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2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Recalls, Complaints & Specs

2 safety recalls list the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, and owners have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. Check your own VIN below.

2
safety recalls
26
owner complaints to NHTSA
1 / 1
complaints citing a crash / fire
25–42
MPG combined (EPA)

2 safety recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Most recent first. Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. Click a recall for the full defect, consequence and remedy text.

  1. Latch (latches/locks/linkages)

    NHTSA 23V594000 Reported 319,436 vehicles potentially affected Kia America, Inc.

    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,…

    Remedy: 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…

  2. Engine

    NHTSA 21V844000 Reported 10,731 vehicles potentially affected Kia Motors America

    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.

    Remedy: 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…

26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA

Owners of the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have filed 26 complaints with NHTSA; 1 describe a crash and 1 describe a fire. Reports cite 1 injury and 0 deaths. The average mileage at failure in those reports is 45,109 miles. Complaints peaked in 2018 with 6 filed that year.

Most-reported components

What owners are reporting

“This car is registered under my sons name, [XXX]. I helped him buy the car as we paid cash for it ( Money was provided by my ex-wife). We bought it on XXX and was sold as-is but then the seller said t”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, September 8, 2026 · Power train

“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 inadver”

Owner complaint to NHTSA, June 2, 2026 · Unknown or other

Fuel economy and specs

EPA ratings for the 2017 Kia Optima (Optima FE, Optima Hybrid, Optima Plug-in Hybrid). Ranges cover every tested configuration.

Combined25–42 mpg
City / Highway22–39 / 31–46
FuelRegular, Regular Gas and Electricity
EPA classLarge Cars, Midsize Cars
Engine4 cyl, 1.6/2/2.4 L
TransmissionAutomatic (AM6); Automatic (AM7); Automatic (S6)

Compare Kia Optima Hybrid model years

Recall and complaint counts for every Kia Optima Hybrid model year in NHTSA's database.

Model yearRecallsComplaints
2011 Kia Optima Hybrid334
2012 Kia Optima Hybrid3109
2013 Kia Optima Hybrid255
2014 Kia Optima Hybrid031
2015 Kia Optima Hybrid012
2016 Kia Optima Hybrid04
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid226
2018 Kia Optima Hybrid23
2020 Kia Optima Hybrid01

Checking a specific 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

How do I know if my 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid has an open recall?

Enter your 17-character VIN above. The VIN is on the driver's side dashboard (visible through the windshield), the driver's door jamb sticker, and your registration or insurance card. The check runs against NHTSA's live database and tells you which campaigns list your vehicle. 2 campaigns currently list the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid; your car may already have been repaired under some of them.

Is the recall repair free?

Yes. Under federal law, manufacturers must fix safety recalls at no charge for vehicles up to 15 years old from the date of sale to the first owner. Contact any authorised Kia dealer with your VIN and the NHTSA campaign number (for example 21V844000).

What is the difference between a recall and a complaint?

A recall is a safety campaign filed by the manufacturer or ordered by NHTSA, with a defined defect and remedy. A complaint is a report an owner sent to NHTSA; it is not verified, but patterns of complaints are what trigger NHTSA investigations and, eventually, recalls.

Other Kia models

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint databases and EPA fuel economy data, October 2026. Complaint counts are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. Recall counts are safety campaigns that list this model year; whether a particular car was already repaired depends on its VIN. How this data is compiled.