CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Kia Optima has 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 233 complaints with NHTSA, including 10 crashes, 10 fires, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (132 reports).
2018 Kia Optima 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.
Hybrid Power Can Cut Out Unexpectedly, Raising Crash Risk
A protective device in the high-voltage hybrid battery system can activate on its own.
Most common 2018 Kia Optima problems
Problem areas named in the 233 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 132 |
| Unknown Or Other | 38 |
| Electrical System | 33 |
| Power Train | 19 |
| Service Brakes | 17 |
| Exterior Lighting | 14 |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 14 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 13 |
| Steering | 12 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 |
What owners report
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 from August 8 until the repair was completed on September 29, 2026. When I picked up the vehicle on October 9, it felt shaky and vibrated on the drive home. On October 11, the vehicle began giving off a distinct, unfamiliar smell that is not like burning fuel or oil. On October 21, I found the vehicle leaking an opaque, milky tan fluid onto my garage floor. The type and source o
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 be repaired under an unknown recall for an engine software update and key fob replacement; however, the dealer failed to honor the recall repair and recommended purchasing a new vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. The VIN and License plate number were unavailable.
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 an Auto Parts Store, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the vehicle was in LIMP Mode with knock sensor codes displayed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
See attached document for complaint.
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 get hung up or gave the run around and then hung up on my mother in law has also tried calling and have received the same response this is so unacceptable and unprofessional.
2018 Kia Optima questions
Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima: Trunk May Not Open From Inside, Trapping Occupants; Hybrid Power Can Cut Out Unexpectedly, Raising Crash Risk. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?
Based on 233 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (132), Unknown Or Other (38), Electrical System (33).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Kia Optima 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.