2018 Kia Optima recalls and problems
The 2018 Kia Optima has 2 safety recalls and 235 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2018 Kia Optima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2018 Kia Optima recalls
Recall 23V-594: Latches/Locks/Linkages
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 18V-161: 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.
2018 Kia Optima problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 132 | |
| Unknown or Other | 38 | |
| Electrical System | 33 | |
| Power Train | 21 | |
| Service Brakes | 19 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 14 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 12 | |
| Steering | 12 | |
| Air Bags | 9 | |
| Structure | 7 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 7
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
- Electrical System › Ignition › Coil › Spark Plugs — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Oil/Lubrication — 2
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 1
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1
- Exterior Lighting › Headlights — 1
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu/Ecm) — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 45,325 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 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Kia Optima years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima: 23V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 18V-161 (hybrid propulsion system). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Kia Optima?
Owners report engine problems most often (132 reports), followed by unknown or other (38). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 45,325 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.