YearToAvoid

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

50/100

#5 most-complained of 9 Optima Hybrid years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid has 26 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 50, and ranks 5th worst of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems dominate at 65% of complaints, with 2 recalls covering engine bearings and a trunk latch defect.

Complaints
26
Recalls
2
Crashes / fires
1 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
42
39 city / 46 hwy

Top 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine17 (65%)
  2. Electrical System7 (27%)
  3. Other5 (19%)
  4. Brakes4 (15%)
  5. Transmission & Powertrain3 (12%)
  6. Airbags1 (4%)
  7. Collision Avoidance & Cameras1 (4%)
  8. Fuel System1 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (4%)
  10. Visibility & Wipers1 (4%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the vehicle getting stuck in electric mode and failing to switch over to the gas engine, causing sudden power loss.
  • Some describe the vehicle abruptly dropping speed from highway speeds down to around 40 mph when the electric motor shuts off and the gas motor fails to start promptly.
  • Several report the engine warning light illuminating with a hybrid malfunction message, forcing them to pull over immediately or lose power.
  • Owners describe knocking or creaking noises from the brakes when pumping or releasing the pedal, tied to a Takata-related recall.
  • Some report the parking brake activating on its own while driving at highway speed, accompanied by a warning light.
  • Others describe repeated hybrid battery management system faults with jerking sensations and warnings to pull over or contact service.
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per month7Feb 2018Nov 2018Aug 2020Jan 2022Dec 2023Jun 2024Feb 2025
41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Jul 2018 (7).

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V594000Aug 24, 2023Structure & Body319,436 vehicles

    Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch

    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.

    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 SC278.

  2. NHTSA 21V844000Oct 29, 2021Engine10,731 vehicles

    Engine

    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.

    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 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 fuel economy and fuel cost

City
39 MPG
Highway
46 MPG
Combined
42 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$1,550
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other Optima Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201120122013201420152016201720182020
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Good3812036.5
2016No verdict254036.5
2017Caution5026242
2018No verdict133242
2020No verdict01042

All Kia Optima Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid reliable?
NHTSA lists 26 complaints for the 2017 Optima Hybrid with a Complaint Index of 50, ranking it 5th worst among 9 model years tracked, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?
Engine issues make up 65% of complaints (17 of 26), with a median failure mileage of 35,000 miles. This includes a recall for premature wear of connecting rod bearings.
Does the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes, two recalls: one for connecting rod bearings that may wear prematurely and damage the engine, and one for a trunk latch base that may crack and prevent trunk opening from inside.
How does the 2017 Optima Hybrid compare to other years?
Its Complaint Index of 50 is lower than 2012 (100), 2013 (88), and 2014 (75), all rated Avoid, but higher than 2015 (38, Good) and 2018 (13).
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?
EPA rates it at 42 mpg combined (39 city / 46 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,550.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.