2018 Kia Optima electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Mar 18, 2026FLElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   I am submitting this complaint regarding ongoing and persistent mechanical issues with my vehicle since the time of purchase. The vehicle has repeatedly shut off unexpectedly, creating a serious safety concern. Initially, I suspected the issue might be related to the battery, and I have replaced the battery twice within the past 4 years. However, the problem has continued. In January, the vehicle began shaking and shutting down again. I took it to a mechanic, who diagnosed…

   NHTSA complaint #11725280 · source
2. Filed Jan 8, 2026GABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   I turned the car off, it had difficulty turning back on and the brake pedal got really hard. I had to wait about 30-45 minutes and then I was able to get the car started and brake pedal back to normal and no lights. Recently, I left the car on to run into a shop real quick and come back out. When I got back to the car, the power steering light, battery, and warning light?(amber triangle with ! In the center of it) were all on. I rev the engine and the issue went away for a…

   NHTSA complaint #11709575 · source
3. Filed Jan 7, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   I was sold an unsafe vehicle at J and J Auto house 6446 Wilshire Bl LA,CA 90022. Dealer withheld condition of car . Had car three months and was stranded on highway. Car was towed to Kia dealer and diagnosed with complete engine failure. Dealer will not honor limited warranty, shady sales practices withheld recall info during sale, won’t allow his mechanic to look at car, dodged calls, denied request to return car for refund

   NHTSA complaint #11709524 · source
4. Filed Nov 5, 2025CAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   On August 26, 2025, I brought my 2018 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid to an authorized dealer for recall SC218 (engine inspection and KSDS software update). The dealer verbally stated both SC218 and SC278 recalls were completed, and the repair order (RO #XXX) lists them as performed. In September 2025, Kia America emailed me showing recall SC218 still open, and a warranty coverage report dated September 26, 2025, again listed SC218 as unclosed. On November 4, 2025, NHTSA’s…

   NHTSA complaint #11697664 · source
5. Filed Aug 19, 2025NYFireElectrical SystemLighting

   My cars bulbs have been blowing on a regular basis for two years..some of the bulb connections are catching fire and exploding .Ive changed on numerous occasions but doesn’t matter even with new fittings…obviously an electric problem

   NHTSA complaint #11681636 · source
6. Filed Jul 9, 2025NHElectrical SystemEngine

   The car is literally burning through oil so bad every other week I am putting more in, the electrical system continues to fail and shorts, the motor sounds like it is ticking now due to the oil consumption.

   NHTSA complaint #11672225 · source
7. Filed Jun 4, 2025IDElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   There is already the theta 2 campaign on my Kia optima but Kia is not upholding their warranty for a new engine. Kia customer care told me that untill my car actually throws a rod then they will not fix it. So I could be doing 80 down the freeway and jeopardize not only my safety but everyone else's for them to uphold their lifetime warranty? Also upon doing further investigation and I don't know how many cars this pertains to but the fuse box in my 2018 actually belongs to…

   NHTSA complaint #11664974 · source
8. Filed Oct 14, 2024TNElectrical SystemEngine

   Engine is burning oil at a high rate have to add at least three quarts twice a week and headlights and brake lights got out twice a month

   NHTSA complaint #11619614 · source
9. Filed Mar 5, 2024ORElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   In case of a vehicle lockout and keys are locked in the trunk when car is opened by locksmith there is no way to unlock the trunk from inside of the car the locks become disabled and you have to reset the master switch very inconvenient for emergencies. There is no trunk release or emergency Button to open the trunk from inside the vehicle. 2018 kia optima lx

   NHTSA complaint #11575441 · source
10. Filed Oct 20, 2023TNFireElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

    Was driving on the interstate. The only light on was the ABS light and the car started smoking. Had to come to a stop as they were sparks coming from out under the car through it into park at around 15 mph steel jumped out of the car and within a minute the car was fully engulfed in flames.

    NHTSA complaint #11551076 · source
11. Filed May 17, 202370,000 miPAElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was sputtering while being started. The contact stated that the vehicle also sputtered while driving at various speeds, and while reversing. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the contact was informed that oil was getting onto the spark plugs and ignition coils. The spark plugs and ignition coils were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11522447 · source
12. Filed Apr 27, 2023NJElectrical System

    The engine consumes all the oil within 1000 miles. The oil light comes on around 800 miles after oil change. The dealership did the 3 separate tests and they all failed. Dealership stated the engine is faulty however Kia corporate denied the claim. There is already a class action lawsuit in progress in California.

    NHTSA complaint #11519357 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology