One of the better Optimas, if oil use is checked
The 2018 Optima drew half the model average. Oil consumption on some engines is the main complaint.
Updated November 2026 · based on 244 owner complaints and 3 recalls
240 50% below the Optima average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Optima year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2018 Optima
Top problems and what they cost
Oil consumption
Some engines burn oil and lose power.
Fix: Engine work under warranty extension if eligible
Engine
Hybrid propulsion recall
Recall 18V161 covers plug-in hybrids.
Fix: Free under recall
Hybrid system
Recalls
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.
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2018 Kia Optima
- Confirm recalls 18V161, 21V844 and 23V594 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2018 Optima has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Check the oil level and ask about the KSDS software update.Some engines burn or thin their oil. A low or high level, a gas smell on the dipstick or blue smoke are warning signs, and regular oil changes show the engine was looked after.Owners filed 45 complaints about engine knocking and failure on the 2018 Optima.
Questions
Is the 2018 Kia Optima reliable?
One of the better Optimas, if oil use is checked. The 2018 Optima drew half the model average. Oil consumption on some engines is the main complaint.
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2018 Kia Optima problems?
Oil consumption; Hybrid propulsion recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.