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.
Engine, Nov 8, 2022, fire
On June 5th 2022 as I was traveling out of state with my wife and daughter the car lost power on the highway. I pulled over to the side when safe and noticed whitish grey smoke puffing from under the hood by the hinges. Being a fire lieutenant, I recognized this as the car being on fire. We exited the vehicle, my daughter was asleep in the back seat, so it was a panic to wake her and make sure she got out away from traffic. Within the 3 minutes I was on the phone with 911 the car was engulfed. A few minutes after the first Chief arrived the fire had reached the fuel tank and the vehicle exploded, approximately 8 minutes in. I opened a claim with my insurance and with Kia America. Kia has taken the blame but refused to replace the vehicle, instead offering me $15000 for the car with only 57000 miles on it. After fighting with Kia for 3 weeks during my claim they finally provided me with a rental vehicle paid for by their insurance. To this date they have not paid for said rental and I am now on the hook for the $930 charge. This event has caused much undue stress on me, I already have cardiac issues, my wife and daughter still have nightmares from the event. Kia inspected the vehicle which is totally burned, they found it to be an engine failure causing oil to spill onto the hot exhaust. They accepted blame. There was no warning, no noises, no lights. I never received a recall notice, I found out about the recall from my insurance after the fact. Kia has been less than helpful.
Engine and engine cooling, Engine, Oct 26, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the driveway of her home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The sparks plugs were replaced but the failure persisted. On another occasion, the contact noticed that oil was leaking from under the vehicle again, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was oil cylinder #3 spark plug. The spark plug and PCV valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the contact would receive a call back. The failure mileage was 93,226.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Oct 23, 2022
For the past 5-6 months I’m have ongoing issues with my engine and excessive oil consumption. I’ve completed the three oil consumption test per 1000 miles. On the last test(3rd check), I was told I passed and nothing further was needed. Approximately 1 month after that my engine light illuminated and my car violently shook upon acceleration and while sitting idle. Was informed it was my spark plugs and electric coil… oh and a routine oil change, which I paid to have repaired at approx. $650 this was in late August/Early September. Now here we are in late October and my oil lamp is on yet again! My car does not achieve speeds no higher than 50 mph. I’ve been to the dealership 7 times since April 2022. There’s an expense with owning cars but this is ridiculous. I’m currently a few hundred miles shy of 80,000 miles
Engine, Oct 14, 2022
UNKNOWN
Engine, Sep 30, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made knocking sounds with the check engine, ABS, and traction control warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000.
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.
Electrical system, Sep 19, 2022
my fuse box melted , because of a burnt out fuse , too many electrical components made this fuse box melt and could have potentially started an electrical fire which could result in a crash and it could end up way worse maybe even death. I took my car to the service lane at kia and my service agent let me know that multiple cars are having this same problem where their fuse box burnt out . Its obviously a problem with a lot of kia optimas because i saw about 30 other kia optimas out in the parking lot waiting to be serviced and now ive been waiting two months for my car to get serviced.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Sep 12, 2022
Hello I've been having my car for a year I told the dealership the problem but it seem as they don't want to fix it My car wouldn't go over 60miles and also my engine just locked up this doesn't make sense when they know these problems are a recall on this type of vehicles
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2022
Car can be easily stolen due to not having an engine immobilizer
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
The motor seems to have a knocking noise accompanied by constantly burning oil and sparks plugs. Constant misfires and check engine light appearing during the year after replacing spark plugs and ignition coils.
Engine, Aug 25, 2022
Hey, while driving my vehicle the engine light started blinking and there was a delay in my acceleration and when I got to 60-65 mph my car begins to stall and will NOT drive any faster. Also I sent my car to the dealership for repair 08/15/22 and they still haven’t diagnosed the car yet even after I received letter in mail for recall. Please help thank you
Engine, Aug 16, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle entered limp mode as several warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer and was informed that his vehicle was under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine), which they linked to his failure. Despite the recall repair, the failure occurred on two additional occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where an additional software update was performed; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified about the failure and sent an investigator to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle had yet to be repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Jul 15, 2022
1. Headlights randomly fail and yes. 2. Headlights will completely go out at night while driving. Not being able to see in the dark while driving can be fatal to me, my family, and any nearby innocent bystanders. 3. No. 4. No. 5. No warnings at all and it started almost 2 weeks ago.
Seat belts, Service brakes, Engine, Jul 13, 2022
Bought this car 10 months ago with 16000 miles on it my enjine light is on car wouldnt start its 2017 kia optima also my passenger seatbelt sign on my dash keeps going off and nobody is in the seat so i have to fasten the seat belt just so it will stop dinging while i drive my front passenger side brakes sound like they are scrubbing when u stop i had mechanic look at it he said he dont see nothing he resurfaced my rotors and its still making that noise
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.
Engine, Jul 11, 2022, fire
On November 16, 2020, Lucy Robinson was driving her 2017 Kia Optima when she started seeing smoke. She pulled into a gas station and the engine was on fire. The fire department extinguished the fire. A cause and origin was conducted and it was found that the fire originated within the engine compartment. The fire was caused by the release of heated oil coming from the leaking PCV located at the top portion of the valve cover.
Engine, Jun 28, 2022
Check Engine Light started FLASHING on and off constantly. The car started to have a hitch and felt like it had less power. I had the code checked and it had a code of P1326. This appears to be an issue with the engine and could be quite serious.
Engine, Jun 24, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated after the oil was changed at 1,200 miles, the vehicle stalled and there was an excessive oil consumption failure. The contact replaced the oil more times than the manufacturer recommended interval. The oil warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed of an excessive oil consumption failure with the Hybrid models only. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
Engine, Jun 22, 2022
Car overheated without any forewarning or indication lights being displayed. Causing hydraulic and engine to fail. Kia is not taking responsibility for the rod bearings causing the overheat. They are saying at the dealership my car was not part of this recall. They refuse to fix it and want me to pay for the new engine myself. Three mechanics have already stated that the hydraulic can be caused by the rod bearings. They are denying the claim
Engine, Jun 17, 2022
Engine Failure after KSDS in March 2022 Update Error Code P1326 (2 times in May and June 2022), BSDS Error with HEV Warning Light Shut Off Engine to prevent damage. Engine burned 2.5 quarts of oil in 3 weeks and 1500 miles. Vehicle went into “limp mode” or “safe mode” to prevent further damage. Engine failure at 102k miles. Error is currently being added by KIA North Austin. KIA reproduced the error P1326.
Engine, Jun 10, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the low oil level warning light flashed and occasionally the vehicle would not properly respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact checked the engine oil dipstick and discovered that there was very little oil in the engine. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who performed an oil consumption test and indicated that the vehicle was consuming one quart of oil per one-thousand miles and that the rate of consumption was within a normal range. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that since the oil consumption test was performed the failure had become progressively worse. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 5, 2022
This has happened 3 times driving car almost comes to a complete stop. Acceleration dropped down to 20 MPH. Was told it was a knock sensor replace in March in May did it again . Replaced it against the very next day it did it again. Went online and said it was a recall but nothing is showing up here . I will contact Kia in the morning we could have been killed this happened in the expressway
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
Power train, Engine, Jun 2, 2022
I was driving on the highway when my check engine light came on flashing the car jersey almost to a stop and I had to pull over. I cut the car off and sat then turned it back on. The check engine light was still flashing and I put my flashers on and was unable to go over 60 mph. I drove slowly to an autozone and a code was pulled p1326. I looked it up and it undeliverable due to the knock sensor issue.