2018 Kia Optima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2018 Kia Optima has a Complaint Index of 53 and ranks 8th worst out of 16 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate, making up 63% of its 232 complaints, with 2 recalls on file.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 53/100
- #8 of 16 Optima years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 232
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 10
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 10
- Injuries
- 9
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 28.5
- 24.5 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 9 / 0
Top 2018 Kia Optima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine146 (63%)
- Electrical System42 (18%)
- Other38 (16%)
- Brakes19 (8%)
- Transmission & Powertrain18 (8%)
- Fuel System13 (6%)
- Steering12 (5%)
- Airbags9 (4%)
- Structure & Body8 (3%)
- Seat Belts5 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Engine fires reported while driving at low speeds, with smoke coming from under the hood or engine bay before the driver pulled over.
- Some owners reported the engine burning oil quickly without visible leaks, with dealers unable to resolve the issue before smoking occurred.
- Frontal airbags failed to deploy in multiple crashes, including rear-end collisions and frontal impacts with trees or poles.
- Brake pedals reportedly failed to stop the vehicle in some incidents, with one owner describing brake pads found detached in the street after a crash.
- Electrical bulbs reportedly blew out repeatedly over time, with some connections catching fire or exploding.
2018 Kia Optima 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 18V161000Mar 8, 2018Fuel System1,710 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
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.
Remedy: 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 fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 28.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,275
- 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 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable?
- The 2018 Optima has a Complaint Index of 53 and a Caution verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, ranking 8th worst among 16 model years of the Optima. Engine problems account for 63% of its 232 complaints.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2018 Kia Optima?
- Engine issues are the top complaint category, making up 63% of all reported problems, including engine fires and oil consumption reported by owners. NHTSA lists a median mileage at failure of 71,400 miles for engine complaints.
- Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Optima: one for a trunk latch base that may crack (campaign 23V594000) and one for a fuel system voltage protection device issue on hybrid models (campaign 18V161000). Neither recall is classified as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2018 Optima compare to other Optima years?
- The 2018 Optima's Complaint Index of 53 is better than the worst years like 2013 (100, Avoid) and 2015 (93, Avoid), but worse than years like 2017 (40, Good) and 2010 (13, Best).
- Are there airbag problems in the 2018 Kia Optima?
- Airbags account for 4% of complaints, but owners reported non-deployment in several crashes, including rear-end and frontal collisions. NHTSA lists 7 crashes tied to airbag complaints for this model year.