2018 Kia Optima FE recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima FE; the most frequently affected component is latches/locks/linkages — latch. Owners filed 40 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 5 model years of this model in the database, 2018 ranks #3 for number of recalls.

Recalls2

Complaints40

Crashes reported2in stored complaints

Fires reported1in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (2)

Latches/locks/linkages — LatchCampaign 23V594000 · 24 Aug 2023

Problem: 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."

Risk: 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.

Hybrid propulsion systemCampaign 18V161000 · 08 Mar 2018

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine25 · 62%

Unknown or other7 · 18%

Electrical system5 · 12%

Engine and engine cooling4 · 10%

Structure3 · 8%

Fuel/propulsion system3 · 8%

Air bags2 · 5%

Service brakes2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

202522

202618

From owner complaints

Steering column coupler went bad. Unable to swap out the coupler alone ($12 part) and had to get a whole new column (over $1200). Some of the Kia's around this one's make and model were recalled but not this one. Without this repair driving would have been dangerous.
Steering · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

My engine is under the Kia class action lawsuit for the KDS with the rod bearing clearance issues. I have done all my oil changes with paper work available. I got the update to the ECU several years ago as needed to be covered. Now my engine has failed and I took to the dealer to check but they said I didn't have a…
Engine · Dec 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

While driving my 2018 Kia Optima S, the car suddenly jerked, lost power, and stalled in traffic. Multiple warning lights came on at the same time including the oil light, battery light, and check engine light. I had no acceleration and the brakes became very hard to press. The vehicle had to be towed for safety…
Engine · Oct 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Paint on all four door handles are bubbling and chipping. I rarely use the backseat handles and passenger door, which makes it more likely to be a malfunction in whatever paint was used for the handles. There is no fading, chipping, or bubbling on other parts of my car.
Unknown or other · Mar 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

Full specifications All model years 2018 Kia lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

2018 Kia Optima recalls and complaints Recalls
2018 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid recalls and complaints Recalls
2018 Kia Optima S recalls and complaints Recalls
2017 Kia Optima Plug-in Hybrid recalls and complaints Recalls
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