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
255 reports, newest first.
Steering, Apr 23, 2025
Failure of Flexible Steering Coupler, part of the Motor Driven Power Steering. This flexible coupler deteriorated noticeably over about 6 months time. Currently steering is very erratic with crunching sounds when turning wheel. This is a serious safety concern. I had the steering and suspension inspected at an official PA state inspection station (annual requirement) and was assured that the mechanical under car parts are all good. HAs never needed any repairs in this area, not even a wheel alignment. I am the original owner and the vehicle has been well maintained. Vehicle currently has 141,000 miles, mostly highway driving. KIA advises that there is no recall and no warranty repair available. I believe this is a design defect and safety issue.
Engine, Apr 5, 2025
I was driving on the highway, the check engine light started flashing and the car lost power. This created a very dangerous situation because I could not go the speed limit and could not get off the highway since I was in the middle lane. We went and had the check engine light checked and were told the code was P1326.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2025
Unknown Oil consumption Spark plugs need replacement about every 500-1000 miles. Also needs oil every 500-1000
Engine, Mar 26, 2025
I was driving on the highway and randomly my car started to shake very badly and i couldn’t go faster than about 30 mph. My engine light didn’t turn on until i turned the car off and back on after finally making it home after almost getting hit by cars trying to make it back home. I sent it to get looked at and they said that it’s misfiring pretty severely and that kia had a recall on an engine/motor awhile back for my car and to take it to a dealership. I contacted KIA customer care but the only recall I see when I look up my VIN # is for the trunk recall.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 21, 2025
There appears to be an issue with Kia USA regarding an oil switch fault that the company may be aware of but has not addressed through a service bulletin. We own a 2017 Kia Optima with a 2.4L engine and 84,000 miles that has recently started experiencing an intermittent oil pressure light. Thinking the issue was covered under warranty, I took the vehicle in for repair, only to receive a quote of $6,000. The faulty switch had pushed oil through the wiring harness, contaminating the powertrain control module and fuel injectors. I have found information indicating that Kia issued a service bulletin in April 2022 for the same switch used in the 2.4L issue affecting 2015-2018 Kia models with 3.3L engines. However, when I provided this information to the dealer, they insisted the switch in my Optima was different and not covered by the bulletin. I have repeatedly requested the part number for the faulty switch referenced in the bulletin, but have not received a response from the dealer or Kia corporate. The information I found on-line is that the switch in both motors are the same switch. I understand that if this issue is not addressed early, the repair cost can reach upwards of $7,500. If Kia had proactively notified 2.4L owners about the switch issue in 2022, my problem may have been caught and resolved before the extensive damage occurred. Furthermore, if the faulty switch was used across multiple Kia models during the same time frame, the company should have included those vehicles in the service bulletin. I am not concerned with getting my own Optima repaired, but I find it unacceptable for Kia to take advantage of customers in this manner. An $18 part failure should not result in such significant damage, and Kia's lack of transparency and action is disappointing. I hope that by sharing this experience, Kia will be compelled to address this issue and prevent further financial hardship for their customers.
Engine, Mar 17, 2025
1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Engine failure due to excessive oil consumption and/or a malfunctioning Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). •The engine failed at only 50,000 miles due to internal issues. •The KSDS system triggered a flashing check engine light, but Kia refuses to cover the repair despite known past issues. •Kia engineers and the dealership confirmed the engine failure but are denying warranty coverage. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •A flashing check engine light appeared, indicating possible catastrophic engine failure while driving. •Loss of engine function on the road could have led to an accident. •The KSDS system was designed to prevent this type of failure, but it failed to stop the damage in time. •If the engine had completely failed at highway speeds, it could have created a dangerous situation. 3.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by the Kia dealership. •The dealership confirmed that the engine has failed and needs to be replaced. •A tech line case was opened with Kia engineers, who confirmed the failure. •Kia refuses to cover the repair, claiming it is a "top-end failure" instead of a "rod bearing failure." 4️.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes, it was inspected by the Kia dealership and Kia engineers. •A tech line case was created, and Kia engineers reviewed the issue. •Kia admitted that the engine failed but refused to cover the repair under warranty. 5.) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, a flashing check engine light appeared due to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). •The same warning code had previously appeared while
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
I have been dealing with an engine issue for almost two years now, dealership is telling me I need to wait till a barring goes out for the engine to be replaced at no charge. Car does not go over 60 mph, oil is burning like crazy
Engine, Feb 25, 2025
My Engine is burning a quart or more of oil a week. Since my last oil change I have put in 15 quarts of oil. I called KIA service department and they said there is nothing they can do unless my check engine light is on.
Engine, Feb 14, 2025
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled. The oil change warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an oil change was needed almost every two weeks. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil change warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the result of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil change warning light remained illuminated. The contact research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Seat belts, Feb 2, 2025
My driver's seat seatbelt has completely locked up rendering unusable. It neither retracts or goes out further so it is stuck in a state where it cannot buckle with a person in it. My car is only 7 years old and I have only had it for4 years.
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
Yes, the issue has been confirmed by Kia. They acknowledged the high oil consumption and indicated that the engine requires a rod bearing replacement. However, Kia does not want to fully recognize the problem. I have taken the car to another mechanic who confirmed that the ignition coil has burnt on cylinder number 3 and identified it as an engine failure along with the high oil consumption.
Engine, Dec 5, 2024
The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Kia Optima. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The vehicle started on the second attempt was able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the engine rod had failed, causing complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed Product Improvement Program for a software update; however, the contact was unaware of the software update which voided the Extended Warranty for the engine repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2024
A auto repair shop said my Kia Optima has a bad knock sensor which is a common problem with those cars. My safety and others was put at great risk when I suddenly lost power on the freeway Problem was confirmed at an independent service center Has not yet been inspected by manufacturer Warning message came up at the same time as losing power
Engine, Oct 11, 2024
Took the car to the dealership to diagnose an issue that I know Kia has a settlement for which is the engine class settlement and the dealership is trying to say the cause of known issue is from another source so they do not have to cover the cost of a replacement engine. The dealership is saying my option is to pay 8-10k for a new engine when it should be covered under the lifetime engine warranty which they confirmed I have. Engine light popped up the day of taking it to dealer. The engine has the possibility of seizing putting the driver or others at risk of serious accident.
Seat belts, Oct 8, 2024
Drivers side seat belt will not click into latch
Seat belts, Engine, Sep 18, 2024
Engine is burning 2 QT of oil every month and burning it in under 1000 miles. Kia dealership says it's a common issue but can't help me until the engine seizes up. The car has less than 85k miles on it. How can this be a common issue but they can't fix it till the engine dies? What if the engine dies out of warranty? Then I'm out 12k for a new engine that will die in 80k miles. This should be a recall.
Steering, Aug 30, 2024
Car engine stuttered when turned on, then after a moment smoothed out . I noticed some looseness in response in the steering wheel while driving forward, after a short period of time driving the antiskid symbol and the EPS symbol came on and I lost power steering. I turned off the car and turned it back on . The emergency symbols were gone and the power steering was OK. I headed back home and the symbols came back on and lost power steering again after driving about 3 blocks. I repeated turning car off and on to get home.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 11, 2024
The KSDS in my engine is causing engine failure due to the dealership failing to fix the problem when I first experienced stalling, lagging and misfiring of my vehicle, which would often make it shake and I would have to turn the car off and reignite it, sometimes more than once. My safety is at risk when driving, because the vehicle will lag while trying to accelerate in traffic. My mechanic researched the issue and found the recall and Kia said they fixed it when it was issued and they didn’t. My CHECK ENGINE light is flashing now and it continues to lose power. I have contacted Kia about the issue and I’m waiting on a response.
Engine, Aug 3, 2024
The engine Is losing oil. Taking it to KIA dealership and other repair shops around our area and she has to have her oil changed every thousand miles because the oil is going somewhere but they don’t know where because there’s no leakage anywhere. I see there’s 100 of other complaints about this key should be responsible. Please indicate what we can do about this doesn’t have that many miles on it.
Engine, Jun 23, 2024
Driving highway speed (75) after work may 23rd 2024 when my car just randomly stop accelerating and I pulled to the side of the highway and I heard a weird engine knock sound coming from engine . I turned the vehicle off and back on and it was still doing the same thing then it just cut off and wouldn’t start no more. I reached out to Kia cooperate to find out that it’s an extended life time warranty on the engine of the make of my car for rod bearings failure. I contacted Kia of Pelham Al to get an appointment to bring it in I drop it off June 9th , service app was June 10th. They failed to give a rental car … leaving me with no way to work …
Engine, Jun 19, 2024, fire
Turbocharger failed at 90000 miles because fan assembly was bad. May have happened when dealership replaced high pressure fuel pump. Fan sheared and metal parts got in the engine about a thousand miles after that.
Structure, Jun 19, 2024
On 11/02/2023 I mailed in the KIA request for Reimbursement form. I included a reciept from KIA of Fargo, ND for the Trunk latch assembly. My trunk latch failed in August of 2022, I had to leave Fargo so I cancelled my service appointment. Then purchased the trunk latch assembly and installed it myself. I included labor of $180 and part cost of $62.68. KIA sent an aknowlegment of the reimbursement form on 02/22/2024 they were reviewing the form. As of today I have not yet received the reimbursement. KIA is not following through in a timely manner on this trunk latch recall.
Engine, May 22, 2024
I was driving on the highway, and my oil pan storage plug fell out of my car. All of the oil leaked out of the engine causing my engine to seize up while I was driving. The dealership says my vehicle is out of warranty, and will not replace it, and that it will cost me $12,000 for a new engine
Engine, May 19, 2024
MY 2017 OPTIMA IS CONSUMING OIL INTO THE PISTONS AND PISTON RINGS WHICH IS SOAKING THE SPARK PLUGS CAUSING ENGINE MISFIRE, MY MECHANIC STATES IT WONT BE LONG TILL THE ENGINE GOES OUT, I TALKED TO KIA AND THEY TOLD ME THE CAR HAS TO BE SEIZED OR KNOCKING FOR THEM TO REPLACE THE ENGINE, KNOWING ITS A PROBLEM. I WANT MY CAR FIXED AS ITS A KNOWN ISSUE ACROSS ALL OPTIMAS.
Engine, Apr 25, 2024
Ms. Nadine Thomas, who is running for District 44 in Georgia, has served on the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate is my boss and know what I have been through with my vehicle and has heard from KIA in Athens GA that there is nothing they can do. I have a 2017 KIA Optima that I have been having problems with since around 06/2022 or a little before. I have been getting oil changes and putting oil in the vehicle every week or every other week. It finally took a mechanic to tell me it is an issue with Kia's and a recall due to the replacement of the motor because the cars are losing oil. I do not have an oil leak but losing it every week and replacing it and it is expensive for an oil change and a gallon of oil constantly. I have reached out to KIA Manufacturer and case was denied, BBB and KIA denied it all the way, through where I went has far as to the attributor. Georgia Attorney General and they sent a letter to the Bulldog KIA in Athens and they said I have to go through the process of either hearing a thumping noise or motor light flashing constantly and or car shuts off before my motor can be replace. None of this has happened. I had to pay out of pocket for a tune up which was over $300 in Sept 2023 and again early this year 2023 and no reimbursement but it’s on my KIA receipts due to oil consumption (leaking of oil) it’s causing me to keep replacing the spark plugs. Renting vehicles when they would have to keep my vehicle to replace the spark plugs, and missing time from work. They will not compensate me for it, replace the motor, and or provide me another vehicle. I feel also because I am a woman that I am racially profiled, I have been very professional, calm, and provided more than enough time, effort, and providing all the information to KIA and I am not getting nowhere or through to anyone that will hear me or understand what I am going through. Previous NHTSA ID Number is 11518826, awaiting for response back from Ossoff Office.