Head-to-head reliability
KIA Optima vs KIA Sorento
How the KIA Optima and KIA Sorento 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 Sorento: The Optima has 6041 complaints over 10 years, while the Sorento has 791. Engine issues are common in both, but the Optima's oil consumption and failures are more frequent. The Sorento also has transmission problems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints.
The picture
Is the KIA Optima or KIA Sorento more reliable?
A plain-English read on what the NHTSA record says about living with each vehicle.
KIA Optima
The KIA Optima, a midsize sedan, shows a heavy reliability burden in NHTSA data, with over 6,000 complaints in a decade. The dominant issue is engine trouble, often involving oil loss, knocking, and power loss, which can leave owners stranded. This pattern suggests that while the Optima may offer a comfortable ride, its engine reliability is a significant concern for long-term ownership.
KIA Sorento
The KIA Sorento, a midsize SUV, has far fewer complaints (791) and recalls (6) than the Optima, but still shows notable engine and transmission issues. Owners report oil consumption, misfires, and transmission failures, sometimes requiring replacements. The Sorento also has electrical gremlins like sunroof and camera problems, but overall, it appears to be a more reliable choice than the Optima.
The numbers
Side-by-side NHTSA record
Lower is better in every category. The highlighted cell is the stronger result.
| Category | KIA Optima | KIA Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| Total complaintsAll model years combined | 6,041 | 791 Better |
| Safety recallsFederal recall campaigns | 41 | 6 Better |
| Crash reportsCrash-related complaints | 212 | 31 Better |
| Complaints per yearAveraged across model years | 604.1 | 79.1 Better |
| Reported injuriesTied to owner complaints | 189 | 34 Better |
| Reported deathsTied to owner complaints | 9 | 1 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
- 01ENGINE3,051
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER782
- 03STEERING717
- 04ELECTRICAL SYSTEM713
- 05SERVICE BRAKES451
Owners report severe oil consumption (e.g., 2 quarts per 1,000 miles), leading to knocking, loss of power, and engine failure. Some have had engines replaced, and there are reports of smoke and undriveable conditions.
Complaints include transmission hard-shifting after a software update, and general drivability issues that are not easily categorized, adding to the uncertainty of ownership.
While specific details are limited, steering complaints are frequent, suggesting potential issues with steering components that could affect control and safety.
Electrical problems are common, though specific symptoms are not detailed in the sample. This could include issues with infotainment, sensors, or other electronic components.
“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 Sorento
- 01ENGINE285
- 02UNKNOWN OR OTHER175
- 03ELECTRICAL SYSTEM134
- 04POWER TRAIN81
- 05STRUCTURE69
Owners report oil consumption (about a liter every 1,000 miles), misfires, and internal damage like head gasket and piston failures. Some have had to be towed long distances due to breakdowns.
Sunroof malfunctions are reported, where the sunroof closes slowly or fails, which could be a safety hazard if it jams. There are also unusual reports of drowsiness while driving, though not clearly linked to a defect.
Electrical issues include sunroof problems and infotainment camera failures, where the backup camera shows 'No Signal' intermittently, affecting visibility and safety.
Transmission problems are significant, with reports of hesitation, hard shifting, and even complete failures requiring replacement. One owner had two transmissions fail within 16,000 miles.
“2018 Kia Sorento, under 88,000 miles, with Theta II engine defect. KSDS update installed. Oil consumption issues requiring adding at least one liter of oil every 1,000 miles in between regular oil changes/ maintenance. Oil warning lamp does not illuminate at…”
“My car for the last 2 years has had multiple malfunctions with misfiring and replacement of head gaskets, pistons and more. Not to mention consistence oil concerns. On two occasions my family and I had to have the vehicle towed home over 200 miles because the…”
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 Sorento — 6 recalls
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024 Sorento vehicles. The motor driven power steering (MDPS) wiring harness may be incorrectly assembled, which can result in a loss of power steering assist.
The risk: A loss of power steering assist increases the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will inspect and repair, or replace the MDPS wiring harness as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 7, 2024. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall i…
The defect: Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2024-2025 Sorento, 2025 Sorento Hybrid, and 2025 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. A software error in the Body Domain Control Unit (BDC) may cause a loss of low beam headlights and taillights. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements…
The risk: A loss of headlights and taillights can reduce visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will update the BDC software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 21, 2025. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC331.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The cowl crossbar that connects to the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) steering column may be improperly welded, allowing the steering column to separate.
The risk: If the steering column separates, it can cause a loss of steering ability, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the cowl crossbar, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC167.
The defect: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2018 Kia Sorento vehicles. The side curtain air bags on these vehicles have a component that may detach during deployment of the inflatable curtain air bag.
The risk: If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
The fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver and passenger side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall…
Buyer analysis
KIA Optima or KIA Sorento: which should you buy?
The KIA Sorento has significantly fewer complaints per year (79.1 vs 604.1) and fewer recalls, indicating a lower rate of reported issues. In practice, this means Sorento owners are less likely to face major engine or transmission problems, though both vehicles have known issues that require attention.
Key differences
- The Optima has over 7 times more complaints per year than the Sorento, indicating a much higher rate of reported problems.
- Engine issues dominate the Optima's complaints, with severe oil consumption and failures, while the Sorento also has engine issues but less frequently.
- The Sorento has transmission failures that require replacement, but the Optima's transmission issues are less prominent in the data.
- Electrical problems are common in both, but the Sorento's sunroof and camera issues are specific and potentially safety-related.
- Check for engine oil consumption: ask for service records and look for signs of oil burning or leaks. Listen for knocking or ticking sounds during a test drive.
- Inspect the transmission behavior, especially after any software updates, for hard shifts or hesitation.
- Test the sunroof operation multiple times to ensure it opens and closes smoothly without sticking.
- Check the backup camera for consistent operation, as intermittent failures are reported.
Before you buy
- Obtain a vehicle history report and check for any open recalls; ensure all recalls have been performed.
- Have a trusted mechanic perform a pre-purchase inspection, focusing on engine oil consumption and transmission health.
- Test drive both vehicles on highways and city streets to feel for any hesitation, hard shifts, or unusual noises.
- Ask for maintenance records, especially oil change intervals and any engine or transmission repairs.
- Check the sunroof and all electrical features, including the backup camera, during the test drive.
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 Sorento |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 137 | 0 |
| 2019 | 204 | 418 |
| 2018 | 230 | 248 |
| 2017 | 252 | 0 |
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 Sorento in front of you — accident history, open recalls and title records.
Go deeper
Full reliability reports
- Comparison
- KIA Optima vs KIA Sorento
- KIA Optima total complaints
- 6,041
- KIA Sorento total complaints
- 791
- KIA Optima total recalls
- 41
- KIA Sorento total recalls
- 6
- KIA Optima avg complaints/year
- 604.1
- KIA Sorento avg complaints/year
- 79.1
- More reliable overall
- KIA Sorento
- KIA Optima top complaint area
- ENGINE
- KIA Sorento top complaint area
- ENGINE