Walker 53981 Exhaust Muffler Assembly - Right
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Walker
 Quiet-Flow SS

Walker 53981 Exhaust Muffler Assembly - Right

Brand Walker 53981
Position Right
Inlet Outside Diameter 2
Finish Natural
Body Diameter 9
Inlet Type Pipe connection
Outlet Type Tip
Body Height 7
Body Length 13
Muffler Material Stainless steel
Muffler Shape Oval
Overall Length 34
Body Material Stainless steel
Body Width 9
Grade Type Regular
Inlet 1 Outside Diameter 2
Inlet 1 Type Pipe connection
Inlet Configuration Offset
Inlet Quantity 1
Muffler Type Reflection
Outlet 1 Outside Diameter 5.875
Outlet 1 Type Tip
Outlet Configuration Offset
Outlet Quantity 1
Shape Oval
Product line Quiet-Flow SS
Fits Kia · 22 vehicles

Stainless steel construction. Resists corrosion better than typical aluminized mufflers.

Direct-fit OE style. Matches original exhaust routing for straightforward replacement.

Quiet-Flow SS line. Walker’s stainless-steel muffler family for replacement applications.

Cross-references Davico Mfg 19327, Karlyn 50499 and Walker Exhaust 53980 for the same application. See all 3.

$175.93Free shipping
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Order total $175.93
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Free returns within 60 days if it doesn't fit when fitment is verified.
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Quiet-Flow SS Muffler Assembly

Walker Quiet-Flow SS 53981 is a direct-fit exhaust muffler assembly built for select Kia Optima applications. It uses stainless steel construction and an OE-style layout to match the original exhaust routing while providing a corrosion-resistant replacement option.

  • Stainless steel body and muffler construction for improved corrosion resistance.
  • Direct-fit OE-style replacement for select Kia Optima exhaust systems.
  • Oval reflection muffler design with offset inlet and offset outlet configuration.
  • Natural finish with pipe connection inlet and tip-style outlet.
  • Part number 53981 for application matching and catalog lookup.

Quiet-Flow SS is Walker’s stainless-steel muffler line focused on direct replacement fitment and longer service life than typical aluminized mufflers. This muffler assembly is engineered for the right-side exhaust position on 2011-2018 Kia Optima models listed in the fitment data, including 2017-2018 Kia Optima, right, and 2011-2016 Kia Optima, right. The part number 53981 also cross-references Walker Exhaust 53980 for the same application.

Common Exhaust Issues It Can Address

  • Rust damage in the muffler body or internal structure.
  • Exhaust noise caused by a worn or failing muffler assembly.
  • Fitment problems from a damaged or non-original exhaust replacement.
  • Corrosion-related exhaust deterioration in exposed underbody conditions.

Installation Notes

Verify inlet diameter, outlet configuration, and overall length against the original exhaust before installation. Fitment data lists right-side applications only, and some 2011-2016 Kia Optima listings note exceptions for Korean-built vehicles. If the exhaust uses a welded assembly, replace all required related parts during service.

Quality Assurance

Walker states that Quiet-Flow SS uses the only broad-market stainless-steel construction in this product family and is offered as a direct-fit OE-style replacement. Part number 53981 is built for the listed Kia Optima applications and is supported by Walker’s Quiet-Flow SS product line positioning.

Related reading

This part fits 22 vehicles
Always verify fitment with your vehicle's VIN if unsure. Submodel & trim restrictions may apply.
YearMakeModelSubmodelLitersCylindersPositionNotes
2018KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightQuiet-Flow SS
2017KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightQuiet-Flow SS
2016KiaOptimaEX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2016KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2015KiaOptima—2.0LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2015KiaOptimaEX Luxury2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2015KiaOptimaSX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2015KiaOptimaEX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2015KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2014KiaOptima—2.0LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2014KiaOptimaEX Luxury2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2014KiaOptimaSX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2014KiaOptimaEX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2014KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2013KiaOptima—2.0LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2013KiaOptimaEX Luxury2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2013KiaOptimaEX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2013KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2012KiaOptimaEX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2012KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2011KiaOptimaEX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
2011KiaOptimaLX2.4LL4RightPremium; Limited Lifetime Warranty; Except Korean Built; If welded assembly, replace all required parts; Quiet-Flow SS
Directly replaces or cross-references 3 part numbers
Cross-reference numbers are provided for identification purposes only. Always confirm fitment before ordering.
Davico Mfg — 19327Karlyn — 50499Walker Exhaust — 53980