VehicleVerdict

2017 Kia Optima problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2017 Kia Optima sits mid-pack among Optima years: 351 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 268, with 3 recalls and 3 closed investigations. Complainants reported 11 injuries in total across these filings.

The trouble concentrates in one system: engine issues account for 48% of all reports (168 of 351), far ahead of other at 33. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

351

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

3

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Optima years?

Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,871 complaints2001: 231 complaints2002: 168 complaints2003: 190 complaints2004: 306 complaints2005: 180 complaints2006: 214 complaints2007: 217 complaints2008: 188 complaints2009: 166 complaints2010: 99 complaints2011: 771 complaints2012: 1,260 complaints2013: 1,871 complaints2014: 780 complaints2015: 1,388 complaints2016: 1,065 complaints2017: 351 complaints2018: 327 complaints2019: 308 complaints2020: 199 complaints
Optima NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Optima years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Kia Optima problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine16848%
Other339%
Electrical System278%
Fuel System237%
Transmission206%
Lighting154%
Speed Control134%
Steering113%
Driver Assistance82%
Seat Belts82%
Brakes62%
Airbags51%
Body & Structure51%
Visibility & Wipers41%
Suspension31%
Tires & Wheels10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2017 Kia Optima have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V594000Latches & LocksAugust 24, 2023 · 319,436 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Remedy

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.

18V907000EngineDecember 19, 2018 · 71,653 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy

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.

18V161000Fuel SystemMarch 8, 2018 · 1,710 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE ON OCTOBER 15, 2020. I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE AND HEARD A TICKING SOUND AND SOME NOISES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I PULLED OVER IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE ON THE HIGHWAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND SAW FLAMES. I EXITED THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · October 15, 2020 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 3, 2021 · fire

“WHILE MY SIGNIFICANT OTHER AND I WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY OUR CAR BEGAN SMOKING FROM UNDER THE HOOD, THEN SMOKE BEGAN COMING THROUGH THE AIR VENTS INSIDE THE CAR; WITHIN SECONDS WE SEEN FLAMES COMING OUT FROM UNDER THE HOOD AND IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED THE VEHICLE IN HEAVY TRAFFIC WITH NO WHERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 21, 2019 · 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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 7, 2024 · fire

“Large Oil consumption (1qt a week). No warning lights, experiencing loss of power, hesitation on acceleration, oil covering the motor with no signs of leaks underneath the car on the streets. Oil puddling up on the top of the valve cover near the plugs but unable to locate the source. Gaskets and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · October 1, 2021

2017 Kia Optima — common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?

It is close to typical for the Optima: 351 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 3 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2017 Optima problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (168 complaints), other (33 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints).

Does the 2017 Kia Optima have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Kia Optima. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Kia Optima under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 3 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Kia Optima years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Optima years to avoid are 2013, 2015, 2012, 2016, 2014, 2011. The cleanest record among Optima years belongs to 2010.

How safe is the 2017 Kia Optima?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Kia Optima earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.