2017 Kia Optima problems and complaints
Owners have filed 256 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Optima. The most-reported areas: Engine (164), Unknown Or Other (33), Electrical System (25).
Key takeaways
- 256 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 4 involve a crash, 9 a fire, 7 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 164 | 64% |
| Unknown Or Other | 33 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 25 | 10% |
| Power Train | 21 | 8% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 20 | 8% |
| Exterior Lighting | 15 | 6% |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 13 | 5% |
| Steering | 11 | 4% |
| Engine And Engine Cooling | 8 | 3% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | 3% |
| Seat Belts | 8 | 3% |
| Service Brakes | 6 | 2% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Engine And Engine Cooling - filed 2026-09-28
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised to return for an oil ...
Engine - filed 2026-08-24
While driving at highway speed, my engine began to produce a loud knocking noise without prior warning. Within few seconds, the engine seized completely causing sudden loss of motive power.This caused a dangerous situation— loss of power steering and barking at highway speed, leaving me stranded in traffic lanes. I was...
Power Train,engine - filed 2026-08-17
Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often have all updateds and recalls.
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More for the 2017 Kia Optima
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.