The 2018 Kia Optima has a elevated safety risk profile with 2 recall campaigns and 222 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

222

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

18V1610002018-08-03

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

23V5940002023-24-08

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

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."

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 222 owners have filed complaints about the 2018 Kia Optima. ENGINE issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Engine83

02Unknown Or Other14

03Engine And Engine Cooling9

04Power Train8

05Exterior Lighting8

222 total across 1 model years (2018–2018)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Kia Optima Fuel Economy

25–42mpg combined

22-39city

31-46hwy

$1,050-$1,750/yr

Across 7 configurations, the 2018 Kia Optima returns 25–42 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Optima Hybrid - Automatic (AM6)

42mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

39 city46 hwy~$1,050/yr9/10 Clean

Optima Plug-in Hybrid - Automatic (AM6)

40mpg

2.0L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

38 city43 hwy~$1,100/yr10/10 Clean

Optima - Automatic (AM7)

31mpg

1.6L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

28 city37 hwy~$1,400/yr7/10 Clean

Optima FE - Automatic (S6)

29mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

25 city36 hwy~$1,500/yr6/10 Average

Optima - Automatic (S6)

28mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

24 city34 hwy~$1,550/yr6/10 Average

Optima S - Automatic (S6)

26mpg

2.4L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

23 city32 hwy~$1,700/yr5/10 Average

Optima - Automatic (S6)

25mpg

2.0L 4-cyl Turbo · Front-Wheel Drive

22 city31 hwy~$1,750/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2018 Kia Optima

37States

29%in top 3

12% of the market sits in Florida, though listings span 37 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

FLFlorida

17412%

TXTexas

1188%

CACalifornia

1078%

GAGeorgia

675%

NCNorth Carolina

665%

AZArizona

594%

PAPennsylvania

574%

OHOhio

534%

MOMissouri

504%

ILIllinois

483%

DCWashington DC

423%

NYNew York

353%

MIMichigan

353%

DEDelaware

332%

NJNew Jersey

332%

UTUtah

302%

INIndiana

282%

WAWashington

282%

MDMaryland

262%

OR26

TN24

MN22

OK22

VA20

CO15

ID14

RI14

NV14

AL13

SC12

KY12

NE11

NH11

KS11

NM9

MA8

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2018.

2018 Kia Optima: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2018 Kia Optima a good car to buy?

The 2018 Kia Optima has its strengths and its watch-outs. 2 recalls have been issued, so verify completion with the dealer. Owners report engine as the area to watch most closely. Check the safety section for recall details and the pricing data to see if the numbers work for you.

Are there recalls on the 2018 Kia Optima?

Yes, 2 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2018 Kia Optima?

Depending on configuration, the 2018 Kia Optima delivers 25–42 MPG combined. Choose wisely. The full comparison shows how engine choice affects your wallet.

What are common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?

Out of 222 owner complaints, engine issues lead the pack. Get a pre-purchase inspection that specifically covers this area. The known issues breakdown has all the details.

How does the 2018 compare to other Kia Optima years?

Each Kia Optima model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Kia Optima overview page.