2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
No verdictComplaint Index
13/100
#8 most-complained of 9 Optima Hybrid years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid has a complaint index of 13, ranking 8th worst out of 9 model years, with only 3 complaints and 2 recalls filed. Engine problems, including connecting rod bearing wear near 100,000 miles, are the top issue.
- Complaints
- 3
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 42
- 39 city / 46 hwy
Top 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine3 (100%)
- Electrical System1 (33%)
- Fuel System1 (33%)
- Other1 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (33%)
What owners report
- Drivers report the car losing power at highway speed and slowing suddenly after a recall software update, running only on the electric motor.
- Owners describe a major voltage failure warning that shut down the hybrid system while driving, forcing the car to coast to a stop.
- One owner reported a "Turn Engine Off Immediately" message followed by deceleration to 35 mph and a stall at 100,000 miles.
- That same owner had the engine replaced by a dealer, but the stalling issue returned afterward.
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V594000Aug 24, 2023Structure & Body319,436 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 21V844000Oct 29, 2021Engine10,731 vehicles
Engine
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.
Remedy: 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 Hybrid fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 39 MPG
- Highway
- 46 MPG
- Combined
- 42 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $1,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Optima Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
- NHTSA data shows it has one of the lowest complaint counts among Optima Hybrid model years, with a complaint index of 13 and only 3 complaints logged, ranking 8th worst out of 9 years covered.
- What year Kia Optima Hybrid should I avoid?
- Based on NHTSA complaints, 2012, 2013, and 2014 have higher complaint indexes (100, 88, and 75) and are flagged Avoid, while 2018 sits much lower at 13.
- Does the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid have an engine recall?
- Yes. Recall 21V844000 covers connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely in the engine, potentially causing engine damage, on 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
- What is the top problem area for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?
- Engine complaints make up 100% of the reported issues for this year, with a median mileage at failure of 100,000 miles.
- Is there a trunk latch recall on the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?
- Yes, recall 23V594000 addresses a trunk latch base that may crack and prevent opening the trunk from inside on 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid vehicles, among others.