VehicleVerdict

2018 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2018 Kia Optima sits mid-pack among Optima years: 327 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 268, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 43% of all reports (141 of 327), far ahead of other at 38. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

327

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

17

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2018 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine14143%
Other3812%
Electrical System3611%
Transmission186%
Brakes165%
Lighting144%
Fuel System134%
Steering124%
Speed Control103%
Airbags82%
Body & Structure72%
Driver Assistance52%
Seat Belts41%
Tires & Wheels21%
Suspension10%
Latches & Locks10%
Visibility & Wipers10%

Does the 2018 Kia Optima 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.

18V161000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2018 · 1,710 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking. Had to come to a stop as they were sparks coming from out under the car through it into park at around 15 mph steel jumped out of the car and within a minute the car was fully engulfed in flames. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 17, 2023 · fire

“Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking. Had to come to a stop as they were sparks coming from out under the car through it into park at around 15 mph steel jumped out of the car and within a minute the car was fully engulfed in flames. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · October 17, 2023 · fire

“Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking. Had to come to a stop as they were sparks coming from out under the car through it into park at around 15 mph steel jumped out of the car and within a minute the car was fully engulfed in flames. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 17, 2023 · fire

“WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE ON THE STREETS; ITS AN 2018 KIA OPTIMA.ON AUGUST 2,2019 MY CAR ENGINE CAUGHT ON FIRE.PEOPLE WALKING ON THE SIDEWALK AND OTHER DRIVERS STOP TO ALERT ME THAT THEY SAW FIRE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE CAR.THEN WHILE DRIVING I START TO NOTICE EXTREME SMOKE COMING FROM THE HOOD…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 2, 2019 · fire

“TAKATA RECALL. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE I WAS COMING OFF THE HIGHWAY, SLID ON WATER AND CRASHED INTO A STEEL POLE. THE BREAKS DID NOT WORK AT ALL AND WHEN I GOT OUT TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE THE BREAK PADS WERE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET LIKE THEY HAD JUST FALL OFF. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 12, 2018 · crash

2018 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable?

It is close to typical for the Optima: 327 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2018 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (141 complaints), other (38 complaints), electrical system (36 complaints).

Does the 2018 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Kia Optima. 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 under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2018 Kia Optima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2018 Kia Optima 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.