Does the 2017 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, 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 Phev?

Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (11 complaints), followed by electrical system (8).

How many 2017 Kia Optima Phev complaints mention a crash or fire?

1 of 23 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

2017 Kia Optima Phev recalls and problems

2 recalls and 23 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev.

recalls

owner complaints

complaints mentioning a crash

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 Phev 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.

Engine11
Electrical system8
Unknown or other4
Air bags2
Fuel/propulsion system2
Hybrid propulsion system2
Power train2
Latches/locks/linkages1
Seat belts1
Service brakes1

What owners report

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

Oct 2, 2025 · Engine · 64,500 miles
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…

Sep 28, 2025 · Engine
I was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. I had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in hybrid mode. The vehicle suddenly lost all its power and a warning light came on flashing saying "check hybrid system…

May 7, 2025 · Engine · 87,000 miles
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…

Mar 31, 2025 · Steering · crash reported
-

Jul 25, 2024 · Seat belts
This car was purchased […] 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…

Optima Phev model years compared

Year	Recalls	Complaints	Crashes	Fires
2017	2	23	1	2
2018	2	8	0	0
2019	0	1	0	0
2020	0	1	0	0

All Kia Optima Phev years →

Questions

Does the 2017 Kia Optima Phev have any recalls?: Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, 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 Phev?: Owners have filed 23 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (11 complaints), followed by electrical system (8).
How many 2017 Kia Optima Phev complaints mention a crash or fire?: 1 of 23 complaints report a crash and 2 a fire; 0 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 2, 2025.