Most common 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid problems
Share of the 26 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Optima Hybrid complaints by model year
Best Optima Hybrid years: 2018, 2015, 2017. Years to avoid: 2012. Compare all years →
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls (2)
Latches/locks/linkages › Trunk lid › Latch
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.
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.
Engine
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).
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 3 possible defects involving the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid:
Engine Fires
On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles.
Loss of Motive Power
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021.
What 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid owners say
Engine & cooling
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH the "Hybrid" warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving in a rainstorm, the windshield wipers failed, and the contact pulled over. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the "Hybrid" warning light remained illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the main propulsion battery needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not yet available. …
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that DTC: P1326 was displayed on the instrument panel, with the message, "For Your Safety - Please Pull Over" displayed. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and there was a green liquid sizzling on the heat on top of the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the upper radiator hose had melted, and that the battery was an OEM part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Electrical system
The Hybrid Warning light came on. This was the third time this has happened. The first time Kia said it was the Air Box and I paid $600 to repair. The second time the shop mistakenly cleared the codes before determining the cause. The third time they say it is the Wiring Harness and will cost $4,550 to report if they have the harness. This vehicle has recall for the connecting rod in the engine which I suspect is the real issue due to clicking noise it makes just before the lights come on, but each time I take it in I am told it is something else. Since it is the Wiring Harness this time it could be a fire hazard especiall on a Hybrid with Lithium batteries, I am not going to repair it as it has left me on the road too many times and I am sure it has the connecting rod issue. …
Happened numerous times while driving in traffic or speeds over 60 MPH, engine warning light comes on stating Hybrid engine malfunction turn off immediately. If I don't get to pull over immediately, I lose power until I do. When I have my phone attached to the carport program, it registers that there is someone in the passenger seat and will beep until I put the seat belt in the receptacle as if someone was there. This has happened since I first bought it and I have about 5,000. I have brought this to the dealer twice and they claim that they can't replicate either issue. This is obviously a trend. They are now sending out an "expert" to fix the problem. Otherwise I'm lemon lawing it. I have photos and video of the defect so they can't even try and say I'm making it up.
Brakes
Tl* the contact and his daughter leased a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the parking brake would active independently as the parking brake warning light would simultaneously appear on the instrument panel. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at 55 MPH, the parking brake had activated independently as the check Hybrid warning message appeared on the instrument panel. Due to the parking brake activation, she lost control of the vehicle as the rear tires began to lock. The vehicle began to skid sideways and the contact also lost control of the power steering.the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle continued to accelerate.as a result, the vehicle hit a guard rail which caused the vehicle to flip approximately six times and ultimately landed in a wooded area. The front air bags did not deploy upon impact. …
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.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl hybrid | 6-speed dual-clutch | FWD | 39 / 46 / 42 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid a good car?
Based on 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Optima Hybrid rates average: 16% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Optima Hybrid at the same age. It is one of the best Optima Hybrid years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?
The engine & cooling — 17 complaints, 65% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (6) and brakes (4).
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, the most recent from August 24, 2023 (latch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Kia Optima Hybrid?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2015 and 2017. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2012. See the full Kia Optima Hybrid years comparison.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 23,000 miles; 68% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.