Head-to-head reliability
KIA Optima vs KIA Forte
How the KIA Optima and KIA Forte compare on NHTSA complaints, recalls and crash reports — and which is the lower-risk used buy.
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint & recall records
KIA Optima vs KIA Forte: The Optima has 6,070 complaints over 10 years (607/year) and 41 recalls, while the Forte has 1,108 complaints (111/year) and 16 recalls. Both suffer engine issues, but the Forte's lower rate may mean fewer problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Optima or KIA Forte more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Optima
The KIA Optima is a mid-size sedan that has been on the road for many years, but owner complaints suggest it can be a high-maintenance used car. Over a 10-year period, NHTSA logged 6,070 complaints, with engine problems dominating at 3,069 reports. Many owners describe sudden oil loss, engine knocking, and loss of power, often leading to expensive repairs. With 41 recalls and 214 crash-related complaints, living with an Optima means staying on top of recall notices and being alert for engine trouble.
KIA Forte
The KIA Forte is a compact sedan that appears to have a lower overall complaint rate than the Optima, averaging about 111 complaints per year versus 607 for the Optima. However, engine issues still lead with 458 reports, and owners describe stalling, failure to accelerate, and even engine metal particles. Electrical problems, including sudden shutdowns while driving, are also a concern. With 16 recalls and 103 crash-related complaints, the Forte still demands attention to safety recalls and potential stalling.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Optima | KIA Forte |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6,070 | 1,108 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 16 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 214 | 103 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 607.0 | 110.8 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 191 | 68 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 9 | 6 Better |
Source: NHTSA owner complaints & recall records.
What actually goes wrong
The problems owners report
The most-complained-about systems on each vehicle — what fails, and what owners say in their own words.
KIA Optima
- 01ENGINE3,069
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER787
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM720
- 04STEERING719
- 05SERVICE BRAKES453
Owners frequently report sudden oil loss without visible leaks, leading to engine failure or severe damage. Complaints describe the engine shutting down or losing power while driving, often with no warning. This is critical because a failed engine can cost thousands to replace and may leave you stranded.
Reports include excessive oil consumption tied to electrical warnings and other electrical glitches. Some owners mention ongoing problems with oil level sensors and warning lights. Electrical faults can be tricky to diagnose and may lead to repeated shop visits.
Steering complaints are common, with owners describing difficulty steering or a loose feeling. This can affect control and safety, especially at higher speeds. A used Optima should have its steering thoroughly checked.
Brake-related complaints include premature wear or failure, which can increase stopping distances. Owners report needing frequent brake repairs. For a buyer, this means budgeting for potential brake work soon after purchase.
“Out of town July 12th 2025 my 2020 Kia Optima engine started having problems. I tried to get to my hotel but it was obvious I was not going to make it. I pulled into the nearest station and was told my car had no oil. There were no signs of leaking oil and no…”
“I have kept up on regular oil changes and maintenance on my Kia which I bought new 5 years ago. My issues started when my car's orange check engine light came on, I experienced loss of power such as difficulty accelerating even at low speeds, especially up hi…”
KIA Forte
- 01ENGINE458
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER202
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM151
- 04POWER TRAIN120
- 05AIR BAGS89
Owners report engines that fail to start or accelerate, sometimes with metal particles found in the oil. In one case, a 2022 Forte with only 76,000 miles had metal in the oil, indicating internal damage. This can lead to costly engine replacement.
Complaints describe the car stalling and completely shutting down while driving, sometimes on the freeway. Owners report fuel pump issues and loss of power, which can be terrifying and dangerous. This is a serious safety concern that should be investigated before buying.
Power train problems include stalling upon acceleration and transmission issues. Some owners report the car not moving or hesitating when accelerating. These problems can make the car unreliable for daily driving.
Air bag complaints are present, though fewer than engine issues. Owners may report air bag warning lights or failures to deploy. Since air bags are a critical safety feature, any history of air bag problems should be taken seriously.
“While the vehicle was approximately ten months old with approximately 11K miles, it was continuously not functioning properly and would not start/accelerate. My 2024 KIA Forte, which was purchased new from a KIA dealership, has continuously failed to function…”
“In early 2025, I encountered a serious issue with my 2022 Kia Forte GT, a manual car with 76,000 miles and a 1.6L turbo Gamma engine. I took it for a routine oil change at a local non-Kia shop, but they refused, finding metal particles in the oil, suggesting…”
Official recalls
Safety recalls on record
Federal recall campaigns — the defect, the risk, and the fix. Confirm any open recall was completed before you buy.
KIA Optima — 41 recalls
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Optima vehicles equipped with Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI or Theta II 2.0L Turbo-GDI engines. A software error in the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) system may cause the braking assist function to not engage when a stationary vehicle is detected.
The risk: Improper intervention of the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will update the FCA software, free of charge. The recall began August 27, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC179.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
The risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Ow…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Moto…
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pi…
The risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
KIA Forte — 16 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. The right front lower control arm may have been improperly welded, which can cause it to fail.
The risk: Front lower control arm failure can cause a sudden loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until the repair has been performed. Dealers will replace the right front lower control arm, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 17, 2024. Owners may contact Kia custo…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Forte vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the front left steering knuckle may crack, which can result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the front left steering knuckle, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 12, 2023. Owner may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Rio and Forte vehicles. A bolt in the steering column may not be secured properly, which can cause the steering column to detach from the steering rack and result in a loss of steering control.
The risk: Loss of steering control can increase the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will tighten the lower steering column u-joint retention bolt, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall SC235.
Buyer analysis
KIA Optima or KIA Forte: which should you buy?
The KIA Forte has far fewer complaints per year (about 111) compared to the KIA Optima (about 607), suggesting it may be the less troublesome choice. However, both vehicles have notable engine and electrical issues that can be expensive. In practice, a Forte may mean fewer trips to the mechanic, but you still need to check for stalling and engine problems.
Key differences
- The Optima has over five times as many complaints per year as the Forte (607 vs. 111), with engine issues being the most common for both.
- Optima owners frequently report sudden oil loss and engine failure, while Forte owners describe stalling and shutdowns while driving, often linked to electrical or fuel pump problems.
- The Optima has 41 recalls versus 16 for the Forte, meaning more potential safety fixes to track.
- Forte complaints include air bag issues, while Optima complaints include more steering and brake problems.
- Check for any signs of oil consumption or leaks, and ask for maintenance records showing regular oil changes. Sudden oil loss without a leak is a common complaint.
- Test drive at various speeds and listen for engine knocking or hesitation. Also, check if the steering feels loose or unresponsive, as steering complaints are frequent.
- During a test drive, pay attention to any stalling, hesitation, or sudden shutdowns, especially when accelerating or at highway speeds. This is a reported safety issue.
- Ask if the fuel pump or electrical system has been replaced or repaired. Complaints about the car dying and not restarting are common.
Before you buy
- Obtain a full vehicle history report and check for open recalls on the NHTSA website using the VIN.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine compression, oil condition, and electrical system diagnostics.
- Ask the seller for all maintenance records, especially oil change receipts, to see if the car was well cared for.
- Test drive the car for at least 20 minutes, including highway speeds, to check for stalling, hesitation, or warning lights.
- Verify that any outstanding recalls have been repaired by a dealership, and get documentation.
Year by year
Which model years to avoid
Complaints per model year for both vehicles — lower is better. The spikes are the years to scrutinize.
| Year | KIA Optima | KIA Forte |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 143 | 76 |
| 2019 | 205 | 147 |
| 2018 | 231 | 136 |
| 2017 | 255 | 303 |
| 2016 | 754 | 3 |
| 2015 | 1007 | 260 |
Check the actual car
Comparing models is smart. Checking the VIN is essential.
Brand averages tell you the trend. A VIN check tells you what's wrong with the specific KIA Optima or KIA Forte in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Optima vs KIA Forte
- KIA Optima total complaints
- 6,070
- KIA Forte total complaints
- 1,108
- KIA Optima total recalls
- 41
- KIA Forte total recalls
- 16
- KIA Optima avg complaints/year
- 607.0
- KIA Forte avg complaints/year
- 110.8
- More reliable overall
- KIA Forte
- KIA Optima top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA Forte top complaint area
- ENGINE