2018 Kia Optima engine problems
The 2018 Kia Optima has 141 engine complaints filed with NHTSA — 43% of the year's total, and roughly flat versus the prior model year.
141
Engine complaints
43%
Share of year
1
Crash-involved
0
Related recalls
Engine complaints by year
What owners report
“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. ”
Common questions
How many engine complaints does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA has 141 complaints about the 2018 Kia Optima engine — 43% of all complaints filed for that model year.
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.