2017 Kia Optima Phev problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Engine (7) · Electrical System (2) · Vehicle Speed Control (1)
Safety recalls (2)
Latches/Locks/Linkages:trunk Lid:latch 2023-08-24 · campaign 23V594000 · 319,436 vehicles
Defect: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Engine 2021-10-29 · campaign 21V844000 · 10,731 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Service bulletins (53)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Visibility/Wiper 2026-08-28 · TSB_CLI049_R2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
technical service bulletin: partial repair – electrical a/c compressor - this bulletin has been revised to include additional information. new/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. this bulletin provides information regarding the partial repair of the air
Electrical System 2025-03-20 · TSB_ELE378 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
technical service bulletin: service action: kia connect modem reset (sa611) - this bulletin outlines the procedure for resetting the modem in certain 2016-2025my kia vehicles listed on page 3 that are equipped with kia connect services. the affected vehicles may encounter the following issues: remot
Power Train 2024-05-16 · TSB_TRA046_R4 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each kia model. a flush is required only when a transmission is replaced.
Power Train 2023-11-09 · TSB_TRA072_R5 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
technical service bulletin: service action: inhibitor switch replacement (sa317b/c) - this bulletin has been revised to include additional information. new/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. this bulletin provides the procedure to replace the inhibitor
Engine And Engine Cooling 2023-09-07 · SC218YZ_TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
subsequent repair action: engine replacement instructions for dtc p1326 (sc218yz) - this bulletin provides information related to the technical service bulletin previously published (sc218) titled "engine inspection/replacement and ksds s/w installation." specifically, this bulletin provides
Visibility:defroster/Defogger/Hvac System:compressor 2023-06-26 · TSB_CLI049_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
technical service bulletin: partial repair - electrical a/c compressor - this bulletin has been revised to include additional information. new/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. this bulletin provides information regarding partial repair of the air c
Showing the 6 most recent of 53 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2025-10-02 · Engine · 64,500 mi“the contact owns a 2017 kia optima. the contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. the contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated and then turned off independently. the contact slowed down, and after arriving at the destination, the ve…”
2025-09-28 · Unknown Or Other“i was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. i had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in hybrid mode. the vehicle suddenly lost all its power and a warning light came on flashing saying "check hybrid system turn off engine". i was for…”
2025-05-07 · Engine · 87,000 mi“the contact owns a 2017 kia optima phev. the contact stated that there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. the contact stated that the check engine warning light was turning on and off. the contact stated that the catalytic converter and battery were damaged. the vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to de…”
2024-07-25 · Seat Belts“this car was purchased [xxx] and has been in my possession for 3 years and 4 months. it has sat in a dealership repair facility for 13 of those months to replace the engine and high-voltage hybrid battery. meaning i have actively driven this vehicle for approximately 27 months and the retraction system for the seatbelts is malfunctioning and as its…”
2024-04-12 · Latches/Locks/Linkages · 103,000 mi“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 …”
2024-03-11 · Engine“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. …”
2024-02-06 · Power Train“i was getting on the freeway and my car suddenly just stopped accelerating. i even tried pushing the pedal to the floor and all power was gone. i was almost ran down by a 18 wheeler who must not have noticed my hazards had been switched on. a warning came on “check hybrid system. turn off engine” when the car lost its momentum as i was pulling over…”
2023-11-11 · Unknown Or Other“this pre-owned vehicle lost power at an intersection with my wife and child in the vehicle. both of them were fearful and in tears. several indicator lights suggested problems with the engine, hev system , and battery. upon returning home, i notified carmax and scheduled the vehicle for service at a local kia dealership. although the mechanic told …”
2023-10-24 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:abs Warning Light · 117,336 mi“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, th…”
2023-05-02 · Engine“i took my car into the local kia dealership after my engine failed while driving down the highway. i was approved for the engine replacement due to the recall. however after my engine was replaced, and still in the shop, the side curtain airbag module gave an error due to low voltage. now i'm out $1200 for an item that should not fail within the fi…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.