Photo: Vauxford / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2018 Kia Optima: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Optima years.
One of the Kia Optima years to avoid. All Optima years
478 owner complaints, most about engine. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Optima?The 2018 Kia Optima has 478 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and electrical system.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Kia Optima vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Optima years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Optima?
Across the 20 Optima model years we track, complaint volume runs from 75 (2010) to 1,440 (2013). With 478 complaints, the 2018 Optima sits above the model's median of 225.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Optima
hybrid propulsion system
Campaign 18V161000Kia 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.
latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Campaign 23V594000Kia 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."
engine
Campaign 21V844000Kia 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 owners say across generations
Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term owners of earlier models (pre-2011) report exceptionally high reliability and satisfaction, with examples reaching over 270,000 miles with minimal maintenance beyond oil changes.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Optima. See the full Optima owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Optima listings typically run $8,155–$12,889 across 2011 to 2020 model years.
Other Optima model years
Compare every Optima year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Optima against its rivals
Looking at a specific car?
We're building a full check by VIN: the exact trim and engine, its known problems and recalls, what to inspect, a fair price, and how it compares with its rivals. Get an email when it's ready.
One email when it launches. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy