How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Optima, which is 8% of the 232 total complaints filed for that year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Kia Optima?

No related recalls are listed in this data for the Transmission & Powertrain area of the 2018 Optima.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2018 Optima is 26,475 miles.

What kinds of transmission problems do owners report?

Owners describe sudden stalling, jerking or jolting when slowing down, failure to accelerate, and in one case the vehicle rolling backward with the transmission not holding position.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?

Across all complaint areas for the 2018 Optima, NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 2 injuries, plus 1 fire, though these are not all necessarily tied to the transmission category alone.

2018 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Transmission & Powertrain issues account for 18 complaints, 8% of the 232 total complaints filed for the 2018 Kia Optima. NHTSA lists no related recalls for this area. Median mileage at failure is 26,475 miles.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 18; 8% of 232
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 26,475 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe sudden stalling or loss of acceleration while driving at highway speeds, sometimes with a car nearly rear-ended.
Some report the transmission jerking, jolting, or downshifting abruptly when slowing to a stop, throwing passengers forward.
Several describe the vehicle failing to respond to the accelerator pedal, accompanied by unusual growling or knocking sounds from underneath.
A hybrid-related warning has appeared telling drivers to pull over and shut off the vehicle above 45 mph, with the check engine light returning after restart.
One owner reported total transmission failure within months of purchase, with the dealer declining warranty repair.
One report described the vehicle rolling backward on an incline after the driver exited, with the automatic transmission not holding the car in place.

When 2018 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 20, 2018, latest Jun 4, 2025.

18 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2018 to Jun 2025; peak Jan 2025 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

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

20053 (2%)
200614 (9%)
200713 (8%)
200818 (13%)
200933 (28%)
201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 18 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Optima, which is 8% of the 232 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Kia Optima?: No related recalls are listed in this data for the Transmission & Powertrain area of the 2018 Optima.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2018 Optima is 26,475 miles.
What kinds of transmission problems do owners report?: Owners describe sudden stalling, jerking or jolting when slowing down, failure to accelerate, and in one case the vehicle rolling backward with the transmission not holding position.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these complaints?: Across all complaint areas for the 2018 Optima, NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 2 injuries, plus 1 fire, though these are not all necessarily tied to the transmission category alone.