2018 Kia Optima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2018 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2018 Kia Optima a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 232 complaints with NHTSA, the 8th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and transmission.

232 complaints 2 recalls, 1 injury risk 8th worst of 13 Optima years

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 62%

Unknown or Other 16%

Electrical 14%

Transmission 8%

Brakes 7%

Lights 6%

Fuel System 6%

Steering 5%

Acceleration 4%

Airbags 4%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (73 of 232). The amber line is the middle value, about 45,000 miles.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150k

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2018 Kia Optima recalls

Trunk latch can crack, trapping occupants

Injury risk

The trunk latch base can crack, so the trunk may not open from inside. A person trapped in the trunk could be seriously injured, and the vehicles also fail federal safety standard 401 for internal trunk release.

Fix: The dealer will replace the trunk latch base subassembly free of charge.

Recall 23V594000 · Aug 2023

Hybrid System

These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently. 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.

Recall 18V161000 · Mar 2018

Check your VIN for open recalls

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We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2018 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Optima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Optima 1,386

2015 Optima 1,009

2012 Optima 920

2016 Optima 758

2011 Optima 594

2014 Optima 589

2017 Optima 256

2018 Optima 232

2019 Optima 212

2020 Optima 151

2008 Optima 144

2009 Optima 116

2010 Optima 75

2018 Kia Optima problems by system

Engine (143)

Common questions

Is the 2018 Kia Optima a reliable year?

What are the most common 2018 Kia Optima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, transmission and brakes. 143 complaints (62%) name the engine, most often the oil / lubrication and engine control module (ECU / ECM).

At what mileage do 2018 Kia Optima engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 24,000–102,000 miles, with a middle value near 71,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?

2. Trunk latch can crack, trapping occupants (23V594000); Hybrid System (18V161000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2018 Kia Optima?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.