How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 146 engine complaints for the 2018 Optima, which is 63% of all 232 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Optima engine?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the 2018 Optima's engine complaints.

At what mileage do 2018 Optima engine problems usually occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 71,400 miles.

Did the 2018 Kia Optima have engine fires?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 9 fire incidents among the engine complaints for the 2018 Optima, with no injuries reported.

How does the 2018 Optima compare to other years for engine complaints?

Engine complaints made up 63% of total complaints for 2018, higher than 2019's 47% but lower than 2017's 68% and 2020's 73%.

2018 Kia Optima Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 146 engine complaints for the 2018 Kia Optima, 63% of its 232 total complaints, with 9 fires reported. Median mileage at failure was 71,400 miles, and no related recalls are on file.

Engine complaints: 146; 63% of 232
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 9
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 71,400 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report engine compartment fires and smoke while driving at low speeds, sometimes with no warning lights on.
Some describe rapid, unexplained oil consumption without visible leaks, followed by smoking after dealer-recommended extended driving.
Multiple complaints describe sudden loss of power or 'limp mode' on the highway, with one case ending in an engine replacement.
One owner reported metal found inside the engine after a routine oil change, followed by stalling.
Others report the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving in city conditions with no warning.

When 2018 Kia Optima engine complaints were filed

First complaint May 31, 2019, latest Sep 8, 2026.

146 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2025 Q3 (15).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20056 (4%)
200621 (14%)
200725 (15%)
200829 (20%)
200927 (23%)
201016 (21%)
2011269 (45%)
2012441 (48%)
2013670 (48%)
2014306 (52%)
2015657 (65%)
2016450 (60%)
2017174 (68%)
2018146 (63%)
201997 (47%)
2020106 (73%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2018 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 146 engine complaints for the 2018 Optima, which is 63% of all 232 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Kia Optima engine?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the 2018 Optima's engine complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Optima engine problems usually occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 71,400 miles.
Did the 2018 Kia Optima have engine fires?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 9 fire incidents among the engine complaints for the 2018 Optima, with no injuries reported.
How does the 2018 Optima compare to other years for engine complaints?: Engine complaints made up 63% of total complaints for 2018, higher than 2019's 47% but lower than 2017's 68% and 2020's 73%.