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These days, the de facto family transporters and daily commuters for many consumers are crossover SUVs, while midsize family sedans have taken the back seat. Does this mean you shouldn’t consider midsize sedans when shopping for used cars? Not at all. Many used sedans can provide comfort, tech features, and engaging driving dynamics without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a used midsize sedan, one of the less obvious options is the Kia Optima. It has been around since 2001 and has proven to be a reliable and value-oriented midsize sedan. However, not all Kia Optima years are the same in terms of reliability and long-term value.
You’ve come to the right place if you’re in the market for the most reliable Kia Optima year. We’ll walk you through the different Optima generations and determine which used model years are worth buying or not. Let’s dive right in.
2001-2005 Kia Optima
The first-generation Optima offers a balance of comfort, refinement, and quietness at a reasonable price.
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Avoid: 2001 Kia Optima
Also known as Kia Magentis in some markets, the very first Kia Optima generation is based on the Hyundai Sonata. While it’s not the worst model year, the 2001 Optima has some major mechanical issues that are hard to overlook.
For starters, there were a handful of reports of electrical issues because of a blown-up fuse. Engine failure was also reported, although it’s not a very widespread issue. While a used 2001 Optima can be yours for a bargain, you’re probably better off with the next two models.
Buy: 2002-2003 Kia Optima
Surprisingly, the next two model years of the first-gen Optima have good reliability and received fewer complaints than the rest of the lineup. The 2002-2003 Kia Optima years have their issues, but they’re hardly a cause for concern. The 2002 Optima received the least number of complaints, while the 2003 model had minor problems reported, including faulty door locks.
2006-2010 Kia Optima
The second generation Optima was redesigned from the ground up but maintained the composed ride and quiet interior of the previous generation. However, buyers should be on the lookout for engine issues.
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Avoid: 2006-2008 Kia Optima
Most prospective buyers of these cars at the used market will be attracted to the low price, but not if thousands of dollars in repairs are in their future. While the 2006-2008 Optima years were seemingly reliable, they have one reported issue that many buyers would rather steer clear of: engine issues. Unfortunately, the first three model years of the second-gen Optima had major engine issues, including a blown engine and failure.
Buy: 2009-2010 Kia Optima
Thankfully, the two model years that closed out the second-gen Optima had good reliability and fewer complaints. More importantly, these two models were saved from the dreaded engine issues that plagued the earlier models from this generation. Both models have problems, but they’re primarily minor and hardly deal breakers such as rough shifting (2009), windshield shield coming off (2009), and jerking when downshifting (2010).
2011-2015 Kia Optima
The third-generation Optima was another major redesign and was a significant departure for Kia and the segment. As is often the case with redesigns, these changes did not bode well for the Kia midsize sedan.
Avoid: 2011 Kia Optima
The 2011 Optima had a lot of good things going for it, including an upscale interior, a fuel-efficient hybrid engine, and above-average safety results. Unfortunately, its various mechanical issues, including engine failure, make it an instant avoid for us. CarComplaints.com listed the 2011 Optima as the worst model year of the midsize sedan, with over 700 complaints, four recalls, and six investigations (some are still pending).
The 2011 model was also one of our worst Optima model years to avoid in a previous writeup. If you want to buy the most reliable Kia Optima year, there are other better options.
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Avoid: 2012-2013 Kia Optima
The 2012-2013 Optima model years continued the saga of engine woes for Kia. According to Consumer Reports, the 2012 Kia Optima had a reliability score of 3.0 out of 5.0 but a dismal user satisfaction of 1.0 out of 5.0. Unfortunately, one of its major trouble spots was the engine which was vulnerable to outright failure.
Engine complaints also dominated the 2013 Kia Optima, which received a reliability verdict and customer satisfaction scores of 1.0 out of 5.0. The main issue with this model was the blown engine, where people complained about the engine dying without warning.
Avoid: 2014-2015 Kia Optima
At this point, it’s safe to say you should avoid the third-generation Optima altogether, as it closed out with another two problem-riddled model years. To be fair, the 2014-2015 Kia Optima models were less problematic than the earlier years from this generation and with fewer complaints. However, they still struggled with engine issues, making it harder to recommend. Both models also received reliability and customer satisfaction scores of 1.0 out of 5.0 from Consumer reports.
2016-2020 Kia Optima
The fourth generation was the last lineup to carry the Optima name before changing it to K5. Thankfully, this generation ended on a strong note with some notable models to buy and avoid.
THE KIA OPTIMA YEARS TO AVOID
While popular, the Optima does have its fair share of issues and has a few specific years you should be on the lookout for. Here are the Kia Optima years to avoid.
Avoid: 2016 Kia Optima
To be clear, the 2016 Kia Optima is an excellent used car option with issues that are not exactly dealbreakers. However, it’s not the most reliable Kia Optima year in this generation. With over 600 complaints and four recalls, the 2016 model reportedly had issues with window regulator failures (with over 40 written complaints) and excessive oil consumption. If you can skip one model from this generation, the 2016 Optima might be it.
Buy: 2019 Kia Optima
Generally, the newer Optima models have the least number of issues. At this point, Kia has honed in on their problems and was able to refine the Optima. The 2019 Kia Optima is arguably the most reliable Kia Optima year across all generations. It featured a stylish interior and exterior, a spacious trunk, and plenty of powertrain options. Also, there are little to no complaints about this model, so you can buy it used with confidence.
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