2018 Kia Optima phev 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 phev problems
The 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid has been reported to have several common problems by its owners. Here are the details of the issues based on the search results:
- Fuel System/Emissions Problems: There have been complaints about the fuel system and emissions, including issues with the O₂ sensor, emission-control devices, fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, and problems filling up the tank.
- In-car Electronics: The infotainment system has been a source of frustration for some owners, with complaints about the audio, GPS, and phone systems not working properly.
- Engine Electrical: There have been reports of engine electrical problems, including issues with the alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, and auto stop/start.
- Climate System: Some owners have reported issues with the climate system, including problems with the heating and cooling systems.
- Engine Major: There have been reports of engine damage due to premature wear of the connecting rod bearings inside the engine, which can result in engine stalls and increase the risk of a crash.
- Gearbox Issues: Some owners have reported issues with the gearbox, including violent gear changes and the car jerking violently during gear changes.
- Battery Drain: Some owners have reported that the battery drains easily, which can be a source of frustration and inconvenience.
These issues are based on the search results and may not represent all the problems that 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid owners have experienced. It is important to note that the reliability of the vehicle may vary, and some owners may not experience any of these issues.
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 range of a 2018 Kia Optima PHEV?
| All Engine Electrical System Drivetrain Exterior Dimensions Interior Dimensions Chassis/Suspension Steering Brakes Wheels/Tires Curb Weight Estimated Fuel Economy | Optima Plug-In Hybrid EX |
|---|---|
| All-Electric Range (AER) (est.) | 0 to 29 miles |
| MPGe (est.) | 103 MPGe |
| Total Driving Range | 610 miles |
How much does it cost to replace a Kia Optima hybrid battery?
Labor costs are estimated between $264 and $333 while parts are typically priced around $8,625.
What is the warranty on a Kia Optima PHEV battery?
The Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery warranty covers a minimum capacity for a period is 96 months (84 months for PHEV) or 100,000 miles from the date of first registration, whichever comes first. This warranty covers repairs needed to return the battery capacity to at least 70% of the original battery capacity.
2018 Kia Optima phev complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Kia Optima phev.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2018 Kia Optima phev recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Kia Optima phev.
- 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.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Kia Optima phev problems:
KIA Optima PHEV gearbox issues : r/electricvehicles
May 5, 2021 ... I drive a late 2018 Kia Optima SW PHEV and absolutely love it. The car has 55k km on the gauge so far. 3k km ago, KIA replaced the gearbox ...
I'm looking at buying a 2018 Kia Optima PHEV. It has 240,000 km ...
Mar 25, 2023 ... I have lost 4 miles of range on a full charge. On day one my car had a max rated range of 265. It is down to 261 today. Leaf's had problems with ...
2018 Kia Optima Burning Oil | Kia Optima Forums
Aug 15, 2023 ... The thing is, this oil burning issue is only warranted up to 80k miles, we have 86k. the dealer said if it is burning more than 1 quart per 1k ...
2018 Kia Optima Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Exhaust · Fuel System/Emissions · In-car Electronics · Engine Electrical · Engine Major · Climate System · Paint And Trim · Engine Minor.
Q&A: 2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid - Battery Replacement ...
Jul 18, 2021 ... ... known problem with the battery controller module going faulty. Ask Your Own Kia Question. Customer reply. Unfortunately I cannot open the ...
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