38 vehicles, 11.8 months per vehicle, 66100 miles driven
Includes some 2012s. Most of the reported problems are minor: wind noise, creaks, rattles. But also a few drive unit and battery pack replacements. Owners report outstanding service quality.
Kia Optima vs. Tesla Model S Lemon Odds and Nada Odds
Other sources of Kia Optima and Tesla Model S reliability data provide only averages, which can conceal as much as they reveal. So we also report the percentage of Kia Optimas and Tesla Model Ss with no repairs at all in the past year and the percentage of Kia Optimas and Tesla Model Ss that are lemons (required three or more repair trips in the past year). These figures might surprise you.
These stats are promptly updated four times a year, to closely track Kia Optima and Tesla Model S lemon odds as the cars age. Others can be over a year behind. Only TrueDelta tells you how reliable the Kia Optima and Tesla Model S have been recently.
To see how frequently Kia Optima and Tesla Model S problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.
What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Kia Optima
Kia Optima Brand Reputation: Cons
Year
Body/Powertrain
Comment
2013
4dr Sedan turbocharged 274hp 2.0L I4 6-speed shiftable automatic FWD
Kia doesn't have the best reputation, though I get the sense that it's slowly improving. Speaking personally, I would have laughed at the idea of buying/leasing anything from Kia even three years ago. However, in that time, I've had two: a 2011 Kia Sportage EX and, now, a 2013 Kia Optima SX Limited. The mediocre brand image is a unfortunate, because if you slapped another make's emblem on this car, people would probably be absolutely gushing over it. As I said, I don't think their image is improving, though.
see full Kia Optima review
2007
4dr Sedan 161-horsepower 2.4L I4 5-speed shiftable automatic FWD
poor trade in value but intend to keep long time due to great warranty; Kia discounting cars in USA to gain brand penetration; much better priced here than in Europe for the same car.
see full Kia Optima review
What Our Members Are Saying about the Brand Reputation of the Tesla Model S
None of our members have yet commented on the brand reputation of the Tesla Model S.