FaultScore

KIA Optima Phev problems

Owners have filed 53 complaints about the KIA Optima Phev with NHTSA across model years 2017 to 2020. More of them are about the engine & cooling than anything else.

Every KIA Optima Phev year, graded

The grade compares each year against the rest of this model's own run — never against another car. Click any bar or row to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded
Year Grade Complaints Crashes Fires Median miles Most reported
2020 1 0 0 Other & Unspecified
2019 3 0 0 Engine & Cooling
2018 12 0 0 19,000 Engine & Cooling
2017 37 1 2 64,000 Engine & Cooling

What breaks on a KIA Optima Phev

Across every model year on file. Follow a row for that part's complaints and the year it was worst.

Engine & Cooling 16 30.2%

Worst in 2017

Electrical System 11 20.8%

Worst in 2017

Other & Unspecified 7 13.2%

Worst in 2017

Fuel & Propulsion 4 7.5%

Worst in 2017

Transmission & Drivetrain 3 5.7%

Worst in 2017

Brakes 3 5.7%

Worst in 2017

Airbags 2 3.8%

Worst in 2017

Steering 2 3.8%

Worst in 2017

Acceleration & Cruise Control 2 3.8%

Worst in 2017

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 1 1.9%

Worst in 2018

Seat Belts 1 1.9%

Worst in 2017

Doors, Latches & Locks 1 1.9%

Worst in 2017

Complaints filed over time

Every complaint about every KIA Optima Phev, by the month it reached NHTSA.

Jan 2018 peak 6 Oct 2025

Compare the KIA Optima Phev

Side by side on complaint history. Remember that raw totals track how many were sold as much as how good they were.