MODEL
Kia Optima
NHTSA safety across every Kia Optima model year we cover.
Across the 2 model years of the Kia Optima we cover (2019 to 2020), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2020 at 94 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 89. 1 recall have been issued across those years.
The Kia Optima is a midsize family sedan that competed squarely against the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord in one of the most contested segments in the American market. Aimed at value-conscious buyers who want a refined, feature-rich commuter without a premium price tag, the 2019 and 2020 Optima rounds out Kia's lineup as a practical, four-door choice for individuals and families alike.
At MotorCaliber, we focus on one thing: how safe is this car? For the 2019 and 2020 Kia Optima, the headline answer is reassuring. The 2020 model earns a 94 out of 100 on our NHTSA Safety Index, placing it in the Exceptional band, and the covered model years demonstrate consistently strong crash-test results. The best-year figures show a perfect five stars across frontal, side, and rollover testing, which is about as clean a scorecard as a sedan can produce. That kind of across-the-board performance is not common, and shoppers should take it seriously. On the recall front, these two model years carry just one recall combined, which is a notably low figure for a mainstream sedan covering two production years. That restraint suggests Kia identified and addressed issues without the kind of cascading campaign activity that can signal deeper engineering problems. Owner complaints tell a more cautious story. Across the covered years, NHTSA logged 334 total complaints, including 26 alleged crashes, 8 fire-related reports, and 20 injury claims. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed incidents, but the fire-related figure in particular warrants attention during a pre-purchase inspection. Buyers should verify whether the single recall has been completed on any used example. Bottom line: the Optima's crash-test pedigree is genuinely excellent, and the low recall count is a real positive. The complaint volume deserves scrutiny, but the core safety architecture here is solid.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Kia Optima as a competitive and well-rounded midsize sedan that punches above its price point. Most praise its composed road manners, spacious cabin, and strong value proposition. The consensus tends to position it as a credible alternative to segment leaders, though some reviewers note that rivals edge it out in driving engagement or interior premium feel.
- The 2020 Kia Optima achieves a 94 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index score, rated Exceptional, with five-star results in frontal, side, and rollover crash testing across the best covered year.
- Only one recall was issued across the 2019 and 2020 model years combined, which is a low figure for a mainstream midsize sedan. Always confirm with a VIN lookup that any outstanding recall work has been completed before purchase.
- NHTSA received 334 owner complaints across these model years, including 8 fire-related allegations. These are unverified reports, but the fire category warrants a careful inspection of the engine bay and wiring on any used example.
- With 26 alleged crashes and 20 injury claims in the complaint record, shoppers considering a used Optima from these years should pull the full NHTSA complaint history for the specific model year and cross-reference it against the vehicle's service records.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Kia Optima with 1 recalls.