2018 Kia Optima Fuel system Problems
- Complaints
- 13about this part
- Share
- 6%of 233 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 68,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 13 complaints about the fuel system of the 2018 Kia Optima, 6% of the 233 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 68,000 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.
“High injector fuel pump top engine mount went out at 68000 miles. It caused the vehicle to stall and lose power and basically cut the car off while driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11525549, filed 2023-06, 68,000 miles“The fuel pump has an active recall. Took itin to dealer and we are being advised Kia will not cover the cost. They have an article out that clearly states they will cover the costs. The car wreaks of the smell of gas and we are scared it will catch fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11553112, filed 2023-11“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 the issue as faulty spark plugs and an ignition coil. …”
NHTSA complaint #11725280, filed 2026-03“I'm reporting these issue pertaining to the engine within the first 3 weeks AFTER the engine replacement recall was serviced and completed. The vehicle was exhibiting the same defects and major health and safety hazards as before the new engine. Intermittent engine failure, even worse, while i was trying entering the hwy at speeds of 45-50 miles it jerked very violently and loss total power while vehicles were behind me nearly rear ended. Prior to this I reached out multiple times to have it serviced at again. …”
NHTSA complaint #11537251, filed 2023-08“ECM telling fuel pump to put too much gas, causing exhaust into cabin, unnoticed while in car, but hair and cloth reak of exhaust and getting headaches. Reduced mileage by 20+mpg from 30+ to 11mpg. BSD- no lights or codes thrown by 3rd party, but dealer said there was a code on the BSD. BSD was not working and no codes appeared. NO LIGHTS OR CODES FOR FUEL ISSUE OR BSD, but dealer said there is a recall that I cannot find for fuel and said there was a code for BSD, but it didn’t pop up on my husband’s code reader previously.”
NHTSA complaint #11477875, filed 2022-08Related service bulletins
- 10225574Oct 31, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
- 10225572Oct 28, 2022TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: FUEL PUMP FILTER INSPECTION/REPLACEMENT - This bulletin provides information associated with the 'Warranty Extension Program' (WTY028) to inspect and…
- 10216905Jul 29, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: OWNER NOTIFICATION - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to…
- 10216907Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: REIMBURSEMENT FORM - This document is a Reimbursement Request form that was mailed with the customer letter advising them to submit the form if they had paid…
- 10216906Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: QUESTION AND ANSWER - This document is the Question and Answer Guide containing the most frequently asked questions regarding the Warranty Extension (WTY028).
- 10216904Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service Managers that Kia is extending the New Vehicle…
- 10216903Jul 27, 2022WARRANTY EXTENSION: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals that Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs…
- 10176922Jun 3, 2020TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: COMBINATION TSB/SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA421) - This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and…
- 10152915Jan 18, 2019TSB: SPECIAL SERVICE INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS FOR GDI HIGH PRESSURE FUEL SYSTEM - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. This bulletin provides…
Fuel system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 9% |
| 2019 | 18 | 8% |
| 2018 | 13 | 6% |
| 2017 | 22 | 9% |
| 2016 | 62 | 8% |
| 2015 | 56 | 6% |
| 2014 | 48 | 8% |
| 2013 | 123 | 9% |
| 2012 | 54 | 6% |
| 2011 | 26 | 4% |
| 2010 | 1 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 5 | 3% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 9 | 6% |
| 2005 | 10 | 7% |
| 2004 | 10 | 4% |
| 2003 | 12 | 9% |
| 2002 | 6 | 6% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
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 complaintsSteering
12 complaintsVehicle speed control
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsSeat belts
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 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