2018 Kia Optima Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2018 Kia Optima, 1% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 57,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Hello I am nychole and in october of 2017 I purchased a brand new 2018 Kia Optima . Never really had any issues with it until fri nov 22. As I was leaving from work my car did a very abrupt jerk that I acknowledged but didn't think anything of it because my gas light had just came on. But today which is sunday my car's eps (electric power steering) light flashed. Weirded out I look at the manual in the glove compartment. …”
NHTSA complaint #11282081, filed 2019-11, 57,000 miles“When I go to accelerate from a stopped position; the car stalls and turns off and then it turns itself back on. Additionally, when I drive over 50 MPH the car/tires start to vibrate.”
NHTSA complaint #11360439, filed 2020-09, 102,000 miles“Takara recall vehicle power down while I was driving 45 MPH on a city street the car was stationary in motion then powered back up without me turning the ignition.was a very scary experience”
NHTSA complaint #11218043, filed 2019-06, 12,098 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 1% |
| 2015 | 10 | 1% |
| 2014 | 6 | 1% |
| 2013 | 19 | 1% |
| 2012 | 11 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 | 1 | 1% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2004 | 2 | 1% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Kia Optima
132 complaintsOther or unknown
39 complaintsElectrical system
33 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsEngine cooling
14 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsFuel system
13 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology