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2017 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls and problems

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid has 2 safety recalls and 27 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Kia dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
27
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

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

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 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 Hybrid problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Engine17
Electrical System6
Unknown or Other4
Service Brakes4
Power Train4
Suspension1
Air Bags1
Exterior Lighting1
Firerelated1
Back Over Prevention1
Hybrid Propulsion System1
Visibility/Wiper1

Most reported parts

  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 23,000 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 Hybrid complaints

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

Power Train · reported Nov 7, 2026
ENGINE and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM / POWER TRAIN. The vehicle experiences sudden engine performance loss, causing it to drop speed abruptly and enter a restricted "limp mode" while traveling at highway speeds (e.g., 60–70 mph). [Chronological Events & Symptoms]: The check engine light begins flashing rapidly on the dashboard. Immediately following the flashing light, the vehicle drops to a maximum speed of roughly 30–40 mph regardless of accelerator input, forcing me to navigate across active lanes of fast-moving highway traffic without full vehicle control. This occurs repeatedly/weekly…
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 2, 2026
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.
Engine and Engine Cooling · at 115,000 miles · reported Feb 13, 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 – Please Pull Over” displayed. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and there was a green liquid sizzling on the heat on top of the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the upper radiator hose…
Engine · at 90,000 miles · reported Jan 23, 2025
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.
Engine · at 140,000 miles · reported Aug 27, 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 repaired but failed to accelerate as intended or change gear as intended. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the triaxle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

Other Kia Optima Hybrid years

20182017201620152014201320122011

Compare all Kia Optima Hybrid years · All Kia models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid: 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 Hybrid?

Owners report engine problems most often (17 reports), followed by electrical system (6). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 23,000 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.