Most common 2017 Kia Optima Phev problems
Share of the 23 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Kia Optima Phev complaints by model year
2017 Kia Optima Phev 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 Phev:
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 Phev owners say
Engine & cooling
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 determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact contacted Putnam Kia Service (2 California Dr Suite D, Burlingame, CA 94010), Hilltop Ford (3280 Auto Plaza, Richmond, CA 94806) and Oakland Kia (2500 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612), but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the rings and seals needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the walls were scored in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. …
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 vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was potential engine failure and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine); however, the KSDS software update was not performed prior to the engine failure, which disqualified the vehicle from the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Electrical system
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 first 6 years. I have had vehicles 3 times as old that did not have safety sensors or features failing. As Kia obviously has issues with airbag modules I believe my vehicle year and model should be included in this recall. Anytime there are multiple complaints for a failing safety feature on a vehicle less than 10 years old, the manufacturers should have an indepth investigation by an independent agency. These recalls should not be so narrow focused when there are many other models and years that have the same issues. …
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 me that he knew there is a problem with the vehicle, Kia failed to diagnose or fix the problem(s), and could not assure me that the vehicle was safe to drive. Maxcare would not cover a rental car because no diagnosis was made. Kia also informed me of a previously undisclosed, long history of problems going back to 35 miles on the odometer. I requested a copy of Kia's vehicle history report and Kia refused to provide it. …
Fuel & propulsion system
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.
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 and eventually came to a stop I followed the warnings directions and shut the car off since I couldn't get any further anyways. I tried turning the car back on and then all lights and power instantly started flickering on and off and going crazy and then the warning came back on and then the whole car shut off by itself. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Kia Optima Phev a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Optima Phev to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Optima Phev?
The engine & cooling — 11 complaints, 48% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (8) and fuel & propulsion system (4).
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Optima Phev have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, 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.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima Phev problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 64,000 miles; 22% 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.