MYRModel Year Report

2018 Kia Optima

◆ Worse than typical
2018 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

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
231
Recalls
2

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
2

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

56% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2018 231 2019: 210 complaints 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2018: 231 complaints 2018 231 2019: 210 complaints 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2018 231 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2018: 231 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

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

Engine

56% · 130 reports
CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-20

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, 2026-08-20

I’ve 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 that’s another story(Kia on the Blvd).This car have given me...

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09

Electrical system

14% · 33 reports

Most commonly citing spark plugs.

FIRE

Power train

8% · 18 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
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, 2018-01-20

Service brakes

7% · 17 reports
CRASHINJURY
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, 2023-10-18

Exterior lighting

6% · 14 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

FIRE

Safety timeline

2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 231 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2018-05-03Hybrid propulsion system18V161000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  4. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  5. R
    2023-10-19Latches/locks/linkages23V594000 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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 130 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 33 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 18 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V161000 · Hybrid propulsion system
  • Recall 23V594000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.