Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?

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

Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (132 complaints), followed by unknown or other (38).

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

10 of 233 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2018 Kia Optima recalls and problems

2 recalls and 233 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Kia Optima.

recalls

233

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 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.

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 18V161000 · reported March 8, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 1,710 vehicles potentially affected

The problem: 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.
The risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.

Most reported problems

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

Engine132
Unknown or other38
Electrical system33
Power train19
Service brakes17
Engine and engine cooling14
Exterior lighting14
Fuel/propulsion system13
Steering12
Vehicle speed control10

What owners report

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

Oct 21, 2026 · Engine
My 2018 Kia Optima has the Theta II 2.4L engine. In February 2026, the dealer performed an engine/powertrain computer reprogramming. In August 2026, the engine failed and the vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealer, where the engine was replaced under the Theta II engine warranty. The vehicle was at the dealer…

Sep 8, 2026 · Engine · 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was towed to a dealer to…

Aug 20, 2026 · Engine · 136,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and failed to exceed 52 MPH. The vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while stationary and the vehicle shut off without warning. The vehicle was taken to…

Jul 22, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling
See attached document for complaint.

Jul 19, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported
I was run off the road by a drunk driver I hit a tree at 35MPH MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY NOR DID MY SEAT BELT LOCK!!!! I NOW HAVE MULTIPLE INJURIES I HAVE BROKEN BONES ALL THROUGHOUT MY FACE!!!!! A SEVERE CONCUSSION!!!!! Any time I call the the customer care center and try and get information or call someone I either…

Optima model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2015	4	1,010	31	74
2016	5	760	27	20
2017	3	257	4	9
2018	2	233	10	10
2019	1	212	20	7
2020	0	151	6	3

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima, 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?: Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (132 complaints), followed by unknown or other (38).
How many 2018 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?: 10 of 233 complaints report a crash and 10 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 21, 2026.