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

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

2017 Kia optima hybrid recalls 2

Engine NHTSA Campaign #21V844000 · 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 ma…

Latches/locks/linkages:trunk Lid:latch NHTSA Campaign #23V594000 · 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 5 Oct 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.

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 free.

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.