| 1 | 0 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Kia Optima repairs by problem area
Engine (24%)
Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)
Brakes and Traction Control (5%)
Suspension and Steering (12%)
Electrical and Air Conditioning (32%)
Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (13%)
Other (7%)
Chart based on 577 repairs.
Kia Optima engine repair cost distribution
$2500+ (3%)
$1000 - $2499 (4%)
$500 - $999 (5%)
$100 - $499 (24%)
< $100 (65%)
Chart based on 110 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.
2017 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
154-horsepower 2.0L I4 Plug-in Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 4500 mi | On-board PHEV charging module failure. Car stopped charging when plugged in. Dealer replaced the charging module (in the car, not the one going to the wall) |
2016 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 245hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 7000 mi | The repair done by the dealer at the previous visit was done with a defective part that resulted in the check engine coming on several days after the work was done. In addition to the light being on, there was a noticeable loss of acceleration. The dealer determined that the ECVVT cover that was replaced at the previous visit was defective. Upon this part being replaced with a new part. the car's performance and all systems returned to normal. In response to the check engine light (ie, MIL), technician reported finding a "... code P001000 - intake camshaft position actuator circuit bank 1". Upon checking under the hood, tech found "rubber plug for ECVVT cover off". This plug had been replaced on 3/19/18 under recall SA0305A. The plug was replaced and codes were cleared. Check engine light was confirmed as being off after a road test and code re-scan. |
2016 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
185-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 62000 mi | Engine using oil. This is under the lifetime warranty because of the recall and Powertrain warranty up until 100,000 miles. Have had to take it in every 1000 miles since February. In May, a combustion engine cleaning was done which messed up the PCM which had to be replaced. All of this so far was paid for by KIA. In November 2021, I was required to have the valve cover removed to check for sludge, etc. Nothing bad was found. I had to pay for this service. I am back to the 1000 mile oil consumption test. |
| 73000 mi | New Engine due to oil consumption - over 3 quarts of oil in 1000 miles |
| 109000 mi US $400 |
Replace valve cover gasket (leak). |
2015 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 59000 mi | Everything was fine on this well maintained car, out of no where the 2.4 Engine (Hybrid model started with a loud rod knock. Dealer dx Rod Bearing issues and has ordered a new engine |
2014 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 2700 mi | New motor had to be installed. Issue with turbo engines w/mfg date sept 13 - dec 13. |
| 51000 mi | Oil leaking slightly at engine oil Pan seal. Pan removed, cleaned and new sealant applied. |
| 59500 mi | Short Block Engine replacement due knock diagnostics failure |
| 30000 mi US $45 |
Pcv replaced after mechanic said it didn't look good. |
2014 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 7000 mi | Vehicle gets very poor mileage for a hybrid. Combined avg is just above 22 mpg. |
| 67000 mi US $250 |
Bearings froze, required complete engine replacement under warranty. |
2013 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 13000 mi | Plastic Valve cover had a small crack and was leaking oil over the engine. |
| 33000 mi | Ecu update. |
| 11000 mi | Electric cooling fan shorted out . |
| 39709 mi | Replaced throttle body |
| 6000 mi | Short in electrical harness resulting in car shutting off while driving and unable to restart. Corporate flew in to diagnose and a new harness was installed. |
| 26000 mi | Cylinder 2 spark plug tip burnt off causing a miss fire. |
2013 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 84900 mi | Car would not recognize my key, you have to put the car in neutral and it would start. It was really warm and Humid in my area. Sometimes it would do it, sometimes it wouldn't do it. They couldn't find the problem. |
| 99000 mi US $500 |
Recall notice , the queen had to look at oil to see if engine was defective |
| 61760 mi C $800 |
Computer needed updating |
| 67000 mi US $275 |
Replace intake manifold tuning valve control circuit |
| 53000 mi | Leaking timing chain gasket |
| 68000 mi | Excessive oil consumption. Dealer acknowledges but refused to do any investigation. Recommended oil change despite 2k since last change. |
| 117000 mi | I have to add oil about once a month, they searched for a leak, but couldn't find one. |
| 77000 mi US $200 |
Engine is destroyed despite regular and proper maintenance beyond manufacturer's suggestions. Engine requires replacement but Kia has denied warranty. |
| 77000 mi | Extreme oil consumption |
2013 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
159-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 75000 mi | Belt idler on air conditioner was going bad. |
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 18000 mi | Turbo would not engage when temp was below 50F. Had to turn car off and on again to engage. |
| 15000 mi | Car was driving sluggishly. |
| 15300 mi | Car was sluggish. There was some kind of adjustment needed to the waste gate for the turbo. Apparently it is a known issue as it is all over the forums and the service guy knew what the fix was before they got into the car. |
| 37200 mi | Independent mechanic noted oil dripping around oil pan and undercarriage during oil change. Dealer said they did not notice oil leaking, but replaced oil pan gasket under warranty. |
| 3000 mi | Turbocharger waste gate actuator adjustment. No parts were replaced, only adjusted back to proper specs. The car was about a month old or so when the TSB was caught by the service tech. |
| 67400 mi | Waste gate readjusted again. Has been done every oil change and other services. Never stays adjusted. |
| 22000 mi | oil pan leak |
| 14880 mi | Engine started missing at low RPM & low speed, & at highway speed. Took to dealer, determined two spark plugs had "melted themselves" - all 4 replaced. Read forums - a manufacturing fault from spark plug maker. Covered under warranty. Engine started missing at low RPM & low speed, & at highway speed. Took to dealer, determined two spark plugs had "melted themselves". Read forums - a manufacturing fault from spark plug maker. Covered under warranty. |
| 60000 mi | Recall on the engine. Small part replaced. |
| 35000 mi | Engine replaced |
| 50000 mi | Common wastegate issue on the forums. Adjusted wastegate actuator rod to match spec. No problems since. |
| 81800 mi US $1081 |
Missing under acceleration. Bad high pressure fuel pump. |
| 91000 mi US $150 |
Going into limp mode under hard acceleration. Bad EWGA( Electronic Waste Gate Actuator). Replaced. |
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 24000 mi | There was a small leak around the oil pan. Fixed under warranty |
| 24180 mi | Check engine on; error code read: P0087- fuel rail pressure too low; high pressure fuel pump was defective and was replaced.The car now runs alright again. The repair was effective and efficient. |
| 47120 mi | High pressure fuel pump controller failed. Car went into limp mode when automatic transmission was in drive. Manual transmission mode worked. Part was back-ordered, but dealer provided a loaner SUV for the week. |
| 45000 mi | Coolant leaking. Dealer could not replicate. |
| 38300 mi | Radiator developed hairline crack and was replaced. |
| 49200 mi US $19 |
Gas filler cap stopped making clicking sound. Dealer would not cover under warranty claiming wear and tear caused the issue. I purchased and installed a new gas filler gap. |
| 87500 mi | I noticed the coolant level in the overflow reservoir was low but I was unable to determine the source. I took car to a mechanic who determined that the water pump is leaking through the weeping hole, provided a quote to replace water pump Took vehicle to dealer to look into leaking water pump, since water pump is under warranty until 100k. Dealer could not duplicate the issue. |
| 98000 mi US $25 |
Car is using oil about 2qts between 5kmi oil changes. Dealer is performing oil consumption test. |
| 136000 mi US $3000 |
Engine timing gasket had a leak, timing belt was also replaced, |
2012 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
166-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| Engine check light was on because a contact was loose for the hybrid system. It worked ok, but needed to be found and corrected. |
2011 Kia Optima
Engine not specified
| 74000 mi US $3600 |
Huge knocking from engine. Allegedly oil pump failed. Engine destroyed. Dealer paid 50% of cost (total was $7200) |
2011 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 128000 mi US $80 |
Excessive oil consumption, 1 qt per 1,500 miles. Treated with ring cleaner |
| 121000 mi US $150 |
Excessive oil consumption, new engine needed |
| 64000 mi US $1165 |
turbo controller failed |
| 29200 mi | Voltage adjustment |
| 46300 mi | The turbo gate was replaced |
| 51100 mi | Sticky wastegate was causing the turbo to choke and the vehicle to lose power resulting in a sluggish speed that will not exceed 70mph. Let alone taking a long time to go from 0-60 mph. Engine light came on the next day. |
| 17000 mi | Sudden lack of power, no turbo boost at all. It "threw a code" and the car dealer's svce dpt knew what to do. Under warranty, so they provided a free rental car. I have no complaint. |
| 25000 mi | Slight oil leak at crankcase/oilpan junction; was fixed quickly under warranty. |
| 64000 mi US $140 |
Turbo waste gate went out of spec resulting in big loss of power; much less than a non-turbo motor. Top speed about 60mph. A known issue with a couple of TSBs, but not covered by warranty. Given that problem arose at 61k, I felt cheated. |
| 25000 mi | oil leaking - bad oil pan seal |
| 9500 mi | blown engine due to cracked spark plugs. porcelain insulation from spark plugs in bank 2 and 3 fell into engine |
| 38000 mi | Fuel leak from high pressure fuel pump |
| 51000 mi | Engine lost power. Turbo wastegate was adjusted under warranty. |
2011 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
200-horsepower 2.4L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 30900 mi | Check engine light came on, without loss of drivability. |
| 46000 mi | Computer failed, was replaced |
| 19300 mi | Check engine light was on, dealer replaced faulty exhaust valve control solenoid. |
| 103800 mi | Engine seized due to known manufacturing defect; replaced under warranty |
| 89000 mi US $140 |
Serpentine belt replaced due to wear. |
| 90000 mi US $25000 |
Engine failed with significant oil loss (1 quart for 1000 miles). KIA did not own up to the issue. I got rid of the car. Kia is a $hit car with even $hittier dealer and customer service. I am done with KIA. Period. |
2011 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
166-horsepower 2.4L I4 Hybrid 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 105961 mi US $43 |
During the time frame that the 12v battery was dying and even after replacement, the car started having rough idling (almost sounded like it was going to stall) when ever I would stop, start off in reverse or in drive. The car would lose power going up small hills and would sound as if it was starving from air/fuel. I received a CEL for PO106 MAP Sensor code. I removed the map sensor and cleaned it good with a cloth that was sprayed with contact cleaner. There was minimal residue left on the rag from the sensor. After resetting the CEL and test driving the car, the rough idling/attempting to stall continued as described above. After further investigation, I noticed that the air intake hose prior to the MAP sensor/engine was slightly offset to the point that there was a gap on one portion of the intake hose. After loosening the clamp all the way and loosening the intake filter cover, I was able to re-align the intake hose and tighten everything down. I then reset my car and test drove it around my subdivision. The rough idle initially was there but, once my actual engine kicked on and a vacuum was established it seemed to return back to its normal self. I test drove it for a few miles and there was no rough idle at stops or the sound of wanting to stall. We did order a new Map Absolute Pressure Sensor overnight so if the problem comes back I will swap that piece out if needed. Will drive car tomorrow to see if the problem returns. |
2010 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
175-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 139000 mi US $180 |
Ignition cylinder lock would not turn with key. Replaced the unit. |
| 141693 mi US $690 |
Small leak from front crank seal and from valve cover. Replaced valve cover gasket and installed new front crank seal by removing timing chain cover. |
2008 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
162-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 27000 mi US $155 |
Battery was not holding charge. Replaced. |
2007 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 98000 mi | All drive pulleys, belt tensioner, transmission mount, and side hydraulic engine mount were replaced through my extended warranty plan. |
| 101000 mi US $49 |
Upper and lower radiator hose replacement due to lower hose leak. |
| 113000 mi | Engine caught fire at 113k Miles while traveling on highway. Unknown cause. Total loss. |
2006.5 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
185-horsepower 2.7L V6 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 109000 mi US $25 |
Engine stalled after gasoline added to tank. Purge control valve replaced. |
| 115 mi US $360 |
Timing belt replaced. |
| 5000 mi | The check engine light came on and stayed on for three days. Kia replaced an air intake sensor. The passenger side seat sensor for the air bag was not working properly. Kia replaced the seat bottom but it did not fix the problem. Now Kia is having a rep s |
| 5500 mi | Kia rep flashed computer for pass. side airbag seat sensor. Appears to be working correctly now. |
| 66700 mi US $330 |
Check engine light came on. Car went into limp mode and would not go over 20 MPH. Dealer replaced Throttle position sensor. |
2006.5 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 20000 mi | Reflash for proper emission testing. |
| 39000 mi | TSB on stuck throttle actuator. Cleaned and corrected problem of only being able to reach speeds of 15 mph |
| 73104 mi US $10 |
Add power steering fluid. |
| 101000 mi US $4 |
Replaced exhaust pipe bracket. |
| 131000 mi US $22 |
Replace fuel filler cap. |
| 154000 mi US $12 |
Radiator/ac condenser cleaned with coil cleaner. |
| 103000 mi US $6 |
Check engine light on. MAF sensor error. Cleaned with MAF sensor cleaner. Check engine light on. MAF sensor error. Cleaned with MAF sensor cleaner. |
2006 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 10200 mi | switch for heating & cooling system |
2005 Kia Optima
Engine not specified
| 104000 mi | oil pan major rust check engine light on (sometimes off briefly with cleaner) |
2005 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 50000 mi US $300 |
Disc brake, brake pads, and oil leak Engine mounts (rubber) to dampen noise worn |
| 70000 mi | engine light on, fuel sensor cleaned, leak @ intake manifold. Have to take Shinny Pig back to Shop to fix, need smog check. |
2005 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 48200 mi | Fuel pump |
2005 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 46500 mi ¤150 |
Onboard computer could not be read by device used by service team. Received suggestion to replace the onboard computer. |
| 114000 mi | Car was stumbling and stalling and dying. Bought cleaner for gas tank.( foam and water remover.) Replaced spark plugs. Bought code reader. Codes indicated bad 1-4 coil. Replaced. So far so good. |
| 121000 mi US $60 |
Spark plug burned up with 10000 miles. High compression pressure compared to next cylinders. Replaced Injector. (Carbon buildup) |
2004 Kia Optima
Engine not specified
| 101000 mi US $276 |
the timing belt broke and had to be replaced. |
2004 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
170-horsepower 2.7L V6 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 71000 mi US $270 |
Car started to idle rough at stop lights, then began to stall. Problem was Throttle Position Sensor which was replaced. |
| 82000 mi | Went on road trip, after driving in 90+ degree weather and through mountains the car stalled out twice, each time on a different day. After letting it cool, the car started up and was fine. Possibly vapor lock. |
| 109000 mi | The timing belt shatter (just coming up time for another change) and ruined the engine. Repairs would have cost 4000.00. Just couldn't see spending that much for this old of a car. It is up for salvage sale. |
2004 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed manual FWD
| 73500 mi US $175 |
Check Engine light, intermittent tach. P0320 error. Traced to failing ignition sensor. Purchased sensor from dealer and replaced myself (2 bolts and a plug). [3rd repair, 2nd not covered by mfg warr, since new. <$250 total. Not bad!] |
| 84000 mi US $250 |
Replaced ignition amplifier |
| 135000 mi US $100 |
Rough engine. Required motor mounts. Chose not to replace at this time. |
| 143000 mi | Timing belt failure. Bent valves in engine. Too expensive for repair. Sold car to someone who can fix it on the cheap. |
| 128000 mi US $60 |
Crankshaft position sensor failed. Apparently a common occurance with this model. It's behind the timing belt cover which is behind the power steering/AC belt and alternator/water pump belt. Difficult repair, but I did it myself. |
| 166000 mi US $60 |
Leaking valve cover gasket. |
| 190300 mi US $50 |
Cooling system not working properly. Computer is not properly commanding fans. New computer is $1000. Fans are connected to manual switches now, still overheating. Replaced water pump at recent timing belt change. Radiator is next. |
| 194600 mi | Replaced radiator, still overheats. Ended up routing windshield washer nozzles to in front of radiator. I give it a few sprays and this cools it right down. Fixed, sort of... Car isn't worth spending any money on so I'm going to live with it. |
| 209000 mi | So it turns out this beast isn't overheating at all. Problem is all to do with the ECU. It won't smog now due to this issue so i can't register it w/o spending more than the car is worth. CA will supposedly buy it from me for $1000. |
| 209000 mi | ECU issue never fixed. |
2004 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 195000 mi US $225 |
MIL, Pre-Converter Temp Low. Replaced pre-converter. |
| 203000 mi US $110 |
Shop replaced timing belts and did not set the balance shaft timing correctly. Caused excessive engine vibration that contributed to the early failure of the harmonic balancer. Replaced with used part. |
| 238000 mi US $220 |
Horrible engine vibration. Dealer diagnosed bad ignition coil...quoted $550 to repair. Purchased 2 new coils and new plugs for $170 and self performed repairs. |
| 284000 mi | Catastrophic timing belt failure. Engine destroyed. Not worth repairing the car. |
| 139000 mi US $65 |
Engine misfire sensor had been bad, making tachometer inoperative, and illuminating CEL. Sensor replaced, problems corrected. Replaced engine misfire sensor. Bad sensor rendered tachometer inoperative, and lit the CEL. |
| 106000 mi US $150 |
Replaced faulty pulley and replaced belt |
| 108300 mi US $1155 |
Bad crankshaft sensor was causing car to stall. Replaced: crankshaft sensor, balance shaft belt, camshaft seal Valve cover leaking. Replaced spark plug seal and valve cover gasket. |
| 104000 mi US $700 |
timing sensor replace |
2003 Kia Optima 4dr Sedan
138-horsepower 2.4L I4 4-speed shiftable automatic FWD
| 139000 mi US $39 |
Engine vibration - replaced forward R/H engine mount. |
| 191000 mi US $85 |
Running rough, trouble code P-0303. Replaced spark plugs, ignition coils, and plug wires. |
| 194000 mi US $1050 |
Code P0320. Replaced ignition fail sensor, replaced cam sensor, replaced crank sensor, replaced ECM. Crack in radiator tank. Replaced timing belt and water pump. Small belt for vibration damper had failed. |
| 150000 mi US $300 |
Car would only start when the engine was cold, after it warmed up car would die and not start again until it cooled off and then still sometimes it still would not start. Shop said Crankshaft Position sensor was bad, so we replaced the CPS. |
2002 Kia Optima
Engine not specified
| 124000 mi US $147 |
A sensor and belt were replaced because the car failed to start. Shortly afterward the oil pan showed that it had rusted through. Estimated amount. Total for this and preceding repair was $747.89. Update: still have oil leak. |
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