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

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.

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

2020 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2019 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2018 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2017 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2016 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2015 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2014 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2013 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2012 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

2011 Kia Optima - Timing Belt Or Chain

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.