Model reliability

Kia Optima reliability

The Kia Optima fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 20.4% of 6,209 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.

Up to 5 years old

17.3% failed their MOT

Worse than most

From 4,584 MOT tests of Kia Optimas this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 31% more oftenTyre condition4.2% vs 3.2%Fix about £90

Fails 2× as oftenMechanical brake components3.9% vs 1.8%

Fails 81% more oftenWipers3.8% vs 2.1%

Fails 50% more oftenTyre tread depth2.4% vs 1.6%Fix about £90

Advised 44% more oftenTyre tread depth20.4% vs 14.2%Fix about £90

Advised 63% more oftenMechanical brake components19.7% vs 12.1%

6 to 10 years old

20.4% failed their MOT

Better than most

From 6,209 MOT tests of Kia Optimas this age.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 61% more oftenMechanical brake components4.5% vs 2.8%

Fails 37% more oftenBrake performance2.6% vs 1.9%

Over 10 years old

38.2% failed their MOT

About average

From 762 MOT tests of Kia Optimas this age. A small sample, so take it as a rough guide: a few cars either way can move these figures.

Where it does worse than other cars this age

Fails 2× as oftenBrake performance12.6% vs 5.8%

Fails 3× as oftenSteering linkage components6.8% vs 2.4%

Fails 34% more oftenTyre condition5.5% vs 4.1%Fix about £90

Fails 52% more oftenMechanical brake components4.7% vs 3.1%

Advised 2× as oftenBrake performance9.8% vs 4.6%

Advised 2× as oftenSteering linkage components5.6% vs 2.8%

Safety recalls

6 DVSA recalls for the Kia Optima

Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.

R/2024/4655 Dec 2024Built 2010–2015Kia HECU Fuse Replacement

The HECU hydraulic electronic control unit of affected vehicles equipped with Anti-lock Brake Systems ABS and Electronic Stability Control ESC could leak internally and cause an electrical short over time. In extreme cases the HECU could overheat with a possible risk of an under bonnet fire.

Fix: The recall will replace the fuses in the junction box with a lower rated version.

Recalled models: Optima TF · 3,069 vehicles

R/2023/26613 Nov 2023Built 2015–2018Certain engines may have been produced with conditions that can cause premature wear of the connecting rod bearings

Certain engines may have been produced with conditions that can cause premature wear of the connecting rod bearings

Fix: Complete an electronic vibration test if the engine fails the test it will be replaced

Recalled models: OPTIMA · 610 vehicles

R/2023/25529 Sept 2023Built 2018–2020The mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal.

The mesh filter inside the tandem pump may block causing insufficient oil supply and a risk of vacuum pump failure. If the pump fails there will be no vacuum assistance and the possibility of increased braking distance when applying the brake pedal.�

Fix: Remove the mesh filter and check the vacuum pump for damage if damaged replace the pump/drive belt.

Recalled models: OPTIMA · 20,781 vehicles

R/2019/2595 Aug 2019Built 2017–2019The forward collision avoidance assist may fail to identify stationary vehicles

The Forward Collision Avoidance Assist system may have problems identifying stationary cars.

Fix: Upgrade the software for the Multi-Function Camera system.

Recalled models: OPTIMA SALOON · 411 vehicles

R/2018/12313 Jun 2018Built 2015–2017High voltage battery system may malfunction and cause a sudden loss of power

Incorrect operation of the Voltage Protection Device (VPD) may lead to the high voltage battery system intermittently switching off the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) motor whilst driving. If the fault occurs a warning light will be displayed on the dashboard and the vehicle could suffer a sudden loss of power.

Fix: Replace the Battery Management System (BMS) main and sub units and wiring loom

Recalled models: OPTIMA PHEV · 398 vehicles

R/2013/0551 Jun 2013Built 2010–2011Brake lights may malfunction

The vehicles brake lights may intermittently malfunction due to carbonisation of the contacts within the brake light switch. This can also affect other systems on the vehicle including: ESC cruise control gear selection (autoboxes) engine check lamp.

Fix: Recall vehicles likely to be affected to replace the brake light switch.

Recalled models: OPTIMA · 40,769 vehicles

DVSA vehicle safety recalls (Crown copyright, Open Government Licence).

Checking a Kia Optima before you buy

Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.

Source: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2023 (Open Government Licence v3.0). Failure rates compare this model with all cars in the same age band. Fix prices are typical independent-garage estimates.

Kia Optima reliability

6 DVSA recalls for the Kia Optima

Checking a Kia Optima before you buy

Run this check on every listing, automatically.