Kia Optima 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Optima 2018 and 232 complaints filed by owners. It has 44% more complaints than the average Kia Optima from 2016–2025 (161 per year).

These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.

Recalls issued for the Kia Optima 2018

Latches and locks
NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · 2023-08-24

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 23V594000

Hybrid system
NHTSA campaign 18V161000 · 2018-03-08

What happens

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.

The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.

NHTSA 18V161000

Complaints from other owners

232 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.

10 with a crash · 10 with a fire · 9 injuries

Most reported problems on the Kia Optima 2018

• Engine: 131 (56% of complaints)
• Electrical system: 33 (14% of complaints)
• Powertrain and transmission: 18 (8% of complaints)
• Brakes: 17 (7% of complaints)
• Engine and cooling: 14 (6% of complaints)

Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.

What to check before buying a Kia Optima 2018

• Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
• Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
• Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
• On the test drive, check for smooth shifts with no jerks, slipping or noises; check the transmission fluid condition.
• Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.

Safety rating (NCAP)

Kia Optima recalls by year

• 2016 : 5 recalls · 757 complaints
• 2017 : 3 recalls · 256 complaints
• 2018 : 2 recalls · 232 complaints
• 2019 : 1 recalls · 211 complaints
• 2020 : 0 recalls · 150 complaints
• 2021 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
• 2022 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
• 2023 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
• 2024 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints
• 2025 : 0 recalls · 0 complaints

Frequently asked questions

How many recalls does the Kia Optima 2018 have?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Kia Optima 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.

What is the most common problem with the Kia Optima 2018?

In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: engine (131 of 232 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.