Kia · Optima · 2018
2018 Kia Optima
2
Recalls
221
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2018 Kia Optima has 2 recalls and 221 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: engine (82 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2018 Kia Optima page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is engine with 82 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2018 Kia Optima currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 221 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are engine (82), unknown or other (14), engine and engine cooling (9).
- Vehicle
- 2018 Kia Optima
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 221
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.8% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V594000August 24, 2023
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."
Remedy Status
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 ID: 18V161000March 08, 2018
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.
Remedy Status
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.
Owner Complaints
221 totalENGINE
Apr 15, 2026
Consuming fuel to the amount of roughly 1/2 quart per 150 miles. Vehicle has been inspected by mechanic and the oil pan, oil filter, and PCV valve has been replaced and engine oil UV dye added and cycled with no leaks found. The risk is that if not rigorously checked often, the...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Mar 17, 2026
I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing and persistent mechanical issues with my vehicle since the time of purchase. The vehicle has repeatedly shut off unexpectedly, creating a serious safety concern. Initially, I suspected the issue might be related to the battery, an...
Preview excerpt
STRUCTURE
Feb 8, 2026
About a month ago my paint on my 2018 Kia Optima snow white pearl car started bubbling, then it turned into peeling and has since then been coming off more and more. It is occurring right under the back seat of the drivers side window. Reading into this issue more, it is happenin...
Preview excerpt
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Jan 6, 2026
I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, s...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Dec 5, 2025
While driving my 2018 Kia Optima S, the car suddenly jerked, lost power, and stalled in traffic. Multiple warning lights came on at the same time including the oil light, battery light, and check engine light. I had no acceleration and the brakes became very hard to press. The ve...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Nov 26, 2025
Car keeps stalling while driving
STRUCTURE
Nov 22, 2025
Paint peeling from driver side door.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
Nov 21, 2025
I turned the car off, it had difficulty turning back on and the brake pedal got really hard. I had to wait about 30-45 minutes and then I was able to get the car started and brake pedal back to normal and no lights. Recently, I left the car on to run into a shop real quick and co...
Preview excerpt
ENGINE
Nov 17, 2025
My engine is under the Kia class action lawsuit for the KDS with the rod bearing clearance issues. I have done all my oil changes with paper work available. I got the update to the ECU several years ago as needed to be covered. Now my engine has failed and I took to the dealer t...
Preview excerpt
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 1, 2025
Paint on all four door handles are bubbling and chipping. I rarely use the backseat handles and passenger door, which makes it more likely to be a malfunction in whatever paint was used for the handles. There is no fading, chipping, or bubbling on other parts of my car.
Showing 10 recent complaints from 221 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2018 Kia models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Kia Optima Years
2019 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.1r193c2017 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.3r246c2020 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.131c2016 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.5r733c2015 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.4r986c2014 Kia OptimaCompare this year against 2018 for complaint and recall shifts.7r568c
More 2018 Kia Models
2018 Kia SorentoAnother 2018 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r244c2018 Kia SoulAnother 2018 Kia option for same-year comparison.1r202c2018 Kia SportageAnother 2018 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r153c2018 Kia ForteAnother 2018 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r133c2018 Kia StingerAnother 2018 Kia option for same-year comparison.4r64c2018 Kia NiroAnother 2018 Kia option for same-year comparison.3r52c
Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
The 2018 Kia Optima has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2018 Kia Optima?
NHTSA has received 221 owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Kia Optima.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2018 Kia Optima?
The 2018 Kia Optima received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2018 Kia Optima are engine (82 reports), unknown or other (14 reports), engine and engine cooling (9 reports).
Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2018 Kia Optima. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.