2018 Kia Optima 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 problems
The 2018 Kia Optima has been reported to have several common problems, including issues with the A/C, spark plugs, and headlights.
One of the most widespread complaints about the 2018 Kia Optima is the A/C blowing warm air, which has been reported within the first 30,000 miles. This problem is usually caused by a worn-out or damaged A/C resistor, which costs around $200 to replace, depending on local labor rates.
Another common problem with the 2018 Kia Optima is worn-out spark plugs, which have been reported by owners at around 25,000 miles. This is earlier than the spark plugs in other cars, and replacing them costs around $250.
The headlights of the 2018 Kia Optima have also been reported to not point in the correct direction, which is a problem that has been reported within the first 5,000 miles. This issue is caused by calibration issues with the headlight motors, which costs around $100 to recalibrate. However, some dealerships will cover this cost for free.
In addition to these common problems, there is one recall on the 2018 Kia Optima, which is for the voltage protection device that may activate. Kia will remove the voltage protection device switch on affected models for free.
The 2018 Kia Optima is expected to last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some other sedans like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs for the 2018 Kia Optima are similar to other cars, at $351 per year.
It is important to note that these common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima are similar to those found in other sedans on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Optima ages.
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.
Are there any recalls on 2018 Kia Optima?
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.
What years did Kia Optima have engine problems?
Kia Optima engine problems are well known. The 2011-2014 Kia Optima is reported to have a severe engine manufacturing issue, which may cause its bearings to wear prematurely. This may trigger uncontrollable engine seizing, which may increase the risk of crashes or collisions.
How long will a Kia Optima engine last?
The Kia Optima will last 200,000 miles with proper maintenance, though they won't make it much further. The better you care for your Optima, the more mileage you will get.
2018 Kia Optima car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Power train problems
- Service brakes problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Kia Optima vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2018 Kia Optima
The NHTSA has received 171 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Kia Optima. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2018 Kia Optima vehicles.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-01
- VIN: 5XXGU4L31JG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Kia Optima headlights turn off randomly while on automatic. This dangerous issue has been investigated on other Kia models by the NTSB, which them prompted Kia to issue a recall. I have found many, many posts on car and Kia forums about headlights shutting off while driving at night with the Kia Optima (as well as other Kia items). It's very scary and very hazardous. This is a widespread issue.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-21
- VIN: 5XXGT4L39JG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: While driving at night if the headlights will randomly turn completely off
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-05
- VIN: 5XXGT4L37JG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Engine is burning oil at a high rate have to add at least three quarts twice a week and headlights and brake lights got out twice a month
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-04
- VIN: 5XXGU4L30JG
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that there was an abnormal growling sound coming from under the floorboard, and the engine was making an abnormal knocking sound. The contact stated that the RPM gauge was revving high while depressing the accelerator pedal; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the vehicle was not running normally. The contact stated that the failure was a recurring failure. Additionally, the contact stated that vehicle was consuming approximately one quart of engine oil per week and the transmission was hesitating and was making the vehicle jerk while shifting gear. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,270.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 5XXGU4L30JG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The engine and oil warning lights were flashing on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed an oil consumption test. The vehicle failed the oil consumption test and determined that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Monroeville Kia (3721 William Penn Hwy, Monroeville, PA 15146); who informed the contact there was no recall coverage on the VIN for the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-21
- VIN: 5XXGT4L34JG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Oil pressure switch faulty only has 58168
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-15
- VIN: 5XXGT4L33JG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: I’ve had the 2018 Kia Optima for a little over a year. I purchased it as a used vehicle. I’ve noticed that the car is utilizing an excessive amount of oil. Each time I get an oil change for the vehicle I am having to purchase oil to refill the vehicle about 2weeks to a month after. I’ve made multiple road trips where I’ve gotten the oil changed before leaving and I drove around 350 miles; halfway through the drive the oil was half empty on the dipstick. The first time this happened I was unaware of this issue and when I arrived to my destination after around 350 miles of driving, the car had little to no oil. I will provide store receipts of each time I had to purchase oil for the vehicle. I will also provide service interval receipts upon request. Dates of oil purchase are as follows: 1.7/18/23 2.8/16/23 3.10/20/23 4.12/18/23 5.2/7/24 6.2/29/24 7.3/18/24 8.5/4/24 9.5/11/24 10.7/9/24 Service intervals for oil changes are kept up with every 3-5k miles and can provide maintenance receipt.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-08
- VIN: 5XXGT4L34JG
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: My grandson was driving home last night on our Clay County West Virginia narrow unlighted road when his 2018 Kia Optima Headlights went out completely. He wrote that he was scared but finally was able to get lights back on before running off the road. Also, several nights while car is locked with one in the car: the headlights came on. He had to unlock the car and start it up to finally get the headlights off. The lights were off when he first entered the house. I have a service call set up for 09-27-24 with Dutch Miller Kia, but there is a $180.96 + tax diagnostic charge and then the cost to repair the situation. I see there are many NHTSA complaints on your website for this problem. Kia apparently has not issued a statement or recall. HELP!
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-26
- VIN: 5XXGT4L31JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Car cut out and stutters and the engine light flashes. Code P1326 is displayed on the OBD reader.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-21
- VIN: KNAGV4LD0J5
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: See attached document for complaint.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-29
- VIN: 5XXGT4L32JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the vehicle hesitated upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the vehicle failed to accelerate above 40 MPH and was shaking abnormally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 132,378.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-04
- VIN: 5XXGT4L32JG
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Driver side brake light will only work with headlights off. Turn headlights on and it goes out and doesn't start to work until turning off headlights. Also brakes give out when trying to stop, you have to actually shift to neutral for brakes to work again.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-16
- VIN: 5XXGT4L38JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Have completed 4 oil consumption tests and replaced knock sensor and now have knocking in the engine
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-10-03
- VIN: 5XXGU4L37JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Engine continuously stalls,while driving in both city and hight way. I have taken it in while under warranty and am told that's just how the car runs. Sudden jerks / seizure will happen while driving. since I haven't gotten the vehicle it happens at min 15mph or on the freeway at 65 mph. It is stalls at all mph .
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-13
- VIN: 5XXGU4L3XJG
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Sudden loss of acceleration at freeway speed. Unable to start after incident. Unknown cause. Shop unable to diagnose.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 5XXGT4L36JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Took my vehicle for an oil change next day my vehicle was not working well stopped on me could start didn’t want to do damage so I stopped driving and had it told to a shop found out there is METAL IN THE ENGINE
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-10
- VIN: 5XXGT4L33JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Code P-030300 was detected when doing a diagnostic on my car when the check engine light came on. It is a cylinder 3 misfire. When the car comes to a idle the car starts to shake roughly. I took it to the KIA dealership I bought the car from and they told me I would need a new engine and not to drive it.Thankfully nothing bad happened while my baby was in the car. I drove it home and stopped driving it completely once the issue occurred.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- VIN: 5XXGT4L30JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Oil consumption issue. My mechanic referred me to Kia because oil consumption. I would bring car in because oil light and no oil in car and had oil change only 1000 miles. Kia did 2 checks one at 1000 miles and one at 500 miles and oil consumption failed both times. Now I have to pay $686 for oil combustion cleaning even though I am being told this is more than likely going to have engine replaced by Kia because of known issues,
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-23
- VIN: 5XXGT4L32JG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from the exhaust pipe. The contact inspected the dipstick and discovered that the engine oil level was low. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-22
- VIN: 5XXGW4L20JG
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: The contact’s sister owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that engine oil needed to be added every 2-3 weeks. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The vehicle received an unknown repair; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and was diagnosed with valve cover gasket failure. The valve cover gasket was replaced however, the failure persisted. The failure persisted and the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was discovered that there was an oil leak as well as there was excessive oil consumption. The independent mechanic stated that the engine might need to be replaced; however, a diagnostic result was not confirmed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-22
- VIN: 5XXGT4L3XJG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: It started with the car using oil but the mechanic could not determine where the oil was going. It quickly lead to the Cadillac converter going out with a host of other things that cost me over $2900 to fix. Which only lasted a few weeks and the last incident occurred when I was on my way home and it would not pick up speed at all and would stall. The first time it happened I was on the free way and it lost speed almost causing a semi to run into the back of me. The second time I was at a red light and when I tried to accelerate in speed and it stalled and then began to jerk before it would pick up speed. Each time the occurrence happened it placed my life as well as my families life in danger as it was sudden with no engine light or any other lights coming on. The last time it happened it left me stranded with a child, over 2 hours from home and in the middle of the night on isolated highway. Every time I would call KIA they would give me the run around on the issue and say it was due to my negligence but I beg to differ as I feel as if it is an engine error on the manufacturing. Please help. Currently the car is sitting in my yard and I can not afford to keep paying for repairs due to a faulty engine that they refuse to fix.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-13
- VIN: 5XXGU4L33JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My 2018 Kia Optima experienced an oil consumption issue. After awhile out of nowhere my vehicles oil light kept coming on. There was zero oil in my garage. Unbeknownst to me It was burning oil due to this oil consumption issue.I took it to multiple mechanics all which told me that this issue is a known issue and would eventually blow the engine, which is exactly what happened. I reached out to Kia in person via dealerships over the phone via their consumer line and they went out of their way to tell me all the reasons why they could not replace the engine. I have spent enormous amounts of money on rental cars and Ubers and Lyfts to get to work or appointments just to Because of this issue . I was referred to this organization by the Ga consumer bar help line.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-14
- VIN: 5XXGU4L36JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Indiana - car in reverse in driveway and started shaking. I turned car off and back on and it drove normally. The next day, I put the car in reverse and the shaking started again and check engine light illuminated. This car has a history of burning oil and we constantly have to add oil between oil changes. Car is at Andy Mohr Kia dealership at this time where we were told that engine would not be covered by Warranty because we are second owners. Mileage of car is 62,000 miles.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-01
- VIN: 5XXGT4L34JG
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: In case of a vehicle lockout and keys are locked in the trunk when car is opened by locksmith there is no way to unlock the trunk from inside of the car the locks become disabled and you have to reset the master switch very inconvenient for emergencies. There is no trunk release or emergency Button to open the trunk from inside the vehicle. 2018 kia optima lx
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-18
- VIN: 5XXGT4L30JG
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My vehicle is constantly running out of oil within a 30 day period and I constantly getting an oil change. I was advised to get an oil consumption test at the dealer and was out of oil in 3 weeks. I was told that I have a warranty, however, it's only if the rod bearings are an issue. I think my engine should be replaced without paying a $300 diagnostic fee that might get refunded without an exact time frame.
2018 Kia Optima recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Kia Optima.
- 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: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
Negative 2018 Kia Optima car reviews
Positive 2018 Kia Optima car reviews
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Go and get yourself this car! Kia is by far the best ever! And I have owned a lot of vehicles. I drove this car through a Colorado blizzard and it was the best worker they've seen in years. Let me tell you, this Optima is a great car! Not one issue in the blizzard! I am so impressed! After that trip, I named her 'The General'! Enough said, I will never buy anything but a KIA!
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Great value for the money! I wasn't able to get a deal at my local dealer, so I decided to buy it out of state.
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My experience with Xavier Aguirre and the entire staff at CommonWealth KIA of Lawrence was amazing and I would highly recommend them to everyone! Sincerely, Leigh
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It's great to hear that your car is still running smoothly even after 50,000 miles!
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I absolutely adore my Kia! I previously owned a Kia Optima, which I loved dearly. It was incredibly fuel-efficient and never gave me any issues. The staff at my Kia dealership were always so helpful and attentive. I was so pleased with my Optima that I decided to upgrade to a Sorento, and I couldn't be happier with the spaciousness and fuel economy. As a proud Kia enthusiast, I am one happy customer! 😍
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Kia Optima problems:
2018 Kia Optima Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2018 Kia Optima? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
2018 Kia Optima Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Aug 24, 2023 ... The 2018 Kia's have short battery life and most often need to be replaced within a few years. Other than that I love my car. This car is very ...
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 ...
Kia Optima Problems and Complaints - 10 Issues
Top Kia Optima Problems · Door Locks Malfunction Not Allowing Driver or Passanger to Open Their Doors · Faulty Throttle Position Switch · Software Update Available ...
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.
Other years of Kia Optima
Are you having problems with your 2018 Kia Optima?
Monte Klocko 2025-01-06
I purchased the 1.6 L turbo model and unfortunately, my experience with it has not been great. The car seems to lack power and the transmission can be quite noisy, especially in first gear. In stop-and-go traffic, the car shakes quite violently, which can be concerning. Kia has issued a bulletin regarding this issue, but I still have some concerns about the safety of the vehicle. I would recommend considering other models before making a purchase.
Cristina Borer 2024-08-22
I am sorry to hear about the negative experience you had with your car purchased from Courtesy Kia in Brandon, Florida. It sounds like you have had a lot of issues with the car, including dim headlights, battery replacement, loss of power while driving, and thumping noise at highway speeds. It is unfortunate that Kia did not provide the support you needed, and I understand your frustration. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.
Cleveland Kunze 2024-05-12
I had an issue with the floor mat not locking in my Kia, which caused it to slide over the gas pedal and accelerate uncontrollably, resulting in a collision with the vehicle in front of me and the deployment of airbags, causing me injury.
Brooks Schamberger 2024-03-18
I purchased my Optima brand new, but unfortunately it left me stranded on a busy highway. Despite Kia corporate informing me that the engine is faulty and requires replacement, they stated that it cannot be replaced until the engine has thrown a rod and sustained extensive damage. Although Kia has issued a recall for the engine, it appears that the vehicle must break down multiple times before they will replace it. As a result, I decided to purchase another car.
Tavares Lakin 2024-02-20
My 2018 Optima EX began using oil just before 60,000 miles. Although the warranty had expired by the time I got it to the dealership, they conducted an oil consumption test after changing the oil at my expense. The test revealed that the car used two and a half quarts of oil in the first 1,000 miles. Despite keeping the oil level up, the catalytic converter is now clogged due to the oil usage. While the dealership initially claimed that the warranty did not cover this issue, I am confident that it should be covered until 80,000 miles. It is disappointing that Kia has not been more transparent about this issue, which has been known for several years. However, I am confident that the dealership will ultimately honor the warranty and resolve the issue. Although the general manager has offered to sell me another car, I am satisfied with my Optima and look forward to continuing to drive it once the issue is resolved.