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Kia Optima: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain? (2001 - 2020)

Researched By The AutoPadre Research Team

Last Updated 2021-11-23

The 2.4L 4 cylinder Kia Optima engine from 2008 to 2020 has a timing chain and is interference while from 2001 to 2007 it has a timing belt and is also interference.

The 2.7L V6 Kia Optima engine from 2002 to 2010 has a timing belt and is interference.

The 2.0L Turbocharged 4 cylinder Kia Optima engine from 2011 to 2020 has a timing chain and is interference.

The 1.6L Turbocharged 4 cylinder Kia Optima engine from 2016 to 2020 has a timing chain and is interference.

The 2.5L V6 Kia Optima engine from 2001 has a timing belt and is interference.

Scroll down to see detailed timing belt data for your particular model year of the Kia Optima.

Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
YearEngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-Interference
2008 to 20202.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterference
2016 to 20201.6L Turbo 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterference
2011 to 20202.0L Turbo 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterference
2001 to 20072.4L 4 Cyl.Timing BeltInterference
2002 to 20102.7L V6Timing BeltInterference
20012.5L V6Timing BeltInterference

Note: Replacement intervals are broad recommendations and can be affected by age, weather conditions, running conditions etc. Check with the owner's manual/ manufacturer/ dealership.

Check out the Belt Or Chain specifications for other makes and models.

Jump To Model Year

2020's

2010's

2000's

2020 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2020 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2020 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.6L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2019 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2019 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2019 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.6L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2018 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2018 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2018 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.6L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2017 Kia Optima
2017 Kia Optima

2017 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2017 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2017 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.6L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2016 Kia Optima
2016 Kia Optima

2016 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2016 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2016 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
1.6L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2015 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2015 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2015 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2014 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2014 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2014 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2013 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2013 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2013 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2012 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2012 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2012 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2011 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

All 2011 Kia Optima engines have a timing chain and are interference.

2011 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.0L Turbocharged 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2010 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2010 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference.

2010 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2009 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2009 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2009 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2008 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2008 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2008 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2007 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2007 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2007 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2006 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2006 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2006 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2005 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2005 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2005 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2004 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2004 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2004 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2003 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2003 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2003 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2002 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.7L 2002 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2002 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.7L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime

2001 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

The 2.5L 2001 Kia Optima engine has a timing belt and the 2.4L has a timing chain. Both are interference

2001 Kia Optima Timing Belt Or Chain
EngineBelt Or ChainInterference or Non-InterferenceReplacement Interval (miles)
2.5L V6Timing BeltInterference60k
2.4L 4 Cyl.Timing ChainInterferenceLifetime
Kia Optima
Kia Optima

Timing Belt Basics

The primary purpose of the timing belt or timing chain is to maintain the timing (syncronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft(s).

A timing belt is made of a rubber compound while a timing chain is made of chain similiar to a bicycle chain.

A timing belt wears out over time and must be replaced at the manufacturer's specified interval. Timing belt failure can result in serious engine damage.

Although a timing chain will wear over time it is usually good for the lifetime of the engine but it should be routinely inspected.

Timing Belt Questions?

Belt Or Chain Model Comparisons

Kia Optima vs:

2021 Mazda 6

2023 Hyundai Sonata

2024 Subaru Legacy

2020 Ford Fusion

2024 Nissan Altima

2024 Toyota Camry

Kia Optima Belt Or Chain Comparisons By Year

2013 vs. 2001

2004 vs. 2019

2016 vs. 2003

2014 vs. 2015

2017 vs. 2020

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Other Kia Optima Specs

Maintenance Data

Colors

Battery Size

Oil Capacity

Wiper Size

Internal Dimensions

Cargo Space

Headroom

Legroom

Seating Capacity

External Dimensions

Ground Clearance

Length x Width x Height

Weight

Power and Hauling

Horsepower

Handling Data

Turning Radius

Steering Wheel Size

Tire Size

Financial Data

Depreciation

Fuel Efficiency

Gas Mileage

Gas Tank Size