Does the 2018 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Phev, 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 Phev?

Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (3 complaints), followed by engine (3).

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

0 of 8 complaints report a crash and 0 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Kia Optima Phev recalls and problems

2 recalls and 8 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Optima Phev.

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 Phev 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.

Electrical system3
Engine3
Unknown or other2
Engine and engine cooling1
Power train1
Steering1
Visibility/wiper1

What owners report

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

Jul 21, 2025 · Electrical system · 35,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact's daughter stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the high systems temperature switching to hybrid mode message was displayed. The contact stated that there was a two-hour delay for a full charge. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed…

May 10, 2025 · Steering
The plastic coupling for the steering is broken in my 2018 Kia optima the same Issue that the 2011-2014 issue optima’s have my car has this same issue.

Aug 20, 2024 · Engine and engine cooling
See attached document for complaint.

Feb 26, 2021 · Electrical system · 19,000 miles
I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY 2018 KIA OPTIMA PHEV WAS REPAIRED BUT AFTER I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT AND GOT ON THE FREEWAY THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND LOST ALL POWER. I ALMOST GOT INTO ANOTHER ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WORKED WITH KIA TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO FIX MY CAR BUT APPARENTLY…

Feb 15, 2021 · Electrical system · 19,000 miles
WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON 2/14/2011 A "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" WARNING CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRIANGLE HEV LIGHT, A RED BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR LOST ENGINE POWER. AFTER MY VEHICLE SLOWED TRAFFIC DOWN DUE TO NOT HAVING POWER I WAS BARELY ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD BY COASTING THE CAR…

Optima Phev model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2017	2	23	1	2
2018	2	8	0	0
2019	0	1	0	0
2020	0	1	0	0

All Kia Optima Phev years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Phev, 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 Phev?: Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (3 complaints), followed by engine (3).
How many 2018 Kia Optima Phev complaints mention a crash or fire?: 0 of 8 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 July 21, 2025.