VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 7 complaints on file for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but 2 recall campaigns apply to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

7

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Optima Hybrid years?

Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted151 complaints2011: 47 complaints2012: 151 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 51 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 38 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine343%
Electrical System114%
Fuel System114%
Other114%
Transmission114%

Does the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V594000Latches & LocksAugust 24, 2023 · 319,436 units

Defect

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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

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.

21V844000EngineOctober 29, 2021 · 10,731 units

Defect

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

Consequence

A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Turn Engine Off Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 1, 2022

“I brought the vehicle into Kia service for the recall including a computer operating system upgrade. After the recall work was done the car driving at high highway speeds failed, and immediately slowed down, almost causing a rear collision. The computer system turned off the drive mechanism and I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 3, 2022

“While driving down the road the car said it had a major voltage failure and was shutting down. I was in the middle of the street and thankfully was able to coast to the turn lane before the car came to a total stop. since the gas pedal didn't do anything. the car then said there was multiple…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 18, 2023

“I brought the vehicle into Kia service for the recall including a computer operating system upgrade. After the recall work was done the car driving at high highway speeds failed, and immediately slowed down, almost causing a rear collision. The computer system turned off the drive mechanism and I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 3, 2022

“While driving down the road the car said it had a major voltage failure and was shutting down. I was in the middle of the street and thankfully was able to coast to the turn lane before the car came to a total stop. since the gas pedal didn't do anything. the car then said there was multiple…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 18, 2023

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

The record is thin — 7 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 2 recalls should be verified as completed.

Does the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima Hybrid years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.