Recalls ·2018 Kia Optima Hybrid

2018 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima Hybrid; the most frequently affected component is latches/locks/linkages — latch. Owners filed 3 complaints, most often about engine. Among the 10 model years of this model in the database, 2018 ranks #5 for number of recalls.

Recalls2
Complaints3

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.

EngineCampaign 21V844000 · 29 Oct 2021

Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.

What owners complain about

Share of the 3 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Engine3 · 100%
Electrical system1 · 33%
Fuel/propulsion system1 · 33%
Power train1 · 33%
Unknown or other1 · 33%

When complaints were filed

20221
20232

From owner complaints

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…

Electrical system · Sep 2022 · NHTSA complaint record

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 · May 2023 · NHTSA complaint record

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…

Power train · Feb 2023 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

20113
20123
20132
20140
20150
20160
20172
20182
20190
20200

Related pages

Full specificationsAll model years2018 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.

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