2018 Kia Optima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima and 244 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (138), unknown or other (41), electrical system (37). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–31 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2018 ranks #3 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with fewer complaints than the average year (644). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Kia Optima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch
Problem: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Engine
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Hybrid propulsion system
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
My 2018 Kia Optima has the Theta II 2.4L engine. In February 2026, the dealer performed an engine/powertrain computer reprogramming. In August 2026, the engine failed and the vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealer, where the engine was replaced under the Theta II engine warranty. The vehicle was at the dealer from August 8 until the repair was completed on September 29,…
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to be repaired under an unknown recall for an engine software upd…
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. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while stationary and the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to an Auto Parts Store, where it was diagnosed, and it was dete…
Safety ratings
2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Kia Optima.
Optima
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima FE
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch (08/24/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?
Based on 244 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (138), unknown or other (41), electrical system (37).
Is the 2018 Kia Optima safe?
The 2018 Kia Optima earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Kia Optima?
The 2018 ranks #3 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with fewer complaints than the average year (644). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Kia Optima range from 25 to 31 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2018 Kia Optima in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID, OPTIMA PLUG-IN HYBRID, Optima.