CarOutlay

2013 Kia Optima vs 2015 Kia Optima

Same-model NHTSA complaint comparison: raw complaints, recalls, top component families, and reported harm mentions.

Pending review: this curated compare page is generated from two real NHTSA rows and excluded from the sitemap until sampled. Data through 2026; reviewed June 2026.

2013 Kia Optima

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
1,870
rank #108 of 4,194
Recalls
9
campaigns on record
Top component
Engine
609 complaints (33%)
Reported harm
76 crashes / 55 injuries
7 deaths; 167 fires

2015 Kia Optima

Full vehicle record
NHTSA source
Complaints
1,385
rank #205 of 4,194
Recalls
4
campaigns on record
Top component
Engine
615 complaints (44%)
Reported harm
56 crashes / 42 injuries
1 deaths; 113 fires

Largest differences in this pair

Complaint gap

485

2015 Kia Optima has the lower raw complaint count

Recall gap

5

2015 Kia Optima vs 2013 Kia Optima

Top component overlap

Same family

Engine vs Engine

2013 Kia Optima problem mix

  • ENGINE 609
  • STEERING 210
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 184
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 142
  • STRUCTURE:BODY 118

2015 Kia Optima problem mix

  • ENGINE 615
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 138
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 125
  • STRUCTURE:BODY 74
  • STEERING 68

Frequently asked questions

Which has fewer NHTSA complaints, the 2013 Kia Optima or 2015 Kia Optima?

2015 Kia Optima has fewer raw NHTSA consumer complaints in this dataset (1,385 vs 1,870). This is not a defect rate and is not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Does this mean the 2015 Kia Optima is more reliable?

No. These are unverified consumer reports and recall campaigns, not production-normalized reliability scores. Use the comparison as one research signal and check a specific vehicle's history before buying.

These are unverified consumer reports and manufacturer recalls filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration — not validated defect rates, and not adjusted for how many units were produced or sold. High-volume and older vehicles naturally accumulate more complaints. Use this as one research signal, not a verdict on any individual vehicle, and not financial, safety, or purchasing advice. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (public domain).