2017 Kia Optima PHEV engine problems

11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Kia Optima PHEV — 48% of all complaints for this model year.

Engine complaints

48%

share of all complaints

—

median reported incident mileage

0 / 0

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated and then turned off independently. The contact slowed…”
filed Oct 2, 2025
“I was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. I had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in hybrid mode. The vehicle suddenly lost all its power and a warning light came on flashing saying…”
filed Sep 28, 2025
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was turning on and off. The contact stated that the catalytic converter and battery were damaged. The vehicle was taken to the…”
filed May 7, 2025

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

SUBSEQUENT REPAIR ACTION: ENGINE REPLACEMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR DTC P1326 (SC218YZ) - This bulletin provides information related to the Technical Service Bulletin previously published (SC218) titled "Engine…
SC218YZ_TSB · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 7, 2023
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: MAINTENANCE REMINDER FEATURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area.This…
TSB_ENG219_R1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Sep 16, 2022