Complaints by model year
Each bar is one model year. The most recent years are still collecting complaints.
NHTSA ODI complaints (public domain) · updated 23 Oct 2026
Year by year
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 | 0 |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 Optima Phev | 8 | 2 |
| 2017 Optima Phev | 23 | 2 |
| 2016 | 0 | 0 |
A model year gets its own page when it has enough data for at least three sections
Most common problems
- Engine15
- Electrical system11
- Unknown or other7
- Power train3
- Vehicle speed control2
- Steering2
- Service brakes2
- Hybrid propulsion system2
NHTSA ODI complaints, all model years
New registrations in Europe
835 new Kia Optima Phev cars registered in the EU, Norway and Iceland between 2016 and 2020, from the European Environment Agency's CO₂ monitoring of every new car. In 2020 the largest markets were United Kingdom (42).
| Year | New cars | CO₂ g/km |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 42 | 34 (WLTP) |
| 2019 | 149 | 34 (WLTP) |
| 2018 | 164 | 34 (NEDC) |
| 2017 | 238 | 36 (NEDC) |
| 2016 | 242 | — |
Averages are weighted by registrations; CO₂ is the type-approval value (NEDC until the WLTP switch). European Environment Agency, CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars · re-use permitted with acknowledgement
Recalls
2 campaigns cover the Optima Phev.
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."
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.
NHTSA recalls