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…
2017 Kia Optima engine problems
moderate 125 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
125
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
6fires
When does it fail?
Of the 125 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Kia Optima, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 50% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 125 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A 2017 Kia Optima with engine problems is a serious risk: oil consumption, power loss, and catastrophic internal failure are rampant at this model year. Even with Kia's extended warranty, claim denials are routine, and diagnostic waits can run months without loaners. Walk away unless the vehicle history shows KSDS software update completed, current owner (not second), and no prior engine work.
The 2017 Kia Optima engine complaints center on three interconnected failure modes that emerge even at modest mileage. Most common is excessive oil consumption—owners report burning anywhere from one quart per 1,000 miles to three quarts per 1,200 miles, forcing constant top-ups and repeat oil changes. Owners describe no visible leaks, yet the oil vanishes. Many dealers perform oil consumption tests that initially appear within acceptable limits, only to worsen afterward; some dealers refuse to repair until the engine actually stalls or seizes.
Power loss and hesitation happen frequently, especially during highway driving. Owners describe sudden deceleration at 65–78 mph, check engine lights (often blinking), and the car entering "limp mode" at 1,800–2,000 rpm. A knock sensor issue—detected via diagnostic code P1326—appears in multiple complaints. Kia issued a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) recall/software update, yet problems persist even after the repair.
Complete engine failure emerges as the third major issue. Owners report catastrophic internal damage—failed rod bearings, broken cylinders, melted spark plugs—sometimes with zero warning lights beforehand. Engine replacements cost $7,000–$13,000 out of pocket. Some owners were informed by dealers that Kia has an extended warranty covering rod bearing failure under a class settlement, but claim denials are routine, with Kia citing insufficient maintenance, second-owner status, or lack of KSDS update completion.
Same Kia Optima engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016 · 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil at abnormal rates (1 quart per 500–1,200 miles; some owners report 3 quarts per 1,200 miles or 5 quarts per 2–3 weeks) with no visible leak. Owners must add oil frequently between services to prevent engine damage. Many dealers perform oil consumption tests that initially show acceptable rates, then worsen. Some dealers refuse warranty repair until engine seizes or owner experiences other symptoms.
When: Begins within first 4–6 months to first few years of ownership, often detected around 40,000–90,000 miles; can accelerate with time
Symptoms owners cite: Constant need to top off oil between oil changes; Oil level drops 1–5 quarts in short intervals (1,000–3,000 miles); No visible external oil leak; Low oil pressure warning light illuminates intermittently or only when braking; Spark plugs fouled or burnt from oil consumption; Oil found on spark plugs, coils, or sensors
Codes mentioned: P0010 (camshaft position), Low oil pressure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite $300+ for repeated tune-ups and spark plug replacements; dealers recommend oil consumption tests ($200–500+) before warranty decisions; full engine replacement cost $7,000–$13,000 when approved; many owners refused coverage and forced to pay out of pocket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia has issued extended warranty (150,000 miles for some owners, lifetime for engine replacements under class settlement) contingent on KSDS software update completion and claim approval. Class settlement covers rod bearing failure but not all oil consumption scenarios. Dealers often deny claims citing insufficient maintenance, second-owner status, or lack of KSDS update. Some dealerships refuse to proceed with repairs until failure is catastrophic.
Power Loss / Hesitation / Knock Sensor Failures
Vehicle suddenly loses acceleration power or refuses to accelerate above 20–60 mph, especially at highway speeds. Check engine light (often blinking) illuminates, and vehicle enters limp mode, restricting rpm to 1,800–2,000. Diagnostic code P1326 (knock sensor detection system) frequently retrieved. Kia issued a KSDS software update recall, but symptoms often recur within days or weeks after the 'fix.' Some dealers replace the knock sensor itself, but the problem returns.
When: Can occur within months of ownership; commonly reported between 40,000–100,000 miles; may happen repeatedly after initial repair
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of acceleration while driving at highway speeds; Vehicle decelerates to 20–60 mph against driver input; Check engine light illuminates (steady or blinking); Vehicle enters limp mode, limiting engine to 1,800–2,000 rpm; Violent jerking or sputtering at restricted rpm; Hesitation or lag from complete stop, taking off difficult; Engine makes loud knocking noise
Codes mentioned: P1326 (Knock Sensor Detection System fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replace knock sensor ($100–500 parts/labor); perform KSDS software/ECU update (recall); some owners charged $300+ for tune-ups; multiple repairs often necessary within short periods; one owner had three separate appointments for the same failure within 48 hours
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia issued NHTSA Campaign 21V844000 for KSDS software update. However, owners report recurrence of symptoms within days after update. Dealership service advisors have recommended owners drive until engine completely fails to qualify for engine replacement warranty.
Complete Engine Failure / Bearing & Internal Damage
Engine suffers catastrophic internal failure due to bearing wear, piston ring failure, or oil starvation. Owners report rod bearing failure, broken cylinders, and melted spark plugs. Failures occur with or without prior warning; many have zero illuminated warning lights beforehand. Engine is non-repairable and requires full replacement, costing $7,000–$13,000. Kia class settlement allegedly covers rod bearing failure under extended warranty (150,000 miles or lifetime), but claim denials are routine.
When: Can occur at 40,000–167,000 miles; some owners experience failure within months of purchase; one owner at only 50,000 miles; timing unpredictable
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling, knocking, or grinding noise from engine; Sudden complete loss of power while driving (sometimes at 70+ mph); Engine stalls and will not restart or barely starts; Check engine light (steady or flashing); Oil pressure light illuminates; Smoke from engine compartment or exhaust; Engine fire (reported in at least two cases); Spark plugs burnt, melted, or coated in oil; No warning signs before catastrophic failure (multiple reports)
Codes mentioned: P1326, Engine compression/diagnostic codes reflecting rod bearing or internal failure
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement cost $7,000–$13,000; Kia dealership labor can take 4–8 weeks; dealers often require customer to pay upfront or finance repair; loaner vehicles not always provided; one owner paid $2,177 for hybrid inverter replacement, then discovered engine also needed replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia class settlement for Theta II engine defects covers rod bearing failure up to 150,000 miles (extended warranty) or lifetime for replaced engines. However, owners report Kia denies claims citing: insufficient maintenance (even with proof of regular oil changes), second-owner status (warranty allegedly void for subsequent owners), lack of KSDS software update completion (despite Kia failing to notify owners or dealer not completing update), or claiming failure is 'top-end' rather than 'rod bearing' (semantics to avoid coverage). Kia refuses to provide written documentation of denials; one owner was offered 50% cost coverage after long dispute. Some owners report Kia corporate case was opened but no resolution offered.
Hybrid System Failure (Hybrid Models Only)
Hybrid inverter fails, triggering 'Check Hybrid System' warning and forcing vehicle into limp mode or immobilizing it. Owner may be told to turn engine off immediately while driving highway speeds. Failure can occur early in ownership. Hybrid battery replacement parts no longer manufactured by Kia for 2017 model; dealer can only reset warning, which reappears after weeks.
When: Can occur within 4 months of purchase; reported around 165,000 miles on other vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: 'Check Hybrid System' or '!HEV' warning light illuminates; Vehicle enters limp mode or loses power; Warning tells driver to turn off engine immediately (sometimes at unsafe times, e.g., middle of highway); Repeated 'Check Hybrid System' messages after dealer reset; Hybrid fails to convert between hybrid and gas modes
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid inverter replacement: one owner paid $2,177 out of pocket; hybrid battery replacement no longer available from Kia; dealership resets system, warning returns within weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage mentioned for hybrid inverter failure; Kia no longer manufactures replacement hybrid battery for 2017 Optima Hybrid; only temporary reset available
Engine Fire
Engine catches fire while driving or parked, creating immediate life-threatening hazard. Owners report smoke from hood and AC vents, then flames engulfing vehicle within minutes. Fires occur with no prior warning lights. One owner was a firefighter and recognized symptoms; other owner's vehicle exploded when fire reached fuel tank. Kia inspection found oil spilling onto hot exhaust as cause. Vehicles are total loss.
When: Reported at 57,000 miles and during highway driving at 70+ mph; also while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from engine compartment, undercarriage, and AC vents; Engine fire visible under hood; Flames engulfing vehicle within 3–8 minutes; No warning lights before fire ignited; Complete vehicle destruction; 100% total loss
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed; towing and storage fees ($285+) borne by owners; no repair possible
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Kia investigation found cause: oil leaking onto hot exhaust manifold. Kia took blame but offered only $15,000 for vehicle worth more; refused full replacement; refused to pay rental car charges ($930) owner incurred; provided no recall notification before fire occurred
Recall Inspection / Diagnostic Delays & Denial of Loaner Vehicles
Owners bring vehicle in for recall repair (KSDS software update or engine failure investigation). Dealership requests extended diagnostic time (4–8 weeks) without providing loaner vehicle, leaving owners unable to work or function. Dealers cite backlog (15+ cars ahead) and only 2 technicians available. Some dealers refuse to make warranty appointments, forcing owners to leave vehicles undiagnosed for months. Owners report dealerships do not call back with updates despite daily follow-ups.
When: Timing varies; reported for vehicles at 112,000+ miles and within first year of recall campaign
Symptoms owners cite: Dealership demands 4–8 weeks for diagnosis; No loaner vehicle provided despite recall safety issue; Dealer refuses to schedule appointment for recall repair; Lack of communication; calls not returned; Multiple service visits without resolution
Repairs/costs cited: Owners charged for alternative transportation (rental cars $930+) or forced to pay out of pocket; some owners miss work and lose income; one owner required 4–6 weeks diagnostic wait with no loaner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships cite capacity constraints; no mandatory loaner policy for recall repairs; Kia corporate offers no alternative support
Synthesized from 125 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
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
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…
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…
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…
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.
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…
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
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…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 Kia Optima?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 125 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 41 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 41,800 and 100,400 miles, with the median around 78,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 41,800; a quarter make it past 100,400. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.