KIA
Kia Optima Hybrid Battery (2011–2019)
Lithium Battery Problems, Safety Plug Fuse Campaign, Warning Codes and Prices
✓ Check Kia’s safety plug campaign first
✓ Full pack rebuild from $1,600
✓ Mobile service — we come to you
Vehicles › Kia › Optima Hybrid
Quick Answer
Battery: Lithium-ion polymer, 270 V
Most common codes: P1B70, P1B77, P1B25 — see our Hyundai/Kia code guide
Known issue: Safety plug fuse on 2013–2016 Optima Hybrid — Kia campaign SC269 with coverage extended to 15 years / 150,000 miles
Factory warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles from first sale — most of these cars are now past the time limit, so check with a Kia dealer by VIN
Full pack rebuild: $1,600 (2012–2015) · $2,000 (2016–2019)
The Optima Hybrid shares its basic hybrid design with the Sonata Hybrid, but Kia issued its own bulletins and campaigns. Before paying for battery work, check whether one of them covers your car.
Optima Hybrid Battery at a Glance
| Item | First generation (2011–2016) | Second generation (2017–2019) |
|---|---|---|
| Chemistry | Lithium-ion polymer, 270 V | Lithium-ion polymer, 270 V, 72 cells in 9 modules, 1.62 kWh |
| Location | Rear / trunk area | Trunk area |
| Full pack rebuild | $1,600 (2012–2015) | $2,000 (2016–2019) |
Problems We See Most
Safety plug fuse (2013–2016)
Kia service campaign SC269 and bulletin ELE273 address a safety plug fuse that can fail and cause a sudden loss of hybrid power. Kia extended coverage on this part to 15 years / 150,000 miles. A burning smell near the safety plug is a warning sign, and Kia warns that non-genuine fuses can fail.
P1B70 — battery voltage too low
Kia bulletin ELE147 addresses P1B70 on 2011–2016 Optima Hybrids with a software update; Kia notes the code could set without a real malfunction.
PRA and relay faults
The power relay assembly can cause precharge and relay codes such as P1B77 and P1B76.
Kia Optima Hybrid Battery Prices
| Service | Price (tax and mobile service included) |
|---|---|
| On-site full diagnostic | $150 in our North Dallas service area ($200 elsewhere in DFW) — credited toward the repair |
| Full pack rebuild — 2012–2015 | $1,600 |
| Full pack rebuild — 2016–2019 | $2,000 |
| Module repair (only weak modules replaced) | From $700 labor + parts |
| External pack charge (car sat too long / pack drained) | From $300 — see hybrid battery charging |
| Full battery replacement | Call for a quote |
Final price is confirmed after testing. Warranty runs from 1 to 3 years depending on the vehicle’s condition and mileage, in writing before work begins. See our full hybrid battery price list.
How DFW Hybrid Battery Handles an Optima Hybrid
We check whether a Kia campaign applies to your VIN, test the safety plug fuse, relays and BMS data, and only then recommend module work or a rebuild.
★★★★★What customers say
“thay diagnosed and fixed my Kia Optima hybrid battery and saved me from paying a hefty battery purchase fee. Kia dealer told me I needed to replace the battery, but DFW Hybrid Battery rebuilt and repaired my battery for a reasonable price. I would definitely recommend them to anyone needing hybrid battery service.”
— M. Zamani
Frequently Asked Questions
Should a dealer check my Optima Hybrid first?
If it’s a 2013–2016 with a safety plug or loss-of-power problem, yes — the campaign may cover it at no cost.
Is the Optima Hybrid battery the same as the Sonata Hybrid?
Very similar, but bulletins and part numbers can differ. See our Sonata Hybrid page.
Can you rebuild a lithium Optima pack?
In many cases, yes. Swollen or damaged cells must be replaced.
Check your VIN for open recalls on NHTSA.gov before paying for any hybrid repair.
Other Kia hybrids we service: Niro Hybrid · All Kia models
Related: Prices · All vehicles · Hybrid Error Codes · Battery Charging · Diagnostics · Warranty · Areas We Serve
Optima Hybrid Warning?
Send us the code, year and mileage — we’ll check the campaigns and come to you.
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