2018 Kia Optima Engine Problems
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Optima?
143 owners have reported engine problems on the 2018 Kia Optima, 62% of all complaints for this year and the most reported problem area. Most reported problems happened at about 24,000–102,000 miles. No recall covers this problem.
143 complaints 62% of all 2018 complaints 71,000 miles typical
Which parts fail
The specific part named in each complaint.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (42 of 143). The amber line is the middle value.
When problems were reported
Engine complaints by the year the problem happened.
Engine complaints by Optima year
Related recalls
No recall covers engine problems on the 2018 Kia Optima. See all 2 recalls for this year.
Get an email when your 2018 Kia Optima gets a new recall
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.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
What are common 2018 Kia Optima engine problems?
Complaints most often name the oil / lubrication and engine control module (ECU / ECM).
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Optima engine problems happen?
Most complaints that gave a mileage fell between about 24,000–102,000 miles. The middle value is about 71,000 miles.
Is there a recall for 2018 Kia Optima engine problems?
NHTSA lists no recall for this problem on the 2018 Kia Optima. If you have the problem, file a complaint at nhtsa.gov so it is counted.
Which Optima year has the most engine complaints?
The 2013 Optima, with 651 complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports.