Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and problems by year
NHTSA lists 5 recalls and 259 owner complaints for the Kia Optima Hybrid (model years 2011–2018, 2020). The most reported problem area is engine (140 complaints), followed by electrical system (66 complaints). The 2012 model year has the most recalls (3).
| Model year | Recalls | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2018 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2017 | 2 | 26 | 1 | 1 | |
| 2016 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | |
| 2015 | 0 | 12 | 0 | 2 | |
| 2014 | 0 | 31 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2013 | 2 | 56 | 1 | 2 | |
| 2012 | 3 | 109 | 5 | 5 | |
| 2011 | 3 | 34 | 2 | 2 |
By complaints filed, the peak model years are 2012 (109), 2013 (56) and 2011 (34). Among model years at least two years old, the 2020 has the fewest complaints on file (1).
Most reported problem areas
What owners name in their complaints across all Kia Optima Hybrid model years. A complaint can name more than one area.
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 140 | 6 of 9 | |
| Electrical system | 66 | 6 of 9 | |
| Power train | 28 | 6 of 9 | |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 19 | 3 of 9 | |
| Steering | 18 | 4 of 9 |
All 5 recalls
| Recall | Date | Problem area | Model years | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V652000 | Sep 25, 2023 | Service brakes, hydraulic: antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip, control unit/module | 2011–2013 | 1,730,192 |
| 23V594000 | Aug 24, 2023 | Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch | 2017–2018 | 319,436 |
| 21V844000 | Oct 29, 2021 | Engine | 2017–2018 | 10,731 |
| 20V750000 | Dec 2, 2020 | Engine | 2011–2013 | 294,756 |
| 18V363000 | Jun 1, 2018 | Air bags: air bag/restraint control module | 2011–2012 | 507,587 |
Vehicles: the manufacturer's estimate of all vehicles potentially affected by the recall, across every model it covers. Each model-year page lists what its recalls fix.
Owners reported a crash in 14 complaints and a fire in 11 complaints; 7 people injured and 0 deaths are recorded in these reports. These are the owners' accounts, not findings of cause.
Complaint counts grow with how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road; compare years with that in mind. Complaints are unverified owner reports.