2018 KIA OPTIMA

2 recalls, 334 complaints - 188 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

Defect Description

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 Mot... Read more

Consequence

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.

319,436 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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. K... Read more

1,710 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

334 total complaints 10 crashes 12 fires 14 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	69
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	37
POWER TRAIN	29
SERVICE BRAKES	26
STEERING	20
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	16
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	11
AIR BAGS	9
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	6

Incident date: Jul 8, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked abnormally. The failure persisted while driving, and the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to restart the vehicle; however, the failure persisted while driving. The vehicle was tow... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle failed to accelerate and failed to exceed 52 MPH. The vehicle shut off. The contact stated that the engine was running rough while stationary and the vehicle shut off without warning. The v... Read more

Incident date: Jun 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Flex. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a blank image or an inverted image. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 24V951000 (Back Over Prevention); the contact associated the failure with the... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

While driving my 2025 Honda Pilot at normal road speeds, multiple warning messages suddenly appeared on the dashboard, including steering system warnings. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and felt as though it had locked, creating a serious safety hazard. I had very limited abil... Read more

Incident date: Jul 14, 2026

Incident date: May 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 RAM 1500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V059000 (Exterior Lighting, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a r... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Ford Explorer. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V402000 (Power Train); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The co... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

My 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 triggered check engine light with code P06DA (engine oil pressure control) at 40,000 miles. The failed component is an oil pressure control sensor/solenoid worth approximately $200. However, due to Mercedes-Benz's engine design (M264 engine), the entire engine must be r... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2018

In January my parents Tesla in self driving mode drove them straight through a building. The breaks didn't deploy, the airbags didn't deploy and the steering wheel was shaking and unresponsive. Thankfully no one was seriously injured. That said, there was a lot of physical damage to the restaurant/b... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

Multiple times we have received Powertrain Failure warnings. These warnings typically happen when driving in cruise control but also happens in normal driving. The car has trouble shifting gears, gets stuck in gears, and has trouble downshifting. This creates unsafe and unstable driving especially a... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Immediately following the implementation of Service Campaign 9C2 and TSB 25-01-087H - ECU Update for THETA II Emissions Logic Improvement, the vehicle exhibits poor drivability (staggering/missing/hesitation) until the engine warms up. This is most noticeable just prior to the shift from first to se... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

Thank god nothing has happened but almost. I bought my car brand new and 2 weeks into having it I have been having issues with the infotainment system. Its very distracting. Sometimes it distracts me so much that I swerve while driving trying to stop it. It also is interfering with my experience lis... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 GMC Sierra 1500. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed on several occasions, the pedestrian warning alert unexpectedly illuminated. The contact stated that during the failure, the braking system became inoperable and then the brakes locked up, causing ... Read more

2 injured

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe. The contact stated that at approximately 55,000 miles, the vehicle experienced a torque converter failure, and the torque converter was replaced under the factory warranty. The contact stated that four months later, the failure reoccurred, and the dealer decl... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V668000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the ... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado 6500. The contact stated that a month after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V390000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); the contact became aware that the brake motor was constantly engaged. The contact stated that upon disconnecting the br... Read more

Incident date: Mar 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Mazda CX-30. The contact stated that while driving and sneezing, going through a green traffic light, another vehicle crashed into the front driver-side door. There was one individual in the vehicle. The driver-side air bag failed to deploy. The driver mentioned the air bag s... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

The ICCU unit failed, making this electric vehicle unchargeable and therefore undriveable. This is the second time this has happened on this vehicle and the wait for the part was 8 plus weeks. This is a nationwide issue.

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

See attached document for complaint. I have a low mileage RAM 2500 Tradesman Pickup. Many months have elapsed since the original recall notice and I didn’t drive the truck for a time period. It now seems that the repair is taking an unreasonable amount of time. Your attention to this issue wi... Read more

Incident date: Apr 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Hyundai Kona. While the contact’s son was driving the vehicle on the highway at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The gear shifter was shifted into neutral(N) and restarted; however, the engin... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

2021 Polestar 2, consistently the rear back up camera fails to display. In my case the issue did not occur until my car was updated past 3.2.8. The issue is caused by extremely dated hardware. The processor, and memory are insufficient for the more modern software that is being released. I also beli... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2025

High voltage system warning light came on dashboard, reduced acceleration occurred while driving today, 1/9/26. This is my second Vehicle Complaint form regarding High Voltage System failure. High Voltage Battery was replaced after first incident which occurred on 11/25/25, and car spent 37 days at ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 9, 2025

The vehicle just suddendenly shuts down when driven on the freeway, according to Tillery Chevrolet GMC the engine cracked and needed to replaced for total of $17,291.94

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

In November 2025, while traveling at highway speeds, the High-Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP)—the very component installed to satisfy the Z46 recall—suffered a catastrophic failure. This resulted in an immediate loss of fuel pressure, smoke, and a total engine stall. The failure caused a loss of power... Read more

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

The headlights are blinding every driver on the road! These headlights do not belong on the road! Where is the regulation for headlights blinding people and making it difficult to drive at night?

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

Cylinder head valve seat leak ..vehicle Mia fires and check engine light on

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

Hybrid Power train issues. Haven't drove the car for more than a week and a half. Apparently was fixed but obviously was not. Could be the gcm or generator

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

Sunroof Shattered into pieces without any object collision with Dealer refusing to change even though it was under warranty even though it was not due to any external object hitting or nothing. just shattering.

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

Hybrid Power train issues. Haven't drove the car for more than a week and a half. Apparently was fixed but obviously was not. Could be the gcm or generator

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

digital dash cluster became erratic then blacked out entirely. Restarting vehicle didn't help. Cannot see fuel gage nor safety alerts any more.

Incident date: Nov 17, 2025

At speeds 35+ MPH the steering has a “sticky” “notch” feeling making steering at high speed very difficult to do smoothly, especially when cornering. This has led to close-calls nearly resulting in accidents, but fortunately being avoided. I suspect it has to do with the steering rack issue ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 5, 2025

Digital dash randomly goes out and stops working. Can’t see speed or any information

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

While I was en route to get a recall serviced my Vehicle powered off while I was driving, at a speed of 25mph, out of my neighborhood. The Dashboard instructed me to put the vehicle in park (P), press the brake and the start button to power on the engine. The check engine light remained on and the v... Read more

Incident date: Nov 22, 2025

-EPAS malfunctioning and is available for inspection. -Steering sticks in turns and requires too much effort to return to center causing me to overcorrect which causes the steering to stick in the opposite direction and so on. This is not consistent or predictable Also The car is constantly drifting... Read more

Incident date: Nov 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Ford Escape. While the contact’s daughter was driving 65 MPH, the driver's side rear control arm fractured and detached. The contact stated that the failure occurred when the vehicle drove over a mild bump on the road, causing the entire driver's side rear wheel to detach f... Read more

Incident date: Sep 27, 2025

The low beam headlights and high beam headlights do not function properly. I thought that when one of the low beam lights went out that I needed a new bulb. Before I got to changing the bulb out, the other one went out while driving at night. I tried to make it home with my high beams on, but only o... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2025

1. The driver side door has a rattling sound when driving. It sounds like the door is not shutting all the way. Air/noise comes through. The noise is annoying when driving and I am concern that the door will open. This does not make me feel safe. 2. Windshield is fragile. Within a month of purchas... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2025

I have a 2019 Honda Accord sport 1.5T that has a blown head gasket. I took it to the dealer and opened a case with Honda through their good will program, but was recently denied because they claim there was no manufacturer defect after the dealership inspected it. There seems to be a lot of people t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2025

Cannot put gas in tank without the gas pump continuously shutting off the flow. Was told by Dodge technicians that it was a faulty roll-over valve ( believe this is a safety item ) in the gas tank. Was told the only way to fix it is to replace the gas tank. They have had other dodge trucks in for th... Read more

Incident date: Aug 27, 2025

Complete loss of power and power steering. Repeated every 1.5 minutes after restart.

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy with the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 91,000, and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 170,00... Read more

Incident date: May 10, 2025

the car keeps lagging on acceleration i had the throttle body checked and cleaned and they said it was fine i have been doing all maintenance required by manufacturer, but sometimes is lacking on the power loses acceleration, i see these model has a recall but when i entered my vin number doesn't sh... Read more

Incident date: Mar 1, 2025

The electric power steering has failed again this will make it twice in 18 months the last time it cost 1800 dollars to fix it know that only some of the 2010 Mercury Milans are on a recall list unfortunately mine is not on that list why because it is absurd that I should I have to make this repair ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 22, 2025

In Mid-August (8/13/25), at 61,355 miles, my 2016 Honda Pilot experienced sudden engine failure due to what my dealer diagnosed as a connecting rod bearing/crankshaft failure. Prior to the failure, we had no issues with the car. The engine ultimately seized while the vehicle was in motion, creating... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

Equipment premature failure. Dashboard screen bubbling and separation. Beyond 36 months warranty but early failure 2020 vehicle with 28,000 miles

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

Approximately six weeks after purchase, my daughter drove the vehicle to a school event and back without issue—no warning lights, noises, or drivability concerns. Shortly thereafter, when attempting to leave for another event, the Santa Fe failed to start. I attempted a jump-start, only to discove... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

Overhead console fell out of ceiling. Hanging by wires. This poses a danger especially when it falls during driving. It is a known vw issue. The plastic tabs at each of the 4 mounting points of the panel had cracked, and snapped causing the entire panel to fall down, dangling by the wires. Whethe... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

I own a 2017 Honda Accord “Touring” model that has developed an intermittent audio problem (described below) that is a safety issue because it causes serious driver distraction and impatience to reach a destination to turn the car off. There is NO WAY for the driver to stop the problem without t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2002

When driving at low speeds(20mph and under) vehicle stalls. It appears to happen at random. It makes driving pretty dangerous for other vehicles that would not be able to tell the vehicle has stalled and hit me at low speeds. All electrics stay on, there is no check engine light. The problem first a... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2002

Showing 50 of 334 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 KIA OPTIMA

2018 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover Risk	9.8%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

EPA Fuel Economy, 2018 KIA OPTIMA

Trim / Engine	City MPG	Highway MPG	Combined MPG	Fuel Type	Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	22.0	31.0	25.0	Regular	$2,450
2.4L 4-cyl, Automatic (S6) (Front-Wheel Drive)	24.0	34.0	28.0	Regular	$2,200
1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM7) (Front-Wheel Drive)	28.0	37.0	31.0	Regular	$2,000

CO2 Emissions: 360.0 g/mile (Large Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 KIA OPTIMA

188 manufacturer communications from 127 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	51
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	33
100000 POWER TRAIN	19
350000 EQUIPMENT	13
010000 STEERING	11
070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE	9
118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE	6
060000 ENGINE (PWS)	5

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER RE-NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner re-notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition s

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black

116300 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL MODULE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: KIA GENUINE REMOTE START CONTROL MODULE UPGRADE FOR ANTI-THEFT LOGIC COMPATIBILITY (CS2310) - This bulletin provides information to update the software logic in the Kia Genuine Remote Start

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system

280100 BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

116000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: ANTI-THEFT S/W LOGIC UPGRADE & DECAL INSTALLATION (CS2303) - This bulletin provides the procedure to upgrade the software logic of the Integrated Body Control Unit (IBU) or Body Control Modu

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. Th

100000 POWER TRAIN

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 transmis

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - 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 pro

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump filter assembly on 2016-2

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 inform

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: BEARING CLEARANCE TESTER (BCT) PROCEDURES - This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supp

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to update the software programming on your vehicle's Engine Control Mo

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on 2016-2020 MY Kia Optima vehicles equipped with the 2.0

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign on 2016-2020 MY Kia Optim

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign (SC205).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SC205_STKR: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN COMPLETION STICKER

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

SC205_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA 2.0L T-GDI ULEV LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR EMISSIONS (SC205) - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the emissions-related logic of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JF

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure in 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure for 2016-2020 MY Op

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension (WTY028).

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid for repairs for this same matter prior to the warranty extensi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: INJECTOR HARNESS ROUTING FOR PI1802Y/Z AND PI1803Y/Z ENGINE REPLACEMENTS - This bulletin provides information to address a no-start or hard start with poor running condition after engine replacement under PI1802Y/Z or PI1803Y/Z. So

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA/KAPPA ENGINES - 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. Th

060000 ENGINE (PWS)

061500 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:OIL/LUBRICATION

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin are

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides information regarding test procedure of the Bearing Clearance Tester (BCT) Special Service Tool (SST). The SST comes pre-calibrated from the supplier however, in some cases, due to variable shop compressor air pressur

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

117000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

010000 STEERING

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 exhibi

010000 STEERING

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

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

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 b

160000 STRUCTURE

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DCT JUDDER INSPECTION AND DUAL CLUTCH ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the mar

100000 POWER TRAIN

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: 7-SPEED DUAL CLUTCH TRANSMISSION (DCT) ANTI-JUDDER LOGIC IMPROVEMENT - This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software logic of the Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) system on some 2016-2020MY Optima (JF

010000 STEERING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR OF THE DUAL PINION MOTOR DRIVER POWER STEERING SYSTEM - This bulletin provides information regarding the availability of partial repair (depending on faulty components) of the Dual Pinion Motor Dri

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: EXCESSIVE OIL CONSUMPTION NU/GAMMA/THETA ENGINES - 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 bul

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

010000 STEERING

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 e

130000 VISIBILITY

PITSTOP: CORRECT PROCEDURE FOR RAISING WINDSHIELD WIPERS - 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. When servicing windshield wi

136000 VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER

034510 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:CALIPER

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.

350000 EQUIPMENT

035000 SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FLUID

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 bulle

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT - TSB_PI1802_R2 - Knock Sensor Detection System - ECU Logic Improvement - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margi

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin provides information on setting the "Service Interval Reminder" feature available on most Kia vehicles. If the service interval reminder is set, the customer will be i

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z_Rev3) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

TSB - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform a partial repair on the trunk latch base sub assembly on the certain Forte, Rio and Optima vehicles, which may exhibit a difficult-to-close/latch concern with the trunk lid.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z_Rev2) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB: PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN : KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM (KSDS) LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802_R11) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update to

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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 Natu

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PITSTOP: UPDATED SPARK PLUG FOR 2.0T THETA-II - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This Pitstop provides information regarding the updated spark plug for vehicles listed below, equipped with 2.0T Theta-II engi

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: WIRING SIGNAL INTERFERENCE CHECK & ENGINE NOISE INSPECTION (SA379) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802YZ/1803YZ.

100000 POWER TRAIN

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 requ

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previou

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB_R7 - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802W/X) - CLOSED - SUPERSEDED BY PI1802Y/Z.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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) o

062000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (PI1802Y/Z) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin p

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN: TSB - REV 10 - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides information related to a software update

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TSB - PRODUCT IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN - KNOCK SENSOR DETECTION SYSTEM - ECU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (PI1802) Rev.9 - This bulletin provides information related to a software update to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to install the Knock Sensor Detecti

Showing 100 of 188 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Non-crash Vehicle Fires

During this Preliminary Evaluation (PE), the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) assessed the scope, frequency and potential safety-related consequences of non-crash vehicle fires caused by both engine failures and failures of other vehicle systems/components in model year (MY) 2011-2014 Kia Optim... Read more

RQ, Closed , Model Year: 2011

Scope and Timeliness

NHTSA opened Recall Query (RQ) 17-003 to investigate the timeliness and scope of Kia?s Theta II GDI engine recall (Recall No. 17V-224), and Kia?s compliance with reporting requirements. On November 23, 2020, the Agency entered into a Consent Order with Kia to administratively resolve NHTSA?s asserti... ons of violations of law in connection with RQ17-003. NHTSA?s assertions included that Kia may be liable for civil penalties on multiple grounds, including that Recall No. 17V-224 was untimely and Kia?s recall report contained certain inaccuracies.Under the Consent Order, Kia agreed to a total civil penalty of $70,000,000. The total civil penalty included a payment of $27,000,000 as a Non-Deferred Amount.Kia also agreed to a sum of $27,000,000 as an Abeyance Amount to be deferred and held in abeyance pending its satisfactory completion, as reasonably determined by NHTSA, of the requirements of the Consent Order.Kia also agreed to a $16,000,000 Performance Obligation Amount to be expended by Kia to fulfill specified Safety Data Analytics Infrastructure obligations. The Consent Order also includes other terms designed to enhance Kia?s safety practices, and requires Kia to retain a Third-Party Auditor who directly reports to NHTSA.Other than RQ17-003, the Consent Order is not intended to affect any other current or future investigation of NHTSA which may involve vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines. In particular, Engineering Analysis (EA) 21-003 (which is upgraded from Preliminary Evaluation (PE) 19-004) continues NHTSA?s evaluation of certain performance and design issues relating to the Theta II and other engines.Nothing in the Consent Order discharges Kia from any obligation to comply with the Safety Act or regulations thereunder, including the obligation to carry out recalls in accordance with the law, and to initiate a recall upon any future determination by Kia, or upon any finally adjudicated order from NHTSA, that vehicles equipped with Theta II GDI engines contain a defect related to motor vehicle safety or do not comply with an applicable FMVSS.This RQ is closed. Closure of this RQ has no bearing on the terms of the Consent Order, including Kia's ongoing performance obligations, and does not represent a determination by the agency as to Kia's performance under the Consent Order to date.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2006

Transmission Shift Cable Detachment

During manufacture the automatic transmission shift cables in certain subject vehicles were installed incorrectly causing extra tension on the cable.This condition can cause the shift cable to detach from the gear shifter assembly's dowel pin preventing the transmission from being shifted.The shift ... Read more

EA, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

INVESTIGATION FAILED TO DISCLOSE A MALFUNCTION WITH A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT PATTERN OF COMPROMISE TO MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT DOOR LOCKS MAY IMPEDE NORMAL EGRESS OF A VEHICLE OCCUPANT BUT DOES NOT ENTRAP THE OCCUPANT.COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY DATA DOCUMENT THE DEFICIENCIES OF THE DOO... Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2001

POWER DOOR LOCK FAILURE

THIS PE DISCLOSED THAT THE SUBJECT VEHICLES HAVE EXPERIENCED INCIDENTS OF THE ALLEGED DEFECT IN SIGNIFICANT NUMBERS.THIS PE HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS (EA04-030) TO FACILITATE A THOROUGH REVIEW OF THE MATTER, INCLUDING EVALUATION OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES.

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA across all model years (2001, 2019).

59 Total Recalls

10,397 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

536 Reported Crashes

485 Reported Fires

24 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2020	0	211	View
2019	1	321	View
2018 (current)	2	334
2017	3	355	View
2016	5	1,079	View
2015	4	1,403	View
2014	7	791	View
2013	9	1,889	View
2012	5	1,263	View
2011	5	781	View
2010	1	99	View
2009	1	166	View
2008	3	188	View
2007	2	218	View
2006	2	214	View
2005	0	180	View
2004	1	306	View
2003	2	190	View
2002	3	168	View
2001	3	231	View

Other KIA Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
SORENTO	188	13,593	View
SPORTAGE	165	6,601	View
SEDONA	118	3,350	View
TELLURIDE	70	2,186	View
SOUL	66	7,233	View
SORENTO HYBRID	62	159	View
SOUL EV	62	50	View
FORTE	56	3,494	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2018 KIA OPTIMA

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 KIA OPTIMA

Safety Technology

EPA Fuel Economy, 2018 KIA OPTIMA

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 KIA OPTIMA

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, KIA OPTIMA

KIA OPTIMA - All Years Overview

KIA OPTIMA - Year by Year

Other KIA Models