Used Kia Optima: Inspection checklist
Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 573 complaints across these 3 years; the 2018 drew the most.
Choose a model year
Problems that follow the Optima from year to year
Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.
| Area | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 103 | 58 | 67 | 228 |
| Transmission | 18 | 16 | 24 | 58 |
| Electrical | 27 | 18 | 11 | 56 |
Optima generations and updates
First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.
Fourth generation
2016–2020
2018 update: Facelifted design elements; Updated technology
Mileages where Optima problems start
From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.
| Typical mileage | Problem | Year |
|---|---|---|
| 31,262–40,000 miles | Snow White Pearl paint peeling | 2019 |
| 35,000–63,826 miles | Power steering loss | 2018 |
| 40,000–121,000 miles | Excessive oil consumption | 2018 |
| 59,000–60,000 miles | Fuel smell and startup misfire | 2019 |
| 81,000–92,000 miles | Engine knocking or failure | 2019 |
| 84,000–100,000 miles | Late-onset paint bubbling | 2019 |
| 91,000–98,000 miles | P1326 limp mode, engine failure | 2020 |
| 92,000–107,000 miles | Excessive oil consumption | 2019 |
| 99,060–128,000 miles | Misfire and engine failure | 2018 |
| 127,000–138,000 miles | Late-onset heavy oil consumption | 2020 |
