NHTSA data · free2017 Kia OptimaProblems: Top Complaints, Recalls & Failures (NHTSA)
Every owner complaint and safety recall the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has on file for the 2017 Kia Optima, ranked by the component that failed most.
Complaints on file
255
Recalls issued
3
Crashes reported
4
Fires reported
9
What breaks most
- Engine164 complaints · 64.3%
- Electrical System25 complaints · 9.8%
- Power Train21 complaints · 8.2%
- Fuel/Propulsion System20 complaints · 7.8%
- Exterior Lighting15 complaints · 5.9%
Recalls on this model year
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Hoses, Lines/Piping, And Fittings
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 pi
Campaign 18V907000 · reported 19/12/2018 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Hybrid Propulsion System
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.
Campaign 18V161000 · reported 08/03/2018 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
- Latches/Locks/Linkages › Trunk Lid › Latch
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 Mot
Campaign 23V594000 · reported 24/08/2023 · recall work is free at any franchised dealer
What owners report
Engine
- While driving at highway speed, my engine began to produce a loud knocking noise without prior warning. Within few seconds, the engine seized completely causing sudden loss of motive power.This caused
- Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesi
- I am requesting urgent assistance regarding my 2017 Kia Optima EX, which is experiencing a serious oil consumption/burning issue. The vehicle is burning oil into the engine, causing the oil level to c
Electrical System
- The electrical wiring harness connecting to the hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) was found to have significant corrosion and a missing factory-installed protective covering. This is a manufacturing
- On March 23, 2026, I took my 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) to Mark Kia [XXX] ) solely for two open safety recalls: SC218 (Engine Inspection/Replacement and KSDS software installation)
- unknown
Power Train
- Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesi
- Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesi
- 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
Fuel/Propulsion System
- Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesi
- Constant Mis-firing, must put oil in car every 3 to 4 weeks. Hesitation when driving and sputtering.
- The electrical wiring harness connecting to the hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) was found to have significant corrosion and a missing factory-installed protective covering. This is a manufacturing
Exterior Lighting
- I own a 2017 Kia Optima. My vehicle was brought in for the tail light recall at Lupient Kia, but the dealership only replaced a bulb and refused to replace the harnesses. I was told by the service adv
- 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 u
- 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
Excerpts are anonymized owner complaints as filed with NHTSA, trimmed to 200 characters.
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