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Kia Optima
Model Overview
The handsome Kia Optima is the Korean brand's family sedan model. The car's basic,three-box design has changed little since 2011, but has aged well. The Optima meets the mid-size class's needs head-on with an easy driving feel and roomy interior, and though it excels at little, it is a solid choice for its refinement and a well-done cabin. As with most Kia models, the Optima offers good value in the class.
Photos
Reviews and News
Owner Scores
Comfort
9
Performance
9
Fuel Economy
9
Interior Design
8
Exterior Styling
9
Reliability
9
Owner Reviews
Yuri0528
28/5000 Very good driving and security.
December 13, 2017
Overall Score
You feel like you are driving a luxury car. All comfort and security. It is a car with all the features available in the market. I recommend it as a car.
Comfort
10
Performance
10
Fuel Economy
10
Interior Design
10
Exterior Styling
10
Reliability
10
Recall Information
* Data provided by Transport Canada
Recall number
Recall date
System affected
Model year(s) affected
Recall number
2023-529
Recall date
2023-09-26
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013 2014 2015
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC191
Units Affected:
276,225
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, the brake hydraulic electronic control unit (HECU) could short circuit.
Safety Risk:
A short circuit could create a fire risk, even while the vehicle is parked and turned off.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the fuse(s) for the HECU. Kia recommends that you should park your vehicle outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures until the recall repairs have been completed.
Recall number
2023-476
Recall date
2023-08-28
System affected
Structure
Model year(s) affected
2016 2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC186
Units Affected:
17,615
Notification Type:
Compliance Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment may not work properly. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it.
Safety Risk:
If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the trunk latch base subassembly.
Recall number
2023-275
Recall date
2023-05-08
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2013 2014 2015 2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC061
Units Affected:
2,635
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia is conducting a service campaign to inspect and upgrade the safety plug fuse. On certain Optima Hybrid (HEV) models, the safety plug fuse could blow and cause a loss of hybrid system power while driving at low speeds. Additionally, installing an incorrect aftermarket fuse could cause overheating.
Safety Risk:
A loss of power to the wheels could increase the risk of a crash. Using an incorrect aftermarket fuse could create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the vehicle for an aftermarket fuse and replace the 125-A safety plug with one that has a 150-A rating.
Recall number
2022-004
Recall date
2022-01-11
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2019 2020
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC043
Units Affected:
200
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure could cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: This only affects Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI engine.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of an accident. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall number
2021-666
Recall date
2021-11-01
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC153
Units Affected:
712
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine the connecting rod bearings can become damaged. If this happens, the engine could make abnormal knocking noises and/or the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: Only the Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this recall.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an engine inspection test, to determine if there is bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software that will prevent engine damage from potential excessive connecting rod bearing wear.
Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.
Recall number
2020-597
Recall date
2020-12-04
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC140
Units Affected:
39,658
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L NU GDI or 2.4 L Theta II MPI engine, an engine compartment fire could occur while driving. Kia is conducting this recall as a preventative measure to prevent fire risk due to potential fuel leaks, oil leaks and/or engine damage. In some situations, you may notice any of the following symptoms: there could be an abnormal knocking noise from the engine; the check engine light and/or the oil pressure warning light could turn on; you may smell fuel, burning or smoke; or you may notice oil leaks. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Note: For the Optima model, only the Optima Hybrid is affected by this recall.
Safety Risk:
An engine compartment fire can create a risk of injury. A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an inspection of the engine and engine compartment. The dealer will inspect for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, if necessary. Kia will also perform a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update free of charge, once it is available for your vehicle. This update will detect and prevent engine damage from worn connecting rod bearings.
Recall number
2019-639
Recall date
2019-12-17
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC029
Units Affected:
26,082
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Recall number
2019-367
Recall date
2019-07-25
System affected
Brakes
Model year(s) affected
2019
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC128
Units Affected:
112
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
On certain vehicles, a problem with the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the brake assist feature not to work properly. This could affect the ability to help reduce or avoid a crash with a stationary vehicle.
Safety Risk:
If the brake assist system does not work properly, there could be an increased risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system.
Recall number
2019-153
Recall date
2019-03-21
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC027
Units Affected:
29,501
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Vehicles repaired under Service Campaign SC025 already have this software update.
Recall number
2019-143
Recall date
2019-03-18
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
SC026
Units Affected:
79,301
Notification Type:
Safety TC
Issue:
Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.
Safety Risk:
A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module.
Note: Vehicles repaired under Service Campaign SC023 already have this software update.
Recall number
2019-098
Recall date
2019-02-27
System affected
Fuel Supply
Model year(s) affected
2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC124
Units Affected:
760
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
Issue:
When the engine was replaced under warranty or under Kia's Product Improvement Campaign SC023, the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on the fuel pump outlet. A fuel leak could occur if the pipe was damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the recall repair.
Safety Risk:
Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Actions:
The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. If fuel leakage is detected, the fuel pipe will be replaced with a new one.
Recall number
2018-742
Recall date
2018-12-28
System affected
Fuel Supply
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC123
Units Affected:
2,878
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles, when repairs were completed under recall campaign 2017-199 (Kia RC109), the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on the fuel pump outlet. A fuel leak could occur if the pipe was damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the recall repair. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could create the risk of a fire causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will inspect the connections of the high pressure fuel pipe to the fuel pump outlet for leaking fuel. If leaking fuel is detected, the fuel pipe will be replaced with a new one.
Recall number
2018-301
Recall date
2018-06-08
System affected
Airbag
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC117
Units Affected:
65,548
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain gasoline and hybrid engine vehicles, the circuits within the airbag control unit may become damaged. This could cause the airbags and seat belt pretensioners to not deploy in certain collisions where deployment is warranted, which could increase the risk of injury to vehicle occupants. Correction: Dealers will install a wire harness kit between the ACU connector and vehicle harness connector as necessary. Note: This recall does not affect the 2013 model year Optima Hybrid.
Recall number
2018-132
Recall date
2018-03-15
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2017 2018
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC114
Units Affected:
112
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery Voltage Protection Device (VPD) switch could inadvertently activate. If the VPD switch is activated, electricity to the vehicle's electric motor may be disconnected. If this occurs while the vehicle is driven under Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will remove the current VPD switch and install two newly designed battery management systems containing new overvoltage protection devices. The corresponding wiring harness will also be installed. Note: This condition would result in the of the “Check Hybrid System" warning light illuminating.
Recall number
2017-199
Recall date
2017-04-07
System affected
Engine
Model year(s) affected
2011 2012 2013
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC109
Units Affected:
37,504
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles equipped with 2.0L and 2.4L engines, the engine may contain residual metallic debris from factory machining operations. If debris is present, it could potentially restrict oil flow to the main bearings and rod bearings and could lead to premature wear. If the vehicle continues to be driven with worn bearings, the bearings could fail, which could cause an engine stall while the vehicle is in motion, resulting in loss of motive power which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Worn bearings could also result in the illumination of the oil pressure lamp in the instrument cluster. Correction: Dealers will inspect, and if necessary, replace the engine sub-assembly.
Recall number
2016-514
Recall date
2016-10-18
System affected
Powertrain
Model year(s) affected
2016
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC105
Units Affected:
575
Notification Type:
Safety Mfr
On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.4L engine, the passenger side axle shaft could fail. This could result in a loss of vehicle propulsion which could increase the risk of a crash. This could also allow the vehicle to roll away if parked on a sufficient slope, despite the transmission shift lever being set in the PARK position. Both issues could cause injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will replace the right front axle shaft assembly.
Recall number
2013-098
Recall date
2013-04-03
System affected
Electrical
Model year(s) affected
2011
Manufacturer Recall Number:
RC084
Units Affected:
106,098
Notification Type:
Safety TC
On certain vehicles, the stop lamp switch may fail and cause intermittent operation of the brake lights. Failure of the brake lights to illuminate when the brake pedal is depressed could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the switch.
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