Model year 2017 · Kia

2017 Kia Optima recalls

NHTSA's recall file lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Optima. The most recent was reported on August 24, 2023. Campaigns are matched by the model names in NHTSA's records: OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID, OPTIMA PHEV.

NHTSA data through October 6, 2026 · How these pages are built

Campaigns at a glance

Recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Optima, newest first
NHTSA number	Reported	Component
23V594000	August 24, 2023	Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch
21V844000	October 29, 2021	Engine
18V907000	December 19, 2018	Engine
18V161000	March 8, 2018	Hybrid Propulsion System

Systems involved: Engine (2) · Fuel System, Gasoline (1) · Hybrid Propulsion System (1) · Latches/Locks/Linkages (1)

Recall records

NHTSA 23V594000Manufacturer no. SC278

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch

Report received by NHTSA: August 24, 2023
Owner notification: October 19, 2023
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 319,436 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID, OPTIMA PHEV

Defect 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."

Safety risk

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 23V594000, filed by Kia America, Inc.. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 21V844000Manufacturer no. SC218

Engine

Report received by NHTSA: October 29, 2021
Owner notification: November 29, 2021
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected: 10,731 (whole campaign)
Model names in the NHTSA record: OPTIMA HYBRID, OPTIMA PHEV

Defect 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.

Safety risk

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.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 21V844000, filed by Kia Motors America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 18V907000Manufacturer no. SC172

Engine

Report received by NHTSA: December 19, 2018
Owner notification: January 17, 2019
Recall initiated by: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation
Units potentially affected: 71,653 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2017 Kia Optima: August 12, 2010 – December 22, 2016
Model names in the NHTSA record: OPTIMA

Components: Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings

Defect summary

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. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.

Safety risk

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 18V907000, filed by Kia Motors America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

NHTSA 18V161000Manufacturer no. SC162

Hybrid Propulsion System

Report received by NHTSA: March 8, 2018
Owner notification: May 3, 2018
Recall initiated by: Manufacturer
Units potentially affected: 1,710 (whole campaign)
Build dates listed for the 2017 Kia Optima: August 25, 2016 – September 11, 2017
Model names in the NHTSA record: OPTIMA

Defect summary

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

Safety risk

If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.

Notes in the NHTSA record

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Source: NHTSA recall 18V161000, filed by Kia Motors America. View the campaign on NHTSA.gov

Records reproduce NHTSA's published text for each campaign. Last record date for this page: August 25, 2023.