The Lemon Index2018 Kia Optima.
The 2018 Kia Optima is better than average by owner complaints: 60 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 57, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 25 to 42 mpg combined. The best Kia Optima year is 2017.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 235 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 19K to 90K miles on the car (74 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 22K–100K miles
Recalls 2
- latches/locks/linkages 2023
The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
- hybrid propulsion system 2018
These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 155 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PITSTOP - INTEGRATED BRAKE ACTUATOR UNIT (IBAU) HONK NOISE - This Pitstop provides information…
- Vehicle product improvement: engine replacement instructions for dtc p1326 (pi1802w/x)- this…
- ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - This bulletin provides information…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1550–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Engine turned off while driving without any warning, going straight, in city. Dealership can not duplicate or diagnose problem.
2018 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 11329483
More owner reports
Takara recall vehicle power down while I was driving 45 mph on a city street the car was stationary in motion then powered back up without me turning the ignition.was a very scary experience
NHTSA complaint 11218043
While driving at night lights went completely out on highway while in auto mode
NHTSA complaint 11342855
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 57; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Kia Optima year by this measure is 2017.
What are the most common 2018 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (32%), electrical (18%) and brakes (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
2 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Optima get?
25 to 42 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 19,200 and 90,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,700 miles, from 74 complaints.
Does the 2018 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1550 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
What Kia Optima year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2017, 2019 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works