VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid sits mid-pack among Optima Hybrid years: 38 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 28, with 2 recalls and 3 closed investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 42% of all reports (16 of 38), far ahead of other at 5. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

38

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

3

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Optima Hybrid years?

Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted151 complaints2011: 47 complaints2012: 151 complaints2013: 80 complaints2014: 51 complaints2015: 17 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 38 complaints2018: 7 complaints2019: 0 complaints2020: 3 complaints
Optima Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine1642%
Electrical System513%
Other513%
Brakes411%
Transmission25%
Airbags13%
Visibility & Wipers13%
Driver Assistance13%
Fuel System13%
Lighting13%
Suspension13%

Does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V594000Latches & LocksAugust 24, 2023 · 319,436 units

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."

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.

21V844000EngineOctober 29, 2021 · 10,731 units

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.

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 contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 16, 2024

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 16, 2019

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 6, 2022 · fire

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · September 11, 2020 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 18, 2024

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?

It is close to typical for the Optima Hybrid: 38 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Optima Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (16 complaints), other (5 complaints), electrical system (5 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima Hybrid years to avoid are 2012, 2013, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima Hybrid years belongs to 2019.

How safe is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.