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#BS-2017-KIAOPT-34702017 Kia Optima PhevProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 37 owners and 2 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 21, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 19, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Proceed with Caution
Based on 37 complaints, 1 crashes, 2 fires, and 2 recalls.
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
11 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 64K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 60–90K miles (5 reports) • Median: 64K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (11 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2017 Kia Optima Phev: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 30% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, with 11 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 64,000 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 64K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 22% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, with 8 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to airbags-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Fuel System Issues
Fuel System complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev, with 2 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to fuel system-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2017 Kia Optima Phev. Recent trend: stable.



Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (2 recalls)
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.
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."
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (3)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Loss of Motive Power
ENGINE
Pedestrian alert sounds
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Engine Fires
ENGINE
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 37 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 2 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 21, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 19, 2026.
2017 Kia Optima Phev: Frequently Asked Questions
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10 sections of AI analysis based on 37 owner reports. Know before you buy.