2018 Kia Optima Phev recalls and problems

The 2018 Kia Optima Phev has 2 safety recalls and 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

0 / 0

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Kia Optima Phev vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Kia Optima Phev recalls

Recall 23V-594: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Aug 24, 2023 · 319,436 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

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.

Recall 21V-844: Engine

Reported Oct 29, 2021 · 10,731 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

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.

2018 Kia Optima Phev problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	3
Electrical System	3
Unknown or Other	2
Visibility/Wiper	1
Power Train	1
Engine and Engine Cooling	1
Steering	1

Most reported parts

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 19,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Kia Optima Phev complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · at 35,000 miles · reported Jul 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact's daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high systems temperature switching to hybrid mode message was displayed. The contact stated that there was a two-hour delay for a full charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the fluids in the vehicle needed to be changed. The vehicle wasnât repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer…

Steering · reported May 10, 2025

The plastic coupling for the steering is broken in my 2018 Kia optima the same Issue that the 2011-2014 issue optimaâs have my car has this same issue.

Electrical System · at 19,000 miles · reported Feb 26, 2021

I was told by the dealership that my 2018 kia optima PHEV was repaired but after I drove it off the lot and got on the freeway the warning light came on again and lost all power. I almost got into another accident because of this. The dealership said they worked with kia technical support to fix my car but apparently kia doesn't know what's wrong with their own car. The vehicle has only 19k miles. I'm afraid for my safety and my families that this will continue to happen.

Electrical System · at 19,000 miles · reported Feb 15, 2021

When I was driving on the highway on 2/14/2011 a "check hybrid system" warning came on, check engine light, triangle HEV light, a red battery light came on and car lost engine power. After my vehicle slowed traffic down due to not having power I was barely able to pull over to the side of the road by coasting the car to the shoulder. It would not accelerate what so ever not even with just the engine power. When I pulled over the big check hybrid system warning dissapeared and only the check engine light and triangle HEV light stayed on. I had my children in the car and almost caused an…

Unknown or Other · at 18,600 miles · reported Dec 18, 2020

I leased a new #kia #optima #PHEV from you in july of 2018. In july of 2020, the charging cable lodged in the car and it took 4 hours for roadside assistance to remove it. On december 2, 2020, I got a check engine light and made an appointment for service, but before I could bring it on dec 3, the check engine light became a turn engine off now light, and the car stopped dead in the middle of a busy highway with a wisp of smoke from under the hood, a dangerous situation. I had it towed to kia of delray. It's still there, they haven't told me what's wrong. It is 2.5 years old with just over 18k…

Other Kia Optima Phev years

20182017

Compare all Kia Optima Phev years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Phev: 23V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 21V-844 (engine). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

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

Owners report engine problems most often (3 reports), followed by electrical system (3). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 19,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.