Model year guide

2018 Kia optima hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Kia optima hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 1 on record.

2018 Kia optima hybrid — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Kia optima hybrid at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints3
Combined42 mpg

Free: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2018 Kia optima hybrid recalls 2

Engine NHTSA Campaign #21V844000 · 29/10/2021

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners ma…

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 campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2018 Kia optima hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 3 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.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
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 hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined42 mpg
City39 mpg
Highway46 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,600
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (AM6)
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume105 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

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

Fuel (5 yrs)$8,000
Fuel only$8,000
Per mile$0.11

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Kia optima hybrid trims & engines on record

Trims
HEV EX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 154 hp

2018 Kia optima hybrid vehicles on record

Other Kia optima hybrid model years

2018 Kia optima hybrid — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Kia optima hybrid have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia optima hybrid. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are free.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Kia optima hybrid?

Across all 3 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, power train, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Kia optima hybrid get?

The 2018 Kia optima hybrid has a U.S. EPA estimate of 42 mpg combined (39 city / 46 highway).

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