Every 2018 Kia Optima recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · NHTSA 23V594000
Aug 24, 2023Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:Latch
- 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."
- Risk
- A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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.
Full recall details for 23V594000 →Engine · NHTSA 21V844000
Oct 29, 2021Engine
- 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.
- Risk
- A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Full recall details for 21V844000 →Hybrid Propulsion System · NHTSA 18V161000
Aug 3, 2018Hybrid Propulsion System
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Full recall details for 18V161000 →
2018 Kia Optima complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Optima, reporting 10 crashes, 10 fires, 9 injuries. Kia has issued at least 155 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Engine137
- Unknown Or Other40
- Electrical System37
- Power Train20
- Service Brakes17
- Engine and Engine Cooling15
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (85)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (75)
- Power Train (27)
- Steering (27)
- Equipment (23)
- Engine (22)
Read Kia Optima owner complaints and bulletins, every year
NHTSA defect investigations covering the 2018 Kia Optima
NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation lists this model year in 4 investigations. An investigation is not a recall; it is how NHTSA decides whether one is needed.
- Pedestrian alert sounds
DP22005Opened Jan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
- Loss of Motive Power
DP22003Opened Sep 12, 2022Closed Dec 12, 2023
- Engine Fires
EA21003Opened Dec 22, 2021Closed Feb 5, 2024
- Electrical overstress
EA19001Opened Apr 19, 2019Closed Sep 19, 2024
What people reported
Owners have filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Optima. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Injury reportedCrash
“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!!!!!”
2018 KIA OPTIMAJul 19, 2026 · PA
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11751435
“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.”
2018 KIA OPTIMA PHEVJul 21, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11675096
“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.”
2018 KIA OPTIMA HYBRIDApr 5, 2023
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11515516
Fire
“My cars bulbs have been blowing on a regular basis for two years..some of the bulb connections are catching fire and exploding .Ive changed on numerous occasions but doesn't matter even with new fittings...obviously an electric problem”
2018 KIA OPTIMAAug 19, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11681636
“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.”
2018 KIA OPTIMA PHEVMay 10, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11660146
Check your Optima by VIN
Not every 2018 Kia Optima is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Kia dealer.
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