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CarMonitor

Transport Canada + NRCan

2018 Kia Optima

Everything Canada’s open data holds on this vehicle: what has been recalled, what it costs to run, and how efficient it is compared with everything else on the road.

Recalls

5

5 current

Combined

8L/100 km

Fuel, a year

$2,480

20,000 km, Ontario prices

Recalls

Good news: Recall repairs cost you nothing. Book with any manufacturer dealer and quote the recall number — no time limit, however many owners the vehicle has had.

Structure

Transport Canada recall 2023476 · manufacturer campaign RC186

28 August 2023

Transport Canada lists: Optima 2016–2018 · Rio 2016–2017

What is wrong

On certain vehicles, a part in the trunk release latch could fail. If this happens, the emergency trunk release located inside the trunk compartment may not work properly. This could prevent a person that is trapped inside the trunk from opening it.

Why it matters

If a person is closed inside the trunk compartment, they may not be able to get out. This could create a risk of injury.

What the dealer will do

Kia will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the trunk latch base subassembly.

17,615 vehicles affected in CanadaCarCompliance Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2021666 · manufacturer campaign RC153

1 November 2021

Transport Canada lists: Optima 2017–2018

What is wrong

On certain vehicles equipped with a 2.0 L Nu GDI engine, the connecting rod bearings can become damaged. If this happens, the engine could make abnormal knocking noises and/or the oil pressure warning light may turn on. If you continue to drive the vehicle with these symptoms, the engine could fail and/or a fire could occur. An engine failure can cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart. Note: Only the Optima Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) models are affected by this recall.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash. An engine failure could also create the risk of a fire.

What the dealer will do

Kia will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer for an engine inspection test, to determine if there is bearing damage. If damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a knock sensor detection system (KSDS) software that will prevent engine damage from potential excessive connecting rod bearing wear. Note: Kia recommends that you should always follow the correct vehicle maintenance schedule, which is printed in the Owner's Manual. If you experience unusual engine noise, reduced power, or a check engine/oil warning light, Kia advises you to immediately visit a Kia dealership to have your vehicle diagnosed.

712 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Engine

Transport Canada recall 2019143 · manufacturer campaign SC026

18 March 2019

Transport Canada lists: Optima 2014–2018 · Sorento 2015–2018 · Sportage 2014–2018

What is wrong

Kia Canada is conducting a Product Improvement Campaign that provides an update to the engine control module to detect potential problems before an engine fails. An engine failure may cause a sudden loss of power with an inability to restart.

Why it matters

A sudden loss of engine power could increase the risk of a crash.

What the dealer will do

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the engine control module. Note: Vehicles repaired under Service Campaign SC023 already have this software update.

79,301 vehicles affected in CanadaSUVSafety TC

Fuel System

Transport Canada recall 2019098 · manufacturer campaign RC124

27 February 2019

Transport Canada lists: Optima 2014–2018 · Sorento 2015–2018 · Sportage 2014–2018

What is wrong

When the engine was replaced under warranty or under Kia's Product Improvement Campaign SC023, the high pressure fuel pipe may not have been properly installed on the fuel pump outlet. A fuel leak could occur if the pipe was damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the recall repair.

Why it matters

Leaking fuel in the presence of an ignition source could increase the risk of a fire.

What the dealer will do

The company will notify owners by mail. Owners will be instructed to take their vehicle to a dealer for an inspection. If fuel leakage is detected, the fuel pipe will be replaced with a new one.

760 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Powertrain

Transport Canada recall 2018132 · manufacturer campaign RC114

15 March 2018

Transport Canada lists: Optima 2017–2018

What is wrong

On certain plug-in hybrid vehicles, the battery Voltage Protection Device (VPD) switch could inadvertently activate. If the VPD switch is activated, electricity to the vehicle's electric motor may be disconnected. If this occurs while the vehicle is driven under Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, the vehicle may experience a loss of motive power, which could increase the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage.

What the dealer will do

Dealers will remove the current VPD switch and install two newly designed battery management systems containing new overvoltage protection devices. The corresponding wiring harness will also be installed. Note: This condition would result in the of the “Check Hybrid System" warning light illuminating.

112 vehicles affected in CanadaCarSafety Mfr

Efficiency and running cost

Class
Full-size
In its class
More efficient than 85% of 114 2018 vehicles in this class
Tailpipe CO₂
190 g/km

Set your own distance and pump price · Full efficiency ranking

Watch this vehicle

Recall letters go to whoever owns the car on paper, which may not be you. Save your 2018 Kia Optima and we will email you the day Transport Canada issues a new recall for it.

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Common questions

Does the 2018 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Transport Canada has 5 recalls on record for the 2018 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at any manufacturer dealer.
What fuel economy does the 2018 Kia Optima get?
NRCan rates the 2018 Kia Optima at 8 L/100 km combined, emitting 190 g of CO2 per kilometre. There are 5 rated versions; this is the median.
What does it cost to run a 2018 Kia Optima for a year?
At 20,000 km a year and Ontario average prices, about $2,480 in fuel, producing roughly 3,696 kg of CO2. Your own distance and prices will change this — the calculator lets you set both.

Source: Transport Canada — Vehicle Recalls Database; NRCan — Fuel consumption ratings. Data current as of 30 July 2026. Running cost uses Ontario average prices (155 ¢/L, 14.5 ¢/kWh), which are hand-maintained estimates. 30,784 rated vehicles on file.