KIA Optima Phev Problems by Year
NHTSA has 33 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file for the KIA Optima Phev, across 5 model years (2016–2020). The 2017 model year has the most complaints (23). The most reported problem area overall is engine.
KIA Optima Phev years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Optima Phev year: 2017. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2017 Optima Phev: 23 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2018 Optima Phev: 8 complaints, 2 recalls
- 2020 Optima Phev: 1 complaint, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common KIA Optima Phev problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 15 | 3 | 0 |
| Electrical System | 11 | 2 | 0 |
| Power Train | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All KIA Optima Phev model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima Phev | 1 | 0 | — | Unknown or Other | |
| 2019 Optima Phev | 1 | 0 | — | Engine | |
| 2018 Optima Phev | 8 | 2 | — | Electrical System | |
| 2017 Optima Phev | 23 | 2 | — | Engine | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2016 Optima Phev | 0 | 0 | — | — |
More from KIA: all KIA models · KIA VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which KIA Optima Phev years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2017 (23) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Optima Phev year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the KIA Optima Phev?
Engine, with 15 complaints across 3 model years.
How many recalls does the KIA Optima Phev have?
2 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.