2018 Kia Optima Safety Report
2018 KIA OPTIMA Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Kia Optima
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Kia Optima. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (220) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 19 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Kia Optima with 127 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Kia Optima before buying across this generation. |
Kia Optima Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Kia Optima years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kia Optima | 190 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Kia Optima | 244 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Kia Optima | 127 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Kia Optima | 725 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2015 Kia Optima | 983 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Kia Optima Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Kia Optima, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
81 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Kia onlyUnknown Or Other
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Kia onlyEngine And Engine Cooling
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine And Engine Cooling issues Kia onlyPower Train
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Kia onlyExterior Lighting
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Kia onlyElectrical System
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Kia onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Kia Optima
Reliability Score
The 2018 Kia Optima receives a reliability score of 9 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Kia Optima
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2018 Kia Optima
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Kia Optima:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Issues Mechanical problems with the engine are frequent, including oil consumption and leaks, leading to constant refills and potential engine damage. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Hybrid Propulsion System Recall Recall for hybrid propulsion system issues, which could affect safety and performance, has been issued for 2017-2018 Optima models. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Trunk Lid Latch Recall for trunk lid latch issues, which can make it difficult for someone in the trunk to get out or for someone on the outside to open the trunk. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Column Coupler Steering column coupler issues have been reported, requiring a costly replacement of the entire column. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Kia Optima:
Issues with the engine, including oil consumption and leaks, are the most common problems reported.
Recall for hybrid propulsion system issues, which could affect safety and performance, has been issued.
Recall for trunk lid latch issues, which can make it difficult to open or close the trunk.
Steering column coupler issues have been reported, requiring a costly replacement of the entire column.
Recall Details for the 2018 Kia Optima
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Kia Optima by NHTSA:
Summary: 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."
Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Kia Optima
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Kia Optima with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing and persistent mechanical issues with my vehicle since the time of purchase. The vehicle has repeatedly shut off unexpectedly, creating a serious safety concern. Initially, I suspected the issue might be related to the battery, and I have replaced the battery twice within the past 4 years. However, the problem has continued. In January, the vehicle...
My teenage daughter regularly drives this vehicle. The vehicle began experiencing significant oil consumption, oil leaks, and intermittent loss of power. During an early inspection at an independent repair facility, a check engine code P1326 was identified. Due to the symptoms and diagnostic code, the repair facility advised that the vehicle could be heading toward engine failure and recommended t...
About a month ago my paint on my 2018 Kia Optima snow white pearl car started bubbling, then it turned into peeling and has since then been coming off more and more. It is occurring right under the back seat of the drivers side window. Reading into this issue more, it is happening to many who own a Kia Optima owners, especially those who own the snow white pearl color. Kia is not helping customers...
It started with the oil. I constantly have to add oil. when it first started that’s what I was doing just adding oil. Then it got worse the engine light started to come on and it no longer gives me the low oil warning. I took it to the dealership and it was there for about three weeks. They said that the car needed a system update, they updated it and i took it home after that. Its been about a ye...
I turned the car off, it had difficulty turning back on and the brake pedal got really hard. I had to wait about 30-45 minutes and then I was able to get the car started and brake pedal back to normal and no lights. Recently, I left the car on to run into a shop real quick and come back out. When I got back to the car, the power steering light, battery, and warning light?(amber triangle with ! In ...
I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied req...
Steering column coupler went bad. Unable to swap out the coupler alone ($12 part) and had to get a whole new column (over $1200). Some of the Kia's around this one's make and model were recalled but not this one. Without this repair driving would have been dangerous.
My engine is under the Kia class action lawsuit for the KDS with the rod bearing clearance issues. I have done all my oil changes with paper work available. I got the update to the ECU several years ago as needed to be covered. Now my engine has failed and I took to the dealer to check but they said I didn't have a specific code and that they can't do any testing to verify it would be under the w...
While driving my 2018 Kia Optima S, the car suddenly jerked, lost power, and stalled in traffic. Multiple warning lights came on at the same time including the oil light, battery light, and check engine light. I had no acceleration and the brakes became very hard to press. The vehicle had to be towed for safety reasons. The Kia dealership inspected the vehicle and confirmed internal engine failur...
Paint on all four door handles are bubbling and chipping. I rarely use the backseat handles and passenger door, which makes it more likely to be a malfunction in whatever paint was used for the handles. There is no fading, chipping, or bubbling on other parts of my car.
Paint peeling from driver side door.
I was rearended, all air bags deployed except steeringwheel
Car keeps stalling while driving
On August 26, 2025, I brought my 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid to an authorized dealer for recall SC218 (engine inspection and KSDS software update). The dealer verbally stated both SC218 and SC278 recalls were completed, and the repair order (RO #XXX) lists them as performed. In September 2025, Kia America emailed me showing recall SC218 still open, and a warranty coverage report dated Septembe...
Trunk latch broke leaving it impossible for someone in the trunk to get out and very difficult for someone on the outside to open the trunk
I’ve had my car for 6 months and it constantly burns oil I’ve had 4 oil changes because it Is completely disappearing but my mechanics can not find any leaks. Then I changed all my spark plugs and two were completely burnt and they were changed a month ago and now one of them went again and this time is completely covered in oil
The engine of my 2018 Kia Optima is burning oil. When it started, I had 72,000 miles, and it's burning one quart of oil every thousand miles. There is no oil leak. I will take it back to Kia on October 2, 2025. The mechanic reported that it has an internal engine issue.
The oil consumption is burning at a faster rate than normal. My oil changes are always on time but for months I have been having to take it for an oil change about 2,000 miles below mileage time. I have had it inspected but found no oil leaks. This is a major problem for the engine and safety.
Engine seized and stopped working. While I could not find any recall information based on the VIN, it is a 2018 Kia which was subject to the Kia Engine Settlement (In re: Hyundai and Kia Engine Litigation , No. 8:17‑cv‑00838‑JLS‑JDE and Flaherty v. Hyundai Motor Company, et al. , No. 18‑cv‑02223 (C.D. Cal.)). Was never notified of such settlement as the VIN would have triggered this notification b...
I was driving on the highway with my children and the engine started to knock and lock up. I had to swerve onto an exit and roll into a gas station. My check engine light was on. I had it serviced in 2023 at a kia dealership. I had electrical issues to my battery that I opted to get fixed elsewhere. The dealership was aware of the recall on my engine, when I had it towed to them in 2025. Dealers...
Showing 20 of 220 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Kia Optima
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags: Air Bag/Restraint Control Module
Opened 2019-04-19 · Closed 2024-09-19
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect. During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicles may be equipped with an airbag control unit (ACU) for the supplemental restraint system (SRS) Elec...
Component: Engine
Opened 2022-09-12 · Closed 2023-12-12
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the subject vehicles were experiencing rapid loss of engine oil due to oil drain plug...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Kia Optima
Has the 2018 KIA OPTIMA been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 KIA OPTIMA has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 KIA OPTIMA have?
The 2018 KIA OPTIMA has 220 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 9 involved crashes. 8 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
The 2018 KIA OPTIMA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 KIA OPTIMA involve engine (81 complaints), unknown or other (14 complaints), engine and engine cooling (9 complaints). Other affected components include power train, exterior lighting, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2018 KIA OPTIMA have?
There are 9 crash reports associated with the 2018 KIA OPTIMA out of 220 total complaints (4.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 KIA OPTIMA have?
There are 10 fire reports for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA out of 220 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
8 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 KIA OPTIMA is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 220 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 KIA OPTIMA are: 1. ENGINE (81 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (14 complaints), 3. ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (9 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (8 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (8 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 81 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
Be aware of potential engine issues and hybrid propulsion system recalls. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs. The 2018 KIA OPTIMA has 220 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
The 2018 KIA OPTIMA receives a reliability score of 9/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 220 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 19 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Issues and Hybrid Propulsion System Recall.
What are the known issues with the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
Known issues with the 2018 KIA OPTIMA include: Engine Issues, Hybrid Propulsion System Recall, Trunk Lid Latch, Steering Column Coupler. These are based on patterns found across 220 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 KIA OPTIMA?
Yes, there are recalls for the hybrid propulsion system and trunk lid latch issues.
What are the most common engine issues reported?
Common engine issues include oil consumption and leaks, leading to constant refills and potential engine damage.
Is the 2018 KIA OPTIMA safe to drive?
While generally safe, be aware of potential recalls and common issues like engine problems and hybrid propulsion system issues.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential engine issues and hybrid propulsion system recalls. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid costly repairs.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Kia Optima
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Kia Optima. The data includes 220 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 9 reported crashes, 10 fire incidents, 8 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Kia Optima an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16