Model year guide

2018 Kia Optima

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Kia Optima is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 55 on record.

2018 Kia Optima — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Kia Optima at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints224
Combined28 mpg
Typical price$18,792

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Kia Optima recalls 2

Hybrid Propulsion System NHTSA Campaign #18V161000 · 08/03/2018

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.

Fix: 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. …

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch NHTSA Campaign #23V594000 · 24/08/2023

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."

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Kia Optima common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 224 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Structure
Inspect for rust, fresh undercoating, mismatched paint, uneven panel gaps and any sign of prior collision or frame repair.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Latches/locks/linkages
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2018 Kia Optima MPG & running costs

Combined28 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway34 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,217

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2018 Kia Optima worth?

Low
$14,488
Typical price
$18,792
High
$22,998

From 40 comparable 2018 Kia Optima listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Kia Optima costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,085
Depreciation (5 yrs)$4,600
Total$15,685
Per mile$0.21

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($18,792) with the same model 5 model-years older ($14,206), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Kia Optima trims & engines on record

Trims
LX · EX · SXL · SX · PHEV EX · Premium
Engines
2.4L 4-cyl 185 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 245 hp · 2.0L 4-cyl 154 hp · 1.6L 4-cyl 178 hp

2018 Kia Optima vehicles on record

2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima SX5XXGW4L25JG227041 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L33JG231607 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LXKNAGT4L36J5203284 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L38JG242781 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L35JG267203 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L30JG199067 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima SX5XXGW4L27JG239787 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L32JG268096 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L37JG256851 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima PHEV EXKNAGV4LD3J5022744 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima EX5XXGU4L38JG274725 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima EX5XXGU4L36JG205483 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L31JG251208 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L13JG226471 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L31JG268896 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L3XJG264992 2018 Kia Optima EX5XXGU4L39JG207003 2018 Kia Optima SXL5XXGV4L22JG221149 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima PremiumKNAGT4LE1J5023213 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L32JG247667 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L3XJG218434 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima PHEV EXKNAGV4LD6J5025007 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima LX5XXGT4L32JG264095 2018 Kia Optima 2018 Kia Optima PremiumKNAGT4LE6J5022705

Other Kia Optima model years

2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

2018 Kia Optima — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia Optima?

Based on 224 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, structure.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia Optima get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Kia Optima at about 28 mpg combined (25 city / 34 highway).

How much is a 2018 Kia Optima worth?

Comparable 2018 Kia Optima listings run roughly $14,488–$22,998, typically around $18,792 (from 40 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.