2018 Kia Optima Recalls

NHTSA lists 2 open recalls for the 2018 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 17, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Hybrid Propulsion System

What's wrong:
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.
Risk:
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.
What to do:
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. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.

NHTSA campaign 18V161000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Mar 8, 2018.

Trunk Lid Latch

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

What's wrong:
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.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Aug 24, 2023.

Owner complaints

232filed with NHTSA · 26 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2025
151617181920212223242526
Engine
131
Electrical System
33
Power Train
18
Service Brakes
17

10 involved a crash · 10 a fire · 9 injuries

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

Other Kia Optima years

Every year links to that vehicle's full recall page.

20202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

Kia Optima, every year

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised Kia dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

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