How common are fuel system complaints on the 2017 Kia Optima?

NHTSA lists 23 Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Optima, which is 9% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2017 Kia Optima?

There is one related recall, campaign 18V161000, but it addresses a Voltage Protection Device on the Optima hybrid's high voltage battery system rather than the fuel odor, stalling, or fuel line issues described in owner complaints.

At what mileage do fuel system problems tend to show up on the 2017 Optima?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 74,500 miles at the time of failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2017 Optima.

Did the fuel system issues on the 2017 Optima cause any crashes or fires?

NHTSA records 0 crashes and 1 fire linked to Fuel System complaints on the 2017 Optima, with 0 injuries reported.

2017 Kia Optima Fuel System Problems

Fuel System complaints account for 23 of 255 total complaints (9%) filed on the 2017 Kia Optima, with a median mileage at failure of 74,500 miles. One related recall (18V161000) covers a Voltage Protection Device issue on Optima hybrid models, not the standard fuel system complaints described here.

Fuel System complaints: 23; 9% of 255
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 74,500 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Vehicles stall or lose power suddenly while driving, sometimes at intersections or in highway traffic, requiring the engine to be shut off and restarted.
Drivers report an abnormal fuel odor inside the cabin, later traced to a fuel pump assembly and fuel line needing replacement.
Some owners describe fuel spraying or leaking from the fuel rail, making the vehicle unsafe to drive.
Hesitation or stalling occurs during acceleration or while idling at a stop, sometimes tied to diagnostic code P200a.
Owners report unexplained oil consumption requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes, described as separate from any visible leak.

When 2017 Kia Optima fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 8, 2018, latest Jun 3, 2026.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Aug 2018 to Jun 2026; peak Sep 2023 (3).

Fuel System recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima

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.

Fuel System complaints by Optima model year

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

200510 (7%)
20069 (6%)
20073 (2%)
20085 (3%)
20091 (1%)
20101 (1%)
201127 (5%)
201254 (6%)
2013123 (9%)
201449 (8%)
201556 (6%)
201662 (8%)
201723 (9%)
201813 (6%)
201917 (8%)
202012 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are fuel system complaints on the 2017 Kia Optima?: NHTSA lists 23 Fuel System complaints for the 2017 Optima, which is 9% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2017 Kia Optima?: There is one related recall, campaign 18V161000, but it addresses a Voltage Protection Device on the Optima hybrid's high voltage battery system rather than the fuel odor, stalling, or fuel line issues described in owner complaints.
At what mileage do fuel system problems tend to show up on the 2017 Optima?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage of 74,500 miles at the time of failure for Fuel System complaints on the 2017 Optima.
Did the fuel system issues on the 2017 Optima cause any crashes or fires?: NHTSA records 0 crashes and 1 fire linked to Fuel System complaints on the 2017 Optima, with 0 injuries reported.