KIA Optima Hybrid Engine Problems
Owners have filed 147 complaints with NHTSA about engine problems on the KIA Optima Hybrid across 9 model years. The 2012 model year has the most (72). The words owners use most often: “engine seized” (7% of reports).
- 147engine complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 3mention a crash
- 2mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- $9,250typical repair cost reported by owners
- 66%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Engine seized: mentioned in 11 of 147 complaints (7%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine repair on the KIA Optima Hybrid at $9,250, and half of them between $2,450 and $12,550.
Based on 11 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2016–2018), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do engine problems happen?
Based on 134 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 147 complaints, 3 mention a crash, 11 a fire, 2 an injury.
KIA Optima Hybrid engine complaints by model year
| Model year | Engine complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima Hybrid | 1 | 100% | — |
| 2018 Optima Hybrid | 3 | 100% | 100,000 |
| 2017 Optima Hybrid | 16 | 62% | 28,938 |
| 2016 Optima Hybrid | 2 | 50% | 38,000 |
| 2015 Optima Hybrid | 5 | 42% | 62,000 |
| 2014 Optima Hybrid | 16 | 52% | 51,999 |
| 2013 Optima Hybrid | 13 | 24% | 69,000 |
| 2012 Optima Hybrid | 72 | 66% | 95,000 |
| 2011 Optima Hybrid | 19 | 56% | 99,700 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Engine
Model years: 2017, 2018
Problem: 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.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
Engine
Model years: 2011, 2012, 2013
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2012-2013 Sorento, 2012-2015 Forte and Forte Koup, 2011-2013 Optima Hybrid, 2014-2015 Soul, and 2012 Sportage vehicles. An engine compartment fire can occur while driving.
Risk: An engine compartment fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the engine compartment for fuel and/or engine oil leaks, perform an engine test and make any repairs, including engine replacement, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, Kia dealers will update the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software, free of charge. The recall began January 27, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC200.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
This car is registered under my sons name, [XXX]. I helped him buy the car as we paid cash for it ( Money was provided by my ex-wife). We bought it on XXX and was sold as-is but then the seller said theres no problem with it. A week after we bought it as my son was driving it on [XXX] it drove it…
I googled and a recall # SC200TE showed it was uncompleted. I called Holly Kia in Felton, Delaware, and they informed me my title is "branded" and therefore not covered under recalls. Then i google the recall again and now its gone.
Dear NHTSA, I am writing to formally report a serious safety incident involving my 2016 Kia Optima Hybrid, which caught fire and was completely destroyed on October 5, 2025. Incident Summary: While driving on a highway at approximately 65 mph, I noticed that the vehicle was not entering Hybrid…
On multiple occasions, the HEV system warning light and check engine light activated while I was driving at highway speeds. Immediately after the warning lights appeared, the vehicle suddenly decelerated, putting me and other drivers at risk. This issue has occurred several times and is clearly a…
The contactâs son owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started leaking oil. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
Frequently asked questions
Do all KIA Optima Hybrids have engine problems?
No. NHTSA has 147 owner complaints about engine for the KIA Optima Hybrid. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the KIA Optima Hybrid engine?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list engine. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix engine problems on the KIA Optima Hybrid?
Owners report a typical cost of $9,250 (half paid between $2,450 and $12,550), from 11 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about engine problems on the KIA Optima Hybrid?
The most frequent phrase is “engine seized”, in 11 of 147 complaints.
See all KIA Optima Hybrid problems.