The Kia Optima is popular for its responsive handling and impressive ride quality. Whether you’re planning to buy a new or used Kia Optima, it’s definitely worth the price. It’s a reliable car that won’t cost you a lot to maintain. It also has good resale value. According to CarEdge.com, it depreciates around 52% after five years.
Are Kia Optimas Reliable?
The Kia Optima scored well on reliability, receiving a 4 out of 5 rating on RepairPal. It also ranked 8th out of 24 vehicles in the same category. The Optima is a good option for new and used car buyers because of its practicality and proficient handling. If you take good care of your Kia Optima, it can easily go beyond 100,000 miles. If you follow its regular maintenance and service schedule properly, it can last up to 200,000 miles.
Top Kia Optima Problems
Despite its reliability, different model years of the Kia Optima are known to have their fair share of problems. Here are the most commonly reported Optima problems:
Outdated Transmission Software
2001-2017 Kia Optimas may experience transmission problems because of their outdated transmission control module (TCM). Affected vehicles may exhibit jerking and lurching when downshifting. They may start acting up at around 67,000 miles, which may trigger your check engine light. Kia has released a software update to address TCM-related issues. It’s also wise to consult a mechanic, because transmission problems may also be due to component failure, which may become common in high-mileage vehicles. If your Optima gets any major transmission repairs, you should also get your software updated to prevent recurring problems.
Defective Throttle Position Switch (TPS)
One common issue among 2001-2017 Kia Optimas is their faulty TPS, which may cause misfiring and power loss. Its first symptom is an illuminated check engine light. Other symptoms are engine hesitation and stumbling. Some owners have shared that their cars eventually shut off after driving at low speeds caused by poor acceleration. This usually happens around 103,000 miles. Repair costs may vary, depending on part replacement rates. Kia is aware of this problem and has released an upgraded version of its TPS to resolve this issue.
Malfunctioning Door Latch
Door problems are common in Kia Optimas. They’re usually caused by a faulty door latch assembly. This problem affects a wide range of model years, including the 2001-2015 Optimas. Some owners have reported that their door latch won’t open from inside and outside their car. The door latch assembly may seem frozen and not activate at all. This issue can happen around 102,000 miles, affecting the driver’s side door. A door latch replacement can easily resolve it and may cost around $100, depending on various part and labor rates.
Weak Alternator
2001-2004, 2006, 2008, and 2009-2015 Kia Optimas have weak alternators, which can cause insufficient battery charging capability and starting problems. This can happen after you use your Optima’s electrical devices, such as the lights and air-conditioning. Some owners have shared that they had to regularly jump-start their batteries because they were frequently drained. Some got their batteries replaced, but ended up experiencing the same problem again. Fortunately, Kia is aware of its faulty alternator and has released a new one in order to address this problem. You can buy and install the upgraded alternator to resolve this issue.
Faulty and Leaky Low Pressure Fuel Hose
One of the most troublesome 2013-2014 Kia Optima problems is the inadequate pressure of its fuel hose, which may develop cracks and leaks. Leaking fuel may increase the risk of vehicle fires, which is why Kia issued a recall for affected vehicles. Kia said that the low-pressure fuel hose will be inspected to see if it requires replacement. If not, it will be reinforced with heat-protective tape to keep it intact. Kia will do all necessary repairs for free as long as your Optima is covered by the recall.
Engine Malfunction and Failure
Kia Optima engine problems are well known. The 2011-2014 Kia Optima is reported to have a severe engine manufacturing issue, which may cause its bearings to wear prematurely. This may trigger uncontrollable engine seizing, which may increase the risk of crashes or collisions. A recall was issued in 2017 to help owners of the affected Optima units. If your vehicle is included in the recall, Kia will contact you and replace your engine assembly for free.
The 2013 Kia Optima is also notorious for its starter problems. Some owners have shared that their engines suddenly wouldn’t start at all. This may become extremely troublesome, especially if your engine acts up when you need to drive to an important destination. Some have shared that they went to their dealerships where diagnostic tests were run, but results showed that their engines were fine. There’s no clear cause of the engine problems, but some owners were able to resolve them with a parking sensor or battery replacement.
The 2013 model may also develop loud knocking noises, which can lead to a blown engine. Some owners have shared that they had to pull over after hearing abnormal knocking sounds. After a while, the engine stopped running. Some have reported getting an engine replacement to fix the issue, which may cost up to $5,000, depending on part and labor costs. If you’re experiencing engine issues with your Kia Optima, you’re definitely not the only one.
Steering Complications
One of the most reported 2012 Kia Optima problems is its stiff steering, which comes with abnormal noises and other complications. Some owners have shared that they experienced different steering issues, including difficult steering, loud noises during sharp turns, sudden steering assist loss, and excessive steering wheel vibrations. Some have complained that the 2012 Kia Optima’s loss of steering control may become extreme, making it dangerous to drive on the road. Some drivers have shared that they had to exert extra effort to grip the steering wheel to stay in control of their vehicle. Some tried to get it fixed, but ended up having to replace various parts on a case-by-case basis.
Before buying a Kia Optima, take time to learn about its potential problems. Car-shopping always comes with some risk no matter what year, make, or model you’re planning to buy. Research the model year that interests you and make sure to clarify everything with the seller before making up your mind.
Where to Get Auto Parts and Accessories for Your Kia Optima
Your Kia Optima is a dream to drive, and it will continue to be so for years to come if you take good care of it. That involves staying on top of its maintenance and repairs. Whether you encounter the issues mentioned above or something else, don’t put off resolving them.
For top-notch replacement parts, upgrades, and accessories for your Kia, look no further than CarParts.com. You won’t have to wait long to get what you need when you shop with us because all our products are on hand and ready to ship from a warehouse near you. That means you can start your repairs in as fast as two business days.
Our website design has online shopping ease in mind. The UX is user-friendly, so you can navigate our catalog even on your mobile device. Use our vehicle selector and search filters to find the parts you need for your sedan in no time.
Help your Kia Optima reach over 100,000 miles. Check out our Kia Optima catalog today!
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Any information provided on this Website is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace consultation with a professional mechanic. The accuracy and timeliness of the information may change from the time of publication.
I have a 2014 Kia optima LX. My problem is the little illuminated spot inside the instrument cluster that shows what gear you’re in will at certain times just go blank. I can still drive but when I stop somewhere and put it in park I can no longer put it back in gear without turning my car off and turning it back on. I have no idea what is causing this everything else on the instrument cluster works if anybody else knows let me know please I bought it used about 4 months ago for around 12,000 so it’s a great car, it runs smooth, but that’s starting to happen more and more. Maybe it’s the throttle position sensor? If anybody knows please let me know thank you.
Hi Tara,
It’s very possible that your car is having a problem with the inhibitor switch, which is used to monitor the position of the gear selector. The switch is a common problem on select Kia models. However, we recommend an in-person assessment for a proper diagnosis.
I have a 2014 Kia Optima and my car shut off when I mash on the gas to accelerate faster I have to cost to the side and put the car in park and sit for a few seconds until it restart now the car won’t start at all but the lights and everything still works fine car just won’t start
Hi Ryan,
Does the engine crank (turn over and sound like it’s trying to start) normally or not crank at all?
I have the same problem 2014 Optima stomped on the gas to the floor to accelerate car shuts off, dash is lit up coast to the side of the road, then able to restart it after 10 seconds or so then stalls out again is this a knock sensor problem.
Hi Brian,
A lot of different problems could be causing the issues you’re having. The first thing to do is check for diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). DTCs don’t tell you exactly what’s wrong with the car, but they do serve as a starting point for further troubleshooting.
I had the same issue what’s it shut off on the high way but I was able to pull over and turn it back on. It shut off again the next day but would not crank, or turn over at all. Lights and everything electric still work but will not start. Anyone know what the problem is?
I have a 2016 Kia Optima e x 25000 miles since the first day I bought the car I know it started misfiring I have to take the car to the dealer4 time and they disagreed they don’t do nothing my car also install while I’m driving lack of power
I have a 2014 Kia Optima. It literally just died on me after a oil change. I get my oil changed when it’s due since the first day I bought the car. I knew nothin about engine recalls. What can I do now?
Hi, I have a 2016 KIA OPTIMA LX and out of no where it started doing these little trembles and now the entire car just shakes/trembles and when we change the shift gear to drive it gets worse. The engine light also is on what could the problem be?