KiaOptima2018Overview/kia/optima/2018/base/

2018 Kia Optima

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Optima.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2018 Kia Optima is a passenger car that utilizes 4.7 quarts of oil in 5W-20, 5W-30, or 10W-30 viscosities. This model year has recorded two recalls and 228 total owner complaints, with the engine cited as the top complaint area. Within the model's broader 2001-2020 history, the 2018 version sits between the 2010 low of 75 complaints and the 2013 peak of 1,371 complaints.

Model year2020201920182017201620152014

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30OEM · verified
Lug nut torque79-94 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 48 · 760 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 48 · 760 CCAOEM · verified
Tail / brake / turnHEADLAMPOEM · verified
Tire sizeP215/55R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length191.3 in
Overall width73.2 in
Overall height57.5 in
Wheelbase110.6 in
Curb weight3490 lb
Track (front / rear)62.2 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)61/39

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Optima of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

6.7–8.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 6.70 sec — 2019 SX Turbo
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2017Hybrid EX 2.0L I-4 + Elec 1.6-kWh7.90 sec16.10 sec193 hpFWD
2017Plug-In Hybrid EX 2.0L I-4 + Elec 9.8-kWh8.00 sec16.20 sec202 hpFWD
2019SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-46.70 sec15.10 sec245 hpFWD
2016SX Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-46.80 sec15.20 sec245 hpFWD
2016SX Limited Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-47.10 sec15.40 sec245 hpFWD
2016LX 1.6T 1.6L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.80 sec178 hpFWD
2016SX Limited Turbo 2.0L Turbo I-47.30 sec15.60 sec245 hpFWD
2016EX 2.4L I-47.50 sec15.90 sec185 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.7 qt of 5W-20 / 5W-30 / 10W-30 engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 79-94 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.3
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantEthylene Glycol
Engine Coolant Capacity7.9
Engine Oil5W-20 · 5W-30 · 10W-30
Engine Oil Capacity4.7 qt
Power Steering FluidEPS

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)5.8-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.2-8.7 ft-lbs
Camshaft Sprocket and/or Gear Bolt(s)47.0-54.2 ft-lbs
Cylinder Head InstructionsUse new bolts only, do not reuse old bolts.

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts79-94 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)660 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)640 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)660 rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity1.38-1.54 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Oil Capacity3.05-3.71 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.16-1.26 lbs.
Oil GroupPOE

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)42.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum42.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)42.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum70.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum75.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)70.0-75.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque16-23
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt Torque58-72

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 4 stages
1M6 Bolts52 in
2M6 Bolts104–112 in
3M8 Bolts84 in
414.0-17.0
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

152.0 inch lbs.52 in
296.0-112.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts96–112 in
123.0-26.0 ft. lbs.23–26 ft. lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages

Prep M6 Bolts

196.0-112.0 inch lbs.; M8 Bolts96–112 in
120.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
285.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
148.0-53.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 39-4148–53 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
134.0-38.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 78-8234–38 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. Apply Loctite 5900H or equivalent on the front edge of the cylinder head gasket on both sides. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0-27.0 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts. Do not lubricate cylinder head bolts with engine oil. apply liquid gasket threebond 1217H or equivalent on the edge of the cylinder block and head gasket. Cylinder head must be assembled within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

124.0.0-27.0 ft. lbs.
290 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
390 degrees-95 degrees90 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 3 stages
124-27 ft. lbs.24–27 ft. lbs
2Turn 90-95 degrees90–95 degrees
390-95
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
113.7-17.4
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
113.0-16.0 ft. lbs.13–16 ft. lbs
290.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0. ft. lbs.
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 3 stages
111.0 ft. lbs.11 ft. lbs
220.0-23.0 ft. lbs.20–23 ft. lbs
3120.0-125.0
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs
Engine Valve Cover Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
12.9-4.3 ft. lbs., Step 2: 5.8-7.22.9–4.3 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,500 mi; spark plugs every 45,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Intake Duct (inspect) · Engine Air Filter Element (inspect) · Fuel Tank (add fluid conditioner) · Intercooler (inspect) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
Every 30,000 miBrake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel Evaporative Canister Filter (inspect) · Fuel Evaporative Emission Control System Lines (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect) · Fuel Tank Filler Cap (inspect)
Every 37,500 miTransmission Assembly (inspect fluid level)
Every 45,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
Every 60,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Valves (inspect valve lash)
At 120,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Kia Optima shows a notable improvement over the troubled 2011-2016 period, with complaints at 228 (down from 252 in 2017 and far below the 2013 peak of 1,371), recalls at just 2 (the lowest since 2010), and TSBs at 155 (continuing a downward trend from 179 the prior year). The 2018 model sits near the tail end of a steep decline in federal filings that began after the 2013 high-water mark, suggesting Kia addressed significant quality issues during this generation. Engine-related problems dominate the complaint landscape at 85 of 228 filings, with 9 crash complaints and 10 fire complaints also recorded—figures that, while present, are modest relative to the volume seen in earlier years. The data indicates the 2018 Optima represents a relatively settled version of this generation, though engine concerns remain the primary documented issue. A buyer would find this year less risky than those from 2011-2016, but should still prioritize a pre-purchase inspection focused on engine performance and any outstanding recall remedies.

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
155
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
228
Owner complaints
9 involved a crash · 10 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 228 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine85
Unknown Or Other15
Engine & Engine Cooling10
Power Train8
Exterior Lighting8
Service Brakes7
Electrical System7
Unknown Or Other,Engine5

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V161000Hybrid Propulsion SystemReported 08/03/2018

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… Remedy: 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)…

23V594000Latches/Locks/Linkages:Trunk Lid:LatchReported 24/08/2023

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 155 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
CS2312_TSB_R22026-06-08StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…
SC340_TSB_R52026-04-03EngineVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT…
SC340_OWNR_JF&JFA_1042026-03-17Electrical SystemVOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 104 ) - This…
SC340_TSB_R42026-03-05Electrical SystemTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI…
TSB_CS2312_R12026-02-18StructureTECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION: THEFT DETERRENT IGNITION CYLINDER…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Optima. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Optima take?

4.7 qt of All temperatures: 5W-20 Preferred, 5W-30, Above 0 degreesF 10W-30., per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Optima have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.