Problems owners report
Complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Kia Optima, by the system named in each complaint. One complaint can name several.
- Engine132
- Unknown or other38
- Electrical system33
- Power train19
- Service brakes17
- Exterior lighting14
- Engine and engine cooling14
- Fuel/propulsion system13
- Steering12
- Vehicle speed control10
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026 · 9 injuries and 0 deaths reported
Compared with other years
NHTSA ODI complaints by model year
Fatal crashes in the US
From 2020 to 2023, 99 2018 Optima vehicles were involved in crashes on US public roads in which someone died; 52 people died inside them, and 8 of the vehicles rolled over. This is a count, not a crash rate: it grows with the number of cars on the road.
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), crash years 2020–2023 (public domain)
New York safety inspections
At its first New York inspection the 2018 Kia Optima failed the safety check 2.19% of the time — 33% more often than the average 2018 passenger car (1.65%). Median odometer at inspection: 57,039 miles.
NY DMV Vehicle Inspections (vezn-fmmk), initial inspections since Aug 2021 · how we count
Registered new in Europe in 2018
13,522 new Kia Optima cars were registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland in 2018; the largest markets were Sweden (3,447), the United Kingdom (2,771), Poland (1,584).
- Average mass
- 1,672 kg
- Average CO₂
- 148 g/km (WLTP)
- Average power
- 113 kW
- Fuel type recorded
- Diesel 59% · Petrol/electric 29% · Petrol 12%
European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · averages weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value; fuel type as recorded at registration, where many non-plug-in hybrids appear as petrol · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Engines
The most common engines in 2018 Kia Optima cars on Dutch roads are the 1.7 diesel (104 kW, 139 hp), 2.0 hybrid (115 kW, 154 hp) and 1.6 petrol (132 kW, 177 hp).
| Engine | Power | Cars |
|---|---|---|
| 1.7 diesel | 104 kW 139 hp | 68 |
| 2.0 hybrid | 115 kW 154 hp | 60 |
| 1.6 petrol | 132 kW 177 hp | 29 |
RDW Open Data (CC0): registered passenger cars and their fuel data · engine size rounded to 0.1 litre, net maximum power · versions with at least 20 cars
In the Netherlands
171 first registered in 2018 are on Dutch roads; 32% arrived later as imports. Median list price when new: €42,334.
Most common APK defects
- Bandenspanning niet op juiste waarde51
- Band onvoldoende profiel39
- Dimlicht onjuist afgesteld28
- Band(en) aanwezig met een profieldiepte van 1,6 t/m 2,5 mm25
- Mechanische delen van het remsysteem vertonen slijtage16
- Kentekenplaatverlichting werkt niet (goed) / ontbreekt15
- Ruitenwisserinstallatie geeft onvoldoende zicht12
- Band beschadigd8
Colours
RDW Open Data: registered vehicles and APK defects (CC0) · defect descriptions in the RDW's Dutch wording
In the United Kingdom
2,528 cars built in 2018 were licensed for the road at the end of 2025, and 69 more were declared off the road (SORN).
Department for Transport and DVLA, vehicle licensing statistics (table VEH0124, year of manufacture) · Open Government Licence v3.0
MOT test results in Great Britain
In 2023, 2,736 of these cars first registered in 2018 took their annual MOT test. 83% passed first time; among all cars first registered in 2018 the figure was 84%.
| Failed on | These cars | All cars from 2018 |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 6.4% | 5.2% |
| Brakes | 5.0% | 2.9% |
| Visibility | 4.4% | 3.6% |
| Lamps, reflectors and electrical equipment | 2.6% | 4.0% |
| Noise, emissions and leaks | 0.8% | 1.0% |
| Seat belts and supplementary restraint systems | 0.4% | 0.3% |
DVSA anonymised MOT tests and results, 2023 (Department for Transport) · Open Government Licence v3.0 · first tests only; a fix made at the test station within the hour still counts as a fail
In Finland
831 of these cars first registered in 2018 were in use in Finland on 30 Jun 2026, with an average of 146,000 km on the odometer at their last inspection.
Traficom (Finnish Transport and Communications Agency), open data on vehicles in use · CC BY 4.0
In New Zealand
33 2018 cars are on the New Zealand register.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Motor Vehicle Register (March 2026) · CC BY 4.0
Crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-star results for 1 variant; 1 of 1 rated variants score five stars overall. Rollover risk is the estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Variant | Overall | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | 9.8 % |
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
- Forward collision warning
- Optional
- Lane departure warning
- Optional
- Best overall rating
- 5 / 5
NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), api.nhtsa.gov · US federal work, public domain
Fuel consumption
Official Canadian test results for 3 variants: combined 8.0–9.4 L/100 km (about 25–29 mpg US), CO₂ 190–224 g/km.
| Variant | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optima FE · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 9.3 | 6.6 | 8.0 |
| Optima · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 9.6 | 6.8 | 8.4 |
| Optima · Full-size · Regular gasoline | 10.9 | 7.6 | 9.4 |
Litres per 100 km. Natural Resources Canada, Fuel consumption ratings (open.canada.ca) · Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls in Canada
5 Transport Canada recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima.
| 2023476 28 Aug 2023 | Structure Issue: On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment ma… |
| 2021666 1 Nov 2021 | Engine Issue: On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine, the connecting rod bearings can become damaged. If this happens, the engine could make abnorma… |
| 2019143 18 Mar 2019 | Engine Issue: Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an eng… |
| 2019098 27 Feb 2019 | Fuel System Issue: When the engine was replaced under warranty or under Kia's Product Improvement Campaign SC023, the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly i… |
| 2018132 15 Mar 2018 | Powertrain On certain plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery Voltage Protection Device (VPD) switch could inadvertently activate. If the VPD switch is activated, electricity… |
Transport Canada Vehicle Recalls Database · Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada
Recalls
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."
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.
Whether a recall was fixed on a particular car is known only to the manufacturer: check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA recalls · summaries in NHTSA's own words
Service bulletins
What Kia told its dealers about the 2018 Kia Optima: known faults, fixes and updates.
| Bulletin | Summary |
|---|---|
| 11009492 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HEATING, VENTILATION, AND AIR CONDITIONING (HVAC) BLOWER MOTOR FUSE RELOCATION - This bulletin provides the procedure to relocate the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) blower motor 40-ampere fuse on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JFa) vehicles produced from August 28, 2015 through June 23, 2020 which may experience an inoperative blower motor due to a blown multi-fuse at position #3. The HVAC system provides cooling and heating to help maintain a comfortable environment inside the vehicle cabin. The blower motor provides primary airflow for the HVAC system |
| 11001594 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) and 2016-2020MY Optima (JF, JFa) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobil |
| 11000787 | This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced. |
| 10252085 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published PI1802 titled "Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement"; equipped w/THETA II engine. Specifically, this bulletin provides instructions on which procedures to follow if, after installation of the KSDS, any one of the s |
| 10240563 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 7. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated |
| 10240263 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to |
| 10240262 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of the original letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to the vehicle to |
| 10239713 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) and 2016-2020MY Optima (JF, JFa) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobil |
| 10239108 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start Control Module on certain 2012-2022MY model vehicles listed on page 6. Vehicles equipped with a Kia Genuine Remote Start feature and have had the Anti-Theft software logic (CS230*) applied to the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) may experience five (5) inadvertent honks after starting the vehicle with the remote start feature. |
| 10236643 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) and 2016-2020MY Optima (JF, JFa) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobil |
| 10233306 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a |
| 10232943 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) and 2016-2020MY Optima (JF, JFa) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobil |
| 10232178 | CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key. This software upgrade will be available to the customer free of charge for eighteen (18) months from the date of this letter. When the software upgrade is complete, Kia will also provide the customer with window stickers that can be applied to your vehicle to discourage a |
| 10232113 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Module (BCM) system on certain 2011-2015MY Optima (TF), 2012-2015MY Optima (QF) and 2016-2020MY Optima (JF, JFa) vehicles produced within the dates outlined on page 10, which may not be equipped with an immobilizer. This logic upgrade will add anti-theft ignition start logic to the vehicle's system operation. |
| 10230492 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Battery Management System (BMS), Oil Pump Control Unit (OPU) and Motor Control Unit (MCU) on some 2017-2019MY Optima (JF P/HEV) vehicles, produced from August 25, 2016 through September 13, 2018 (refer to page 8) in order to improve the BMS diagnosis logic, OPU judgment logic for DTC P1B77 (High |
| 10226555 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, refer to applicable vehicles in the chart starting on page 2. |
| 10225574 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump filter assembly on 2016-2020MY Optima (JFa) vehicles produced from August 28, 2015 through June 23, 2020, for repairs that may be necessary to address a low-pressure fuel pump failure to be covered for 15 years / 150,000 miles, whic |
| 10225572 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump filter assembly on 2016-2020MY Optima (JFa) vehicles produced from August 28, 2015 through June 23, 2020, for repairs that may be necessary to address a low-pressure fuel pump failure to be covered for 15 years / 150,000 miles, whichever comes first starting from the date the vehicle was first put into service. The affected vehicles may exhibit an intermittent reduction in engine po |
| 10220346 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most 2014-2023MY Kia vehicles (refer to model list on page 2). If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be informed to have the next maintenance service performed, which can positively affect vehicle longevity and performance. Refer to TSB ENG241 for 2023MY~ vehicles equi |
| 10219692 | TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressure, the SST may need to be re-calibrated to ensure that the tool provides accurate readings when testing the engine rod bearing wear. The calibration and BCT measuring point maintenance is included in this bulletin. |
| 10217678 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA 2.0L T-GDI ULEV LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR EMISSIONS (SC205) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JFa) ULEV vehicles, equipped with 2.0L T-GDI Theta engines, produced from April 21, 2015 through May 22, 2020, in order to improve fuel quantity learning to decrease the deterioration of the rear Oxygen Sensor. |
| 10217677 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on your vehicle's Engine Control Module (SC205). |
| 10217676 | SC205_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD |
| 10217675 | SC205_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER |
| 10217674 | VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC205). |
NHTSA manufacturer communications (public domain)
NHTSA investigations
Loss of Motive Power
Electrical overstress
NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation