How dependable are Kia Optimas really

A close friend of mine has an Optima SX and after 20k miles, the navigation stopped working and the radio would turn down on its own. She sold it for only $9k in 2015 and switched to a Genesis.

I own a 2012 SX with 60k miles. Recently I had to swap out the backup camera that went black. KIA waived the $300 replacement fee and only charged me $100, and they included the oil change, tire rotation, filter, and other services.

I have a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid with 115k miles. The original engine is still strong! However, I do need to address a recall since there’s a weird noise when I turn the steering wheel slightly left. Kia identified the issue and I just need to take it in for repairs.

I own a 2013 EX with nearly 136k miles on the original engine. I do the maintenance myself using OEM oil filters at each change and all other routine services are done at a dealer I trust. So far, it’s been mechanically perfect. I just wish the paint held up better. Even after repainting the front, it still gets scratched easily. I plan to wrap it soon instead.

*Edit: I bought it new with 8 miles, and I just finished paying it off this year.

@Alexis
You’re right about the paint being weak. Congrats on hitting 136k that’s impressive

I have a 2015 LX with 65k miles and haven’t faced any problems.

Dylan said:
I have a 2015 LX with 65k miles and haven’t faced any problems.

How much did you pay and how many miles were on it when you got it? I’m looking to buy one soon.

I’m at 156k miles with my 12 EX 2.4L. I haven’t had major problems, just many small annoyances. I’ve had a few recalls, replaced the steering column twice, and changed the head gasket. There are a few other things like problems changing vent modes and replaced an outer tie rod and my driver seat.

But I haven’t had any issues with the engine or transmission yet.

@Bliss
What happened with the head gasket

Clarke said:
@Bliss
What happened with the head gasket

I was told there was a leak around 130k miles. I’m a bit skeptical that it was a real issue… It could have been a dealership overcharging me.

I own a 2013 SXL that I purchased with about 31,000 miles. It hasn’t been completely trouble-free, but I really like it. I’m now at about 94,000 miles. I’ve had to replace the alternator and starter using my extended warranty, which I was kind of regretting before. I also had an issue with my backup camera that got replaced. I think I might need to replace the shocks since where I live has a lot of potholes, but I’ll handle that myself later on. I’m waiting for the high pressure fuel pump to fail before my warranty expires since they usually break before crossing 100,000 miles so I can get it done. Honestly, these cars are excellent, especially with the engine covered for the life of the car. I plan to keep it as long as possible and might pass it down to my mom.

I have 50,000kms on mine and the only issue I had was that the AC pump stopped working recently.

Briley said:
I have 50,000kms on mine and the only issue I had was that the AC pump stopped working recently.

How long until the pump failed and how much did it cost to replace or fix it

@Farrell
I bought the car used with 46,000kms and by 50,000km the AC failed. They had to replace the whole assembly but the sales manager helped out since I explained it wasn’t just normal wear and tear, so they covered half the cost. I ended up paying $500. Also, to update my situation, my engine failed as well and was replaced with a new one at no cost to me.

@Briley
Wow, that engine recall is pretty serious. Did you get a certified preowned or just a regular used car

I’m guessing you probably had the second owner engine recall warranty of 5y/60k miles right

@Farrell
I bought it certified preowned but the warranty was up (5 years). That particular engine recall is covered until 200,000kms, so it was fully handled. It took about 3 weeks total, and the dealership lent me a new Soul while mine was in the shop.

I have a 2008 Kia Optima V6 and have owned it for 12 years. It had 64,000 miles when I got it, and now it’s at 140,000. I recently put a passenger side drive axle in it, but other than that, I’ve just been doing oil changes. It’s one of the most reliable cars I’ve had. I sometimes treat it like junk, but it handles it. I didn’t want to like this car, but it’s just too dependable.

Proud owner of a Kia Optima.

I had a 2013 or 2011 Optima Hybrid that I got with 177k. I spent $1200 on some hybrid battery maintenance and drove it till 217k when I sold it. Just oil changes and nothing else, it’s an amazing car. Everything held up well for its age and mileage.