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2018 Kia Optima: recalls, problems and warranty extensions

Everything US government records hold on the 2018 Kia Optima as a model. To see how it applies to one car, and to check its mileage and VIN, enter the VIN.

2Safety recalls
233Owner complaints to NHTSA
2Defect investigations
5/5NHTSA overall crash rating

Most-reported problems

What 2018 Kia Optima owners report most often to NHTSA, and the mileage where most reports fall.

Engine132Most reports between 20k and 110k miles
Unknown Or Other38Most reports between 20k and 50k miles
Electrical System33Most reports between 10k and 50k miles
Power Train19Most reports between 10k and 70k miles
Service Brakes17Most reports between 0 and 50k miles
Engine And Engine Cooling14Most reports between 20k and 110k miles
Your VIN report marks where your car's odometer sits on each of these ranges.

Safety recalls

Recalls issued for the 2018 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.

  • Hybrid Propulsion SystemMar 2018 · Campaign 18V161000
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages: Trunk LidAug 2023 · Campaign 23V594000
Whether a recall was done is shown by the dealer or NHTSA's recall lookup. Your report lists each one with the risk and the fix.

Defect investigations

NHTSA investigations that include this model.

  • Loss of Motive PowerDP22003 · opened Sep 2022 · closed Dec 2023
  • Electrical overstressEA19001 · opened Apr 2019 · closed Sep 2024

Theft risk

The Optima is number 6 on the NICB list of most-stolen vehicles in the US (first half of 2025, all model years). Ask about anti-theft protection before you buy.

Other years

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023

Sources: NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, NCAP crash ratings, manufacturer communications and defect investigations; NICB. Model-level data: individual cars may differ.