2017 Kia Optima Phev: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 23 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 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact noticed a failure with the key fob and manual locking function with the trunk. The contact was notified of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V594000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages). The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the trunk latch base which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2024
“Oil pressure sensor leaked out all of the oil and no warning lights lit on the dashboard to let me know that I had lost oil pressure or that I was low on oil. Problem part #1: oil pressure sensor Problem part #2: no warnings on dashboard Result: #1: Engine failure / loss of engine #2: This caused engine to seize on main highway on Feb 14, 2024. This could have caused a major accident.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2024
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed up a steep hill, the vehicle lost motive power. The Check Hybrid System, Turn Off Engine message was displayed, and the traction control, check engine, ABS, and auto-hold warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the cause of the failure was not found. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V161000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) for the issue; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 117,336.”Owner report · Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Oct 2023
Show 6 more owner reports
“While driving the car on the highway, when I try accelerating, the car suddenly acts as if it's in neutral and the engine roars without engaging a higher or lower gear and the car start losing power/speed. It takes like three to five seconds to engage a gear again; I have to lift my foot from the pedal a little bit and wait for it to lock on a higher or a lower gear for me to accelerate again.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2021
“While driving on an interstate on-ramp, I heard a loud bang from under my hood. I exited to the shoulder and as soon as I stopped, I heard a second, larger bang from the same area. Within a few seconds, flames started coming out of the engine compartment and began to fill the cabin of my vehicle from the area of the air vents and all through the dash. Within five minutes, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. I had no problems with the vehicle up to this point and the maintenance was up to date.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Sep 2021
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the air bag and seat belt warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer for a scheduled repair of NHTSA campaign number: 18V161000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). After performing the recall repair the mechanic cleared the warning light however, the warning light returned soon after. The contact took the vehicle back to the same local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side frontal airbags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”Owner report · Air Bags · Apr 2021
“I have 2017 kia plug in I had to replace batteries system twice within a year. I also have a engine knocking at 26000 miles that the dealer claims is a that was cause by service done to oil filter that don't make no sense. No oil light or engine light went off. Further more after that happened the electrical went out. The kia company's refuse to fix it. The vehicle has 5 year warranty.”Owner report · Engine · Feb 2019
“Backup camera does not activate on the navigation screen when we put the car in reverse. This happens often but not every single time.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2018
“Tl* the contact owns a 2017 kia optima hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 18v161000 (hybrid propulsion system). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called a local dealer (jim bone kia, 1255 santa rosa ave, santa rosa, ca 95404, (707) 545-7050) and was informed that the parts were not available. The manufacturer was not notified. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”Owner report · Hybrid Propulsion System · Mar 2018
When filing, owners marked a crash in 1 of these complaints and injuries in 0 - 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.
Check your exact Optima Phev 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 Phev reliable?
NHTSA has 23 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev. The most complained-about area is engine.
Does the 2017 Kia Optima Phev 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.