Car ยท Kia recalls
2018 Kia Optima recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Optima, filed between March 8, 2018 and August 24, 2023. Each one is below with what is wrong and the free fix.
| Campaign | Filed | Part |
|---|---|---|
| 23V594000 | August 24, 2023 | Latches/locks/linkages: latch |
| 18V161000 | March 8, 2018 | Hybrid propulsion system |
Latches/locks/linkages: latch (23V594000)
Filed August 24, 2023
What is 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."
What could happen. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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.
Hybrid propulsion system (18V161000)
Filed March 8, 2018
What is 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.
What could happen. 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.
The fix. 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.
Check that your car is on the list
Most campaigns cover only cars built in a certain date range or at a certain plant, so a 2018 Kia Optima may or may not be included. The VIN is the only sure test. It is 17 characters, on the dashboard by the windshield and on the driver door jamb sticker. Look up your VIN.
How to confirm the repair is free
- Call any authorized Kia dealer service desk and give them the VIN and the campaign number from the list above.
- Ask them to confirm the campaign is open for your car. If it is, the parts and labor are covered.
- If the dealer says the part is not in stock, ask for a written note with the date, and ask about a loaner if the notice says not to drive the car.
- Keep the repair order. It shows the campaign number and proves the work was done.
If you already paid for a repair that a recall later covered, Kia may owe you a refund. Ask the dealer or Kia customer service about reimbursement, and keep your receipts.
Other model years of the Optima
More: all Kia recalls, check-engine codes, car repair costs.
2018 Kia Optima recall questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2018 Kia Optima. A campaign can cover only some cars of that model year, so check your VIN to see whether yours is included.
Is a recall repair on a 2018 Kia Optima free?
Yes. A safety recall repair is free at an authorized Kia dealer, whatever the age or mileage of the car and no matter who owns it now.
How do I know if my 2018 Kia Optima was already fixed?
Enter the VIN on our recall page. If a campaign is still open, it shows as open. You can also ask a dealer to run the VIN, or look at the service history paperwork for the campaign number.
Source: NHTSA recalls API, checked 2026-10-28. Text is NHTSA's wording of each campaign. New campaigns are added over time. Not a repair shop, estimates only.