Model year guide

2017 Kia optima hybrid

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2017 Kia optima hybrid is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 5 on record.

2017 Kia optima hybrid — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2017 Kia optima hybrid at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints26
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined42 mpg
Typical price$16,034

Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.

2017 Kia optima hybrid recalls 2

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch NHTSA Campaign #23V594000 · manufacturer #SC278 · 24/08/2023

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."

Fix: 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.

Engine NHTSA Campaign #21V844000 · manufacturer #SC218 · 29/10/2021

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.

Fix: 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 con…

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.

2017 Kia optima hybrid common problems

The most-reported problem areas across all 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine And Engine Cooling
Check coolant level and color, look for leaks, and confirm the engine reaches normal temperature without overheating.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2017 Kia optima hybrid safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Frontal — driver★★★★★
Frontal — passenger★★★★★
Side — front seat★★★★★
Side — rear seat★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★

Rollover risk: 9.8% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2017 Kia optima hybrid MPG & running costs

Combined42 mpg
City39 mpg
Highway46 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$1,600
EPA size classMidsize Cars
TransmissionAutomatic (AM6)
Engine start-stopYes
Passenger volume105 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
5-yr fuel cost vs average new car$4,000 less

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov.

What's a 2017 Kia optima hybrid worth?

Low
$13,995
Typical price
$16,034
High
$17,984

From 5 comparable 2017 Kia optima hybrid listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2017 Kia optima hybrid costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$8,000
Fuel only$8,000
Per mile$0.11

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

Dimensions & weight

Length
191.3 in
Width
73.2 in
Height
57.5 in
Wheelbase
110.6 in
Curb weight
3,490 lb
Front track
62.2 in
Rear track
63.0 in

Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2017 Kia optima hybrid. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.

Investigations & service bulletins

NHTSA defect investigations 3

Pedestrian alert sounds Closed

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that…

NHTSA #DP22005 · Electrical System · opened Jan 2023 · closed Aug 2023

Loss of Motive Power Closed

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) received a letter dated July 13, 2022, petitioning the Agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into loss of motive power allegations attributed to oil drain pan assembly failures on certain Hyundai Motor America, Inc. and Kia America, Inc. vehicles spanning Model Years (MY) 2005-2021. The Petitioners cited examples of complaints indicating that the s…

NHTSA #DP22003 · Engine · opened Sep 2022 · closed Dec 2023

Engine Fires Closed

On March 29, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened two Preliminary Evaluations (PE19-003 on Hyundai and PE19-004 on Kia) to broadly investigate incidents of non-crash fires (regardless of origin or operational status of the vehicle) on various model year Hyundai and Kia vehicles.  During the PE investigations, Hyundai and Kia issued several recalls to address vehicle fires, including those due to eng…

NHTSA #EA21003 · Engine · opened Dec 2021 · closed Feb 2024

An investigation means NHTSA is examining a possible defect — it is not a recall, and many close without one.

Manufacturer service bulletins 67

Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 67.

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR – ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information…

Bulletin TSB_CLI049_R2 · Electrical System, Visibility/wiper · Aug 2026

PITSTOP: TECHNICAL OPERATIONS: EXTERNAL DAMAGE TO ULTRASONIC SENSOR: This Pitstop provides information related to Parking Distance Warning (PDW) alerts and repairs involving ultrasonic sensors. The PDW system alerts the driver while parking, by calculating dis…

Bulletin PS797 · Back Over Prevention · Dec 2025

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relat…

Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R5 · Power Train · Apr 2025

This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced.

Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R4 · Power Train · May 2024

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INHIBITOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SA317B/C) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provide…

Bulletin TSB_TRA072_R5 · Electrical System, Power Train · Nov 2023

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: PARTIAL REPAIR - ELECTRICAL A/C COMPRESSOR - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information…

Bulletin TSB_CLI049_R1 · Electrical System, Visibility · Jun 2023

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INHIBITOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SA317B/C) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provide…

Bulletin TSB_TRA072_R4 · Power Train · Jun 2023

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: INHIBITOR SWITCH REPLACEMENT (SA317B/C) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provide…

Bulletin TSB_TRA072_R4 · Power Train, Electrical System · Jun 2023

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: BMS/OPU/MCU LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA411) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides…

Bulletin TSB_ELE192_R1 · Electrical System · Jan 2023

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: TRANSMISSION FLUID APPLICATION GUIDE - This bulletin provides information relating to the correct transmission fluid type and fill quantity requirement for each Kia model. A flush is required ONLY when a transmission is replaced, re…

Bulletin TSB_TRA046_R3 · Power Train · Nov 2022

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the OPTIMA HYBRID FWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.

2017 Kia optima hybrid trims & engines on record

Trims
Hybrid Base · Hybrid EX
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl 154 hp

2017 Kia optima hybrid vehicles on record

Other Kia optima hybrid model years

2017 Kia optima hybrid — frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Kia optima hybrid have any safety recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia optima hybrid. Whether an individual car still needs a recall repair depends on its VIN — check it on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer. Recall repairs are done at no charge.

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia optima hybrid?

Across all 26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are engine, electrical system, service brakes.

What is the 2017 Kia optima hybrid safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2017 Kia optima hybrid an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 5★, side 5★, rollover 5★).

What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia optima hybrid get?

The 2017 Kia optima hybrid has a U.S. EPA estimate of 42 mpg combined (39 city / 46 highway).

How much is a 2017 Kia optima hybrid worth?

Comparable 2017 Kia optima hybrid listings run roughly $13,995–$17,984, typically around $16,034 (from 5 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.