The most-reported Optima run is 5XXGN4A72DG (2013 builds) with 52 complaints, 6.3× the typical run. Engine problems make up 41% of reports; 2013 is the worst model year at 16.5 complaints per run; NHTSA lists 22 recall campaigns for Optima model years 2001–2019.
Which build runs owners report most
A production run is the first 11 characters of the VIN: plant, model year, body and engine. The Kia Optima has 853 of them on record. The five runs at the top of this table hold 3% of every Optima complaint on file.
| Production run (VIN 1–11) | Year | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5XXGN4A72DG•••••• | 2013 | 2 | 5 | |
| 5XXGN4A77DG•••••• | 2013 | 1 | — | |
| 5XXGN4A73DG•••••• | 2013 | — | 7 | |
| 5XXGM4A70FG•••••• | 2015 | 1 | 2 | |
| 5XXGT4L37GG•••••• | 2016 | 2 | 1 | |
| 5XXGM4A70DG•••••• | 2013 | — | 4 | |
| 5XXGN4A74DG•••••• | 2013 | — | 1 | |
| 5XXGR4A63DG•••••• | 2013 | 2 | 4 | |
| 5XXGN4A78DG•••••• | 2013 | 1 | 3 | |
| 5XXGN4A7XDG•••••• | 2013 | — | 3 | |
| 5XXGN4A77CG•••••• | 2012 | 1 | 3 | |
| 5XXGN4A75DG•••••• | 2013 | 2 | 3 |
Each of the other 841 Optima runs has 38 complaints or fewer. ForCar has checked 184 Optima VINs so far, most often 2015, 2016, 2019 builds; 4 of them belong to one of the 12 runs above.
Which model years to check twice
Complaints per production run, so a year that simply sold more does not top the list. On the Kia Optima the gap between build years is 5.2×: a 2013 car draws 16.5 complaints per run, a 2006 one 3.2.
| Year | Per run | Complaints | Runs | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 149 | 23 | 6 | |
| 2019 | 211 | 32 | 19 | |
| 2018 | 229 | 48 | 9 | |
| 2017 | 255 | 66 | 4 | |
| 2016 | 742 | 79 | 26 | |
| 2015 | 971 | 75 | 30 | |
| 2014 | 550 | 79 | 19 | |
| 2013 | 1303 | 79 | 43 | |
| 2012 | 846 | 75 | 20 | |
| 2011 | 543 | 60 | 20 | |
| 2010 | 66 | 19 | 6 | |
| 2009 | 102 | 21 | 4 | |
| 2008 | 121 | 22 | 17 | |
| 2007 | 137 | 25 | 10 | |
| 2006 | 140 | 44 | 3 | |
| 2005 | 116 | 25 | 6 | |
| 2004 | 195 | 25 | 7 | |
| 2003 | 114 | 29 | 4 | |
| 2002 | 98 | 27 | 14 | |
| 2001 | 116 | 29 | 10 |
Heaviest year here is 2013 at 16.5 complaints per run; lightest is 2006 at 3.2.
What to inspect on this car
One system accounts for 41% of everything Kia Optima owners report: Engine, 3,040 of 7,004 complaints. Start the pre-purchase inspection there.
| System | Complaints | Involved a crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 44 | 274 | |
| Electrical System | 28 | 101 | |
| Unknown Or Other | 20 | 54 | |
| Steering | 23 | 3 | |
| Structure | 28 | 35 | |
| Air Bags | 135 | 3 | |
| Service Brakes | 49 | 40 | |
| Power Train | 15 | 7 |
Recalls to check against your VIN
NHTSA has 22 recall campaigns on the Kia Optima; the 6 below cover build years 2001 to 2018. These are for the model and year; whether one is still open on a given car, only that VIN can tell.
| Campaign | Component | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 18V907000 | Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:hoses, Lines/piping, And Fittings | 2011–2017 |
| 23V652000 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module | 2011–2015 |
| 17V224000 | Engine And Engine Cooling:engine | 2011–2014 |
| 13V114000 | Exterior Lighting:brake Lights:switch | 2008–2011 |
| 09V183000 | Suspension:front | 2001–2004 |
| 23V594000 | Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch | 2016–2018 |
18V907000 was opened in 2018 on cars built from 2011: 7 years on the road before the recall.
The Optima against its rivals
The Optima draws 8.2 complaints per production run; the Cadillac CTS 2.9, the Ford Fusion 11.9 and the Buick LaCrosse 3.1.
| Model | Complaints | Runs | Per run | Involved a crash |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima | 7,004 | 853 | 4% | |
| Cadillac CTS | 1,912 | 650 | 8.2% | |
| Ford Fusion | 20,718 | 1,734 | 3.5% | |
| Buick LaCrosse | 1,928 | 618 | 4.3% |
How serious were they
Of the 7,004 reports on the Kia Optima, 4% involved a crash against 5.8% across all vehicles, below the norm.
| Outcome | Kia Optima | All vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Complaints filed | 7,004 | 1,115,966 |
| Involved a crash | 277 (4%) | 64,194 (5.8%) |
| Involved a fire | 386 (5.5%) | 26,974 (2.4%) |
| Injuries reported | 242 | 58,013 |
| Deaths reported | 18 | 2,728 |
Crash-related reports run 31% below the all-vehicle rate.
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How this check works
The file behind this page holds 1,115,966 complaints filed with NHTSA between 1981 and 2026, across 298,921 production runs. The Kia Optima share of that is 7,004 complaints over 853 runs, 0.63% of everything on record.
Frequently asked questions
How do I check a Kia Optima VIN for free?
Enter the 17 characters above. ForCar matches the first eleven, the production run, against 7,004 NHTSA complaints from 853 Optima runs and 22 recall campaigns. No account, no card.
Which Optima production run has the most complaints?
5XXGN4A72DG, a 2013 build, with 52 complaints, 2 of them after a crash. The typical Optima run has 8.2.
Which Optima years have the most complaints?
Per production run, 2013 is heaviest at 16.5 complaints per run and 2006 lightest at 3.2.
Does the Optima get more complaints than the Cadillac CTS?
Yes: 8.2 complaints per production run for the Optima against 2.9 for the Cadillac CTS.
How many Optima complaints involve a crash?
4% of 7,004 reports, against 5.8% across all vehicles; 386 involved a fire.
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