2017 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and problems

2 recalls and 26 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid.

2
recalls
26
owner complaints
1
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · reported August 24, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 319,436 vehicles potentially affected

The 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."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The 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.

Engine

NHTSA campaign 21V844000 · reported October 29, 2021 · Kia Motors America · 10,731 vehicles potentially affected

The 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.
The risk
A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Sep 8, 2026 · Power train

This car is registered under my sons name, […]. I helped him buy the car as we paid cash for it ( Money was provided by my ex-wife). We bought it on … and was sold as-is but then the seller said theres no problem with it. A week after we bought it as my son was driving it on […] it drove it suddenly loss power then it…

Jun 2, 2026 · Unknown or other

I believe the Hybrid Propulsion System in my kia optima hybrid should have been part of the recall. The vehicle is currently showing signs of the vehicle's Voltage Protection Device activating inadvertently, causing a sudden loss of power. Vehicle is currently with an authorized dealership being tested.

Feb 13, 2025 · Engine and engine cooling · 115,000 miles

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”…

Jan 23, 2025 · Engine · 90,000 miles

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 mileage was 90,000.

Aug 27, 2024 · Engine · 140,000 miles

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 repaired but failed to…

Optima Hybrid model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2014 03151
2015 01202
2016 0401
2017 22611
2018 2300
2020 0100

Across all years, the 2012 Optima Hybrid has the most complaints (109). All Kia Optima Hybrid years →

Questions

Does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, the most recent reported on August 24, 2023 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (16 complaints), followed by electrical system (6).
How many 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid complaints mention a crash or fire?
1 of 26 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 1 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received September 8, 2026.