Before buying a used 2018 Kia Optima, check whether recall repairs were completed, how it scored in crash tests and what owners report most often. Ask the seller for service records covering any recall listed below.
2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program.
A 0–100 grade from public NHTSA data — higher means fewer reported problems. How it's calculated
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232 complaints filed with NHTSA (10 involving a crash, 10 a fire). Most-reported areas:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints. Complaints are unverified reports, not confirmed defects.
| Version | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optima — Auto (AM7), 4 cyl, 1.6 L, Turbo | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) | 6.4 L/100 km (37 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) |
| Optima — Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo | 10.7 L/100 km (22 mpg) | 7.6 L/100 km (31 mpg) | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) |
| Optima — Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 9.8 L/100 km (24 mpg) | 6.9 L/100 km (34 mpg) | 8.4 L/100 km (28 mpg) |
| Optima FE — Auto (S6), 4 cyl, 2.4 L | 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) | 6.5 L/100 km (36 mpg) | 8.1 L/100 km (29 mpg) |
| Optima Hybrid — Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 6 L/100 km (39 mpg) | 5.1 L/100 km (46 mpg) | 5.6 L/100 km (42 mpg) |
| Optima Plug-in Hybrid — Auto (AM6), 4 cyl, 2.0 L | 6.2 L/100 km (38 mpg) | 5.5 L/100 km (43 mpg) | 5.9 L/100 km (40 mpg) |
Source: U.S. EPA / fueleconomy.gov. Converted to L/100 km for Canadian buyers.
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.
Remedy: 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.
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."
Remedy: 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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. Canadian-market vehicles can have different recalls — check Transport Canada's recall database. Always confirm recall status for a specific VIN with a dealer.