2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID

3 recalls — 37 complaints

23V594000 Aug 24, 2023
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Defect Description
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 Mot... Read more
Consequence
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
319,436 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
23V594000 Aug 24, 2023
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
Defect Description
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 Mot... Read more
Consequence
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
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.
319,436 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
21V844000 Oct 29, 2021
ENGINE
Defect Description
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.
Consequence
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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... Read more
10,731 vehicles affected
Manufacturer: Kia Motors America

Complaint Statistics

37 total complaints 2 crashes 1 fires 2 injuries

Top Reported Components

ComponentComplaints
ENGINE15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM5
SERVICE BRAKES4
UNKNOWN OR OTHER3
POWER TRAIN2
SUSPENSION1
AIR BAGS1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1
FIRERELATED1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Feb 13, 2025
Incident date: Feb 6, 2025
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 – Plea... Read more
ENGINE Jan 23, 2025
Incident date: Dec 16, 2024
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... Read more
POWER TRAIN Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Jul 18, 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 repa... Read more
ENGINE Aug 27, 2024
Incident date: Jul 18, 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 repa... Read more
VISIBILITY/WIPER Jun 7, 2024
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
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 manu... Read more
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM Jun 7, 2024
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
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 manu... Read more
ENGINE Jun 7, 2024
Incident date: Jun 7, 2023
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 manu... Read more
ENGINE May 24, 2024
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
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 ... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM May 24, 2024
Incident date: Mar 22, 2024
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 ... Read more
ENGINE May 2, 2024
Incident date: May 2, 2024
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.
ENGINE Jan 15, 2024
Incident date: Jan 11, 2024
I was driving in morning traffic at 65MPH when the warning lights went flashing stating the HEV Electric engine was shutting down, I was crawling to 20 MPH. I had the car towed to a Kia dealer and was told the electric engine was fine, the gas engine oil was bone dry! NO LOW OIL light ever triggered... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Hev is not working happened 2 two times already
ENGINE Dec 16, 2023
Incident date: Dec 16, 2023
Hev is not working happened 2 two times already
ENGINE Dec 15, 2023
Incident date: Nov 20, 2023
While driving my car started to decelerate in the middle of the freeway and I was in no position to pull over. The hybrid battery nearly completely drained before I was able to limp off the freeway. My car threw an error message to “Check Hybrid system” and told me to pull over immediately and t... Read more
ENGINE Jan 6, 2023
Incident date: Nov 11, 2022
I am a service provider. On 9/15/2022, a customer, who owns the vehicle with attached VIN, came for an oil change in his 2017 Kia Optima. On 11/11/2022, after nearly 2 months and 2,964 miles, the customer and vehicle owner called to tell us his car was broken down on the side of the road. Upon inspe... Read more
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Apr 13, 2022
Incident date: Apr 13, 2017
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera would activate however, the display screen failed to display the current image behind the vehicle. Instead, the screen would display the previous image displayed when the vehicle was previously pa... Read more
FIRERELATED Jan 11, 2022
Incident date: Jan 6, 2022
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while her mother was driving at an undisclosed speed, a smoke odor was detected. Another driver alerted the contact's mother that there was a fire coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact's mother pulled over and exited the ... Read more
Fire
EXTERIOR LIGHTING Apr 23, 2021
Incident date: Sep 1, 2018
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 CON... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Sep 16, 2020
Incident date: Sep 11, 2020
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 W... Read more
Crash 1 injured
AIR BAGS Sep 16, 2020
Incident date: Sep 11, 2020
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 W... Read more
Crash 1 injured
POWER TRAIN Aug 10, 2020
Incident date: Jul 28, 2020
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 OV... Read more
ENGINE Aug 10, 2020
Incident date: Jul 28, 2020
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 OV... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Aug 10, 2020
Incident date: Jul 28, 2020
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 OV... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Mar 11, 2020
Incident date: Jan 15, 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 DET... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jun 19, 2019
Incident date: Jun 16, 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
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jun 18, 2019
Incident date: Jun 16, 2019
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.
ENGINE Nov 15, 2018
Incident date: Aug 18, 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.
ENGINE Jul 20, 2018
Incident date: Jun 13, 2018
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 TH... Read more
SERVICE BRAKES Jul 20, 2018
Incident date: Jul 20, 2018
TAKATA RECALL- WHEN BRAKING PR PUMPING THE BRAKES THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL ON FLAT ROADS OR HILLS. THERE IS A CREAKING NOISE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AFTER PUTTING CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.
SUSPENSION Jul 20, 2018
Incident date: Jul 20, 2018
TAKATA RECALL- WHEN BRAKING PR PUMPING THE BRAKES THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL ON FLAT ROADS OR HILLS. THERE IS A CREAKING NOISE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AFTER PUTTING CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Jul 20, 2018
Incident date: Jul 20, 2018
TAKATA RECALL- WHEN BRAKING PR PUMPING THE BRAKES THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL ON FLAT ROADS OR HILLS. THERE IS A CREAKING NOISE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AFTER PUTTING CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 20, 2018
Incident date: Jun 13, 2018
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 TH... Read more
ENGINE Jul 3, 2018
Incident date: Jun 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE SPEED SUDDENLY REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE GAS MOTOR DID NOT IMMEDIATELY TURN START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE... Read more
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Jul 3, 2018
Incident date: Jun 29, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE SPEED SUDDENLY REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE GAS MOTOR DID NOT IMMEDIATELY TURN START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE... Read more
ENGINE Apr 24, 2018
Incident date: Apr 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GALPIN KIA, 8425 SEPULVEDA BLVD, NORTH HILLS, CA 91343), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. T... Read more
UNKNOWN OR OTHER Apr 24, 2018
Incident date: Apr 22, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GALPIN KIA, 8425 SEPULVEDA BLVD, NORTH HILLS, CA 91343), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. T... Read more
ENGINE Feb 11, 2018
Incident date: Feb 1, 2018
THE VEHICLE IS GETTING STUCK ON ELECTRIC MODE AND NOT SWITCHING OVER TO GAS AND LOSING POWER. HAVING TO PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON THE RESET IT. CAR ONLY HAS 2500 MILES. TAKING BACK TO DEALER ASAP. WAS DRIVING ON MAJOR INTERSTATE 70 MPH ERROR MESSAGE FROM CAR SAID TRANSMISSION ERROR SE... Read more

EPA Fuel Economy — 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID

Trim / Engine City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG Fuel Type Annual Fuel Cost
2.0L 4-cyl, Automatic (AM6) (Front-Wheel Drive) 39.0 46.0 42.0 Regular $1,400

CO2 Emissions: 212.0 g/mile (Midsize Cars)

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Actual fuel economy may vary based on driving conditions.

KIA OPTIMA HYBRID — All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the KIA OPTIMA HYBRID across all model years (2011–2018).

17 Total Recalls
399 Total Complaints
0 Investigations
31 Reported Crashes
21 Reported Fires
0 Reported Deaths

KIA OPTIMA HYBRID — Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year Recalls Complaints
2020 0 3 View
2018 3 7 View
2017 (current) 3 37
2016 0 6 View
2015 0 17 View
2014 0 51 View
2013 3 80 View
2012 4 151 View
2011 4 47 View

Other KIA Models

Model Recalls Complaints
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OPTIMA 100 10,128 View
TELLURIDE 70 2,186 View
SOUL 66 7,233 View
SORENTO HYBRID 62 159 View
SOUL EV 62 50 View