2017 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The Kia K5, formerly known as the Kia Optima (Korean: 기아 옵티마), is a mid-size car manufactured by Kia since 2000 and marketed globally through various nameplates. First generation cars were mostly marketed as the Optima, although the Kia Magentis name was used in Europe and Canada when sales began there in 2002. For the second-generation models, Kia used the Kia Lotze and Kia K5 name for the South Korean market, and the Magentis name globally, except in the United States, Canada, Malaysia and the Middle East, where the Optima name was retained until the 2021 model year. The K5 name is used for all markets since the introduction of the fifth generation in 2019.
First generation (MS; 2000)
From 2000–2005, Optimas were a rebadged variant of the Hyundai Sonata, differing from the Sonata only in minor exterior styling details and equipment content. It was first shown in South Korea in July 2000 and was the first product of the Kia-Hyundai platform integration plan.
In Australia, the Optima was introduced in May 2001, offered only with a 2.5 L V6 engine, and choice of manual or automatic transmission. The updated Optima was offered with a new 2.7 L engine, 4-speed automatic (the manual was dropped), and features such as full leather interior and alloy wheels were made standard. Thanks in part to better marketing, sales increased to 41,289 units in 2005, an all-time high. The Optima was sold until 2006, when it was replaced by the Magentis.
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Common 2017 Kia Optima hybrid problems
The 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid, like any car, has its share of common problems reported by owners. Here are some of the issues that have been identified:
- Brake Lights Failing: Some Optima owners have reported issues with their brake lights failing, usually around 45,000 miles. The problem is usually caused by a burnt out bulb, which costs $5 to replace. However, there are also reports of issues with the wiring, which can be more expensive to fix if it's been damaged or has water in the connectors.
- Wheel Bearing Issues: Some Optima models have issues with their wheel bearings, which usually wear out and need to be replaced around the first 50,000 miles. Changing out the wheel bearings costs around $150 per bearing.
- Faulty Door Latch Problem: This issue is where it becomes very difficult to open the vehicle doors from both the inside and outside of the car. The cause of this issue is a faulty door latch assembly. Simply replacing the worn latch will often be all it takes to address the problem.
- Faulty Throttle Position Sensor (TPS): The main symptoms of a faulty TPS is the check engine light illuminating, combined with misfiring and power loss. According to owner reports, this issue tends to happen just after crossing the 100,000 miles milestone.
- Weak Alternator: This issue generally comes to light when the car has been operating with high electrical loads, such as the driver running the lights, AC, etc., all at the same time – which results in insufficient battery charging capability, as well as making it difficult to start your vehicle.
- Recalls: The 2017 Kia Optima has been recalled twice. The most serious recall covers a high pressure fuel pipe, which may leak. Kia will replace the pipe on affected models for free. The other recall covers the voltage protection device which may activate. Kia will install a new voltage protection switch for free as well.
These issues are similar to some other midsize cars on the market, leading to average repair bills as the Optima ages. However, a well-maintained 2017 Kia Optima can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than some of the longest-lasting sedans like the Toyota Camry. Regular annual maintenance costs are lower than the competition according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $269 per year.
What is the engine failure on the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid Recall
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. Action Need To Fix It: Dealers will inspect the engine.
Is there a recall on 2017 Kia Optima engines?
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign.
What is the life expectancy of the battery in a Kia Optima Hybrid?
150,000 miles
Hybrid car battery replacement should be performed every 150,000 miles or 15 years (whichever comes first). Bear in mind that this is not a guarantee, but an average figure for how often hybrid battery replacement should be performed.
What is the HEV warning on a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid?
If your 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid displayed the HEV light while driving and you subsequently experienced decreased acceleration, the most likely culprits are a malfunction in the hybrid battery, an issue with the electric motor or inverter, or a hybrid system overheating.
2017 Kia Optima hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Kia Optima hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Electrical system problems
- Hybrid propulsion system problems
- Service brakes problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Kia Optima hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2017 Kia Optima hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 15 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Kia Optima hybrid.
ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-07
- VIN: KNAGU4LE0H5
- Components: ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH the "Hybrid" warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving in a rainstorm, the windshield wipers failed, and the contact pulled over. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the vehicle returned to normal functionality; however, the "Hybrid" warning light remained illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the main propulsion battery needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle could no longer be started. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-04-13
- VIN: KNAGU4LC3H5
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while reversing, the rearview camera would activate however, the display screen failed to display the current image behind the vehicle. Instead, the screen would display the previous image displayed when the vehicle was previously parked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed but no issues were found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-09-01
- VIN: KNAGU4LC5H5
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT, THE LOW-BEAM HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO PROVIDE ILLUMINATION FARTHER THAN 30 FEET AHEAD OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF FARGO (3901 2ND AVE S, FARGO, ND 58103, (701) 281-9165) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT HEADLAMPS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000. *DT, Consumer Started with attachment photo *TP
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-01-15
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN OPERATION, THE VOLTAGE INDICATOR SWITCHED FROM NORMAL VOLTAGE TO HIGH VOLTAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER ELK GROVE KIA LOCATED AT (8480 LAGUNA GROVE DR, ELK GROVE CA) WHO WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 18V161000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-16
- VIN: KNAGT4LE4H5
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: BRAKE LINE HAS AIR IN IT FOR THE SECOND TIME IN A MATTER OF A FEW MONTHS, FIRST TIME IT TOOK KIA DEALERSHIP 4 DAYS TO REPAIR. THIS CURRENT TIME IT SHOULD TAKE 2 DAYS. WHEN BRAKING HARD AT A SLOW OR HIGH SPEED, THERE IS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM BRAKE AREA. S
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-06-16
- VIN: KNAGT4LC5H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: MY CAR WILL NOT TURN COMPLETELY OFF! I WAS DRIVING IF THE FREEWAY AND HIT AN OBJECT, NOT SURE WHAT. WHEN I GOT HOME I COULDN'T TURN MY CAR OFF COMPLETELY. THE CAR THINK THAT IT'S OFF BUT THE ENGINE STILL REVS.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-03-01
- VIN: KNAGV4LD7H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: KIA WON'T SERVICE THE ELECTRICAL LOSS RECALL
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-08-18
- VIN: KNAGU4LC7H5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: DRIVING AND THE DASHBOARD SAID TURN CAR OFF. HAD TOWED TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID $8500 FOR A NEW ENGINE...SAID THE OIL DRAIN BOLT WAS LAYING OF TOP OF THE SPLASH SHIELD AND NO OIL LEFT IN THE ENGINE, THEY WANTED TO KNOW IF SOMEONE WAS AFTER US...WHAT THE HECK. FOUGHT WITH THEM FOR 2 MONTHS.
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-03-08
- VIN: KNAGV4LD9H5
- Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V161000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED A LOCAL DEALER (JIM BONE KIA, 1255 SANTA ROSA AVE, SANTA ROSA, CA 95404, (707) 545-7050) AND WAS INFORMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-07-20
- VIN: KNAGT4LE4H5
- Components: SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: TAKATA RECALL- WHEN BRAKING PR PUMPING THE BRAKES THERE IS A KNOCKING NOISE, THIS ALSO HAPPENS WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL ON FLAT ROADS OR HILLS. THERE IS A CREAKING NOISE WHEN RELEASING THE BRAKE AFTER PUTTING CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE OR REVERSE.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-13
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC OR SPEEDS OVER 60 MPH, ENGINE WARNING LIGHT COMES ON STATING HYBRID ENGINE MALFUNCTION TURN OFF IMMEDIATELY. IF I DON'T GET TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY, I LOSE POWER UNTIL I DO. WHEN I HAVE MY PHONE ATTACHED TO THE CARPORT PROGRAM, IT REGISTERS THAT THERE IS SOMEONE IN THE PASSENGER SEAT AND WILL BEEP UNTIL I PUT THE SEAT BELT IN THE RECEPTACLE AS IF SOMEONE WAS THERE. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE I FIRST BOUGHT IT AND I HAVE ABOUT 5,000. I HAVE BROUGHT THIS TO THE DEALER TWICE AND THEY CLAIM THAT THEY CAN'T REPLICATE EITHER ISSUE. THIS IS OBVIOUSLY A TREND. THEY ARE NOW SENDING OUT AN "EXPERT" TO FIX THE PROBLEM. OTHERWISE I'M LEMON LAWING IT. I HAVE PHOTOS AND VIDEO OF THE DEFECT SO THEY CAN'T EVEN TRY AND SAY I'M MAKING IT UP.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-29
- VIN: KNAGU4LC9H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 75 MPH, THE SPEED SUDDENLY REDUCED TO APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED WHEN THE ELECTRIC MOTOR WAS TURNED OFF AND THE GAS MOTOR DID NOT IMMEDIATELY TURN START. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (KIRBY KIA OF VENTURA, 6424 AUTO CENTER DR, VENTURA, CA). BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS ALSO NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-04-22
- VIN: KNAGU4LE3H5
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND FAILED TO RESTART. THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED DURING THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER (GALPIN KIA, 8425 SEPULVEDA BLVD, NORTH HILLS, CA 91343), BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V161000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM), BUT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO WAIT FOR A DIAGNOSIS FROM THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 143.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-02-01
- VIN: KNAGT4LEXH5
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: THE VEHICLE IS GETTING STUCK ON ELECTRIC MODE AND NOT SWITCHING OVER TO GAS AND LOSING POWER. HAVING TO PULL OVER AND TURN CAR OFF AND BACK ON THE RESET IT. CAR ONLY HAS 2500 MILES. TAKING BACK TO DEALER ASAP. WAS DRIVING ON MAJOR INTERSTATE 70 MPH ERROR MESSAGE FROM CAR SAID TRANSMISSION ERROR SERVICE IMMEDIATELY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-01-20
- VIN: KNAGV4LD4H5
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING MY KIA HYBRID A NOTICE CAME UP ON THE DASH BOARD TO IMMEDIATELY PULL OVER AND SHUT OFF MY ENGINE AND I WAS ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY GOING ABOUT 75 WHEN I LOST TOTAL POWER AND MY VEHICLE BEGAN TO LOOSE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT OFF THE ROAD AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED MY DEALER. I HAD KNOW ABOUT THIS BECAUSE A RELATIVE AND I BROUGHT THE CARS THE SAME DAY AND SHE EXPERIENCE THIS 3 TIMES.THE DEALER SAID IT WAS A SWITCH THAT GOT STUCK WHEN THE CAR GOES FROM ELECTRIC TO GAS. I SPOKE WITH KIA AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO FORMAL RECALL. BUT THIS HAS NOW HAPPEN TO ME AND A RELATIVE I KNOW OF. THE PERSON I SPOKE WITH TOOK IT VERY LIGHTLY BUT I SAID IT IS VERY DIFFICULT GETTING A CAR OFF THE ROAD THAT IS LOSING POWER. HAVE THERE BEEN ANY OTHER COMPLAINTS OF THIS TYPE AND IS THERE A INFORMAL RECALL. I AM BRINGING THE CAR TO THE DEALER TOMORROW AND THEY ARE REPLACING THE SWITCH. MY CAR ONLY HAS 2000 MILES.
2017 Kia Optima hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2017 Kia Optima hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Kia Motors America
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
Negative 2017 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
Positive 2017 Kia Optima hybrid car reviews
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Congratulations on your purchase of the 2017 Optima EX hybrid! It's great to hear that you did your research and found the perfect car for you. The Harmon Kardon speakers and split back seats sound like fantastic features. It's also wonderful to hear that you're impressed with the 6-speed automatic transmission. I completely understand your preference for blind spot monitoring, but it's great to hear that you're still happy with your hybrid overall. Thank you for sharing your experience!
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You have a 2017 and it sounds like it's been a great vehicle so far! It's impressive that you're getting around 45 mpg on the freeway and 33-35 mpg in the city. It's good to hear that the only issue you've had was with the truck lock, but it's great that you were able to fix it yourself!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Kia Optima hybrid problems:
2017 Kia Optima Hybrid died on highway - tech unable to locate ...
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Mar 16, 2021 ... ... problem, do not know why Kia dealership could not have said that. ... 2017 Hybrid System Failure - no warning or ... 2017 Engine Block (recall)
Orin Spinka 2024-06-07
I have a 2017 hybrid with 24000 miles. The car is currently waiting for a dealer appointment to fix the wiring, which has been damaged by rodents. It appears that Kia has coated the wiring in a material that is attractive to rodents. Unfortunately, this issue is not covered by warranty, leaving you with a $4000 bill to pay. However, it is important to note that this issue is not unique to Kia and can happen with any car brand. It is always a good idea to take preventative measures to protect your car from rodent damage. Thank you for choosing Kia.
Gunnar Buckridge 2024-03-10
I strongly advise against purchasing this vehicle. Despite being 11k into a 39-month lease, it only gets 25mpg in the city. Despite three visits to the dealership, they have been unable to resolve the issue, claiming that the car is not yet broken in. Unfortunately, the service follow-up has been very poor. I have even filed a case with corporate, but have yet to receive a response after over a month. It is clear that this vehicle is not meeting the expected standards and the dealership's service has been unsatisfactory.