Kia Optima

Reliability, estimated running costs, and MOT data across 10 model years from 20,776 MOT tests in 2024.

Avg Pass Rate

83%

Total Tests

20,776

Highest Pass Rate

2020 (91%)

Years Covered

About the Kia Optima

The Kia Optima was MOT tested 20,776 times in 2024 (DVSA data, retests included) across 10 model years (2011 to 2020), with an average pass rate of 83%. That's slightly above the average of 82% across all models in our data. Our records list hybrid and diesel versions.

Best and Worst Years

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 model has the highest pass rate at 91% from 241 tests. The 2012 model has the lowest at 74%. With a 17 point gap, the year you choose makes a real difference. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger.

Reliability Trend

Newer Kia Optimas pass their MOT more often than older ones, by 9 percentage points on average, which is mostly down to age and wear.

Mileage Across Years

The oldest model in our data (2011) averages 105,766 miles, while the newest (2020) averages 57,554 miles. Older models have covered serious mileage, so suspension and drivetrain wear are worth checking.

Estimated Running Costs

Fuel (Diesel, 1598cc)

£1,219

Road Tax

£200

MOT Test

£55

Predicted Repairs

£200

Total per year£1,674

Per month£140/mo

Based on 7,400 miles/year, average pump prices of 174.57p petrol and 199.33p diesel (GOV.UK weekly road fuel prices, week of 19 October 2026), and MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.

Full 2020 details

How reliable is the Kia Optima?

vs average of all models+1% (82% avg)

vs Kia brand average-3% (86% avg)

Best to worst year spread17 percentage points

Reliability trendImproving over years

Kia Optima by Year

Click any year to see detailed running costs, reliability data, and comparisons with similar cars.

Year	Pass Rate	Tests	Avg Mileage
2020	91%	241	57,554 mi
2019	89%	3,111	60,554 mi
2018	88%	4,827	70,738 mi
2017	87%	5,853	79,204 mi
2016	87%	2,187	78,458 mi
2015	84%	1,258	81,466 mi
2014	78%	1,178	91,247 mi
2013	80%	618	99,105 mi
2012	74%	1,452	100,410 mi
2011	76%	51	105,766 mi

Questions about the Kia Optima

Is the Kia Optima reliable?

Across its 10 model years in our data (2011 to 2020), the Kia Optima averages an 83% MOT pass rate, from 20,776 tests (DVSA MOT data for tests in 2024, retests included). That's 1 point above the average of 82% across all models in the same data. The 2020 model has the highest pass rate of the years with at least 100 tests, at 91%.

Which year Kia Optima has the best MOT pass rate?

Of the years with at least 100 tests, the 2020 Kia Optima has the highest MOT pass rate at 91%, while the 2012 model has the lowest at 74%, a 17 point gap. Newer cars usually pass more often simply because they are younger, so compare years of a similar age.