How common are electrical problems on the 2017 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Optima, which is 14% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2017 Kia Optima's electrical system?

No related recalls are listed for the Electrical System component on the 2017 Kia Optima in NHTSA data.

At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima electrical failures typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported in NHTSA complaints for this component is 39,715 miles.

Are electrical problems in the 2017 Optima dangerous?

The sample complaints include 2 fires and 1 crash tied to electrical issues, including reports of stalling and headlights shutting off while driving.

How does the 2017 Optima compare to other years for electrical complaints?

The 14% share for 2017 is lower than several other Optima years, including 2011 at 24%, 2016 at 19%, and 2010 at 19%.

2017 Kia Optima Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Kia Optima, 14% of that year's 255 total complaints. There are no related recalls tied to this component, but the sample includes 2 fires and 1 crash, with a median failure mileage of 39,715.

Electrical System complaints: 36; 14% of 255
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 39,715 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Headlights switch off unexpectedly in automatic mode, sometimes staying off until the switch is manually toggled, in both day and night driving.
Engine stalls without warning while accelerating or at speed, in one case leading to a rear-end crash.
Dashboard warning lights (ABS, air bag, traction control, check engine, battery) illuminate together, often linked to wiring diagnosed as faulty by dealers.
Vehicle shakes hard, shuts off, and triggers low oil, check engine, and low battery lights simultaneously.
Wiring harness damage, in one case attributed to rodents chewing through the coating, resulted in loss of power to the engine.
Wiring-related failures have in some cases preceded engine smoke and fire.

When 2017 Kia Optima electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 28, 2017, latest Apr 16, 2026.

36 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jul 2017 to Apr 2026; peak Mar 2021 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Optima model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201014 (19%)
2011143 (24%)
2012146 (16%)
2013175 (13%)
201475 (13%)
2015150 (15%)
2016140 (19%)
201736 (14%)
201842 (18%)
201925 (12%)
202013 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems on the 2017 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 36 Electrical System complaints for the 2017 Optima, which is 14% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2017 Kia Optima's electrical system?: No related recalls are listed for the Electrical System component on the 2017 Kia Optima in NHTSA data.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima electrical failures typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported in NHTSA complaints for this component is 39,715 miles.
Are electrical problems in the 2017 Optima dangerous?: The sample complaints include 2 fires and 1 crash tied to electrical issues, including reports of stalling and headlights shutting off while driving.
How does the 2017 Optima compare to other years for electrical complaints?: The 14% share for 2017 is lower than several other Optima years, including 2011 at 24%, 2016 at 19%, and 2010 at 19%.