2017 Kia Optima Phev recalls and problems

The 2017 Kia Optima Phev has 2 safety recalls and 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

Crashes / fires

1 / 2

Injuries / deaths

0 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Kia Optima Phev vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Kia Optima Phev recalls

Recall 23V-594: Latches/Locks/Linkages

Reported Aug 24, 2023 · 319,436 vehicles affected · Kia America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Recall 21V-844: Engine

Reported Oct 29, 2021 · 10,731 vehicles affected · Kia Motors America

Problem: 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.

2017 Kia Optima Phev problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Engine	11
Electrical System	8
Unknown or Other	4
Hybrid Propulsion System	2
Fuel/Propulsion System	2
Air Bags	2
Power Train	2
Service Brakes	1
Vehicle Speed Control	1
Service Brakes, Hydraulic	1
Latches/Locks/Linkages	1
Seat Belts	1

Most reported parts

Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip › Abs Warning Light — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 64,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2017 Kia Optima Phev complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Engine · at 64,500 miles · reported Oct 2, 2025

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…

Seat Belts · reported Jul 25, 2024

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 a safety issue I feel the need to report this and see what other alternatives are available instead of paying out $1121.58 for something that malfunctioned under the first 10 years of the vehicles life sounds more like a design flaw than a user…

Latches/Locks/Linkages · at 103,000 miles · reported Apr 12, 2024

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 vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 103,000.

Engine · reported Mar 11, 2024

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. This could have caused a major accident.

Engine · reported Feb 6, 2024

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 âcheck hybrid system. Turn off engineâ 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 couldnât 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…

Other Kia Optima Phev years

20182017

Compare all Kia Optima Phev years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev: 23V-594 (latches/locks/linkages), 21V-844 (engine). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Kia Optima Phev?

Owners report engine problems most often (11 reports), followed by electrical system (8). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 64,000 miles.

Are Kia recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Kia dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.