2018 KIA OPTIMA

2 recalls, 329 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

329 total complaints 8 crashes 12 fires 10 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	67
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	40
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	36
POWER TRAIN	29
SERVICE BRAKES	28
STEERING	19
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	17
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	10
AIR BAGS	8
SEAT BELTS	5

Incident date: May 23, 2026

I’ve had my 2018 kia optima for round about two years.I only got this car because they refused to replace my previous engine on my 2015 Kia optima,even though I had a warranty but that’s another story(Kia on the Blvd).This car have given me problems from the start.Going through oil in less than ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 6, 2026

Purchased vehicle from a used car dealership. Had it a few months before brake pedal started losing pressure and going to floor. Had master cylinder replaced. A few months later, brake light started coming on when accelerating. New master cylinder had leaked into brake booster. Had master cylinder r... Read more

Incident date: Jun 15, 2026

The car burns oil within a week of getting an oil change. It was only driven a 200 miles before all of the oil was burned out. This has been a consistent issue with this car that the oil burns at an extreme rate. This is a safety risk as it could lead to engine overheating, the engine could stall ou... Read more

Incident date: Aug 29, 2018

The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal odor and a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the issue. The vehicle was not repaired. The iss... Read more

Incident date: Jun 9, 2026

Blind spot alert malfunction. April 21,2026 Dealer has had truck 7 week and can't fix problem,

Incident date: May 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 RAM 3500. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed that the entire fuel system needed to be replaced due to the high-pressure fuel pump exploding after metal shav... Read more

Incident date: May 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Lincoln MKZ. The contact stated that the back over prevention camera would display a black screen whenever in reverse. The camera would fail the majority of the time when in reverse. The failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V572000 (Back Over Prevention); however, the ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 28, 2026

While exiting a highway via an off-ramp, the vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure consistent with internal engine/bearing failure. During deceleration on the off-ramp, the engine began to shudder violently and immediately lost power. The vehicle was unable to maintain normal operation an... Read more

Incident date: Apr 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2007 Dodge Ram 2500. The contact stated that it was difficult to shift the gear shifter out of park(P). The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was discovered that the vehicle could be shifted out of park(P) without depressing the brake pedal. The contact was informed that the... 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

Vehicle steering wheel was off-center and the vehicle wandered whenever the road changed camber or had rough sections. The vehicle was purchased used from Carvana,. I took it in for 4-wheel alignment and the tech reported that "All adjustment hardware at rear were pretty loose", and stated that it p... 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: 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: Apr 22, 2025

My teenage daughter regularly drives this vehicle. The vehicle began experiencing significant oil consumption, oil leaks, and intermittent loss of power. During an early inspection at an independent repair facility, a check engine code P1326 was identified. Due to the symptoms and diagnostic code, t... Read more

Incident date: Feb 8, 2026

I have a safety recall 49A on my 2014 Jeep Cherokee I took it in for the recall on 03/03/2026, my trunk was working perfectly fine before I had to recall done on it and now my trunk doesn’t work at all

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: 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

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

Incident date: Nov 21, 2025

Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I foun... 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: 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

Chronic water leak from roofline obstructing vision and causing confusion while underway

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: Nov 1, 2025

Battery has "sulfated" twice in 15 months of ownership. Lexus/dealer have replaced battery two times. Considered safety issue since battery could "die" at any time. Could be locked out of car with infant inside or if battery dies while driving, car could become immobile.

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

February 2023: horn failure. Pressed the car's horn, and it FAILED to produce the loud sound that it is SUPPOSED TO make to warn others of possible danger. It continued to not work and needed to be replaced. Part 96611-J9500 was replaced.

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

Vehicle: 2019 Mercedes-Benz A220 VIN: [XXX] Dealer: Mercedes-Benz of Walnut Creek (Walnut Creek, CA) I am reporting multiple safety defects involving federally regulated systems. The vehicle has repeatedly activated emergency braking at freeway speeds without reason, posing a significant risk of c... Read more

Incident date: Nov 26, 2025

Anti lock brakes do not work. First icy conditions it locked up easily. 94B recall was supposed to be "first quarter of 2025"

Incident date: Sep 27, 2025

My A/C system experienced a total failure at around 79,000 miles. I took the vehicle to a service center, and they confirmed the failure is the A/C Evaporator. This component is now broken and available for inspection upon request. This evaporator failure is an extremely common, widely reported iss... Read more

Incident date: Aug 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Rogue. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V437000 (Engine and Engine Cooling). The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine, traction control, tire pressure, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated.... 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 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 27, 2025

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

Incident date: Oct 6, 2025

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at highway speeds, the vehicle was violently shaking while driving over a bump in the road. The shaking eventually ceased after allowing the vehicle to coast to a slower speed. The failure occurred without warning and mostl... 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

We started experiencing slight transmission shifting issues in early-mid 2024. More issues in December 2024/January 2025 - this time it was really hard and jerky shifting. It was sporadic at this time, but it was often. My wife and I have 7 children. This vehicle is usually driven by my wife to pick... Read more

Incident date: Sep 22, 2025

7/1/2021 my Honda Accord spinned out on the freeway, the car next to me avoided me driving towards the right side where guardrail was, hitting the wall, right tire collapsed; State Farm paid out $6k damage, slapped me with a premium increase from $300 plus /6 mos to $700 plus, also I had to repair ... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

2022 Kia sorento under 86,000 miles is jerks intermittently but no codes are being shown. Currently at the dealership and tech suspects transmission, which has been reported by numerous consumers of this issue but the recall was only applied to certain Kia sorentos and it should be broader.

Incident date: Sep 17, 2025

Sudden loss of power. We experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The vehical is currently at a dealership for repairs. We have been informed this is a known issue and a service bulletin has been issued. We are shocked that we were not notified. We were on I75 and had the traffic not been ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

After only a few months of owning the car, my tire completely blew out on the freeway. I did not hit anything or run over anything and the service team mentioned there was nothing in the tire to make them believe this was a result of something that punctured the tire.

Incident date: Aug 18, 2025

Exhaust and catalytic converters keep breaking off causing loud noise and check engine light to stay on

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

Incident date: Jul 1, 2024

The floor on my coach above the Catalytic converter has become soft. I am being told it is from the heat from the Catalytic converter. O called Thor and was told there should be a heat shield there campong world of Ashville says there is not a heat shield on it I have a picture no shield is presen... Read more

Incident date: Aug 2, 2025

The alternator part has been out of stock since the beginning of 2025 my trucks alternator went out in March and have not been able to find the part available for purchase, it has been 5 months.

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

Check engine light came on and car died at stop sign and wouldn’t restart. This happened multiple times after filling up car with gas. I took it to my dealership and they said it was the purge valve. I think should have been covered under warranty.

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

At 67,000 miles the vehicle started lurching forward and then at one point the traction control light came on the dashboard and the vehicle stopped itself while driving, as if the brakes were being applied, but we weren’t applying the brakes. After turning the car off and turning it back on, it dr... Read more

Incident date: Jul 15, 2025

There was a recall for cam phasers etc under 21N03. My car was fixed in 2021 but the parts they put it in were not the updated parts. I was told it was the same recalled parts that they used to replace. Now I am having the same issue again . I am not currently driving my vehicle until it can be reme... Read more

Showing 50 of 329 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	$2,500
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

10,296 Total Complaints

5 Investigations

524 Reported Crashes

467 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	199	View
2019	1	309	View
2018 (current)	2	329
2017	3	351	View
2016	5	1,067	View
2015	4	1,389	View
2014	7	780	View
2013	9	1,872	View
2012	5	1,260	View
2011	5	771	View
2010	1	99	View
2009	1	166	View
2008	3	188	View
2007	2	217	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