kia Optima problems
0 safety recalls. 246 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound, the cruise control was inoperative, the infotainment screen darkened, and the charging outlet was…
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…
I had got on the freeway when I got to my destination I got off the freeway and was waiting for the green light my car started shakeing and shut off. I was able to turn it back on
THE CAR STALLS AND INTERSECTIONS INTERMITTENTLY. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON SO FAR IT HAS STARTED EVERY TIME.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 246 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Kia Optima is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Kia Optima?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 122 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Kia Optima has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Kia Optima?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 246 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.