VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 104 ) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles equipped with 2.4L Gas Direct Injection (GDI) engines to ensure compliance with emissions regulations.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Kia Optima electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2017 Kia Optima have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 39,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2013 Optima | 130 |
| 2014 Optima | 50 |
| 2015 Optima | 104 |
| 2016 Optima | 78 |
| 2017 Optima (this page) | 24 |
| 2018 Optima | 27 |
| 2019 Optima | 18 |
| 2020 Optima | 11 |
1crash
2fires
When does it fail?
Of the 24 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information to upgrade the Electronic Control Module ‘ECM’ system software for certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines listed in the table below. Kia has become aware that certain 2016-2022MY vehicles equipped with 2.4L Theta II engines may have engine calibrations that were not optimized for emissions standards under certain specific conditions. These calibrations
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PRINCIPAL MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer principals advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: DEALER PARTS AND SERVICE MANAGER MEMO (SC340) - This document is the announcement to the dealer Parts and Service managers advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions software logic in the Electronic Control Module (ECM) to ensure compliance with emissions regulations in certain 2017-2022 MY Sportage vehicles manufactured from December 10, 2015, through December 7, 2021, certain 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured from August 28, 2015, through June 23, 2020, and certain 2016-2020 MY Sorento vehicles manufactured from October 27, 2014, through November 4, 2020, equipped with 2.4L Theta GDI engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SC340_POC: PROOF OF CORRECTION CARD
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Electrical system failures dominate complaints on 2017 Optimas. Headlights malfunction persistently—turning off randomly while driving at night, draining the battery when the vehicle is parked, or flickering at highway speeds alongside cascading warning lights (airbag, ABS, traction control). Dealers often cannot replicate the issues and charge diagnostic fees even under warranty.
Wiring harness problems create the most serious hazards. Multiple owners report main fuse boxes melting with visible burn marks, and at least two vehicles caught fire in the engine compartment with no prior warning lights. One owner's vehicle burned completely after the dealership replaced the wiring harness and engine. Hybrid models face a distinct threat: the factory wiring protective covering is missing on some units, leaving the hybrid fuel pump wiring exposed to corrosion and rodent damage.
Oil pressure switch failure is another repeat pattern. The switch leaks oil into the wiring harness and powertrain control module, contaminating fuel injectors. One owner faced a $6,000 repair bill at 84,000 miles. Kia issued a service bulletin for this issue in 3.3L engines but has not extended it to 2.4L models despite evidence the same part is used; dealers deny coverage.
Engine stalls occur at extremely low mileage (reported as early as 350 miles after purchase) with no identifiable cause; technicians cannot diagnose them. Excessive oil consumption persists despite oil-consumption tests, and engines sometimes shake violently at idle. One significant incident: after a dealership performed recall work, the vehicle suddenly developed multiple cascading failures including hydrogen sulfide smell, AC malfunction, window failure, and complete no-start condition; the service director later admitted the recall procedure was not followed.
Same Kia Optima electrical reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Oil pressure switch / wiring harness contamination
Oil pressure switch fails, leaks oil into wiring harness and powertrain control module, contaminating fuel injectors and electronics. Kia issued a service bulletin in April 2022 for 3.3L engines (2015–2018 models) but has not applied the same bulletin to 2.4L engines despite using the same switch. Owners report dealers deny coverage, claiming different part numbers despite evidence suggesting the switch is identical across engine sizes.
When: 84,000 miles reported in one case; intermittent onset not explicitly tied to mileage in others
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent oil pressure warning light; Decreased acceleration; Vibration; Engine no oil condition despite recent oil change; Check Engine light; Malfunctioning electrical board (airbag/power steering signals)
Codes mentioned: Oil pressure warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Quote of $6,000 for contaminated PCM and fuel injectors; repair cost can reach $7,500 if not addressed early. An $18 switch failure causes cascading damage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued service bulletin April 2022 for 3.3L engines; has not extended coverage to 2.4L engines despite identical part usage. Dealers deny warranty coverage and refuse to provide part numbers or confirm bulletin applicability.
Headlight multi-function switch malfunction / auto-off defect
Vehicle automatically disables headlights at night without driver input. The multi-function switch shows lights switched from 'auto' to 'off' position even though driver did not touch the switch. Occurs randomly and intermittently, making it non-reproducible on demand. Multiple owners report this issue; dealer refuses warranty diagnosis without diagnostic fee ($175) due to inability to replicate. Kia customer service acknowledges the safety issue but will not waive the fee or commit to resolution.
When: Random intervals, most noticeable at night; one complaint notes issue started 2 weeks prior to report
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turn off automatically at night while driving; Lights disabled without driver command; Multi-function switch appears to move without driver input; Lights turn on and off randomly throughout driving; Radio exhibits same intermittent on/off behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer quoted $175 diagnostic fee; Kia customer service confirmed dealers can charge if issue is not reproducible on demand. No repair completed in complaints reviewed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia customer service opened claim and acknowledged safety concern but stated dealer can charge diagnostic fee if issue is non-reproducible. Escalation promised but no follow-up provided.
Fuse box failure / main wiring harness burn-out
Fuse box burns out and melts, showing burn marks on the bottom of the box. Failure appears related to excessive electrical load or short circuit in the main wiring harness. No warning lights precede the failure. One dealer advised that multiple vehicles are experiencing the same issue. Failure can cause fan motor burnout and potential fire hazard. Dealers unable to determine root cause; costs exceed $3,600 for full harness replacement.
When: Out-of-warranty failures reported; one case at 8,000 miles past warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Air conditioner stops blowing air; Fan motor fails; Burn marks visible on fuse box; No warning lights prior to failure; Potential airbag sensor impact
Repairs/costs cited: Full main wiring harness replacement cost over $3,600. Dealers cannot determine cause and classify as non-warranty issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealers deny warranty coverage claiming defect is not normal wear and tear but cannot confirm root cause.
Hybrid electric fuel pump wiring harness corrosion
Electrical wiring harness connecting to hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) exhibits significant corrosion. Factory protective covering was never installed, leaving wiring exposed to moisture from time of manufacture. Third-party warranty representative confirmed missing protective covering is a manufacturing defect. Vehicle remained inoperable for approximately 8 months while dealer and manufacturer inspected. Manufacturer falsely claimed hybrid component warranty does not transfer to subsequent owners despite federal law requiring transfer unless explicitly excluded.
When: Defect present from manufacture; discovered during ownership of second owner
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle inoperable; Unsafe to operate; Potential for electrical shorts; Risk of fire hazard; Risk of sudden loss of hybrid propulsion
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle remained at dealer for approximately 8 months. Failed component available for inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer denied warranty repair, falsely claiming hybrid component warranty does not transfer to subsequent owners. Dealer and manufacturer confirmed the defect but refused coverage.
Engine stall / sudden shutdown
Vehicle stalls or powers off without warning, particularly when lifting foot off brake at stops or during light acceleration. Occurs at very low mileage (reported as early as 350 miles after purchase). Restarts after ignition cycle. Technicians unable to find cause. One incident resulted in rear-end collision when vehicle stalled during acceleration.
When: As early as 15,750 miles (350 miles after purchase); 4,700 miles; during light acceleration or at stop
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Vehicle powers off without driver command; Occurs when lifting foot off brake; Occurs during acceleration from stop; Restarts normally after ignition cycle
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealers unable to diagnose root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated they would follow up but did not.
Battery drain / headlight sensor malfunction
Headlights remain on continuously despite vehicle being locked and parked, draining the 12V battery completely over time. Issue attributed to malfunctioning headlight sensor. Battery becomes completely dead and cannot be jump-started until properly charged.
When: Approximately 1 week of nightly drain reported
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights turn on and off randomly while driving; Headlights remain on all night while vehicle is parked and locked; 12V battery completely dead; Vehicle will not start; Vehicle will not unlock
Repairs/costs cited: Battery fully drained and 'fried'; required replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Wiring harness rodent damage (hybrid vehicles)
Wiring harness coating (used in hybrid vehicles) attracts small rodents, which chew through protective tape and insulation, exposing bare wiring. This causes hybrid engine to malfunction and warning lights to illuminate. Fire risk present but not yet realized in reported cases. Dealers deny warranty coverage, claiming this is not covered defect. Repairs cost thousands of dollars.
When: Timing not explicitly stated; occurs post-manufacture
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid engine does not work; Warning lights illuminate; Fire hazard; Rodent damage to wiring
Repairs/costs cited: Costs thousands of dollars for wiring harness repair; not covered by warranty per dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers deny warranty coverage; no recall or TSB issued.
Trunk latch failure
Trunk becomes difficult to open and close, then fails to open at all over a period of weeks. Later, trunk suddenly pops open while driving on highway at speed, blocking driver's rear view and creating hazard.
When: Progressive failure over weeks prior to sudden opening while driving
Symptoms owners cite: Difficulty opening and closing trunk; Trunk will not open; Trunk suddenly opens while driving; Loss of rear visibility
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; dealership unresponsive.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None; dealership unresponsive.
Engine fire
Engine compartment catches fire while driving, with smoke and flames emerging from under hood. Occurs on vehicle with replaced wiring harness (2019) and replaced engine (January 2020). No warning indicators present prior to fire. In second case, fire occurs during normal highway driving with no warning signs, check engine lights, leaks, or overheating symptoms. Vehicle becomes fully engulfed in flames within minutes.
When: Case 1: March 2021 after engine replacement in January 2020; Case 2: no mileage/timing stated
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under hood; Smoke through air vents inside vehicle; Flames from under hood; Complete vehicle fire; No warning lights or indicators prior to fire; No leaks or overheating symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Case 1: Previous wiring harness replacement (2019, 45,000 miles) and engine replacement (January 2020). Fire department required to extinguish.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Oil consumption / excessive oil loss
Engine consumes excessive amounts of oil despite repeated tests showing consumption rate within or near acceptable limits. Owner completed three oil consumption tests per dealer protocol (1,000 miles per test), passed the third test, but one month later oil pressure light illuminates again. Engine shakes violently upon acceleration and while idling. Repairs for spark plugs, ignition coils, and oil change cost approximately $650, but problem recurs within weeks.
When: Approximately 80,000 miles reported; issue began April 2022 and persisted through October 2022
Symptoms owners cite: Oil pressure warning light; Excessive oil consumption; Violent engine shaking during acceleration; Violent shaking while at idle; Check Engine light; Low speed capability (max 50 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced spark plugs and ignition coils at approximately $650 in late August/early September 2022. Problem recurred within approximately 6 weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealer has been visited 7 times since April 2022 with no permanent resolution.
Post-recall defects (multiple electrical and mechanical failures)
Following completion of two safety recalls (SC218 engine inspection/replacement and KSDS software installation; SC278 emergency trunk latch release), vehicle immediately developed numerous new defects that did not exist prior to dealership service. Defects include rotten-egg smell, AC malfunction, power window failure, brake warning, key detection error, mirror malfunction, disassembled battery cover, and complete no-start condition. Dealership service director admitted in writing that dealership did not follow recall procedure. Owner provided formal demand letter and supplemental documentation with photos and videos.
When: Defects appeared immediately after recall service completion on March 23–24, 2026; no-start condition present as of March 30, 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Rotten-egg (H₂S) smell (severe by next day); Intermittent AC blows warm in stop-and-go traffic; Passenger-rear power window clicks but will not roll down; Brake warning message ('Stop vehicle and check brakes'); 'Key not detected' message; Passenger-side mirror pushed in with motor malfunction; 12V battery cover disassembled and misplaced; Complete no-start / dead 12V battery (will not crank even after jump attempts)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple customer-pay services were suddenly recommended after recall service ($1,134.10 for battery, fuel induction service, cooling system service, brake fluid exchange, ATF exchange) despite not being flagged the previous day.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service director admitted in writing (twice) that dealership did not follow recall procedure. Owner escalated with formal demand letter (received March 27, 2026) and six supplemental addendums with documentation.
Airbag system malfunction / passenger seatbelt sensor defect
Airbag indicator light illuminates. Diagnosis reveals front passenger seatbelt is defective and caused light illumination. Voltage alternator assembly repaired. After repair, vehicle exhibits unintended lane drift (drifting right and left) at highway speed (40 mph). Subsequent no-start failures occur on multiple occasions but are not diagnosed or repaired. No diagnostic codes found and failures cannot be replicated by dealer.
When: Early in vehicle ownership; airbag light and seatbelt issue at approximately 300 miles; lane drift and no-start issues follow
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag indicator light illumination; Unintended vehicle drift (left and right) at 40 mph; Vehicle fails to start on several occasions; No diagnostic codes found for drift or no-start
Repairs/costs cited: Voltage alternator assembly was replaced for seatbelt defect issue. Drift and no-start failures not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; failures not diagnosed or repaired.
Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) fault / electrical cascade failure
Vehicle makes abnormal knocking sound while driving at highway speed (60 mph). Cruise control becomes inoperative. Infotainment screen darkens. Charging outlet becomes inoperative. Check Engine light illuminates intermittently. Scanner reveals DTC P1326 for Knock Sensor Detection System, indicating excessive engine vibration. Multiple systems fail in apparent cascade without clear root cause identification.
When: Approximately 98,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal knocking sound from engine; Cruise control inoperative; Infotainment screen darkens; Charging outlet inoperative; Check Engine light intermittently illuminated; Excessive engine vibration
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System - excessive engine vibration)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed; dealer did not diagnose or repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Anti-theft software upgrade disables remote start functionality
Kia performed anti-theft immobilizer software upgrade due to increased theft of under-equipped Kias and Hyundais. Owner was not informed at the time of service that the software upgrade would disable the vehicle's remote starting system. Kia is working on a fix for the disabled remote start, but no timeline provided. Owner expresses frustration that a fix is needed to fix a fix, resulting from Kia's cost-saving decision to not equip certain model years with engine immobilizer key recognition system from the factory.
When: Timing of upgrade not explicitly stated; owner noted discovering disabled remote start after upgrade completion
Symptoms owners cite: Remote starting system disabled after software upgrade; Oil pressure indicator light illuminated (separate but concurrent issue noted)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; Kia is working on a fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia is working on a fix for disabled remote start; no timeline or additional communication documented. Owner notes NHTSA recall expected.
Headlight flicker / multi-system electrical warning cascade
Headlights flicker intermittently at highway speed (70 mph) and then stop functioning. Simultaneously, ABS, airbag, and traction control warning indicators illuminate. Failure is intermittent and recurs. Dealer diagnoses faulty wiring but does not repair vehicle. Loaner provided instead.
When: Approximately 7,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Headlight flicker at highway speed; Headlights stop functioning; ABS warning light illumination; Airbag warning light illumination; Traction control warning light illumination; Intermittent recurrence of all symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty wiring diagnosed; vehicle not repaired. Loaner vehicle provided instead.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not made aware of failure.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
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,…
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…
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…
Had electrical trouble with your 2017 Kia Optima?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2017 Kia Optima?
It's a meaningful issue. 24 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 15,450 and 74,200 miles, with the median around 39,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,450; a quarter make it past 74,200. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Kia/Optima.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.