repaired · 2026 Q2
Trunk lid: latch
Risk. A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
2017 Kia Optima PhevProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 23 owner complaints about the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, most often about the engine. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-594 the manufacturer reports only 40% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 2, 2025. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2017 Kia Optima Phev has problems
23 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
11Engine
8Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
2Power train
2Air bags
2Fuel/propulsion system
2Hybrid propulsion system
1Seat belts
1Service brakes
1Service brakes, hydraulic
33 other systems1 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 11 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 1 |
| Power train | 2 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Hybrid propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 1 | 0 |
| 3 other systems | 3 | 1 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2017 Kia Optima Phev recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2023 Q3
Engine
Risk. A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Kia.
Best & worst years
2017 vs. every other Optima Phev year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Optima Phev median. How we score
'17'18'19'20
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
3 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, and the recalls they led to.
- Loss of Motive PowerNo recall
- Pedestrian alert soundsLed to recall 22V-063
- Engine FiresLed to recall 23V-877
In owners' words
What Optima Phev owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
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…
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…
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…
Own a 2017 Optima Phev?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.