repaired · 2026 Q2
Trunk lid: latch
Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
2018 Kia Optima PhevProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 8 owner complaints about the 2018 Kia Optima Phev, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-594 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through July 21, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Kia Optima Phev has problems
8 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
3Engine
3Electrical system
1Visibility/wiper
1Power train
1Engine and engine cooling
1Steering
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 0 |
| Power train | 1 | 0 |
| Engine and engine cooling | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 1 | 0 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2018 Kia Optima Phev recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Engine
Risk. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Optima Phev year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima Phev median. How we score
'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Kia Optima Phev, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
In owners' words
What Optima Phev owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I WAS TOLD BY THE DEALERSHIP THAT MY 2018 KIA OPTIMA PHEV WAS REPAIRED BUT AFTER I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT AND GOT ON THE FREEWAY THE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN AND LOST ALL POWER. I ALMOST GOT INTO ANOTHER ACCIDENT BECAUSE OF THIS. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WORKED WITH KIA TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO FIX MY…
WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY ON 2/14/2011 A "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" WARNING CAME ON, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT, TRIANGLE HEV LIGHT, A RED BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON AND CAR LOST ENGINE POWER. AFTER MY VEHICLE SLOWED TRAFFIC DOWN DUE TO NOT HAVING POWER I WAS BARELY ABLE TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD…
ERROR MESSAGE "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM. TURN OFF ENGINE" WITH YELLOW CAUTION TRIAGLE SHOWING EXCLAIMATION POINT AND HEV" CAME ON, AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE DROPPED TO FROM 65 MPH TO 40 MPH SUDDENLY, EXITED FREEWAY, TURNED CAR OFF AND RESTARTED...VEHICLE HAD LOSS OF PROPULSION, WOULD NOT GO OVER 20 MPH.…
Own a 2018 Optima Phev?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.