Skip to main content
Check

Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) (2012-2015) reliability

At a glance

Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) built around 2015: more fails still not passed 3 days later

Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) models built around 2015 fail an MOT and still haven’t passed 3 days later more often than similar cars the same age. Look closely at the tyres on any car you view.

Looking at a Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Key figure

8.0% of MOT tests on Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) models built around 2015 failed and still hadn’t passed 3 days later. For similar cars the same age, it was 4.0%.

Most common issue

The most common MOT issue on Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) models built around 2015 involves the tyres.

No reliability rating: not enough tests to rate2012-2015SaloonDIESEL

Based on 2,734 tests of Optima models registered 2012-2015.

About 1 in 12 Optima Mk3 (TF) MOTs (8%) failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. That's for cars built around 2015 (10 years old), all fuels combined.

Based on 772 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 6.3% and 10.2%. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted. Nor is a fail with no later MOT on record.

About 1 in 12 Optima Mk3 (TF) MOTs (7.5%) found at least one dangerous defect. These are cars built around 2015 (10 years old).

Based on 772 tests (DVSA MOT results, 2025), a small sample, so the figure is likely between 5.9% and 9.6%. Dangerous is the most serious grade an MOT gives: a direct risk to road safety.

Mk3 (TF) fail rate by age

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateUK average for cars this age
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
33221.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
77223.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
57624.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
58527.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
46930.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs. Highest fail rate at 13 years old.

How the Optima Mk3 (TF) compares

At each age below, see how the Optima Mk3 (TF) holds up against other cars the same age. The averages combine all fuel types.

Based on 92,497 tests across 10 Kia models, built around 2015 (10 years old).

Below typicalAbove typicalHigh (28% or more)Highest fail rateKia average
Age / builtFail rateMOT tests
9 yearsbuilt around 2016
33221.7%
10 yearsbuilt around 2015
77223.8%
11 yearsbuilt around 2014
57624.6%
12 yearsbuilt around 2013
58527.2%
13 yearsbuilt around 2012
46930.7%

Fail rate is the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests. How we count fail rates Build years are worked out from age, so they are approximate. Tests counted are 2025 MOTs.

What to check before viewing

The model's most common MOT issues, turned into things you can ask about or look for.

Brake discs

High priority

Ask for the date and mileage of the last disc replacement; visually check for a deep wear lip and rust pitting on each disc.

Brake pipes and hoses

High priority

Look under the car for corrosion or chafing on the rigid brake pipes near the rear axle.

Tyres

Worth checking

Check tread depth across the full width on all four; uneven wear suggests alignment or suspension issues.

Suspension bushes and joints

Worth checking

Listen for knocks over speed bumps and ask about recent control-arm or anti-roll-bar work.

Vehicle-specific check

Worth checking

Check the car’s number plate on MOT Wise to see its own MOT history and any recalls for its build years.

Other saloons to compare

Other saloons, with each one's figures taken at the same age as the Optima Mk3 (TF).

  1. 1

    Toyota Avensis

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.8%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.7%
    Dangerous
    5.2%
    Still registered at 10 years
    72.2%

    Lower fail rate: 20.8%, against 23.8% for the Kia Optima Mk3 (TF), both built around 2015.

    4 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    3,927 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  2. 2

    Volkswagen Passat

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    20.6%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    3.8%
    Dangerous
    6.7%
    Still registered at 10 years
    83.2%

    Lower fail rate: 20.6%, against 23.8% for the Kia Optima Mk3 (TF), both built around 2015.

    10 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    18,188 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  3. 3

    Mercedes-Benz CLA

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    21.5%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    4.6%
    Dangerous
    7.1%
    Still registered at 10 years
    88.2%

    Lower fail rate: 21.5%, against 23.8% for the Kia Optima Mk3 (TF), both built around 2015.

    8 critical recall campaigns matching this model/build period.

    7,322 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

  4. 4

    Volkswagen CC

    Same body type, tested at the same age

    Fail rate
    22.7%
    Fail, no pass in 3 days
    5.7%
    Dangerous
    7.5%
    Still registered at 10 years
    75.9%

    No clear edge over the Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) on these figures.

    4,247 MOT tests on cars built around 2015

Fail rate
= the share of MOT tests that ended in a fail. Retests count as tests.
Fail, no pass in 3 days
= the share of MOT tests that failed and still hadn't passed 3 days later. A fail that passed a retest within 3 days, even the same day, isn't counted.
Dangerous
= the share of MOT tests where the tester marked a fault as dangerous. It is against the law to drive the car until it is fixed.
Still registered at 10 years
= the share of cars still registered (taxed or declared off the road) 10 years after they were first registered.

How many are still registered

83%of all Kia Optima cars first registered in 2014 to 2015 were still registered 10 years later. This is the whole model, not only this generation.

UK average for cars first registered in 2014 to 2015: 92% · Fewer than typical

The share still registered can reflect demand, the cost of repairs, exports, write-offs and how owners use the car. It isn't proof of how long the car lasts mechanically.

Source: DfT vehicle licensing statistics (VEH0124).

Recall context

6 recalls in all

3 of the 6 Optima Mk3 (TF) recalls cover cars built in these years.

  • 1 Critical
  • 2 more

Top concerns

  • Kia HECU fuse replacement
  • Certain engines may have been produced with conditions that can cause premature wear of the connecting rod bearings
  • High voltage battery system may malfunction and cause a sudden loss of power

For the exact car, check GOV.UK's recall checker with the number plate.

How Optima Mk3 (TF) cars have aged

How Optima Mk3 (TF) cars have aged

How fail rates have changed as these cars got older. Each line follows cars first registered in about the same year across several years of MOT data. Not a prediction for any one car.

0%10%20%30%678910111213Age at MOTBuilt around 2015, 6 years old at the time of MOT: 16.0% (463 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2015, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 19.2% (459 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2015, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 21.5% (460 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2015, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 21.6% (435 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2015, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 22.3% (422 tests, 2025 data)2015Built around 2014, 7 years old at the time of MOT: 20.0% (501 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2014, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 24.2% (495 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2014, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 23.3% (442 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2014, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 25.4% (452 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2014, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.3% (400 tests, 2025 data)2014Built around 2013, 8 years old at the time of MOT: 22.1% (285 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2013, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 26.0% (304 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2013, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 23.9% (280 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2013, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 24.0% (254 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2013, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 25.0% (240 tests, 2025 data)2013Built around 2012, 9 years old at the time of MOT: 27.1% (632 tests, 2021 data)Built around 2012, 10 years old at the time of MOT: 27.9% (603 tests, 2022 data)Built around 2012, 11 years old at the time of MOT: 29.4% (598 tests, 2023 data)Built around 2012, 12 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (566 tests, 2024 data)Built around 2012, 13 years old at the time of MOT: 30.7% (469 tests, 2025 data)2012
First registered around 2015First registered around 2014First registered around 2013First registered around 2012
Mk3 (TF) variants compared
All generations of this modelNot much data

Most common issues on Kia Optimas of this age

This list covers every Kia Optima built around 2015, whichever generation it is. We don't have a defect list for the Mk3 (TF) on its own.

Most common advisories and fails

In order of the share of MOT tests that recorded each one

  1. 1
    Advisory

    Tyre worn close to the legal limit or worn on the edge

    21.0%
    Advisory: 240Fail: 18 (7% of the times it was found)
  2. 2
    Advisory

    Tyre slightly damaged, cracking or perishing

    11.0%
    Advisory: 96Fail: 26 (21% of the times it was found)
  3. 3
    Advisory

    Suspension arm pin or bush worn, but not moving too much

    10.1%
    Advisory: 100Fail: 22 (18% of the times it was found)
  4. 4
    Advisory

    Brake pads wearing thin

    10.1%
    Advisory: 81Fail: 17 (17% of the times it was found)
  5. 5
    Advisory

    Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened

    9.7%
    Advisory: 101Fail: 2 (2% of the times it was found)

Based on 772 tests

Looking at a Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) right now?

Enter its number plate to see its full MOT history, risk rating and running costs.

Frequently asked questions

Built around 2015 (10 years old), the Kia Optima Mk3 (TF) (2012-2015) fails MOTs at about the rate typical for this age. This is based on 772 10-year-old MOT tests from DVSA data. Each retest counts as a test.

*The build year is worked out from the date a car was first used on UK roads. For most cars this matches when it was registered, but imports may differ by a few months.

Data sourced from DVSA MOT History API. From 2,734 MOT tests on Kia Optimas first registered between 2012-2015. These figures are a guide, not a guarantee.