2017 Kia Optima Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#9 most-complained of 11 Optima years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2017 Kia Optima has a complaint index of 20, the second-lowest among 11 model years tracked, earning a "Best" verdict relative to other Optima years. NHTSA lists 255 complaints, 9 fires, and 3 recalls, with the Engine as the top problem area at 68% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 255
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 4 / 9
- Injuries / deaths
- 7 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 25 city / 36 hwy
Top 2017 Kia Optima problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine174 (68%)
- Electrical System36 (14%)
- Other33 (13%)
- Fuel System23 (9%)
- Transmission & Powertrain21 (8%)
- Steering11 (4%)
- Brakes8 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras8 (3%)
- Seat Belts8 (3%)
- Structure & Body6 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report engines catching fire, sometimes preceded by ticking noises, popping sounds, or a check engine light.
- Owners describe stalling during acceleration from a stop, in one case leading to a rear-end collision.
- Owners report wiring harness failures with headlights flickering and ABS, air bag, and traction control warning lights illuminating.
- Owners report engine fires linked to oil leaks and prior engine or wiring harness replacements.
- Owners describe air bag warning lights tied to a defective front passenger seat belt and alternator wiring issues.
2017 Kia Optima recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V594000Aug 24, 2023Structure & Body319,436 vehicles
Latches/locks/linkages:trunk lid:latch
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.
- NHTSA 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Engine71,653 vehicles
Engine
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.
- NHTSA 18V161000Mar 8, 2018Fuel System1,710 vehicles
Hybrid propulsion system
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
2017 Kia Optima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Optima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2017 Optima ranks as "Best" among the 11 model years tracked, with a complaint index of 20, well below years like 2013 (100) and 2015 (90).
- What is the top problem area for the 2017 Kia Optima?
- The Engine is the top problem area, accounting for 174 of 255 complaints (68%), with a median mileage at failure of 71,000 miles and 8 reported fires.
- Does the 2017 Kia Optima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Optima: a trunk latch base that may crack, a fuel pipe inspection tied to prior engine replacements, and a Voltage Protection Device issue on hybrid models.
- How many fires have been reported for the 2017 Kia Optima?
- NHTSA lists 9 fires for the 2017 Optima out of 255 total complaints, several tied to engine or wiring harness issues.
- How does the 2017 Optima compare to other years?
- The 2017 Optima has a complaint index of 20 and ranks 9th worst (meaning 2nd best) out of 11 years, compared to a peak complaint index of 100 in 2013.