2018 Kia Optima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2018 Kia Optima: 2 recalls, 232 owner complaints and up to 31 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #18V161000 · 2018 · 1,710 vehicles
What's wrong: These vehicles are equipped with a voltage protection device (vpd), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that May activate inadvertently.
Why it matters: 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.
Latches & locks Vehicle recall #23V594000 · 2023 · 319,436 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 10 mention a fire, 9 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Engine (131): the most common themes are excess oil use (41), warning light on (36), stalls / loses power (26).
- Other / unknown (37): the most common themes are warning light on (5), electrical failure (4).
- Electrical (33): the most common themes are electrical failure (11), warning light on (6).
- Transmission & drivetrain (18): the most common themes are hard / delayed shifting (5), stalls / loses power (3).
The 2018 Kia Optima has 232 owner complaints, ranking #8 of 20 Optima model years for complaints (about average; the typical year has 376). Complaints peaked in 2025 (44 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 45,325 miles. Neighboring years: 2017 (256 complaints, 3 recalls), 2019 (211 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM7) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 37 | 31 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 | 34 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 22 | 31 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2018 Kia Optima.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2018 Kia Optima problems?
Owners have filed 232 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are engine (131), other / unknown (37), electrical (33).
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings run up to 31 mpg combined (1.6 L, Automatic (AM7)), across 3 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2018 Kia Optima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.