Other complaints and recalls from NHTSA
Summary
The 2018 Kia optima has 26 NHTSA other complaints and 1 other-related recall.
26
Complaints
1
Recalls
0
Injuries Reported
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated April 9, 2026
18V161000
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...
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 1, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Paint on all four door handles are bubbling and chipping. I rarely use the backseat handles and pass... |
| Aug 27, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Trunk latch broke leaving it impossible for someone in the trunk to get out and very difficult for s... |
| Feb 9, 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | It started with the oil. I constantly have to add oil. when it first started that’s what I was doing... |
| Sep 15, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | I’ve had the 2018 Kia Optima for a little over a year. I purchased it as a used vehicle. I’ve notice... |
| Jun 13, 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Sudden loss of acceleration at freeway speed. Unable to start after incident. Unknown cause. Shop un... |
| Oct 7, 2023 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | THE FUEL PUMP HAS AN ACTIVE RECALL. TOOK ITIN TO DEALER AND WE ARE BEING ADVISED KIA WILL NOT COVER ... |
| Oct 6, 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Trunk latch is broken. Car doesn’t alert that trunk is open. |
| Jul 19, 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Vehicle is burning excessive amounts of oil rapidly. Date of Purchase: 04/13/2023 - mileage : 94,... |
| Jun 30, 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | When we drive the car it hesitates as if it’s going to cut off and it keep burning oil. We have to p... |
| Jun 1, 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | Excessive oil consumption 1-1.5 months approx. 1,000 miles into new oils change. It is available for... |
| Oct 3, 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | At around 40,000 miles my car started burning oil rapidly. No leaks were found and I would get an oi... |
| Sep 4, 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I got out of my car to talk to someone and my car was running With my purse and phone in the car and... |
| Aug 20, 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | My car was stolen |
| Aug 4, 2022 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE | ECM telling fuel pump to put too much gas, causing exhaust into cabin, unnoticed while in car, but h... |
| Jul 8, 2022 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Hello, My Kia was stolen lastnight. The criminals apparently the “KIA BOYS” took my car, it wasn’t ... |
| Aug 21, 2021 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Leaking gas at the firewall when running. |
| Aug 18, 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | WE RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2018 KIA OPTIMA EX.ALL THE WINDOWS EXIBIT DISTORTION SO BAD ,AS TO INTERFERE... |
| Aug 6, 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving at highway speed my children (11, 7, & 5) and I were almost rear-ended when my Kia Opt... |
| Feb 12, 2021 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | BOTH OF MY BACK DOOR SENSATORS ARE SAYING THE BACK DOORS ARE OPEN BUT THEY'RE LOCKED |
| Sep 4, 2020 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | WHEN DRIVING AT NIGHT THE LIGHTS WILL CUT COMPLETELY OFF. YOU HAVE TO SWITCH FROM AUTO TO THE ON POI... |