Kia Optima: every US generation, engines and what to check on a used one

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The Kia Optima was Kia's midsize sedan in the US for the 2001–2020 model years, across four generations, before Kia renamed its successor the K5 for 2021. Later Optimas used 2.4L and 2.0L turbo GDI engines covered by a class settlement, plus a 1.6L turbo, a hybrid and a plug-in hybrid. All are front-wheel drive.

Type
Midsize sedan, front-wheel drive
Powertrains
Optima 2.4L GDI (2011–2020), Optima 1.6L turbo (2016–2020), Optima 2.0L turbo GDI (2011–2020), Optima Hybrid (2017–2020), Optima Plug-in Hybrid (2017–2020), Optima Hybrid (2011–2016)
Current generation
Fourth generation, 2016–2020

Kia Optima engines, horsepower and mpg

Horsepower and torque are left blank: Kia's US spec pages for this discontinued model are no longer online, and we only publish ratings from official Kia sources. Engines, transmissions and mpg come from EPA records. The Plug-in Hybrid figure is EPA's gasoline-only rating. EPA also lists separately rated Optima FE versions (2016–2020).

Kia Optima powertrains with Kia-rated output and EPA fuel economy (city/highway/combined)
VersionEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)TransmissionDriveEPA mpg (city/hwy/comb)
Optima 2.4L GDI (2011–2020)2.4L inline-4, direct injection (Theta II)[1][2][3]——6-speed automatic (6-speed manual 2011–2013)Front-wheel drive24/32/272020 MY[1]
Optima 1.6L turbo (2016–2020)1.6L turbo inline-4[4][3]——7-speed dual-clutch automaticFront-wheel drive27/37/312020 MY[4]
Optima 2.0L turbo GDI (2011–2020)2.0L turbo inline-4, direct injection (Theta II)[5][6][3]——6-speed automaticFront-wheel drive21/30/242020 MY[5]
Optima Hybrid (2017–2020)2.0L inline-4 hybrid[7][3]——6-speed automaticFront-wheel drive40/45/422020 MY[7]
Optima Plug-in Hybrid (2017–2020)2.0L inline-4 plug-in hybrid[8][3]——6-speed automaticFront-wheel drive39/44/412020 MY[8]
Optima Hybrid (2011–2016)2.4L inline-4 hybrid[9][10][3]——6-speed automaticFront-wheel drive35/38/362014 MY[9]

Output is as rated by Kia; fuel economy is the EPA estimate. "—" means no official figure was found.

2020 Kia Optima powertrains (EPA)

EPA ratings for the final model year of the Optima.[1][4][5][7][8]

2020 Kia Optima powertrains (EPA)
CityHighwayCombined
2.4L GDI, 6-speed automatic243227
1.6L turbo, 7-speed dual-clutch273731
2.0L turbo, 6-speed automatic213024
Hybrid 2.0L404542
Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L (gas only)394441
  • The hybrids are rated about 15 mpg combined better than the 2.4L.
  • The 1.6L turbo beats the 2.4L by 4 mpg combined.

Kia Optima engine problems: the Theta II settlement

The 2.0L turbo and 2.4L direct-injection engines in 2011–2018 and certain 2019 Optimas belong to Hyundai–Kia's Theta II family and are covered by the class settlement In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation. For current owners, the settlement extends the powertrain warranty to a lifetime warranty on the engine short block (block, crankshaft and bearings, connecting rods and bearings, pistons).

That lifetime coverage depends on the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update being done by a Kia dealer. Earlier, Kia recalled 2011–2014 Optimas for bearing wear that can seize the engine (17V224). See our Theta II engine guide for the full background; the recall list for this model is on the Optima problems page.[11][13]

What to check on a used Kia Optima

On a 2011–2019 Optima with the 2.4L or 2.0T, ask a Kia dealer to confirm by VIN that the KSDS update is installed, and get the engine-recall history. Keep maintenance records with the car: the settlement FAQ says Kia can ask for them before paying for engine repairs it attributes to neglect.

  • Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for open campaigns
  • Ask for any engine replacement paperwork; a replaced engine has its own follow-up recall history
  • The 1.6L turbo (2016–2020) is not one of the 2.0L/2.4L GDI engines named in the settlement class
  • [11][13][3]

What replaced the Kia Optima?

The Kia K5. EPA's last Optima listing is the 2020 model year and the K5 is listed from 2021; Kia used the K5 name worldwide for the new generation. If you want the newer car, the K5 is the direct successor.[3][12]

Kia Optima generations by year

Every US Kia Optima generation with model years and engines, newest first
GenerationUS model yearsEnginesNotes
Fourth generation2016–20202.4L GDI I4, 2.0L turbo GDI I4 (6-speed automatic); 1.6L turbo I4 (7-speed dual-clutch); 2.0L hybrid and plug-in hybrid (2017–2020)EPA adds the 1.6L turbo for 2016 and the 2.0L-based Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid for 2017; the earlier 2.4L Hybrid stayed through 2016. The 2.4L and 2.0T engines are in the Theta II settlement class through 2018 and certain 2019 models.[3][4][7][8][11][12]
Third generation2011–20152.4L GDI I4 (6-speed automatic or manual), 2.0L turbo GDI I4, 2.4L hybridThe first Optima with direct injection, a turbo and a hybrid. EPA rated the 2011 2.4L automatic at 23/33/27 mpg and the 2011 Hybrid at 34/38/36. 2011–2014 models were in engine recall 17V224.[3][2][6][10][13][12]
Second generation2006–20102.4L I4 or 2.7L V6, 5-speed automatic or 5-speed manualEPA lists a mid-year "2006 New Model" Optima alongside the outgoing car. The 2006 new-model 2.4L automatic was rated 21/31/25 mpg and the 2.7L V6 20/28/23.[3][14][15][12]
First generation2001–20052.4L I4, 2.5L V6 (2001), 2.7L V6 (2002–2005); 4-speed automatic or 5-speed manualA close relative of the Hyundai Sonata of the time. EPA rated the 2001 2.4L automatic at 18/24/20 mpg.[3][16][17][12]

Kia Optima problems and recalls

The most serious Kia Optima problems are 2011–2019 engine issues: bearing-wear recall 17V224 on 2011–2014 models and a settlement giving a lifetime short-block warranty on 2.0L and 2.4L GDI engines once the KSDS software is installed. ABS/HECU fire recalls cover 2011–2015 models, and 2011–2013 models had an air bag control unit recall.

Documented Kia Optima issues and NHTSA recall campaigns
IssueGenerationYearsType
Engine bearing wear may cause engine seizure (recall 17V224)[18][19]2011–20152011–2014Recall 17V224
2.0L/2.4L GDI engine settlement and lifetime warranty[20][21]2011–2015 and 2016–20202011–2019Major repair
Brake fluid leak inside ABS/HECU module may cause fire (recall 21V331)[22][23]2011–20152013–2015Recall 21V331
ABS/HECU module may short and cause an engine fire (recall 23V652)[24]2011–20152011–2015 (and 2011–2013 Optima Hybrid)Recall 23V652
Air bag control unit may short and disable air bags (recall 18V363)[25]2011–20152011–2013 (and 2011–2012 Optima Hybrid)Recall 18V363
Optima Hybrid engine compartment fire (recall 20V750)[26]2011–20152011–2013 Optima HybridRecall 20V750
Hybrid connecting rod bearings may wear early (recall 21V844)[27]2016–20202017–2018 Optima Hybrid and Plug-in HybridRecall 21V844
Low-pressure fuel hose may crack from engine heat (recall 20V100)[28][29]2011–20152013–2014Recall 20V100

All 12 documented Optima issues and 10 recalls, with symptoms and pre-purchase checks →

More Optima research

See how an Optima was built at the factory.

Trim names and packages on a used listing are not always right. The CarWhere Kia build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Kia build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What years was the Kia Optima sold in the US?

EPA lists the Optima from the 2001 through 2020 model years. Its successor, the K5, is listed from 2021.

Which Kia Optima years have engine problems?

The 2.0L turbo and 2.4L GDI engines in 2011–2018 and certain 2019 Optimas are in the Theta II engine settlement, and 2011–2014 models were recalled for bearing wear (17V224).

Does the Optima have a lifetime engine warranty?

Settlement class vehicles get a lifetime warranty on the engine short block for current owners, provided the KSDS software update is installed by a Kia dealer.

Was there a Kia Optima Hybrid?

Yes. EPA lists a 2.4L Optima Hybrid for 2011–2016 and a 2.0L Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid for 2017–2020.

Is the Kia K5 the same as the Optima?

The K5 is the Optima's successor; Kia adopted the K5 name for the 2021 model year in the US.

Sources

Prices and output are as published by Kia for the model year shown; fuel economy is from the EPA. Equipment changes between model years, so confirm a specific vehicle against its original paperwork or build sheet.

  1. EPA fuel economy record: 2020 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI, 6-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  2. EPA fuel economy record: 2011 Kia Optima 2.4L GDI, 6-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  3. EPA fuel economy data: vehicles.csv (Kia listings by model year, engine, transmission and drive) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  4. EPA fuel economy record: 2020 Kia Optima 1.6L turbo, 7-speed automated manual (dual-clutch) — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  5. EPA fuel economy record: 2020 Kia Optima 2.0L turbo, 6-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  6. EPA fuel economy record: 2011 Kia Optima 2.0L turbo GDI, 6-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  7. EPA fuel economy record: 2020 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  8. EPA fuel economy record: 2020 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid 2.0L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  9. EPA fuel economy record: 2014 Kia Optima Hybrid EX 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  10. EPA fuel economy record: 2011 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.4L — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  11. Kia Engine Settlement — Frequently Asked Questions (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation) — Kia America, Inc. (court-approved settlement website)
  12. Kia K5 (formerly Kia Optima) — Wikipedia (secondary reference)
  13. NHTSA recall 17V224: Engine bearing wear may cause seizure (2011–2014 Optima, 2012–2014 Sorento, 2011–2013 Sportage) — NHTSA (Kia America filing)
  14. EPA fuel economy record: 2006 Kia Optima (2006 New Model) 2.4L, 5-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  15. EPA fuel economy record: 2006 Kia Optima (2006 New Model) 2.7L V6, 5-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  16. EPA fuel economy record: 2001 Kia Optima 2.4L, 4-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  17. EPA fuel economy record: 2002 Kia Optima 2.7L V6, 4-speed automatic — U.S. EPA / DOE (fueleconomy.gov)
  18. Recall 17V224: Bearing Wear may result in Engine Seizure — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  19. Recall 18V907: High Pressure Fuel Pipe May Leak — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  20. Kia Engine Settlement: home page (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation) — Kia Engine Settlement administrator
  21. Kia Engine Settlement: Frequently Asked Questions (Lifetime Warranty terms) — Kia Engine Settlement administrator
  22. Recall 21V331: Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit May Short — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  23. Recall 20V519: Hydraulic Electronic Control Unit May Short — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  24. Recall 23V652: HECU May Cause Engine Compartment Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  25. Recall 18V363: Air Bags/Seat Belt Pretensioners may be Disabled — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  26. Recall 20V750: Engine Damage May Cause Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  27. Recall 21V844: Engine Damage May Cause Stall or Fire — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  28. Recall 20V100: Low Pressure Fuel Hose May Crack and Leak — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  29. Recall 22V093: Low Pressure Fuel Hose May Leak — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Kia America, Kia Corporation or Hyundai Motor Group. Kia and the model names are trademarks of their owners.