2018 Kia Optima exterior lighting problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the exterior lighting on the 2018 Kia Optima — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“My cars bulbs have been blowing on a regular basis for two years..some of the bulb connections are catching fire and exploding .Ive changed on numerous occasions but doesn’t matter even with new fittings…obviously an electric problem”
filed Aug 19, 2025
“Kia Optima headlights turn off randomly while on automatic. This dangerous issue has been investigated on other Kia models by the NTSB, which them prompted Kia to issue a recall. I have found many, many posts on car and Kia forums about headlights shutting off while driving at night with the Kia…”
filed Oct 23, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Exterior Lighting problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2019 Optima | 2 | 1% |
| 2017 Optima | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 Optima | 46 | 6% |
| 2015 Optima | 23 | 2% |
| 2014 Optima | 18 | 3% |
| 2013 Optima | 38 | 3% |
| 2012 Optima | 31 | 3% |
| 2011 Optima | 88 | 15% |
| 2010 Optima | 2 | 3% |
| 2009 Optima | 9 | 8% |
| 2008 Optima | 8 | 6% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.