The Lemon Index2024 Kia Optima.
The 2024 Kia Optima is so far better than average by owner complaints: 31 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 68, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, and it has 2 recalls. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 31 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2024 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 6K to 29K miles on the car (5 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- fuel system, gasoline 2025
A damaged check valve can allow air to enter the fuel tank, causing it to expand and contact hot exhaust components, melting the tank.
- body structure 2025
The left and right rear window trim pieces may loosen and detach.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 44 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been…
- Technical service bulletin: itm replacement and ecm logic improvement (ca2511) - this bulletin…
- Voluntary emissions service campaign: fuel tank and/or pcsv check valve inspection/replacement…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia K5 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Kia K5 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
In owners' words
Per SA552 for earlier models, the rear trunk lid trim has become detached due to insufficient lamination. Please extend to later models.
2024 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 11570396
More owner reports
The C-Pillar garnish fell off both sides of my rear view a while ago.
NHTSA complaint 11678270
Water intrusion from A/C system Mold growth inside cabin Health effects Vehicle returned unrepaired / unsafe
NHTSA complaint 11708479
Quick answers
Is the 2024 Kia Optima reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.5× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2024 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 68; 100 is average). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2024 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (29%), body structure (23%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2024 Kia Optima have?
2 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2024 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2024 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2024?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works