CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Kia Optima Phev has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (3 reports).
2018 Kia Optima Phev recalls
Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants
The trunk latch base can crack, which may stop the trunk from being opened from the inside.
Engine Bearings May Wear Early, Risking Fire or Stall
Connecting rod bearings inside the engine can wear out prematurely, which may cause engine damage.
Most common 2018 Kia Optima Phev problems
Problem areas named in the 8 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 3 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
What owners report
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 or repaired. The dealer informed the contact that the fluids in the vehicle needed to be changed. The vehicle wasnât repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer to remove all the items located in the trunk of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired; however,
The plastic coupling for the steering is broken in my 2018 Kia optima the same Issue that the 2011-2014 issue optimaâs have my car has this same issue.
See attached document for complaint.
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 KIA DOESN'T KNOW WHAT'S WRONG WITH THEIR OWN CAR. THE VEHICLE HAS ONLY 19K MILES. I'M AFRAID FOR MY SAFETY AND MY FAMILIES THAT THIS WILL CONTINUE TO HAPPEN.
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 TO THE SHOULDER. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHAT SO EVER NOT EVEN WITH JUST THE ENGINE POWER. WHEN I PULLED OVER THE BIG CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM WARNING DISSAPEARED AND ONLY THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND TRIANGLE HEV LIGHT STAYED ON. I HAD MY CHILDREN IN THE CAR AND ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. IT WAS TOWED TO MY HOME AND AFTER I CONNECTED IT TO THE WALL PLUG FOR AN HOUR THE LIGHTS DISSAPEA
2018 Kia Optima Phev questions
Does the 2018 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Phev: Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants; Engine Bearings May Wear Early, Risking Fire or Stall. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima Phev?
Based on 8 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (3), Electrical System (3), Unknown Or Other (2).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Kia Optima Phev has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.