Your membership has expired

The payment for your account couldn't be processed or you've canceled your account with us.

Re-activate

Save products you love, products you own and much more!

Save products icon

Other Membership Benefits:

Savings icon Exclusive Deals for Members Best time to buy icon Best Time to Buy Products Recall tracker icon Recall & Safety Alerts TV screen optimizer icon TV Screen Optimizer and more

    Kia Optima

    EPA MPG: 28 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2018 Optima is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2018 Kia Optima has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2018 Kia Optima owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    ""Since Kia diagnosed my engine problem and confirmed it was under warranty in November 2024, Kia has mandated that I drive it 1,000 miles for three separate periods before they will tell me if they will honor my 10-year warranty. Carbon deposits in the engine that have hardened around the pistons are the problem, so Kia has told me.""

    Anonymous A., PA (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "The car had an oil consumption problem and the engine had to be replaced."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major engine problem

    ""The car is burning oil. There are no leaks on the ground. I have had to add a quart of oil every few thousand miles between oil changes. I have owned many other cars. This is not normal. I insisted the Kia dealer I purchased the car from complete an oil consumption test which they were reluctant to do, though they admitted having to replace some Kia Optima engines due to excessive oil consumption. My car goes in for testing in two days.""

    Anonymous A., IL (2018 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Car uses a lot of oil, 1/2 qt per tank of gas""

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Car burns oil very quickly. Have to replace the oil about a month or two early"

    Anonymous A., TX (2018 Kia Optima SX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Over a year, the Apple Car play became intermittent in pairing with the phone. The phone, cable and ultimately USB was replaced and it still didn't work. The dealer said the cable to the USB was also faulty but the whole unit was noticed at that time to also be problematic thus I didn't want to spend any more on it."

    Anonymous, TX (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "Occasionally the backup camera does not turn on. This has happened in the last 2 years. Dealer unable to fix as "not in failure mode" when checked."

    Anonymous, DE (2018 Kia Optima Unsure 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""The steering wheel warmer and seat warmer, bioth, stopped working, and I had to pay out of pocket to fix these.""

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""The USB for bluetooth/android play did not work and had to be replaced. The phone would get disconnected after a few minutes, so I had to replace the USB port.""

    Anonymous, MD (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)
    Radio

    "Seem to have lost left channel. None of the speakers on left side of car work even with the balance set totally to left channel."

    Anonymous, MA (2018 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Electronic ignition

    ""Five times during the past winter, my push-button ignition switch has failed to start my engine.""

    Anonymous A., PA (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Spark plugs or wires failure

    "Check engine light came on - one cylinder did not firs"

    Anonymous, CO (2018 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "I don't put much milage on the car so the brakes shouldn't wear so quickly."

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Kia Optima Unsure Unsure)
    Squeaking

    "Squeaky brakes. Am told it's NORMAL. ... IT'S NOT."

    Anonymous, NJ (2018 Kia Optima Unsure Unsure)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "Key fob fails to unlock vehicle or start car and indicates low battery on car display after replacing key fob battery."

    Anonymous, ID (2018 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel pump

    ""Was not able to start my car, had to take car to a dealer for 5 days so they can replaced the recalled fuel pump""

    Anonymous A., TX (2018 Kia Optima SX 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor engine problem

    "The car is burning oil. There is none on the ground. I insisted on an oil consumption test which the dealer will perform in two days."

    Anonymous A., IL (2018 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Cooling thermostat issue cause oil burning"

    Anonymous, MO (2018 Kia Optima Unsure Unsure)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
    00
    01*
    02
    03
    04
    05
    06*
    07
    08
    09
    10
    11*
    12
    13
    14
    15
    16*
    17
    18
    19
    20
    21
    22
    23
    24
    25
    Overall Reliability Verdict
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Aug 24, 2023
    A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V594000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 319436
    ENGINE
    Oct 29, 2021
    A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V844000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10731
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Mar 08, 2018
    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.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V161000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1710
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Enter a valid 17-character VIN
    Change Vehicle