Air bags — frontal
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2017 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 50,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 305
- Recalls naming this year
- 4
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2017
- Engine191 reports · median 70,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise41 reports
- Electrical system39 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid · Engine · Hybrid propulsion system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2018 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 42,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 243
- Recalls naming this year
- 3
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2018
- Engine137 reports · median 66,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise40 reports
- Electrical system37 reports
Recall areas Latches/locks/linkages — trunk lid · Engine · Hybrid propulsion system
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2019 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- 30,000 mi
- Complaints filed
- 213
- Recalls naming this year
- 1
† This median likely runs low (why).
Most reported on the 2019
- Engine93 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise43 reports
- Forward collision avoidance36 reports
Recall areas Forward collision avoidance — automatic emergency braking
Check the VIN at NHTSA
The 2020 Kia Optima
Close- Median failure report
- too few reports to time
- Complaints filed
- 153
- Recalls naming this year
- 0
Most reported on the 2020
- Engine103 reports
- Transmission and driveline28 reports
- Problems owners could not categorise17 reports
Tiles: each year’s median failure mileage. † Median likely runs low (complaints filed after 2020). Latest: the 2016; earliest: the 2019, and the 2016 is 3 years older (part of the gap is age). 1 of these years carries fewer than 30 reports with an odometer reading and shows no median at all, rather than one computed from a handful.
The short answer
“Is the 2016–2020 Kia Optima reliable?”
- Median of reported failures
- 60,000 mi
- 90% of reports came by
- 122,000 mi
- Reports with mileage
- 554
- Recalls
- 8
At least 40% of this generation’s complaints came after 2020, so its median likely runs low (why).
Most reported
- Engine56.8% of complaints · median 77,000 mi
- Problems owners could not categorise15.7% of complaints · median 23,000 mi
- Electrical system13.0% of complaints · median 42,000 mi
Owners filed 1,673 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016–2020 Kia Optima; the engine leads with 56.8% of them, and half of the 554 that record an odometer reading came by 60,000 miles — complaints, not a failure rate.
No single peak: the middle half runs 23,000 to 96,000 miles.
Before-you-buy checklist ↓At your mileage ↓Check this VIN — NHTSA ↗
How many miles does a 2016–2020 Kia Optima last?
On the 2016–2020 Kia Optima, half of the 554 complaints that record an odometer reading were filed by 60,000 miles and 90% by 122,000 miles (why that is not a lifespan).
16 reports came in past 150,000 miles and 2 past 200,000 — each one proof that an Optima reached that mileage, not that it failed there.
Figure 1 · Kia Optima 2016–2020 · 554 reports with mileage
Mileage at failure
10,000-mile bins, 0 to 200,000 miles, linear scale; tallest bar 71 complaints
- Rest of the range
- Median
- 200,000+ — 2 complaints (0.4%), plotted separately
- 10%
- 7,500
- 25%
- 23,000
- Median
- 60,000
- 75%
- 96,000
- 90%
- 122,000
Show the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 0–10,000 | 71 | 12.8% |
| 10,000–20,000 | 49 | 8.8% |
| 20,000–30,000 | 35 | 6.3% |
| 30,000–40,000 | 46 | 8.3% |
| 40,000–50,000 | 34 | 6.1% |
| 50,000–60,000 | 42 | 7.6% |
| 60,000–70,000 | 43 | 7.8% |
| 70,000–80,000 | 44 | 7.9% |
| 80,000–90,000 | 25 | 4.5% |
| 90,000–100,000 | 40 | 7.2% |
| 100,000–110,000 | 41 | 7.4% |
| 110,000–120,000 | 25 | 4.5% |
| 120,000–130,000 | 17 | 3.1% |
| 130,000–140,000 | 14 | 2.5% |
| 140,000–150,000 | 12 | 2.2% |
| 150,000–160,000 | 4 | 0.7% |
| 160,000–170,000 | 5 | 0.9% |
| 170,000–180,000 | 4 | 0.7% |
| 180,000–190,000 | 1 | 0.2% |
| 200,000+ | 2 | 0.4% |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, public domain.
Common Optima problems, and when they happen
Figure 2 · Kia Optima 2016–2020
When each system fails
Bar: middle half of reports · notch: median · proportional (log) scale (how to read it)
- Brakes76 reportsmedian 22,000middle half 9,000–42,000
- Problems owners could not categorise262 reportsmedian 23,000middle half 10,000–51,000
- Transmission and driveline165 reportsmedian 35,000middle half 15,000–67,000
- Electrical system218 reportsmedian 42,000middle half 18,000–82,000
- Exterior lighting81 reportsmedian 55,000middle half 35,000–70,000
- Fuel and propulsion system118 reportsmedian 70,000middle half 46,000–90,000
- Engine950 reportsmedian 77,000middle half 42,000–104,000
- Your odometer, once entered below
Ordered by median mileage, earliest first.
All systems in a table
| System | Complaints | Share | Median | 25–75% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 950 | 56.8% | 77,000 | 42,000–104,000 |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 262 | 15.7% | 23,000 | 10,000–51,000 |
| Electrical system | 218 | 13.0% | 42,000 | 18,000–82,000 |
| Transmission and driveline | 165 | 9.9% | 35,000 | 15,000–67,000 |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 118 | 7.1% | 70,000 | 46,000–90,000 |
| Exterior lighting | 81 | 4.8% | 55,000 | 35,000–70,000 |
| Brakes | 76 | 4.5% | 22,000 | 9,000–42,000 |
| Throttle and speed control | 70 | 4.2% | 22,000 | 1,000–58,000 |
| Body structure | 67 | 4.0% | 21,000 | 8,000–52,000 |
| Airbag system | 59 | 3.5% | 25,000 | 4,000–51,000 |
Known problems with the 2016–2020 Optima
Engine 2016–2019
Theta II 2.4L and 2.0T connecting-rod bearing failure continues into this generation; recall and extended-warranty coverage runs through the 2018-2019 model years depending on engine and build plant.
Transmission 2016–2020
7-speed dual-clutch transmission (1.6T) shudder, hesitation from a stop, and clutch actuator failure.
Engine/Fire 2016–2018
Non-collision engine compartment fires, subject of NHTSA investigation PE18-019 covering Kia Optima and Sorento and Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe of this era.
Before you buy a 2016–2020 Optima: the 3-minute check
Generated from 554 mileage-tagged complaints, 8 recall campaigns, 3 documented problem areas.
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 campaigns cover this generation.
- Check engine on 2016–2019 cars. What each looks like: Known problems.
- Check transmission on 2016–2020 cars.
- Check Engine/Fire on 2016–2018 cars.
- Years differ here: from 153 to 759 complaints a year — compare them by model year.
- End with a pre-purchase inspection of this car.
Optima problems by mileage: where your car sits
Type your odometer, or read the table.
| System | Middle half of reports, mi | At 60k mi50% below | At 90k mi70% below | At 120k mi89% below | At 150k mi97% below | At 200k mi100% below |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 42,000–104,000 | in window | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Problems owners could not categorise | 10,000–51,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Electrical system | 18,000–82,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Transmission and driveline | 15,000–67,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Fuel and propulsion system | 46,000–90,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Exterior lighting | 35,000–70,000 | in window | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
| Brakes | 9,000–42,000 | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier | earlier |
Figure 3 · Kia Optima 2016–2020 · 554 reports with mileage
Share of reports below each mileage
Steps at bin edges (how to read it)
- 60,000 mi — 50% of reports below
- 90,000 mi — 70% of reports below
- 120,000 mi — 89% of reports below
- 150,000 mi — 97% of reports below
- 200,000 mi — 100% of reports below
- Median (the 50% line)
- Your odometer, once entered
Linear axis, same as Figure 1.
2016–2020 Kia Optima recalls (8)
NHTSA records 8 recall campaigns covering vehicles in this generation (what a recall is).
The campaigns cluster around the engine (2), the airbag system (2), latches and locks (1) (why one area can repeat).
Aug 2023 · 2016–2018 · Latches/Locks/LinkagesA person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The defect. 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…
What can happen. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The free fix. Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number…
Oct 2021 · 2017–2018 · EngineA damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a…
The defect. 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.
What can happen. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will…
Jul 2019 · 2019 · Forward Collision AvoidanceImproper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not…
What can happen. Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this…
Dec 2018 · 2016–2017 · EngineA fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product…
What can happen. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The free fix. Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at…
Mar 2018 · 2017–2018 · Hybrid Propulsion SystemIf the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss…
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
What can happen. If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The…
Jan 2017 · 2016 · Air BagsIn the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
What can happen. In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The free fix. The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Oct 2016 · 2016 · Power TrainIf the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
What can happen. If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either…
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for…
Apr 2016 · 2016 · Air BagsIf the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
The defect. Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was…
What can happen. If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
The free fix. Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's…
Crashes, fires and injuries owners reported
Out of 1,673 complaints against this generation, owners also reported:
- Crashes
- 69 (4.1%)
- Fires
- 52
- Injury reports
- 42
- Fatality reports
- 1
Optima problems by model year
The 2016 drew the most complaints of this generation, 759, most of them about the engine, and the 2020 the fewest, 153. A typical year drew about 243.
That makes the 2016 stand out at roughly 3.1 times a typical year (what a yearly count can and cannot say).
| Year | Complaints | With mileage | Median miles | Most reported | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 759 | 281 | 68,000† | Engine (426) | 5 |
| 2017 | 305 | 113 | 50,000† | Engine (191) | 4 |
| 2018 | 243 | 80 | 42,000† | Engine (137) | 3 |
| 2019 | 213 | 52 | 30,000† | Engine (93) | 1 |
| 2020 | 153 | 28 | under 30 reports | Engine (103) | 0 |
What Optima owners reported
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving 32 MPH, there was smoke coming from under the hood and underneath the driver's side of the vehicle, and a bystander informed the contact to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was coasted to a stop, and the contact quickly exited the vehicle. The…
2020 · 186,000 miles · Firerelated
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to…
2018 · 126,000 miles · Engine
The contact owns a 2020 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle intermittently stalled and lost automotive power, with an abnormal odor entering the cabin through the air vents. The vehicle was restarted and returned to normal operation; however, the failure reoccurred. The…
2020 · 145,000 miles · Fuel system
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and failed to exceed 52 MPH. The vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while stationary and the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to…
2018 · 136,000 miles · Engine
Built from 554 NHTSA complaints with mileage · snapshot 2026-10-20 · open data · how it is built
Other Optima generations
- Optima 2001–2005 575 reports with mileage, most about latches and locks
- Optima 2006–2010 524 reports with mileage, most about the airbag system
- Optima 2011–2015 2,874 reports with mileage, most about the engine