Selling a junk or non-running Kia Optima

If yours has a dead engine, a recall nobody fixed, or an estimate that dwarfs its value, you can sell the whole car as it sits. We buy whole non-running and junk cars, and pickup is free anywhere in the US.

What went wrong in each Optima generation

The Optima counts come from owner complaints in NHTSA's database as of October 10, 2026. A 2019 Optima has been driven for a lot fewer years than a 2009, so it has had less chance to pick them up. A recall's vehicle figure is the whole campaign's, and some campaigns include other Kias.

2001-2005: latches, air bags and a suspension recall

The first Optima was related to the Hyundai Sonata. Wikipedia lists 1.8 and 2.0 four-cylinder engines and a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or CVT. These five years have 760 complaints. Door latches, locks and linkages top the list on the 2003 (43), 2004 (67) and 2005 (54).

Three recalls stand out. 09V183 repaired the front suspension on 36,538 2001-2004 Optimas first sold, or now registered, in states named in the campaign, among them Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois and Indiana. 04V180 added a fuel tank valve to 2002-2003 cars because the original might not close, which could spill fuel in a rollover. 01V156 re-routed a side air bag wire that the 2001's seat tilt mechanism could pinch.

2006-2010: the air bag years

Peter Schreyer designed the second generation, with engines up to a 2.4 four. The five years have 657 complaints. Air bags top the 2006 (42), 2007 (61), 2008 (53) and 2009 (27). The 2008's 144 complaints report 8 deaths and 22 injuries.

Under recall 12V014, dealers swapped the air bag clock spring contact assembly in 2006-2008 Optimas, and 2007-2008 Rondos; 145,755 vehicles in all. Recall 11V153 checked 70,115 2006-2008 Optimas for a shift cable that may have been installed wrong.

2011-2015: engines, steering and fire

This is the generation that drives the totals. Wikipedia lists a 2.0 Nu, a 2.0 Theta II and a 2.0 Theta II turbo, with 6-speed manual or automatic. Engine complaints add up to 1,927 over these five years. Steering is second on the 2011 through 2014 (86, 168, 171 and 84). Complaints that mention a fire total 353.

The recall list is long:

• 17V224: on certain 2011-2014 Optimas, machining errors can make the engine bearings wear out early. Engines get inspected and, if needed, replaced. 618,160 vehicles, shared with the Sorento and Sportage.
• 20V100 and 22V093: on 2013-2014 Optimas with the 2.4 GDI or 2.0 turbo, heat can crack the low pressure fuel hose. The second campaign went back to cars already fixed under the first. 141,774 and 72,848 vehicles, all Optimas.
• 22V560: headliner plates on 2012-2013 Optimas may come loose when a curtain air bag deploys. 257,998 vehicles.
• 20V519 and 21V331: a leak of brake fluid within the 2013-2015 car's HECU can cause a short; both carry a park-outside warning. Each campaign counts 440,370 vehicles with the Sorento.
• 18V363: in a collision, the 2011-2013 Optima's air bag control unit could short out, per a 507,587-vehicle campaign with the Forte and Sedona.
• 20V750: engine compartment fire on 2011-2013 Optima Hybrids, in a campaign with four other Kia lines.

2016-2020: fewer complaints, still mostly engine

The fourth generation offered a 1.6 turbo, a 2.0 and a 2.0 turbo, including a 7-speed dual-clutch, and some were built in West Point, Georgia. These years have 1,670 complaints, and 830 name the engine. Recall 16V705 replaced a front axle driveshaft that may crack on 12,214 2016 Optimas with the 2.4. Recall 23V594 covers trunk latches that may crack on 2016-2018 Optimas, and 2016-2017 Rios.

Complaints and recalls by model year

Each Optima year shows the campaigns listed for it in the recall column. Since many span several years, the total is not 24.

Fix the Optima or sell it?

1. Engine knock or a seized engine on a 2011-2014? Run the VIN at NHTSA's recall lookup and ask a Kia dealer about 17V224. Its listed remedy includes a replacement engine if necessary.
2. Fuel smell on a 2013-2014? Ask about 20V100 and 22V093 before anything else.
3. Steering trouble on a 2011-2014? No recall on our list deals with steering for these years. Run the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls, then have a shop find the cause and give you a quote.
4. No recall left to help? Weigh the quote against what a running Optima of that year brings. Stuck with an Optima like this? Optima engine gone? Read the blown engine guide first, then when an Optima repair outweighs the car.

Selling an Optima whole

1. Say which Optima it is: gas, turbo, Hybrid or Plug-in Hybrid. A dead hybrid pack is covered in hybrid battery failed, and a turbo 2.0 that quit in failed turbo.
2. Mention any engine swap. If Kia already replaced the engine under 17V224, say so.
3. Get an offer online, or call (877) 421-6008. Tell us whether the sedan rolls and where it sits, so the truck can load it.
4. Leave it whole, with the catalytic converter and wheels on. Tell us up front about anything already gone.
5. At pickup, have your ID and the title with you. What happens to the Optima's plates is up to your state; see after you sell.

Looking at other Kia sedans? See the Forte, K5 and Cadenza, or every Kia.