Kia Optima vs Toyota Camry
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Camry has 15.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 47.2 for the Kia Optima. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2021), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Kia Optima
47.2 complaints per 10,000 sold
3.1× the Toyota Camry’s rate
- Complaints
- 6,754
- Sold
- 1,431,194
- Recall campaigns
- 18
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2011, 2013 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2017–2019 and 2021. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings)
Typically around 100,000 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 88,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 89,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 80,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 62,800 mi
Toyota Camry
15.1 complaints per 10,000 sold
68% fewer than the Kia Optima
- Complaints
- 9,859
- Sold
- 6,516,047
- Recall campaigns
- 34
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 1
Most complaints: 2007–2009 and 2018. Fewest: 2006 and 2016–2017. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Stalling and no-start
Typically around 37,700 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 70,377 mi
-
Oil consumption and leaks
Typically around 98,191 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 30,000 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Kia Optima or the Toyota Camry?
For 2005–2021 models, the Toyota Camry has 15.1 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Kia Optima has 47.2, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Kia Optima?
The most-reported problem on the Kia Optima is internal engine (bearings, pistons, rings), typically around 100,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Toyota Camry?
The most-reported problem on the Toyota Camry is doors, windows, latches, seats and trim, typically around 64,000 miles.
Which Kia Optima and Toyota Camry years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Kia Optima: 2011, 2013 and 2015–2016; Toyota Camry: 2007–2009 and 2018.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.