MODEL
Kia Optima Plug-In Safety
NHTSA safety across every Kia Optima Plug-In model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Kia Optima Plug-In we cover (2019 to 2020), no year has an NHTSA crash-test score on record. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Kia Optima Plug-In is a midsize plug-in hybrid sedan aimed at commuters and eco-conscious family buyers who want a practical, fuel-efficient car without fully committing to a battery-electric vehicle. Slotting into the competitive midsize sedan segment, it blends a conventional trunk-back silhouette with an electrified powertrain, appealing to shoppers who prioritize efficiency alongside everyday usability.
The 2019 to 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In presents a safety profile with significant data gaps and concerning owner complaints. Federal crash testing was not conducted for these model years, meaning no star ratings are available from NHTSA. This absence of independent crash data leaves a crucial unknown regarding structural protection. Owner complaints, however, are numerous and specific. NHTSA recorded 334 total complaints for this model across the two years. These include 26 reported crashes, 8 reported fires, and 20 reported injuries. The eight reported fires are particularly noteworthy for a plug-in hybrid, suggesting potential issues within the battery or charging systems that demand attention, even as unverified allegations. A single recall was issued for these model years, which does not mitigate the volume of owner reports. The combination of missing crash-test information and a substantial number of complaints, especially those involving fires, indicates that prospective owners should exercise extensive caution.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally find the Optima Plug-In to be a comfortable, reasonably refined midsize sedan with a smooth ride and an accessible cabin layout. They tend to appreciate the practicality of its plug-in hybrid setup for daily commuting, though some note that interior materials feel closer to mainstream than premium, and driving dynamics are considered adequate rather than engaging.
- NHTSA did not crash-test the 2019 to 2020 Kia Optima Plug-In, so there are no federal star ratings available to help evaluate occupant protection in a collision.
- Owner complaints across these two model years total 334, including 8 reported fire allegations. For a plug-in hybrid, fire reports are a particularly important signal and shoppers should check whether any open investigations or service actions apply to a specific vehicle.
- Twenty reported injuries appear in the NHTSA complaint database for this model across the covered years. While these are unverified allegations, the combined count of crashes, fires, and injuries represents a complaint profile that warrants careful review of the full complaint records before purchase.
- Only one recall was issued across the 2019 to 2020 model years. Any used example should be checked against the NHTSA recall database using its VIN to confirm that recall work has been completed.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Kia Optima Plug-In with 1 recalls.