NHTSA vehicle safety data
2018 Kia Optima
The 2018 Kia Optima has 2 NHTSA recalls and 223 owner complaints on record — every open recall is repaired free at an authorized Kia dealer.
Complete safety data for the 2018 Kia Optima, including NCAP crash-test ratings. Data pulled live from api.nhtsa.gov.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
NHTSA #23V594000Reported August 24, 2023 · Kia America, Inc.
Defect description
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."
Safety consequence
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
NHTSA #18V161000Reported March 8, 2018 · Kia Motors America
Defect description
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.
Safety consequence
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.
Free manufacturer remedy
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.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.