2018 Kia Optima
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 589 |
| 2012 | 916 |
| 2013 | 1371 |
| 2014 | 576 |
| 2015 | 998 |
| 2016 | 747 |
| 2017 | 252 |
| 2018 | 227 |
| 2019 | 200 |
| 2020 | 136 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
56% of complaints: engine — 128 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231020
14% of complaints: electrical system — 31 distinct reports on file.
FIRE8% of complaints: power train — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
7% of complaints: service brakes — 17 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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
6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 13 distinct reports on file.
SAFETY TIMELINE
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
Electrical overstress
Loss of Motive Power
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
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (128 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (31 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V161000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 23V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Kia Optima is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 56% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.