Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

ProblemsByVin Index / 2017-KIA-OPTIMA / COMPLAINTS
Full complaint record · NHTSA

2017 Kia Optima owner complaints

250 complaints filed with NHTSA on this vehicle . Showing the 300 most recent — grouped by category for scanning.

engine 10 complaints shown

125 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $3,100 · see engine cluster analysis →
12/26/2023 ODI #11561855.0

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 expensive repairs. This issue could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I took the vehicle to the dealer, (Kia) recommended additional services and kept the vehicle overnight for testing. These additional services were outside the normal maintenance interval and are expensive. Quick History: -As of 12/26/2023 Vehicle was dropped off due to excessive oil consumption, this time before the service interval was due. -2017 Optima/ 83,200 Mi -All Oil changes and scheduled maintenance performance

12/20/2021 ODI #11444369.0

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

12/18/2019 ODI #11289432.0

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

12/13/2018 46,000 mi ODI #11161283.0

My 2017 Kia optima broke down on 10/7/2018 and the car was towed to fuccillo Kia. They requested a copy of my last 3 oil changes because they stated that there was gunk in the engine. I submitted the receipts as requested and a claim was filed with Kia's consumer affairs department. The claim was denied on 10/17/2018 because insufficient maintenance. I called Kia consumer affairs to ask why it was considered insufficient maintenance. The rep could not or would not tell me why. I went to the dealership and no one would help me kept referring me to the claims department. They agreed to submit an appeal so the district manager would review my claim but that was denied within 24 hours stating three oil changes were not enough. I only submitted the last three receipts as they requested. In tota

12/06/2021 70,000 mi ODI #11442805.0

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the speed decelerated independently while the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they informed the contact there was an unknown software update. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but two days later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. T

12/05/2024 ODI #11629027.0

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Kia Optima. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The vehicle started on the second attempt was able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the engine rod had failed, causing complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed Product Improvement Program for a software update; however, the contact was unaware of the software update w

11/19/2021 ODI #11441103.0

Unknown … Right in the moment I started the car. My car turned on the check engine light and it started a fault as if it wanted to turn off, it shakes and the engine works without power. Since that moment it’s doing it constantly.

11/16/2025 ODI #11699628.0

I own a 2017 Kia Optima with a major internal engine defect. Starting shortly after purchase, the car lost power and consumed fuel unusually quickly. Over time, the engine began burning excessive oil and now produces a loud knocking sound (bearing knock), indicating internal bearing failure. These symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine defects (bearing wear / piston ring failure). The defect is a serious safety concern: because of weak bearings and high oil consumption, the engine could stall, seize, or catch fire. The dealership has refused to repair or replace the engine. I am reporting this as a safety defect and request NHTSA investigation.

11/13/2024 ODI #11625072.0

A auto repair shop said my Kia Optima has a bad knock sensor which is a common problem with those cars. My safety and others was put at great risk when I suddenly lost power on the freeway Problem was confirmed at an independent service center Has not yet been inspected by manufacturer Warning message came up at the same time as losing power

11/10/2020 18,000 mi ODI #11374003.0

I've taking my leases vehicle into carson of Kia 3 times for oil light they replaced the oil pressure switch twice of the 3 times while driving after the cars warms up I get ticking noise you can hear the better when when driving next to a retaining wall at this I've filed a complaint with the manufacturer and after reviewing the work order from the dealer all they offer me was 2 months of car payment which I decline so I'm contracting NHTSA for help and advise

electrical 3 complaints shown

24 total in this category · severe · avg repair $850 · see electrical cluster analysis →
12/30/2025 98,000 mi ODI #11707896.0

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 inoperative. The Check Engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence, and the contact used a vehicle scanner to scan the vehicle. The contact stated that DTC: P1326 for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was found, which detected excessive engine vibration. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

12/16/2021 ODI #11444058.0

Several weeks ago, we had trouble opening and closing the trunk of our 2017 KIA Optima. Then a few weeks ago, the trunk of our KIA Optima closed and would not open at all. Because of the pandemic, we didn't contact KIA. But today, 16 Dec. 2021, as my wife was driving north in heavy traffic on US Highway 25 in Albuquerque, NM, the trunk suddenly opened and blocked her view of the cars behind her. Luckily she was in the right lane and was able to exit the highway. Otherwise there might have been a serious accident. We bought the car in 2017 from Fiesta KIA in Albuquerque, NM (505-999-2745). They have been unresponsive.

12/06/2021 ODI #11442902.0

The vehicle automatically turns the headlights off automatically (at night). While driving and not touching the multi function switch, the vehicle indicate that the headlights were switched manually to the "off" position from the "auto" position on the multi function switch. This happens randomly at random intervals and most noticeable at night when the car is driving and the lights are turned off and is not reproducible on demand. The safety of both myself and the other vehicles around me are put at risk if my headlights cannot turn on or turn off by themselves at night while operating the vehicle. I went to the dealer, and they told me that even though the car is under warranty since the problem cannot be reproduced I would need to pay a $175 diagnostic fee, the dealer told me that Ki

other 3 complaints shown

12/19/2019 81,000 mi ODI #11290073.0

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.

12/13/2021 ODI #11443571.0

During the week of November 14th, 2021, I noticed my vehicle begin to noticeably vibrate and generate an unfamiliar sound near the engine compartment. The vibration and sound was accompanied by a "check engine" light illuminating. I immediately scheduled an appointment at my local dealership and was provided a date of November 29, 2021. On November 29, 2021, I dropped off my vehicle at the dealership and learned of NHTSA Recall Number "21V844." The service representative and his technician believe the vibration and sound are a result of the recall. To date, my vehicle remains at the dealership and the matter is unresolved. The service representative has advised me that Techline / KIA Corp. is determining whether my vehicle's engine issue is due to the recall or not. It has been two weeks t

11/13/2022 ODI #11493365.0

Forward collision avoidance system activated with no vehicle stopped in front. Brakes locked up multiple times and then unlocked.

powertrain 1 complaint shown

17 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain cluster analysis →
12/09/2025 ODI #11704089.0

Vehicle experiences sudden and dangerous loss of power while driving, including hesitation during acceleration, consistent with connecting-rod bearing failure risk known in this model’s GDI engine. Dealer estimate found timing and oil-flow component failures connected to internal engine damage. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and stalls/lacks power unexpectedly, creating a high risk of crash.”

lighting 1 complaint shown

11 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $250 · see lighting cluster analysis →
11/28/2023 ODI #11557147.0

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

visibility 1 complaint shown

4 total in this category · moderate · avg repair $350 · see visibility cluster analysis →
11/23/2020 37,300 mi ODI #11375889.0

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Kia optima. The contact stated that the sun roof exploded without impact while parked in the garage. The contact stated that while in the house she heard an abnormally loud booming sound. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 37,300.

steering 1 complaint shown

10 total in this category · severe · avg repair $700 · see steering cluster analysis →
11/10/2023 ODI #11554510.0

This has happened several times to me! While driving the steering wheel locks up and I have to coast to a stop to turn off the engine to reset the wheel. It has happened going 60mph down the hwy with my 3 young kids in the backseat. Going 30mph and I have almost hit two cars because of this. If I couldn't stop in time and time hwy wasn't a straight road we would've died. The part I need for the car has been on a back order for over a year. Kia said its not that big of an issue but my life and my kids life is at risk every day!!! Please help!!! This can't only be happening to my car!!!

Showing 300 of 250 total complaints. The full federal record is available at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Kia/Optima#complaints.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaint database. Last synced 2026-06-14. Complaints are owner-submitted and unverified — the existence of a complaint is not proof of a defect, but a pattern of complaints around the same component is a signal worth weighing. Verify any specific filing at nhtsa.gov.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.