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.
Air bags, Apr 12, 2024, crash
The contact owned a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, another vehicle crashed on the front passenger side tire of the vehicle. Due to the impact, the vehicle was sent over four lanes of traffic and jumped over a curb. The contact stated that the front air bag was deployed only after the vehicle jumped the curb; no other air bags in the vehicle were deployed despite the contact's children in the vehicle's rear seat. The contact stated that metal shrapnel was released upon deployment of the air bag. The contact used her left arm to block the fragments from hitting her face. The contact and her children were all transported to the hospital by ambulance. The contact sustained multiple cuts to her jaw, lips and face. In addition, the contact sustained multiple lacerations and bruises to her left arm and the contact's right arm was broken; the contact also sustained eight cracked teeth. The contact stated that all four children located in the rear seats suffered minor bruising with one child suffering a seat belt laceration on their right shoulder. A police report was filed. The children were discharged from the hospital on the same day; however, the contact stayed in the hospital for a week due to her injuries. The other driver's air bags were deployed upon impact and no injuries were reported. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it remained in their possession pending. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle had been deemed a total loss. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Engine, Apr 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact's wife was asked to complete and record information for daily engine testing. The contact's wife completed the daily engine and oil pressure testing for ten consecutive days. The contact's wife submitted the information to the dealer and the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and an oil consumption test was requested. The vehicle was at the dealer for several days; however, a diagnostic update was not provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 92,973.
Other or unspecified, Apr 5, 2024
Sunroof shattered while driving on the highway. Nothing hit the vehicle. Sounded like a loud explosion.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 4, 2024, fire
ON [XXX], AROUND 11:30 A.M., I WAS DRIVING [XXX] ON [XXX], GOING ABOUT 78 MPH, JUST PASSED [XXX], WHEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR, THEN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS. THERE WAS A FULL FLEDGE FIRE UNDER MY HOOD. THE GUY DRIVING NEXT TO ME, KINDA GESTURED FOR ME TO PULL OVER, ALTHOUGH I WAS ALREADY THINKING I NEEDED TO PULL OVER, THE SHOCK OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT. I PULLED OVER AND SO DID THAT GUY, HE HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT TO NO AVAIL. 5 MINS AFTER I GOT OUT, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND I AM THANKFUL FOR THAT GUY, BECAUSE I FROZE FOR A MINUTE AND COULDN'T THINK OF WHAT TO DO, I PULLED OVER JUST IN TIME. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND IT TOOK THEM AWHILE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, THE CAR WAS BURNT TO A CRISP, A 100% LOSS. A POLICE OFFICER TOOK MY NAME & PHONE NUMBER AND ARRANGED FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD TO ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE TO PICK ME UP FROM THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE I [XXX] AND HAD TO CALL OFF WORK. THE CAR WAS TOWED BY PROFESSIONAL TOWING TAMPA LOCATED - PHONE# 813-242-0610 EXT. 5 EMAIL - DISPATCH@PROTOWTAMPA.COM | WEBSITE - www.professionaltowingtampa.com I SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE TOW YARD AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THEM THE TITLE TO THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND SUGGESTED I PAY THE TOWING FEE RIGHT AWAY BEING THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE INCREASES EVERY DAY. ON [XXX], I BROUGHT THEM THE TITLE TO THE CAR AND PAID THE, I BELIEVE, $285 TOWING & STORAGE FEE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Mar 2, 2024
The engine code p1326 code popped up after coming to a stop the same code associated with the Kia engine recall but my vin isn’t covered
Steering, Mar 2, 2024
I am writing to bring a critical safety concern to your attention regarding my 2017 Kia Optima LX. The steering wheel of my vehicle frequently loses power, necessitating a restart of the engine for it to function properly again. This issue occurs randomly, but consistently takes place during steering wheel turns. On one alarming occasion while navigating a winding canyon road, the steering lost power, compelling me to slam on the brakes to prevent the car from falling off the cliff. Another incident occurred while making a right turn, resulting in me slamming on the brakes to avoid colliding with oncoming cars, narrowly escaping a potential rear-end accident. When the steering loses power, it remains functional but demands significant physical effort. Unfortunately, in attempting to steer during one episode, I strained a muscle, leading to a week of suffering. Despite the severity of this safety concern, Kia refuses to address the issue unless they can replicate it during a service visit. The problem occurs randomly, ranging from three times a day to once a month, with no warning signs prior to power loss. Kia has acknowledged this issue, evident in the warranty extension they provided up to 150k miles (attached). Regrettably, when I take the car to the dealership, they decline to address the problem due to an inability to replicate it. I believe this recurring steering malfunction poses a serious risk to my safety and the safety of others on the road. Your intervention in investigating this matter would be greatly appreciated to ensure the well-being of Kia Optima LX drivers. Attached, please find the mentioned warranty extension letter from Kia and an image displaying the MDPS warning light illuminated during instances when the steering lost power. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent matter. The contact stated Kia inspected the vehicle but was unable to replicate the issue during their inspection. However, they recommended replacing the assembly column as a potential solution, but the contact declined due to lack of assurance that the assembly column replacement would resolve the issue.
Exterior lighting, Feb 23, 2024
I drive with my lights on auto. Occasionally the lights go out for no apparent reason. Both inside and headlights. I then have to hold the high beam switch on until I can turn lights on and off or use directional. Sometimes using the directional will cause lights to go out as well. This can happen several days in a row or maybe once or twice a week. I have noticed a few times the box appearing in my dashboard saying lights were off. I had done nothing for them to go out. If a cop sees this happen I am sure to get pulled over. This has been going on for a year=3 trips to 2 different dealers. I brought my car to two different dealers and they both said without it happening when they have it they cannot do anything. I do not understand how a few years ago they fixed something incorrectly and I had to go back for a different part. Apparently this can't be done for this. So, I just risk my life every time I drive at night!!
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 19, 2024
Every time after I get an oil change I’m constantly having to put oil in it because it goes dry every 2 days and my check engine light stays on before and after oil change, randomly shaking soon as I turn the car on then the oil light comes on every time I go over a speed bump! The car slams on breaks when it wants and has even did it when in fast traffic on the highway.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
Entered on to the highway and accelerated to get up to speed. Check engine light started blinking and could no longer accelerate.
Engine, Feb 14, 2024
I was driving at 65MPH on the highway when the warning lights went flashing on my dashboard with "Check Hybrid system", "!HEV", and check engine light. I pulled over to the side of the highway and had a tow truck took it to the dealership to check out. Kia dealership did a diagnostic and mentioned the hybrid engine failed to convert from hybrid to gas and vice-versa. I am at 165,531 miles and Kia is charging me $13,000 to fix it. I am over the warranty of 150,000 miles. The "Check Hybrid system" message has been ongoing since 2021 and Kia mentioned it has to do something with the hybrid battery and Kia no longer makes a replacement battery for the Kia hybrid optima 2017. All Kia does it reset the system for the "Check Hybrid system" message to go away. After a few weeks, the message will appear again on the dashboard. I have upload an image of the dashboard with all of the warning lights. I need help as this is costing to much to fix.
Electrical system, Feb 14, 2024
Got a bsd and check hybrid system while driving.
Engine, Jan 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine was consuming one quart of engine oil every two days after an oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the detonation sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.
Engine, Jan 15, 2024
I was driving down the highway and my car just went out in the middle of traffic I almost got into a accident with my kids in the car.there were no warning lights or anything on before it went out I finally pulled over in the far right lane and my car wouldn’t turn back on and started flashing various lights on the dashboard and still wouldn’t turn on I had to call triple A and have the car towed that put me in a very dangerous situation especially with my children in the car
Engine, Dec 26, 2023
Excessive Oil Consumption: Could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I have a 2017 Optima with Excessive Oil Consumption issue. I noticed the car is consuming excessive oil, for the third time. Many people had reported this issue, leaving customers with expensive repairs. This issue could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I took the vehicle to the dealer, (Kia) recommended additional services and kept the vehicle overnight for testing. These additional services were outside the normal maintenance interval and are expensive. Quick History: -As of 12/26/2023 Vehicle was dropped off due to excessive oil consumption, this time before the service interval was due. -2017 Optima/ 83,200 Mi -All Oil changes and scheduled maintenance performance at normal interval, sometimes sooner due to the Excessive oil consumption. -Car is for personal use/ normal driving - No Leaks detected in the Car
Exterior lighting, Nov 28, 2023
I have my headlights on auto so they turn on but they turn on during the day and then off at night they turn on they have turn off when I'm diving at night on freeway and turn back on
Steering, Nov 10, 2023
This has happened several times to me! While driving the steering wheel locks up and I have to coast to a stop to turn off the engine to reset the wheel. It has happened going 60mph down the hwy with my 3 young kids in the backseat. Going 30mph and I have almost hit two cars because of this. If I couldn't stop in time and time hwy wasn't a straight road we would've died. The part I need for the car has been on a back order for over a year. Kia said its not that big of an issue but my life and my kids life is at risk every day!!! Please help!!! This can't only be happening to my car!!!
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 31, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact reset the check engine warning light however, the light became illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the engine oil was low and needed to be topped off. Additionally, the dealer offered to perform an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he had researched online and related the failure to an engine design flaw. The contact requested that the dealer attempt to repair the engine and was refused. The contact was advised by the dealer to drive the vehicle until the engine failed and then he would be placed under consideration for a manufacturer engine replacement program. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.
Engine, Oct 30, 2023
Driving down the interstate, the vehicle started to decelerate and the engine light started flashing. Got it to a mechanic and he started that it was a knock sensor failure P1326 code. Same as the recalls, but my vin number was not included in the recall report. Already had this vehicle in for excessive oil consumption. Paid for the dealer consumption test. They said it only burned a qt. and that was acceptable. In 1000 miles. Have done my own 1000 mile test and have been burning 1.5 or more qts. on three separate tests. Something has to be done about these engines. This is dangerous when going interstate speed and dropping to 20 mph in heavy traffic.
Engine, Oct 28, 2023
Oil from engine does not cycle through the engine and instead it foams up and comes out of the top of the engine and I need to put oil in my car every week.
Latches/locks/linkages, Engine, Oct 26, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V594000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the next available appointment would be in February 2024. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that there were a lot of customers in front of him and the dealer would not be able to get to the vehicle until February 2024. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and failed to start occasionally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. Parts distribution disconnect
Engine, Oct 25, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while driving. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and retrieved DTC Code: P1326, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the knock sensor was previously replaced for the same issue; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 100,670.
Engine, Oct 23, 2023, fire
The engine on this vehicle caught fire while the vehicle was parked and not running. It had previsouly been drive for approximately 4 hours throughout the day but at the time of the incident there were no warning dashlights present. It is currently available for inspection, however depending on the length of this invesitagion it may no longer be available as i work with my insurance company determing next steps. My safety and the safety of other were put at risk by and open flame and smoke that occured during the fire. Ultimately the Fire Department were required to put out the fire. Approximately 8 months ago the engine was replace by the dealership Summit Place Kia East in Michigan due to an open recall for a knock sensor issue. I suspect this vehicle will be a total loss.
Engine, Oct 16, 2023
I was driving my kiaon a very busy interstate. When I was going around 65miles per hour and all of a sudden I lost all power it went from 65 miles per hour to 30 all at once when I hit the gas peddle the car went in jerks finally I got it back up to 55 but it only goes in a jerking motion and r. Very small hill u come to u lose power and it goes jerking . I thought several times I would get rear ended by the vehicle behind me I'm scared to drive this and when the car is running and you step out of the car the smell of gas is very strong and it is using a lot more gas than it mostly does . This happened to me September 20th2023.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the oil warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that oil had leaked into an engine cylinder. The mechanic informed the contact that a Technical Service Bulletin had been placed on her vehicle in relation to the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The contact called Pride Kia of Lynn and Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 10, 2023
Kia fuel rail spurting gas out. Kia dealer said it’s not under warranty and no recalls. Gas leak is so bad car can’t be driven.