2018 Kia Optima

◆ Worse than typical

2018 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2018: 231 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2001	143
2002	107
2003	141
2004	225
2005	144
2006	155
2007	166
2008	143
2009	116
2010	75
2011	592
2012	919
2013	1379
2014	583
2015	1006
2016	754
2017	255
2018	231
2019	205
2020	142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ENGINE 56%

56% of complaints: engine — 130 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231020

Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and failed to exceed 52 MPH. The vehicle shut off.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260820

Iâve had my 2018 kia optima for round about two years.I only got this car because they refused to replace my previous engine on my 2015 Kia optima,even though I had a warranty but thatâs another story(Kia on the Blvd).This car have given me...

NHTSA ODI report, 20260709

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing spark plugs.

FIRE

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20, 18:55(APPROXIMATELY) AMHERST MASSACHUSETTS, 39 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT PARKED CAR, PULLED KEYS AND EXITED CAR TO HELP MY MOTHER EXIT.

NHTSA ODI report, 20180120

SERVICE BRAKES 7%

7% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I slowly pulled into the parking lot at work coming around a corner with my break song slowly to see if anything was coming from the other side, pull it around to THE back looking straight ahead to pull into my parking spot as I pulled into my...

NHTSA ODI report, 20231018

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 14 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2018 — complaint volume: 231

R 20180503 — hybrid propulsion system

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018.

Campaign 18V161000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20231019 — latches/locks/linkages

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Campaign 23V594000 — check if this car was fixed