The NCT record
Kia Optima
Saloon. Measured from 9,394 NCT tests in Ireland.
Reliability · measured from test data
Reliability: Below average
More faults than most cars its age. Only buy after a thorough inspection, and budget for repairs.
NCT pass rate: 43% (Below average for its age)
43 in 100 pass the NCT first time at ten years old. Mechanical faults: 1.23× the average car of the same age.
Version research
Known problems for this version
Based on published reliability sources and recall notices, not NCT data. Answer what you know and the verdict gets firmer.
Checking published reliability sources…
How it holds up with age
More than half still pass first time up to 8 years old — a 2018 or newer is the oldest we would suggest.
| Year | Age | Passes first time | Average car |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4 | 76% | 82% |
| 2021 | 5 | 74% | 76% |
| 2020 | 6 | 72% | 75% |
| 2019 | 7 | 62% | 67% |
| 2018 | 8 | 59% | 64% |
| 2017 | 9 | 47% | 57% |
| 2016 | 10 | 41% | 53% |
| 2015 | 11 | 36% | 50% |
| 2014 | 12 | 31% | 46% |
| 2013 | 13 | 28% | 42% |
What tends to fail on it
Brake performance
braking imbalance side to side, sticking calipers, fluid condition
€100–400 for pads, or a seized caliper — up to €680 at worst.
Braking equipment
pad and disc wear, corroded brake lines, handbrake travel
€100–400 for pads and discs — up to €680 at worst.
Wheel alignment (side-slip)
wheel alignment, steering pulling, uneven front tyre wear
€40–70 for alignment, or the worn part causing it — up to €400 at worst.
Wheels & tyres
tread depth across the width, uneven wear, tyre age, alloy damage
€65–150 for tyres, per corner — up to €600 at worst.
What the repairs cost
€75–145 in NCT-related repairs is typical for a car this age. It is a figure for comparing models, not a quote.
Irish garage prices for the common jobs are on the repair costs page.
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Other saloon options
- BToyota Corolla(Above average)
- CVolkswagen Passat(About average)
- CToyota Avensis(About average)
- CAudi A4(About average)
- DFord Mondeo(Below average)
- CBMW 520(About average)
Other Kia models
- DKia Sportage(Below average)
- DKia Ceed(Below average)
- CKia Rio(About average)
- CKia Picanto(About average)
- EKia Sorento(Well below average)
- DKia Pro Ceed(Below average)
See every model we have measured
Where these figures come from
Test and failure figures: National Car Test statistics published by the Road Safety Authority and the National Car Testing Service, 12.5 million tests, 2015 and 2017–2025. Repair prices: Irish garage quotes and The AA Ireland servicing guides, reviewed September 2026 — see our repair cost guide. Motor tax bands: motortax.ie.
Based on published NCT results and typical Irish repair prices for this model and age. It reflects the condition of cars presented for test, not manufacturer build quality, and cannot tell you about a specific vehicle's history. Repair figures are estimates, not quotes.