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Model year

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid

Sedan, hybrid, FWD/Front-Wheel Drive, built in South Korea. Owner complaints on file from Sep 28, 2022 to Apr 5, 2023.

Recall campaigns covering this model year2330k vehicles or units across those campaigns
Owner complaints3Below the median 2018 sedan
Severity index0.02018 sedans average 6.6
First 24 months0Complaints in its first two years
Complaints over time

Complaints about the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid peaked in 2023, with 2 filed

Owner complaints about this model year, by the year they were filed with NHTSA.

00.511.52202220232202420252026
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. The lighter column runs through October.
Components

100% of complaints about the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid name engine and cooling

Owner complaints by component. Hover or focus a bar for the crash, fire, injury or death count.

Engine and cooling
3
Electrical system
1
Fuel system
1
Powertrain
1
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file. A complaint can name more than one component; it is counted under the first.
Recalls

2 recall campaigns cover the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid

Check a specific vehicle by VIN on NHTSA's site: a campaign may cover only part of a model year's production.

Recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid
CampaignFiledSubjectComponentVehiclesRemedy
23V-594Aug 24, 2023Trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the insideLatches and locks319,436Part replacement
21V-844Oct 29, 2021Connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damageEngine and cooling10,731Software update
Source: NHTSA ODI recalls file.
Owner complaints

What owners reported about the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid

The full text of every complaint filed with NHTSA about this model year, newest first. Complaints are filed by owners and are not verified by NHTSA; NHTSA removes personal details before publishing.

3 complaints on file, page 1 of 1.

  1. Filed Apr 5, 2023Failure Aug 1, 2022100,000 milesHowell, NJEngine

    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.

    NHTSA complaint 11515516
  2. Filed Feb 21, 2023Failure Feb 18, 2023New Raymer, COEngine, Power train, Unknown or other

    While driving down the road the car said it had a major voltage failure and was shutting down. I was in the middle of the street and thankfully was able to coast to the turn lane before the car came to a total stop. since the gas pedal didn't do anything. the car then said there was multiple failures and the hybrid system needed to be immediately shut down. The car then wouldn't start or move after that. about 20 mins later the car like dashboard and screen would turn on but the engine would not. when it turned back on there were even more warnings along with other failures like emergency braking and transmission and the hybrid communication. when the tow truck came and took it it would go into neutral to get on the truck but wouldn't even do that when we got it to the dealership it had to be manually taken out of park to get it off the truck. there were lots of warning lights but the oil, engine, and another light I not sure what it meant were always on even when the others would go away after a while.

    NHTSA complaint 11508317
  3. Filed Sep 28, 2022Failure Jun 3, 2022Lake Forest, ILElectrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system

    I brought the vehicle into Kia service for the recall including a computer operating system upgrade. After the recall work was done the car driving at high highway speeds failed, and immediately slowed down, almost causing a rear collision. The computer system turned off the drive mechanism and I was left with only the electric motor to propel the car. The car barely limped off the highway. The car was brought to the Kia Dealer and no defect was found and the computer was reset. This problem occurred two more times, at highway speeds (70 mph) and Kia was contacted to find out why the problems occurred and how to fix it. To date, Kia has not responded to how to fix the problem and has ignored all phone calls and emails. The car has been in the shop for 3 months. The problem occurred only after Kia upgraded the software due to the recall. Additionally, the recall work was done. I do not know why the recall work was not reported.

    NHTSA complaint 11486933
Source: NHTSA ODI complaints file.
Investigations

3 NHTSA investigations on file

  • DP22005 Defect petition, Electrical system
    Pedestrian alert sounds
    Opened Jan 27, 2023, closed Aug 7, 2023 · led to a recall
  • DP22003 Defect petition, Engine and cooling
    Loss of Motive Power
    Opened Sep 12, 2022, closed Dec 12, 2023
  • EA21003 Engineering analysis, Engine and cooling
    Engine Fires
    Opened Dec 22, 2021, closed Feb 5, 2024
Source: NHTSA ODI investigations file.
Service bulletins

48 manufacturer communications cover this model year

Technical service bulletins and other notices the manufacturer sent to dealers. A bulletin is not a recall.

  • TSB_CLI049_R2 Aug 28, 2026 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides informat…
  • PS797 Dec 9, 2025 · Other
    PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating …
  • TSB_TRA046_R5 Apr 17, 2025 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information re…
  • TSB_TRA046_R4 May 16, 2024 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.
  • TSB_CLI049_R1 Jun 26, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides inform…
  • TSB_ELE192_R1 Jan 18, 2023 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provi…
  • TSB_TRA046_R3 Nov 18, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced,…
  • TSB_ENG219_R1 Sep 16, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This bulletin provides information on setting …
  • TSB_ELE044_R3 Apr 7, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines …
  • PS613_R1 Mar 30, 2022 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER REPLACEMENT AND MILEAGE SETTING WITH KDS - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This pitstop provides the KDS ser…
  • TSB_CHA111 Oct 6, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: REPLACEMENT OF MOBIS C-MDPS SMALL BEARING - This bulletin provides the procedure to replace the small bearing of the Column Motor Driven Power Steering (C-MDPS) unit on the vehicles listed below, which may exhibit an abnormal noi…
  • TSB_CHA084_R8 Oct 5, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar…
  • TSB_BOD055_R1 Sep 13, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides …
  • TSB_ELE044_R2 Aug 19, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HIGH-VOLTAGE BATTERY ORDERING AND RETURN PROCEDURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin outlines …
  • PS704 Aug 3, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: FRONT RADAR SENSOR MOUNTING INSPECTION (PS704) - This pitstop provides information regarding front radar sensor alignment on 2014MY and later vehicles that may exhibit a warning light ON related to radar sensor alignment errors in the Forward Colli…
  • PS702 Jun 4, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PIT STOP: A/C DYE FOR E-COMPRESSOR EQUIPPED VEHICLES - This bulletin provides information on the proper non-conductive A/C system leak detection dye to be used in all EV, HEV, and PHEV models equipped with an electric A/C compressor.
  • TSB_CHA084_R7 Mar 25, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin ar…
  • PS686 Feb 24, 2021 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP/TECHNICAL OPERATIONS - SMOKE MACHINE NOT TO BE USED FOR EMISSIONS TESTING WITH HEV/PHEV MODELS - This Pitstop provides information to properly test the evaporative emissions system in all Kia 2011MY~ Hybrid (HEV) and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) model vehi…
  • TSB_CHA084_R6 Nov 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin a…
  • TSB_CHA084_R5 Nov 4, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU, WORM GEAR AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin …
  • PS663 Oct 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: MFC, CONCERNS FOR DISABLED OPERATION - This Pitstop provides information regarding concerns with disabled operation of Multi-Function Camera (MFC) on some Kia vehicles. When normal operation is not possible due to certain outside environment condit…
  • TSB_CHA098_R3 Aug 7, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the …
  • PS675 Aug 25, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - BRAKE CALIPER LEAK INSPECTION - This PITSTOP provides information related to a brake caliper fluid/oil substance found on some Kia vehicles, due to possible excess assembly oil applied during assembly.
  • TSB_FUE046 Jun 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB/SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA421) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and replace the fuel tank air filter, and, if necessary, the Natural Vacuum Leak D…
  • TSB_CLI049 Jun 3, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the Air Conditioning (A/C) compressor assembly on some 2011MY~ Optima (TF HEV, JF HEV/PHEV/EV), Soul (PS EV) and Niro (DE…
  • TSB_TRA046_R1 Apr 24, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: - TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each …
  • TSB_ELE192 Apr 2, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the Battery Management System (BMS), Oil Pump Control Unit (OPU) and Motor Control Unit (MCU) on some 2017-2019M…
  • TSB_CHA098_R2 Mar 23, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the repair procedure for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019…
  • TSB_ELE148 Jan 21, 2020 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: HALOGEN HEAD LAMP LOW BEAM BULB CONNECTOR REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information regarding the procedure to repair the bulb connector on some 2010MY~ vehicles listed on the table below, which may exhibit a bulb connecto…
  • TSBCHA084_R4 Nov 26, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steer…
  • TSBCHA084_R3 Oct 15, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TSB084_R3: PARTIAL REPAIR OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information.This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven P…
  • PS616 Oct 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: LOWER ENGINE SERVICE COVER BOLT LOCATIONS - This Pitstop provides information on the correct bolt location of the lower engine service cover on 2016-2020MY Optima 2.4L and 2.0L equipped vehicles. The lower engine service cover is secured by seven (…
  • TSBCHA098 Aug 14, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSBCHA098: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR GUIDE FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin provides the repair guide for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY Kia EV/Hybrid/Plug-In Hybrid vehicles listed (see table), which may exhibit a …
  • TSBCHA098_R1 Aug 28, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSBCHA098_R1: IBAU SYSTEM REPAIR FOR NOISE AND AIR BLEEDING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides the repair procedure for the Integrated Brake Actuation Unit (iBAU) system on some 2014-2019MY EV/Hybrid/P…
  • TSBENG178_R3 Jul 11, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to extracting âin use performance trackingâ emissions data from the Engine…
  • TSBCHA084_R2 Jun 21, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: REPLACEMENT OF C-MDPS MOTOR, ECU AND/OR STEERING COLUMN HOUSING - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) Motor, Electro…
  • TSBELE163 May 17, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: PARASITIC DRAW INSPECTION AND REAR DOOR LATCH REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to inspect for a parasitic draw and, if necessary, replace one or both rear door latches on some of the following vehicles which may experience a discharge…
  • TSBENG178_R2 Apr 16, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting "in use performance tracking" emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California. The Ca…
  • TSBENG083_R1 Jan 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information relating to all Kia vehicles equipped with Gasoline Direct Injection …
  • PS587 Jan 18, 2019 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: P/HEV NO START ? SHIFT BEFORE READY - This Pitstop provides information regarding possible customer complaint of intermittent ?No-Start?.
  • PS581 Nov 28, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP: HYBRID HV BATTERY SOC GAUGE (PS581) - This Pitstop provides information regarding the State of Charge (SOC) gauge on all Kia Hybrid P/HEV) vehicles. Normal operation of the HEV SOC gauge is between 40-60%. This is to allow for regeneration and dege…
  • PS564 May 22, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - CLOCK CONCERNS ON UVO eSERVICES (UVO 3.0) - This Pitstop contains information regarding possible concerns with the clock on UVO eServices (UVO 3.0) head units installed on 2017-2018MY vehicles.
  • TSBENG178_R1 Apr 17, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engin…
  • PS539 Mar 2, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.
  • TSBTRA047_R2 Feb 16, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB - DRIVESHAFT SERVICEABILITY - This bulletin has been revised most recently to include additional information. This bulletin provides information regarding axle shaft serviceability for Kia vehicles equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission.
  • TSBENG178 Jan 23, 2018 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    TSB - DATA COLLECTION: EXTRACT CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS DATA FROM ECU (DC18) - This bulletin provides information related to extracting ?in use performance tracking? emissions data from the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of certain vehicles sold in California.
  • PS522 Oct 23, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - ECO-COASTING (ECOASTING) & ECO-DAS (DRIVING ASSISTANT SYSTEM) OVERVIEW ? CUSTOMER TIP - This Pitstop provides information regarding Eco-Coasting Guide (eCoasting) and Eco-Driving Assistant System (DAS) found on 2017-18MY Niro (DE HEV), Niro Plug-i…
  • PS520 Oct 10, 2017 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
    PITSTOP - HYBRID POWER CONTROL UNIT 30A DC FUSE - The 2017MY~ Optima Hybrid (JF HEV), Optima Plug-in Hybrid (JF PHEV), and Niro (DE HEV) vehicles are equipped with a replaceable 30A fuse for the eCompressor. This fuse is easily accessible under a cover betw…
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications files.