2009 Kia Optima vs 2009 Subaru Impreza
Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.
2009 Kia Optima
2009 Subaru Impreza
Stories from the shop
These come from different vehicle segments, which means we're not declaring a winner here. The 2009 Kia Optima scores 3.9; the 2009 Subaru Impreza scores 3.9. Different testing populations, different driving patterns, different categories of failure. Use the data below to understand what each one is good at and what each one breaks.
If you lean 2009 Kia Optima, know what you're getting into on powertrain and airbags. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2009 Subaru Impreza sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.
Going with the 2009 Subaru Impreza? Watch the engine and body. The 2009 Kia Optima has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.
On the dollars-and-cents side, total repair exposure across the top problem areas runs 1.2x higher on the 2009 Subaru Impreza. That's the number to keep in mind when you're pricing the deal — a $2,000 difference in purchase price disappears the first time you're staring at a transmission rebuild.
Bottom line: these are different categories of vehicle. Pick based on what you actually need it for. We're showing the reliability data so you can factor in long-term ownership cost, not pick a winner.
Side-by-side by problem area
Common questions
Which is more reliable, the 2009 Kia Optima or the 2009 Subaru Impreza?
It's close to a tie. Both vehicles score within 0.2 points on our reliability index (3.9 vs 3.9). At this margin, either choice is defensible — base your decision on the specific failure modes that matter to you.
What goes wrong more often on the 2009 Kia Optima?
Compared to the 2009 Subaru Impreza, the 2009 Kia Optima sees more reported issues in powertrain and airbags. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.
What goes wrong more often on the 2009 Subaru Impreza?
Compared to the 2009 Kia Optima, the 2009 Subaru Impreza has more complaints in engine and body. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.
Which has more recalls?
Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.
Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?
Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $11,650 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.