FaultScore

KIA Optima Hybrid vs Mazda RX-8

Both cars' complete complaint records, side by side.

Read the totals carefully. NHTSA publishes no sales figures, so the car that sold more collects more complaints regardless of quality. The rows worth weighing are the proportions — the share of complaints that involved harm, and which part dominates.

Measure KIA Optima Hybrid Mazda RX-8
Complaints on file 406 1,004
Model years covered 2011–2020 2004–2011
Worst model year 2012 2004
Best model year 2015 2008
Crashes reported 31 35
Fires reported 21 17
Injuries reported 18 30
Deaths reported 0 0
Most complained-about part Engine & Cooling Transmission & Drivetrain
Share of complaints involving harm 17.2% 8.2%

KIA Optima Hybrid by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks

Engine & Cooling 150 36.9%
Brakes 35 8.6%
Steering 20 4.9%
Acceleration & Cruise Control 17 4.2%
Fuel & Propulsion 15 3.7%

Mazda RX-8 by year

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks