2017 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 255 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 4 involved a crash and 9 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 24, 2023
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."
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
Campaign 23V594000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Hybrid propulsion systemMar 8, 2018
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
Campaign 18V161000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
33 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 6, 2026
“My vehicle, a 2017 Kia Optima, had repeated safety issues documented in service records. Despite multiple repair attempts (per attached records), the problem remained unresolved and put my safety at risk. I’m seeking further investigation or resolution.”
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 5, 2026
My fiancée and I just recently bought this car with the 1.6T-GDi engine I immediately replaced the oil even though the dealership said that he just replaced it. I put 7 quarts of oil topping off from awk consumption after I initially changed the oil filter. Those 7 quarts were added over the period of three weeks and it’s just progressively gotten worse. I’m putting a quart to 1.5 quarts of oil in here every other day. Worried about it causing total failure & being at risk of being stranded with 2 kids due to the only engine I’ve been able to find that Kia doesn’t have any recall touched base on is the GAMMA 1.6 engine. The turbo GAMMA 1.6. The N/a 1.6 was covered but it has ungodly pop/clunking backfiring sound coming from either intake manifold or valve train please help. Times are hard enough as it is to be without a vehicle due to a fault other than none of my own the dealership extended powertrain warranty isn’t being honored by Kia even though they said it would just don’t want something to happen to me or the car that’s beyond my capabilities and knowledge and ultimately result in my spouse not having a reliable and/or safe means of transportation to/from work and commuting kids as well. Thanks in advance
Other or unspecified, Engine, Aug 4, 2025
--- **Summary of Complaint – 2017 Kia Optima** My 2017 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden engine failure due to a damaged piston. There were no warning signs—no knock codes or dashboard alerts—prior to the malfunction. Despite regular maintenance and timely oil changes, Kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me with significant repair costs. This issue appears consistent with reported engine problems in similar Kia models and could represent a broader manufacturing defect. I'm submitting this report in hopes of prompting an investigation into a potential safety hazard. A recall may be necessary to prevent similar failures and protect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 30, 2025
Excessive oil consumption started at 61,000 miles, causing engine misfires and dangerous power loss on the road. Engine codes 1326 and P0304 were frequent. Despite numerous services, including sensor replacements, spark plugs and oil top-offs, the problem worsened. At 97,769 miles, the dealer said a full engine replacement is needed along with other pertinent repairs related to the engine are needed. The situation was life-threatening each time as they occurred while driving and I now no working vehicle after my husband's recent death. Kia dealerships acknowledged the defect but refused to replace the engine and advised that Kia Corporate was refusing, although no claim information was ever provided that they indeed contacted the corporate office. I am seeking NHTSA support in holding Kia accountable.
Other or unspecified, Jul 20, 2025
I previously submitted a report regarding engine failure in my Kia 2017, Optima. I’d like to update the complaint with new details. Upon mechanical inspection, it was confirmed that the engine bears Hyundai branding and has sustained internal damage including broken pistons and valve failure. These issues appear consistent with the known oil ring defect affecting Hyundai-manufactured engines used in Kia vehicles. Symptoms included: Engine knocking and rough idling Sudden loss of oil and reduced performance Full engine failure requiring replacement I believe my vehicle may have been missed in the recall or settlement programs and request this update be added to my case. I’m willing to provide repair estimates, diagnostic reports, and photos upon request. Thank you for investigating this issue further
Other or unspecified, Jun 16, 2025
For years there has been a problem with my vehicle after it rains. On the drivers side when turning the steering wheel there is a scraping noise. The dealership service always said they can’t hear anything or duplicate the problem. Now the issue has extended to the passenger side. After a heavy rain or going through the car wash water get in under the glovebox. My sunroof is fine and not clogged, the problem is something else. Water no matter the source should not be getting inside the car causing odor issues, interfering with the operation of turning / steering gears. This needs to be a recall to force Kia to acknowledge this well known problem from hundreds of online complaints regarding leaks.
Other or unspecified, May 2, 2025
I was driving and as I was going to make a left turn, the steering wheel forced itself to the right and locked. And the whole car completely shut down. So I had to slam on my brakes as they were also locking on me.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
Unknown Oil consumption Spark plugs need replacement about every 500-1000 miles. Also needs oil every 500-1000
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2024
Sunroof shattered while driving on the highway. Nothing hit the vehicle. Sounded like a loud explosion.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 1, 2023
First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and it’s been problem after problem. Not to mention only a month after buying it was stolen. Due to no immobilizer So I’m sure a lot of the issues are also a result of the dumb theif who decided to damage my car. Also my cruise control doesn’t work a lot of the time.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2023
KIA states they are unable to provide the vehicle with the anti theft software update due to the vehicle having a remote start. I asked if they can remove the remote start. KIAs are not safe with only using the Club steering wheel lock. Theives are drilling a hole through the keyhole or cutting them off. My car is now worth less & auto insurance is becoming more difficult. Please make them do something! These cars are still getting stolen nonstop every single day!
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 21, 2023
Car went into limp mode (three times since July 2022) and slowed down on the freeway from 70mph to 20mph without prior warning, putting my life at risk. Dash reads “check hybrid system”. Kia’s had my car for a week without allowing me a loaner or answers.
Other or unspecified, Mar 1, 2023, fire
No vehicle warning as it became engulfed in flames. Fire started from under the hood.
Other or unspecified, Electrical system, Feb 15, 2023
My car was stolen on February 14, 2023 at 7pm.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 13, 2022
Forward collision avoidance system activated with no vehicle stopped in front. Brakes locked up multiple times and then unlocked.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 23, 2022
I was driving with an SUV in front of me at 18-wheeler in front of them. This is on a road where the speed limit is 65 however there's a section on 301 where there's a traffic light. All three vehicles came to a slow normal stop and the adaptive cruise control was doing a good job of slowing the vehicle down without my input. But the SUV when we were at about stopping speed but had not yet come to a complete stop, the SUV switched to the left lane. At which point I was maybe 20 ft behind the 18-wheeler and all of a sudden the car is adaptive cruise control tried to accelerate the car back up to the setting of 65. It didn't register the 18-wheeler at all It just registered that the car in front of me had cleared the space and if I had not been paying attention and immediately applied the brakes to stop the car manually It absolutely would have accelerated directly into the back of the 18-wheeler. I was maybe 5 ft and it was still accelerating when I slammed on the brakes. I've been able to since reproduce the effects, it doesn't register 18 wheelers correctly in this specific situation as vehicles. I've even had the camera recalibrated in between tests. I have everything on video but unfortunately do not have access to the car's computer logs. I would be willing to send in my ECU for whatever is needed to identify this further.
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2022
Car can be easily stolen due to not having an engine immobilizer
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2022
While driving on the freeway and NO vehicles around me, the sunroof shattered, I am reaching out to consumers to see if they have encountered the same problem. As I reached out to KIA consumers affairs and after waiting 2 months I was told to reported it to my insurance and they will cover my deductible but it will take 90 days for my deductible to be processed and issued to me. A total of 5 months to wait for my sunroof to be fixed is unacceptable. FYI - KIA Dept. of consumers affairs (800) 333-4542 you will be on hold for hours before someone can help you, so annoying… Any suggestions or help will be greatly appreciate.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2022, crash
There is a viral trend spreading throughout the country that shows how easy it is to steal a key-start Kia or Hyundai. The perpetrators bashed my back rear window, dislodged the undercarriage of the steering wheel, and used something as simple as a USB cable to turn a knob and start the ignition. My safety was put at risk as well as others because these people that stole my car clearly do not care about their own life or others. No one steals a car for a positive reason. They drove it recklessly and abandoned it without concern for anyone. Kia and Hyundai need to address this issue or more and more of them are going to continue to get stolen and people are going to continue to get hurt, both physically and financially.
Other or unspecified, Jun 3, 2022
After driving for more than 5 or so minutes I begin to smell a burning smell. I’ve had my brakes inspected, my oil changed and even took it to the dealership however it continues to keep happening
Engine, Other or unspecified, Apr 28, 2022
Engine is consuming excessive oil. That could cause internal parts of the engine to wear faster because of less lubrication and could lead to an engine failure while driving, which could lead to engine stopping and loss of propulsion which could cause an accident. The car went through a oil consumption test with a Kia dealership and failed by consuming more than 1 qt of oil in a 1000 miles interval. The Kia dealership proceeded to do a combustion chamber cleaning procedure and re-did oil consumption test and it failed again. They also had requested service record which where provided. Even though Kia has a service bulletin on that matter, the service advisor at the Kia dealership said that the manufacturer declined the claim. Right now I’m constantly refilling oil in the engine which is also an additional expense. The first time I noticed the issue was in February, 2022 when the low oil pressure alert came on.
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2022
Since I purchased the car I have a had a issue with my vehicle misfiring. We purchased the car in 2018 and a few months in I had to bring the car in for a rattle and shaking while I was driving. It would give me a warning lamp stating that a “possible engine control issue had been found”. Since then I have taken the car in for the same issue three different time. Including the misfire and coil pack and spark plug replacement that I just had to pay nearly 600 for at the dealership. I have had this issue occur multiple time since we purchased the car and while driving on the freeway nearly putting my life at risk. This is an issue that needs to be addressed.
Electrical system, Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2021
Several weeks ago, we had trouble opening and closing the trunk of our 2017 KIA Optima. Then a few weeks ago, the trunk of our KIA Optima closed and would not open at all. Because of the pandemic, we didn't contact KIA. But today, 16 Dec. 2021, as my wife was driving north in heavy traffic on US Highway 25 in Albuquerque, NM, the trunk suddenly opened and blocked her view of the cars behind her. Luckily she was in the right lane and was able to exit the highway. Otherwise there might have been a serious accident. We bought the car in 2017 from Fiesta KIA in Albuquerque, NM (505-999-2745). They have been unresponsive.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 13, 2021
During the week of November 14th, 2021, I noticed my vehicle begin to noticeably vibrate and generate an unfamiliar sound near the engine compartment. The vibration and sound was accompanied by a "check engine" light illuminating. I immediately scheduled an appointment at my local dealership and was provided a date of November 29, 2021. On November 29, 2021, I dropped off my vehicle at the dealership and learned of NHTSA Recall Number "21V844." The service representative and his technician believe the vibration and sound are a result of the recall. To date, my vehicle remains at the dealership and the matter is unresolved. The service representative has advised me that Techline / KIA Corp. is determining whether my vehicle's engine issue is due to the recall or not. It has been two weeks that the vehicle has been at the service center. As per the recall notice I received in the mail, the inspection for the recall should have been completed in a matter of hours. I reasonably believe that Techline / KIA Corp is searching for an excuse to not remedy my vehicle's engine issue, and are jeopardizing the safety of myself and my family. I have a newborn and kindergartener that I have in the car daily and am concern for their safety if the engine issue does not get fixed. I am a military veteran and active police officer. I appreciate any assistance you may provide and thank you in advance.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 4, 2021, fire
THE WIRING HARNESS WAS REPLACED IN MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA IN 2019 AT APPROXIMATELY 45,000 MILES. KIA REPLACED MY ENGINE JANUARY 2020 BECAUSE IT WAS CONSUMING LARGE AMOUNTS OF OIL. I JUST GOT MY CAR BACK IN JANUARY 28, 2021 WITH A SUPPOSEDLY NEW ENGINE. ON MARCH 3, 2021, MY CAR CAUGHT FIRE WHILE PULLING OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD ACTUALLY DRIVING DOWN THE STREET. SMOKE AND FLAMES WERE COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD THE OF THE CAR. THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF THE CAR BURNED. THANKFULLY, THE FIRE DEPARTMENT GOT THE FIRE OUT AND NO ONE WAS INJURED.