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2018 Kia Optima: problems, recalls and fuel economy
Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Optima, and 150 of them name the engine[1][2]. Recalls cover the trunk latch, the hybrid engine and the hybrid battery protection[3][4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 243 owner complaints for the 2018 Optima[1]. Ten mention a crash, 10 mention a fire and 9 mention injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
The engine group is named most often by a wide margin.
| Component group | Complaints | Fires | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine[2] | 150 | 9 | 70,000 |
| Unknown or other[9] | 40 | 2 | 23,000 |
| Electrical system[10] | 37 | 2 | 35,000 |
| Power train[11] | 20 | 1 | 22,450 |
| Brakes[12] | 17 | 0 | 29,913 |
Smaller groups include exterior lighting with 14 complaints[13], fuel/propulsion system with 14[14] and steering with 13[15].
We also read a small sample of complaint texts for the larger groups. Here is what owners describe in that sample.
- Engine. Owners describe losing power, the car dropping into a reduced-power mode, or stalling while driving. Some describe smoke or flames coming from the engine[2].
- Power train. Some owners describe the transmission jerking or lurching. Others describe hybrid warnings followed by a loss of power[11].
- Brakes. In the sample, some owners describe a brake pedal that goes hard or does not slow the car as expected. Some say the dealer could not reproduce the problem[12].
- Electrical system. Some owners describe many dash warning lights coming on at once, along with a loss of power steering assist[10].
These themes come from a small sample, so they show what some owners report and not how common a problem is.
Recalls
NHTSA lists three recalls for this model year. Newest first:
- Trunk latch base (23V594). Filed August 24, 2023[3]. The recall covers certain 2016 to 2018 Optima, 2017 to 2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid cars, plus 2016 to 2017 Rio cars, with 319,436 vehicles in total[3]. The latch base can crack, which can stop the trunk from opening from the inside. A person inside the trunk could be trapped. Dealers replace the latch base part free of charge, and owner letters were mailed October 19, 2023[3].
- Hybrid engine bearings (21V844). Filed October 29, 2021, for 10,731 vehicles[4]. It covers certain 2017 to 2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid cars. Bearings inside the engine can wear early and damage the engine. That can raise the risk of a fire or a stall, which can raise the risk of a crash. Dealers inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. They also install a software update with a knock sensor detection system. Repairs are free, and owner letters were mailed November 29, 2021[4].
- Hybrid voltage protection device (18V161). Filed March 8, 2018, for 1,710 vehicles[5]. It covers certain 2017 to 2018 Optima hybrid cars. A protection switch for the high voltage battery can switch on when it should not. In electric mode that can cause a loss of power and raise the risk of a crash. The fix is to remove the switch and install two redesigned battery management systems, free of charge. The recall was expected to begin in May 2018[5].
If you are looking at a specific car, ask a dealer whether the work for each recall that applies to it has been done.
Fuel economy
EPA rates the gas versions from 25 to 31 MPG combined, depending on engine and version[16][17][18][19][20]. The hybrid is rated at 42 MPG combined[7].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | EPA estimated annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| Optima, 2.0L turbo, Automatic (S6)[16] | 22 / 31 / 25 | $2,700 |
| Optima S, 2.4L, Automatic (S6)[20] | 23 / 32 / 26 | $2,600 |
| Optima, 2.4L, Automatic (S6)[17] | 24 / 34 / 28 | $2,400 |
| Optima FE, 2.4L, Automatic (S6)[18] | 25 / 36 / 29 | $2,300 |
| Optima, 1.6L turbo, Automatic (AM7)[19] | 28 / 37 / 31 | $2,150 |
| Optima Hybrid, 2.0L, Automatic (AM6)[7] | 39 / 46 / 42 | $1,600 |
The Optima Plug-in Hybrid is rated at 40 MPGe combined with 610 miles of range[21]. All versions in the table use regular gas and are front-wheel drive[16][17][18][19][7][20]. The plug-in hybrid uses regular gas and electricity[21].
EPA's annual fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the prices when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2018 Optima 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in the frontal, side and rollover tests[8]. Rollover risk is listed at 9.8%[8]. The Optima Hybrid has the same ratings[22]. Both ratings are for the 4-door front-wheel-drive body[8][22].
Engine and size
EPA lists these horsepower ratings for 2018 Optima test vehicles:
- 1.6L 4-cylinder: 178 hp[23]
- 2.0L 4-cylinder: 154 to 245 hp, depending on version[24]
- 2.4L 4-cylinder: 185 hp[25]
The sizes below are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly[26].
| Variant | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Optima LX/LX+/EX/LX Eco Turbo 4-door sedan[27] | 191 in | 73 in | 58 in | 111 in | 3,225 lb |
| Optima SX/SXL 4-door sedan[28] | 191 in | 73 in | 58 in | 111 in | 3,594 lb |
| Optima Hybrid 4-door sedan[26] | 191 in | 73 in | 57 in | 111 in | 3,490 lb |
| Optima PHEV 4-door sedan[29] | 191 in | 73 in | 57 in | 111 in | 3,792 lb |
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 143 | 3 |
| 2002 | 107 | 3 |
| 2003 | 141 | 2 |
| 2004 | 225 | 1 |
| 2005 | 144 | 0 |
| 2006 | 155 | 2 |
| 2007 | 167 | 2 |
| 2008 | 144 | 3 |
| 2009 | 116 | 1 |
| 2010 | 75 | 1 |
| 2011 | 628 | 6 |
| 2012 | 1,029 | 6 |
| 2013 | 1,441 | 10 |
| 2014 | 621 | 7 |
| 2015 | 1,021 | 4 |
| 2016 | 763 | 5 |
| 2017 | 306 | 4 |
| 2018 | 243 | 3 |
| 2019 | 213 | 1 |
| 2020 | 153 | 0 |
The 2018 Optima has 243 complaints and 3 recalls on file[6]. Every model year from 2011 to 2017 has more complaints, from 306 in 2017 to 1,441 in 2013, and more recalls, from 4 to 10[6]. The 2019 model year has 213 complaints and 1 recall, and 2020 has 153 complaints and no recalls[6]. Model years 2001 to 2010 each have fewer complaints than 2018, from 75 to 225[6].
These counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so treat them as a rough guide only.
Should you buy a used 2018 Optima?
The 2018 Optima earns 5 safety stars from NHTSA[8]. Its complaint count is lower than every 2011 to 2017 model year, and the complaints are concentrated in the engine group[1][2][6]. Engine complaints include 9 fires, so the engine deserves attention on any car you are considering[2]. If the car is a hybrid or plug-in hybrid, ask whether the recalls for engine bearings and battery protection were completed[4][5]. The trunk latch recall also covers certain Optima cars of this model year[3]. Complaints are unverified, so a pre-purchase inspection and a recall check by VIN will tell you more than model-year totals.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?
- Owners filed 243 complaints with NHTSA, and 150 name the engine group, followed by 40 unknown or other, 37 electrical and 20 power train[1][2][9][10][11]. These are unverified owner reports.
- Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists three recalls: a trunk latch base (23V594), hybrid engine bearings (21V844) and a hybrid voltage protection device (18V161)[3][4][5].
- What is the gas mileage of a 2018 Kia Optima?
- EPA rates the gas versions from 25 to 31 MPG combined and the hybrid at 42 MPG combined[16][17][18][19][7][20]. The plug-in hybrid is rated at 40 MPGe combined[21].
- How safe is the 2018 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 5 stars in frontal, side and rollover ratings[8]. The hybrid has the same ratings[22].
- Is 2018 a good year for the Kia Optima?
- It has 243 complaints, fewer than each year from 2011 to 2017 and more than 2019 and 2020[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 243 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Kia Optima (10 mention a crash, 10 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 150 complaints name the engine component group (1 crashes, 9 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 23V594, filed August 24, 2023: Latches / Locks / Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 21V844, filed October 29, 2021: Engine. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V161, filed March 8, 2018: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Kia Optima model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Optima Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 39 city / 46 highway / 42 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 40 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 37 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 2 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 20 complaints name the power train component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 22,450). NHTSA vehicle records
- 17 complaints name the brakes component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 29,913). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 13 complaints name the steering component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 42,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Optima, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 22 city / 31 highway / 25 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,700. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Optima, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 34 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Optima FE, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 36 highway / 29 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,300. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Optima, 1.6L 4-cyl turbo, Automatic (AM7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 37 highway / 31 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Optima S, 2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 23 city / 32 highway / 26 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,600. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Optima Plug-in Hybrid, 2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6), Regular Gas and Electricity: 40 MPGe combined, 610 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 5 stars; rollover risk 9.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Kia Optima with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 178 hp. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Kia Optima with 2.0L 4-cylinder: rated 154 to 245 hp depending on version. www.epa.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Kia Optima with 2.4L 4-cylinder: rated 185 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OPTIMA HYBRID 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,490 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OPTIMA LX/LX+/EX/LX ECO TURBO 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,225 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OPTIMA SX/SXL 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 58 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,594 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, OPTIMA PHEV 4DR SEDAN: length 191 in, width 73 in, height 57 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,792 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov