Does the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid, the most recent reported on August 24, 2023 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).

How many 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?

0 of 3 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and problems

2 recalls and 3 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · reported August 24, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 319,436 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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."
The risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix: 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.

Engine

NHTSA campaign 21V844000 · reported October 29, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 10,731 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

Engine3
Electrical system1
Fuel/propulsion system1
Power train1
Unknown or other1

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Apr 5, 2023 · Engine · 100,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Turn Engine Off Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The…

Feb 21, 2023 · Power train
While driving down the road the car said it had a major voltage failure and was shutting down. I was in the middle of the street and thankfully was able to coast to the turn lane before the car came to a total stop. since the gas pedal didn't do anything. the car then said there was multiple failures and the hybrid…

Sep 28, 2022 · Electrical system
I brought the vehicle into Kia service for the recall including a computer operating system upgrade. After the recall work was done the car driving at high highway speeds failed, and immediately slowed down, almost causing a rear collision. The computer system turned off the drive mechanism and I was left with only…

Optima Hybrid model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2015	0	12	0	2
2016	0	4	0	1
2017	2	26	1	1
2018	2	3	0	0
2020	0	1	0	0

Across all years, the 2012 Optima Hybrid has the most complaints (109). All Kia Optima Hybrid years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid, the most recent reported on August 24, 2023 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid?: Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (3 complaints), followed by electrical system (1).
How many 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 3 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received April 5, 2023.