2018 KIA Optima problems
Owners have filed 332 complaints about the 2018 KIA Optima with NHTSA. Engine accounts for 38.9% of them — far more than any other system, ahead of electrical system at 9.9%.
Complaints332
Crashes14
Fires17
Injuries13
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Engine 38.9% · 129
Unknown or other 11.1% · 37
Electrical system 9.9% · 33
Power train 5.4% · 18
Service brakes 5.1% · 17
Engine and engine cooling 4.2% · 14
Exterior lighting 4.2% · 14
Fuel/propulsion system 3.9% · 13
Severity
Of those complaints, 14 describe a crash, 17 describe a fire and 13 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 19 model years of the KIA Optima in this data, 2018 sits 8th by complaint volume. 2013 draws the most.
Filing volume has held steady, 124 in the last three years against 136 in the three before.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 41,550 miles.
In owners' own words
I purchased this vehicle used in April 2023 with 3,000 to go prior to another oil change. I returned home from a trip and the oil light would come on only while turning or braking. When checking the oil there was no oil in the motor. The reservoir was filled and two weeks in the engine is low on oil again. There are no leaks. The car jerks at lights as if it wants to stall out. I feel unsafe driving this car. Engine
My vehicle is constantly running out of oil within a 30 day period and I constantly getting an oil change. I was advised to get an oil consumption test at the dealer and was out of oil in 3 weeks. I was told that I have a warranty, however, it's only if the rod bearings are an issue. I think my engine should be replaced without paying a $300 diagnostic fee that might get refunded without an exact time frame. Engine
Got an oil change, and they advised that it was low on oil. (I had just replaced it recently) I took it to the dealer and they advised a part was bad, that they replaced. I was driving and the check engine light and oil light came on . I had to tow car. Dealer said the engine was burning oil, and that the engine is covered, but I would have to drive it until it got worse. Engine
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…