2017 Kia Optima Hybrid: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 25 owner complaints on record; most reports concern engine.
Data updated weekly · latest recall Aug 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“I believe the Hybrid Propulsion System in my kia optima hybrid should have been part of the recall. The vehicle is currently showing signs of the vehicle's Voltage Protection Device activating inadvertently, causing a sudden loss of power. Vehicle is currently with an authorized dealership being tested.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2026
“The contact's son owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started leaking oil. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but failed to accelerate as intended or change gear as intended. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the triaxle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2024
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle Hybrid system wanring light has come on 3 times since January 2024. Kia has not been able to resolve the issue and just reset the system.”Owner report · Engine · May 2024
“My vehicle has had multiple issues with its hybrid battery management system since purchase. It has been towed 4 times. While driving my car will start to jerk and a warning system telling me there is a problem with the battery management system (bms) and the power train. It will tell me to pull over or to contact the service department. This car has had its battery replaced and software upgraded numerous times, but I keep having the same issue. I'm concerned the battery system is faulty and it's dangerous to drive at this point, as nothing preceeds the issues - they happen out of nowhere.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2020
“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia optima hybrid. The contact stated that while the vehicle was in operation, the voltage indicator switched from normal voltage to high voltage. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer elk grove kia located at (8480 laguna grove dr, elk grove ca) who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the NHTSA campaign number 18v161000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 23,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2020
“My car will not turn completely off! I was driving if the freeway and hit an object, not sure what. When I got home I couldn't turn my car off completely. The car think that it's off but the engine still revs.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2019
“Brake line has air in it for the second time in a matter of a few months, first time it took kia dealership 4 days to repair. This current time it should take 2 days. When braking hard at a slow or high speed, there is a loud noise coming from brake area. S”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jun 2019
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION FARTHER THAN 30 FEET AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF FARGO (3901 2ND AVE S, FARGO, ND 58103, (701) 281-9165) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HEADLAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000. *DT, Consumer Started with attachment photo *TP”Owner report · Exterior Lighting · Sep 2018
“Driving and the dashboard said turn car off. Had towed to the dealer and they said $8500 for a new engine...said the oil drain bolt was laying of top of the splash shield and no oil left in the engine, they wanted to know if someone was after us...what the heck. Fought with them for 2 months.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
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 inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
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 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Check your exact Optima Hybrid by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA has 25 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning engine. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.