2017 Kia Optima Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 165about this part
- Share
- 64%of 257 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 71,000miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 165 complaints about the engine of the 2017 Kia Optima, 64% of the 257 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 71,000 miles. 8 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2017 Kia Optima caught on fire on october 15, 2020. I was driving to the store and heard a ticking sound and some noises. The check engine light also came on. I pulled over in the left turning lane on the highway to exit the vehicle. I heard a popping sound and saw flames. I exited the vehicle and immediately called 911. My car burst into flames.”
NHTSA complaint #11365296, filed 2020-10, 96,500 miles“Bought my Kia 1 ago & always had a problem w/headlights always turning on & off when in auto mode. Trunk latch had to be replaced due latch not locking when trying to close trunk. Dealership said they get 20-30 latch issues w/my make & model of Kia every week. After vehicle starts car just dies & engine light comes on. At times car will stay on but stutters like its going to die.”
NHTSA complaint #11353263, filed 2020-09, 68,000 miles“I've taking my leases vehicle into carson of Kia 3 times for oil light they replaced the oil pressure switch twice of the 3 times while driving after the cars warms up I get ticking noise you can hear the better when when driving next to a retaining wall at this I've filed a complaint with the manufacturer and after reviewing the work order from the dealer all they offer me was 2 months of car payment which I decline so I'm contracting NHTSA for help and advise”
NHTSA complaint #11374003, filed 2020-11, 18,000 miles“Oil from engine does not cycle through the engine and instead it foams up and comes out of the top of the engine and I need to put oil in my car every week.”
NHTSA complaint #11552364, filed 2023-10, 104,156 miles“I am the second owner of this car. According to carfax it has been well maintained at kia since day one. I have owned it for almost 6 months and it has been sitting at the dealership for 2months due to engine failure. There is a rod knock and sludge build up not for lack of maintaining it but from not being driven enough. I am being told it is a $16,000 repair. These cars are warranties for 10 years 100,000 miles (it only has 72,000 miles on it) but since I'm not the original owner that warranty doesn't follow. This is a misrepresentation.”
NHTSA complaint #11507594, filed 2023-02, 72,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V907000Dec 19, 2018Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine…Covers: Kia Optima 2011–2017, Sportage 2011–2018, Sorento 2012–2017
Related service bulletins
- 11031854Apr 4, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information…
- 11030390Mar 17, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 104 ) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11029979Mar 6, 2026TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSION SECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REV 4) - This bulletin has been revised to include…
- 11026899Dec 19, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11025897Nov 27, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11025892Nov 21, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 11025898Nov 7, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 102 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions…
- 11025859Nov 7, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional…
- 11025889Nov 5, 2025TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340) - This bulletin provides information to upgrade the…
- 11024469Oct 23, 2025Sc340_stkr: voluntary emissions service campaign completion label/sticker
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 102 | 68% |
| 2019 | 92 | 43% |
| 2018 | 132 | 57% |
| 2017 | 165 | 64% |
| 2016 | 426 | 56% |
| 2015 | 623 | 62% |
| 2014 | 284 | 48% |
| 2013 | 614 | 44% |
| 2012 | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 | 256 | 43% |
| 2010 | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 | 14 | 12% |
| 2008 | 19 | 13% |
| 2007 | 16 | 10% |
| 2006 | 7 | 5% |
| 2004 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 1% |
| 2002 | 4 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2017 Kia Optima
33 complaintsElectrical system
25 complaintsFuel system
22 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
21 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsVehicle speed control
13 complaintsSteering
11 complaintsEngine cooling
8 complaintsForward collision avoidance
8 complaintsSeat belts
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsAir bags
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2017 Kia Optima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology