Kia Optima Phev Problems by Model Year
NHTSA recorded 31 consumer complaints across the 2 model years of the Kia Optima Phev (2017–2018) that have at least 5 complaints. 2017 has the most, with 23. Across all years, the part named most often is engine (14 mentions). Pick a model year below to see its parts, mileage, recalls and service bulletins.
All Optima Phev model years
Years with fewer than 5 complaints are not listed. The score compares years of the same model, allowing for the era and for how long each year has collected complaints: 50 is a typical year, lower means fewer complaints. It is not adjusted for sales volume.
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | TSBs | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 8 | 18,800 | 2 | 34 | — | Not enough data |
| 2017 | 23 | 64,000 | 2 | 53 | — | Rising |
Parts named most often, all years
Counts add up complaint mentions across the listed years. A complaint can name several parts.
- Engine14 33%
- Electrical system11 26%
- Other or unknown6 14%
- Transmission and drivetrain3 7.1%
- Steering2 4.8%
- Hybrid propulsion system2 4.8%
- Fuel system2 4.8%
- Brakes2 4.8%
Example complaints
One per model year, chosen for length and detail. Personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
2018: “I was told by the dealership that my 2018 Kia Optima Phev was repaired but after I drove it off the lot and got on the freeway the warning light came on again and lost all power. I almost got into another accident because of this. The dealership said they worked with Kia technical support to fix my car but apparently Kia doesn't know what's wrong with their own car. The vehicle has only 19k miles. I'm afraid for my safety and my families that this will continue to happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11398068, filed 2021-02, 19,000 miles2017: “Getting onto the freeway accelerating, when heard rattling and saw smoke, exited the freeway and parked the vehicle. There was no warning or lights that came on prior or during this time. Had the car towed to the nearest Kia dealership in city of carson. I received a phone call on saturday 1/2/2021 from tony at the dealership asking for permission to diagnose the vehicle. I agreed to the diagnostic testing. Received a call back within an hour to notify me that there was a hole in the engine, no repairs could be done and I needed a new engine. I asked how did the hole get in the engine. …”
NHTSA complaint #11386121, filed 2021-01, 64,000 milesOther Kia models
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About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Methodology