How many transmission complaints does the 2017 Kia Optima have?

NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Kia Optima, making up 8% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Kia Optima?

No related recalls are listed for the Transmission & Powertrain area of the 2017 Kia Optima in this data.

At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima transmission problems happen?

The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Kia Optima is 36,500 miles.

Are the 2017 Kia Optima transmission problems dangerous?

NHTSA data for this component area shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported among the 21 complaints.

How does the 2017 Optima compare to other years for transmission issues?

The 2017 Optima's Transmission & Powertrain share is 8%, similar to 2018 and 2019 at 8% each, but lower than 2010's 32% share and 2020's 18% share.

2017 Kia Optima Transmission & Powertrain Problems

The 2017 Kia Optima has 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints to NHTSA, 8% of its 255 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 36,500. No related recalls are listed for this component area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 21; 8% of 255
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 36,500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report the transmission sticking in park and refusing to shift out except by using a manual release, accompanied by a surge or dip in acceleration.
Some describe the transmission feeling different or lugging after a firmware update, losing the smooth roll-on it had before.
Hybrid model owners report a clunky, jerking transmission when shifting gears, with strange noises under the hood, especially uphill.
One owner reported a DCT transmission clutch failure that caused loss of 1st and 3rd gear without warning while stopped at a light.
Others describe a whizzing sound from the transmission just before it shifts, most noticeable coming out of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears.

When 2017 Kia Optima transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 25, 2020, latest Aug 17, 2026.

21 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2020 to Aug 2026; peak Jul 2025 (3).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Optima model year

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

201024 (32%)
201125 (4%)
201254 (6%)
201364 (5%)
201420 (3%)
201549 (5%)
201673 (10%)
201721 (8%)
201818 (8%)
201917 (8%)
202027 (18%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2017 Kia Optima have?: NHTSA lists 21 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2017 Kia Optima, making up 8% of the 255 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2017 Kia Optima?: No related recalls are listed for the Transmission & Powertrain area of the 2017 Kia Optima in this data.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima transmission problems happen?: The median mileage at failure for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2017 Kia Optima is 36,500 miles.
Are the 2017 Kia Optima transmission problems dangerous?: NHTSA data for this component area shows 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries reported among the 21 complaints.
How does the 2017 Optima compare to other years for transmission issues?: The 2017 Optima's Transmission & Powertrain share is 8%, similar to 2018 and 2019 at 8% each, but lower than 2010's 32% share and 2020's 18% share.