Kia Optima reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Kia Optima is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 115 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 171 of 442, and 21.0% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is brake pads (3.8% of tests).
Ranked 171 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 11,304 Kia Optimas aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 21.0% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Kia Optima is 13% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
21.0%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
11,800
Typical age at test: 6 years
Kia Optima MOT failure rate by age
Most common Kia Optima MOT faults
- Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick3.8% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.7% of tests
- Wipers: does not clear the windscreen effectively1.6% of tests
- Condition: has a cut in excess of the requirements deep enough to reach the ply or cords1.4% of tests
- Track rod end: ball joint has excessive play1.1% of tests
What the Kia Optima fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7.9% | ▲ 1.5× as often |
| Tyres | 7.0% | About average |
| Lights and electrics | 3.9% | ▼ 51% less often |
| Visibility | 3.2% | ▼ 16% less often |
| Suspension | 2.4% | ▼ 57% less often |
| Steering | 1.9% | ▲ 1.6× as often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 1.4% | ▼ 43% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.6% | ▼ 66% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 14% less often |
| Wheels | 0.5% | ▲ 1.3× as often |
What MPG does the Kia Optima do?
Official economy for the Kia Optima ranges from 30.4 to 67.3mpg across the 63 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2021). A typical petrol version manages 30.7mpg and a typical diesel 61.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Kia Optima?
Any Kia Optima first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Optima registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carKia Optima specs and running costs
Official figures for 63 versions sold in the UK between 2012 and 2021.
Fuel types
Diesel, Petrol, Plug-in hybrid
Official economy
30.4–67.3 mpg
CO2
33–211 g/km
Power
136–238 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima Saloon 2 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual ISG136 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 54.3 mpg | 137g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon 3 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual ISG136 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 139g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon 3 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG136 PS · A7 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 53.3 mpg | 138g | £200 |
| Optima Sportwagon 2 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual ISG136 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 142g | £200 |
| Optima Sportwagon 3 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 6-speed manual ISG136 PS · M6 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 51.4 mpg | 143g | £200 |
| Optima Sportwagon 3 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG136 PS · A7 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 140g | £200 |
| Optima Sportwagon GT-Line S 1.6 CRDi 134bhp 7-speed auto DCT ISG136 PS · A7 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 142g | £200 |
| Optima Sportwagon GT 2.0 T-GDi 235bhp 6-speed auto238 PS · A6 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 30.4 mpg | 211g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon '2' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISGM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 67.3 mpg | 110g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon '3' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp DCT ISGDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 116g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon 'GT-Line S' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp DCT ISGDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 116g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon '3' 1.7 CRDi 139bhp ISGM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 67.3 mpg | 110g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon '2' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp ISGM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 117g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon '3' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp ISGM6 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 62.8 mpg | 118g | £200 |
| Optima Saloon '3' 1.6 CRDi 134bhp DCTDCT7 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 64.2 mpg | 117g | £200 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement. Showing the 15 most recent of 63 versions.
What a Kia Optima costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 30.7mpg…
- diesel, typical official 61.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Kia OptimaBuying a used Kia Optima?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Kia models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Kia Optima reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Kia Optima is 13% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 115 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Kia Optima?
The most common MOT fault is “Brake pads: less than 1.5 mm thick”, found in 3.8% of tests. It fails on steering and brakes more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Kia Optima do?
Official economy for the Kia Optima ranges from 30.4 to 67.3mpg across the 63 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2021). A typical petrol version manages 30.7mpg and a typical diesel 61.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Kia Optima?
Any Kia Optima first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Kia Optima registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £20 to £445 a year.
›How many Kia Optimas fail their MOT?
21.0% of Kia Optimas aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Kia Optima combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.