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Used car guide
Used Kia Optima: the years to buy and the years to skip
Every Kia Optima from 2011 to 2020, across 2 generations: what each year typically sells for (about $5,500 to $15,000), its crash rating, and whether it's a year to target or skip. Look harder at or skip 2011–2020.
2016–2020 Kia Optima
A refined, quiet midsize sedan with available turbocharged engines.
No year in this generation is clear of problems. Shop carefully. Look harder at or skip: 2016–2020. It has an average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $10,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~125,000 |
| 2017 | $11,500 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2018 | $12,500 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~105,000 |
| 2019 | $14,000 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~90,000 |
| 2020 | $15,000 | Theft risk | 5 of 5 | ~80,000 |
Worth knowing
- Skip 2016. Some 2.4-liter engines were recalled for bearing failure. Confirm the recall was done.
- 2016: owner complaints spike (754, mostly the engine).
- Theft risk for 2016–2020. Many key-start cars from these years lack an engine immobilizer. Confirm the free anti-theft update.
- Ask whether Kia's knock sensor software update was applied, and the hybrid's trunk is smaller than the gas model's.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the EX: it adds leather, heated seats, a power driver seat and blind-spot monitoring over the LX. CarPlay arrived for 2017.
On the test drive
On a hybrid, ask for a battery health check. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: standard from 2019, optional from 2016.
- Adaptive cruise control: optional from 2016, never standard in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: standard from 2019.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Toyota Camry 2014–2016 · $11,000–$13,000
- Honda Accord 2014–2015 · $11,500–$13,000
- Toyota Corolla 2014–2016 · $11,500–$13,500
Find one near you
2011–2015 Kia Optima
A striking midsize sedan with good value, also offered as a hybrid.
No year in this generation is clear of problems. Shop carefully. Look harder at or skip: 2011–2015. It has a below-average reliability record.
| Year | Typical price | Verdict | Crash rating | Typical miles |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | $5,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~135,000 |
| 2012 | $6,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~125,000 |
| 2013 | $6,500 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~115,000 |
| 2014 | $7,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~110,000 |
| 2015 | $8,000 | Skip | 5 of 5 | ~100,000 |
Worth knowing
- Skip 2011–2015. The 2.4-liter and 2.0-liter turbo engines are prone to bearing failure. Check for engine replacement records under Kia's extended warranty.
- Theft risk for 2011–2015. Many key-start cars from these years lack an engine immobilizer. Confirm the free anti-theft update.
- Even with a healthy or replaced engine, check for smooth shifting and a tidy history of regular oil changes.
The trim we'd park in our garage
Look for the EX: it adds leather, heated seats, a power driver seat and push-button start over the LX. The SX brings a turbo, and confirm engine recall work on these years.
On the test drive
On a hybrid, ask for a battery health check. Get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy.
Safety tech
- Automatic emergency braking: not offered in this generation.
- Adaptive cruise control: not offered in this generation.
- Blind-spot monitoring: not standard in this generation, so check the listing.
Also worth comparing at this price
- Subaru Legacy 2010–2013 · $6,000–$7,000
- Ford Fusion 2012 · $6,000
- Honda Accord 2010–2011 · $6,500–$7,000
Find one near you
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Prices are typical dealer and private asking prices from used listings, collected in September and October 2026, for an average-mileage car. Years with too few listings are estimated from nearby years. Crash ratings, recalls and owner complaint counts come from NHTSA public records. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and a vehicle history report before you buy. Spot something off? Let us know.