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2018
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Kia Optima

EPA MPG: 28 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
View of 2018 Kia Optima Front 3/4, facing to the left view of 2018 Kia Optima
Rear 3/4, facing to the right view of 2018 Kia Optima Side Profile, facing to left view of 2018 Kia Optima
Front (full) view of 2018 Kia Optima Rear (full) view of 2018 Kia Optima
Front 3/4, facing to the right view of 2018 Kia Optima Drivers Dash view of 2018 Kia Optima

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
See all 2018 Potential Trouble Spots

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.

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)
Load more

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)
Load more

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Engine Cooling

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

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.

Paint/Trim

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

Noises/Leaks

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

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.

Transmission Major

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

Climate System

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

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.

2018 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
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.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY Provided by NHTSA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Aug 24, 2023
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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.
Read Recall Details
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
Hide Recall Details
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