2017 Kia Optima problems
The 2017 Kia Optima has 252 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2017 Kia Optima has 252 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is engine at 125 complaints, typically surfacing around 74,120 miles (~$3,100 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 Optima | 580 | 3 |
| 2015 Optima | 1,001 | 2 |
| 2016 Optima | 748 | 3 |
| 2017 Optima (this page) | 252 | 0 |
| 2018 Optima | 230 | 2 |
| 2019 Optima | 204 | 1 |
| 2020 Optima | 137 | 0 |
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.
- 6 fire-related complaints on the engine
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 5 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2017 Kia Optima? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- engine — 125 owner reports · tends to show around 74,120 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
- electrical — 24 owner reports · tends to show around 38,294 mi · ~$850 to fix
- powertrain — 17 owner reports · tends to show around 38,625 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- lighting — 11 owner reports · tends to show around 57,986 mi · ~$250 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: electrical is flagged severe on this model , showing up around 38,294 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2017 Kia Optima
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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
2017 Kia optima. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle shutting off while driving. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle cut off when making a left turn and slowing down for a red light then would restart. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure*js *js
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 252 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.
Should you avoid the 2017 Kia Optima?
The 2017 Kia Optima is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints on the engine; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2017 Kia Optima?
Inspect the engine first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 125 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,120 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2017 Kia Optima a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 252 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is engine. Typical failure occurs around 74,120 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Kia Optima?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 125 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 74,120 miles. 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. Typical failure occurs around 74,120 miles. 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 252 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 are not always better value.