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Outdated Transmission Software
2001-2017 Kia Optimas may experience transmission problems because of their outdated transmission control module (TCM).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 2015 kia optima gt when i go on a run the front mudgards get so hot you cant hold your hand on them
It’s my alternator had to get it rebuilt cause the car will ride then cut off battery was charged up two times
I have a 2016 Kia Optima Turbo Gdx & it only gas 68K Miles in it & i always keep the car in my garage. The problem that I had is the check engine light came in & I took it to the kia dealership & they are telling me that the Filler Neck & Hose Assembly has a leak & it has corrosion on it. They are wanting to charge me $1.300 for this part. I left the car with the dealership & now I am trying to get this fixed by Kia, the car maker. This part should not have went bad at 68K & I refuse to pay for this !
All kia engines fail at around 80,000 miles. Don’t buy one
I have a 2019 Kia Optima LX and have issues with the start. Sometimes it is a weak start, sometimes, it starts up great, sometimes it it revs high when it starts, and this morning is took a while to turn over. I’ve had my battery, starter, and alternator checked and all of these are testing fine. I’ve had extreme changes in weather lately (I live in Florida), some days high is 50 and then the next day or two days later the high is 70/80. I have 72,000 miles on the car, just bought it used from a dealership. No warning lights on the dash board but something is off about it. I feel like I am gambling every time I start my car, yet no one is saying there is a problem. Any idea what this could be or how to fix it so I don’t have PTSD every time I get into my car?
Usually that means that the battery is getting old or needs replaced soon, but since you got it tested I’m not sure.
I’m having the same problem as you.
I bought a 2020 Kia Optima S with just under 40,000 miles about 9 months ago.
After 2 months of getting it, it would not start when I went to go to work. I had to get it towed to the Kia Dealership to get checked and they said it needed a new battery but the battery was fine and it started back up again after I specifically told them that I’m not paying for a new battery because I just got the car. Still not sure why it did that but a new battery costs around $350-$400 for the make/model and it’s not covered by warranty which I have. Once in awhile the car has a weak/hard start and I live in Ohio so it’s been warm 50-75 degrees on average this time of year. I tested the battery and alternator both were good. I’m also curious about what is causing this to happen if anybody has an explanation.