2018 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
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Common 2018 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid has been known to have several common problems based on complaints from owners. The most frequently reported issue is the engine dying, which has been a problem for many hybrid vehicles.
Another issue that has been reported is engine knocking, which has been a problem for the 2018 model year, with one complaint registered so far. Engine knocking can be caused by various factors, such as incorrect fuel octane rating, improper ignition timing, or even engine wear and tear. This problem can lead to decreased engine performance, reduced fuel efficiency, and, in some cases, engine damage if left unaddressed.
In addition to engine problems, the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid has also had issues with the starter. Some owners have reported that their engines suddenly wouldn't start at all, with no clear indication of the cause of the problem. While diagnostic tests may not always reveal the cause, several owners have found success in resolving the issue by replacing the battery and/or parking sensor.
The Kia Optima Hybrid's door latch problem is another common issue, affecting the 2018 model year. This problem makes it difficult to open the vehicle doors from both the inside and outside of the car, with the cause being a faulty door latch assembly. Replacing the worn latch typically addresses the problem.
Lastly, the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid has experienced problems with the throttle position sensor (TPS). The main symptoms of a faulty TPS include the check engine light illuminating, combined with misfiring and power loss. This issue tends to occur just after crossing the 100,000 miles milestone. Kia has taken steps to improve the necessary parts, which has helped resolve this issue.
In summary, the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid has had several common problems, including engine issues, starter problems, door latch problems, and TPS issues. These problems can lead to decreased vehicle performance, increased repair costs, and, in some cases, safety concerns. It is essential for owners to address these issues promptly to ensure the continued safe and reliable operation of their vehicles.
Is the Kia Optima Hybrid a good car?
#4 in Best Midsize Cars of 2020
The 2020 Kia Optima carries on as an attractive midsize sedan offering good fuel economy, technology, value and everyday ease of use. It's also available as a 45-mpg Optima Hybrid or an Optima PHEV that can run up to 28 miles on electricity alone before the gasoline engine is needed.
Are 2018 Kia Optimas reliable?
He said they service a fleet of Kias for a local telecom operator and that the cars are very reliable - usually they perform just regular maintenance. Once I took it for a test drive I was sold - besides the boring reliability card it's also a nice car.
What is the life expectancy of the battery in a Kia Optima Hybrid?
150,000 miles
Hybrid car battery replacement should be performed every 150,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first). Bear in mind that this is not a guarantee, but an average figure for how often hybrid battery replacement should be performed.
What is the fuel economy of an Optima Hybrid?
The Optima Plug-In Hybrid's equivalent of 101 mpg and 28-mile all-electric range is a compelling case for around-town driving. The hybrid Accord and Camry, however, outperform the Optima Hybrid's 42-mpg combined rating.
2018 Kia Optima hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Kia Optima hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Kia Optima hybrid.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-08-01
- VIN: KNAGU4LE1J5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "Turn Engine Off Immediately" was displayed, and the vehicle decelerated to 35 MPH and stalled. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the engine was faulty and needed to be replaced. The engine was replaced but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-23
- VIN: KNAGV4LD5J5
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: THE CAR WAS PARK IN THE HOUSE AND WHEN I GET BACK I SAW A LONG CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD SO I CHECK THE SURROUNDING IF THERE IS SOMETHING FELL ON IT BUT THERE'S NO EVEN AN IMPACT ON IT IT'S JUST CRACK FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD UP TO THE MIDDLE CENTER. IT'S A BRAND NEW CAR SO HOW WILL THE WINDSHIELD GET CRACK LIKE THAT. I ASK AROUND TO REPLACE MY WINDSHIELD AND MOST OF THEM TOLD ME THAT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE NEW VEHICLE LIKE MINE AND THEY EVEN ASK THE DEALER IF IT'S AVAILABLE AND THEY SAID IT WILL TAKE ABOUT A MONTH TO HAVE IT.
2018 Kia Optima hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Kia Optima hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
- 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Kia 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.
- Consequence: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
Negative 2018 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
Positive 2018 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
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Congratulations on your purchase of the 2017 Optima EX hybrid! It's great to hear that you did your research and found the perfect car for you. The Harmon Kardon speakers and split back seats sound like fantastic features. It's also wonderful to hear that you're impressed with the 6-speed automatic transmission. I completely understand your preference for blind spot monitoring, but it's great to hear that you're still happy with your hybrid overall. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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Great car, awesome mileage, and rides really smooth.
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You have a 2017 and it sounds like it's been a great vehicle so far! It's impressive that you're getting around 45 mpg on the freeway and 33-35 mpg in the city. It's good to hear that the only issue you've had was with the truck lock, but it's great that you were able to fix it yourself!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Kia Optima hybrid problems:
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
2018 Kia Optima Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Aug 24, 2023 ... Common problems found on the 2018 Kia Optima include the A/C blowing warm air, worn-out spark plugs, and the headlights not pointing in the ...
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid died on highway - tech unable to locate ...
Jul 22, 2023 ... ... problem. Has anyone had this problem? Do I have any recourse? Does anyone know if this is a common issue that I can push back on Kia to get ...
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid Battery has gone bad | Kia Optima Forums
Mar 16, 2021 ... This time they were supposed to do the full "black box" test and try to determine what the real problem was, today they called and said the ...
Common Kia Optima Hybrid Problems: Q&A for 2012-2014 Models
Oct 31, 2017 ... My kia optima hybrid loses power and will not run. I have to sit and have the battery recharge and it will then - Answered by a verified Kia ...
Other years of Kia Optima hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2018 Kia Optima hybrid?
Alvis Bruen 2024-01-16
I purchased this car used for around $18k when it was one year old. Although I initially wanted a Sonata due to the additional features it offers, the only option available at the time was this Kia, which is often considered to be Hyundai's less affluent counterpart. The car was a 'Premium' model, which is the lower of the two trims available, but it did come equipped with the Convenience Package, which includes a power driver's seat with memory, rear vents, laminated front side glass, lighted front door handles, and extra USB plugs. One downside of this trim level is that the rear seatbacks do not fold down, and the trunk is slightly smaller than the gas version. Additionally, there is no spare tire since the battery takes up that space. However, there are many things to like about this car, such as its good gas mileage, which is generally around 35-37 mpg around town and 42-48 on the highway. It also handles corners better than previous Hyundai/Kia models and does a good job of mimicking a gas car. The steering is rather light, but some may not like this. The acceleration is good, but it's not a rocket. The 6-speed automatic gives a prompt kickdown most of the time, and while one may occasionally want more power, it's a reasonable compromise. On the downside, the car can be a bit noisy, and the ride is somewhat firm but not harsh. Additionally, the tire pressure monitoring system does not have a 'reset' button, which can be frustrating when the weather gets colder and the tires lose pressure. An insistent light comes on, and the dash center information area is taken over by a diagram that informs you of the low pressure in one of the tires. After researching this online, I learned that the only way to make it shut off is to overinflate the offending tire by 5 lbs. and drive it around for a few miles, which seems rather chintzy. There have been a few problems with this car, such as the left rear window being very slow to make the last inch of travel, but it eventually cured itself without any intervention from me. Additionally, I had to replace the front lower control arms at 66K, and when I went for an oil change, I was told that three of the tires were It seems to me that the decision to trade in the car was premature, as it had only gone 100k. However, it's possible that the local speed bump condition played a factor. I was faced with the prospect of having to spend about $1500 on struts and tires, and I wasn't sure what other issues might arise. Ultimately, I decided it was time to trade it in, about 3 years earlier than I had originally planned.
Arnoldo Murazik 2024-01-11
I have a 2017 hybrid with 24000 miles. The car is currently waiting for a dealer appointment to fix the wiring, which has been damaged by rodents. It appears that Kia has coated the wiring in a material that is attractive to rodents. Unfortunately, this issue is not covered by warranty, leaving you with a $4000 bill to pay. However, it is important to note that this issue is not unique to Kia and can happen with any car brand. It is always a good idea to take preventative measures to protect your car from rodent damage. Thank you for choosing Kia.