10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,045 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Kia Optima engine problems

engine problem

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2017 Kia Optima Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #92

Sep 092023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle came up with a check engine light blinking. I took it to a Kia dealership where they put the ksds update in. A week after driving it, I started experiencing loss of power and the check engine light came back on. But this time not blinking. My car accelerates slowly, it is a struggle to get to 30 mph. My engine is making loud noises as if I am flooring the gas pedal when going 10 mph. Hills are impossible and dangerous to drive up. I took it in where the man told me my oil was empty, when just the day before it was full. I ran the code reader which came up p0010 for a camshaft. Now I-??m being told it-??s the entire top motor needing replacement due to -??no oil-??. I saw online recalls for this exact issue on the engine. It states of a lifetime engine warranty for this qualifying engine problem. I called the dealership where the lady informed me that there is a third party company that makes warranty coverage decisions, and that they make the decision on if it-??s covered based on how much they will have to pay. If it-??s a lot, it-??s on me. Basically my engine failure qualifies but they don-??t want to pay the amount of repairs. So I-??m stuck with paying thousands for a hazardous car that I-??ve only had for 8 months.

- Burien, WA, USA

problem #91

Aug 302023

Optima

  • miles
i had engine light a code P200a on my 2017 kia optima ex 17,000 miles i have like a hesitation when accelerating, sometimes just sitting idling or sitting at a light feels like going to stall. i had some one check it they told me to bring it to the dealer because they looked it up and said it is like a recall on 2016 kia optimas there is a Technical Service Bulletin on the same condition that i have i went to the dealer and they said thats what it was the (VCMA)variable charge motion actuator on the intake manifold..i dont drive to much with the car i looked on line and a bunch of people say they had the same problem with my year and older models.thank you.ihad it fixed at the dealer on 8-30-23 case #15777155

- Ozone Park, NY, USA

problem #90

Sep 282022

Optima

  • miles
In the last year, my car has been in the shop countless times. I have had my knock sensor replaced and fixed multiple times. There is a significant lag when taking off from a complete stop, and there have been times that I cannot exceed more than 60 MPH. I have had my car serviced the exact way it states in the owner's manual without fail and still cannot find a cause for why my car is experiencing all of these issues. To get the motor to accelerate is nearly impossible 90% of the time. There is currently a recall on some other 2017 Kia Optimas for the Knock Sensor but there is not one on mine, even though mine has been replaced and fixed several times.

- Kingston, OK, USA

problem #89

Apr 272023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle had oil change & filter service done on April 27, 2023 for the purpose of hoping the service would rectify an Oil Pressure Sensor Light illuminated on the dashboard. It did not. Sensor was subsequently replaced by the dealer. Vehicle taken into the dealership today (September 2, 2023) for Pennsylvania State Inspection and Emissions, along with another oil change service. Dealer technician in the course of performing the oil change, noticed after he put the new oil plug washer and bolt back in place, a minute crack in the oil pan, itself. He took a picture of it, that I will include with this complaint. Unfortunately, the definition of the photo leaves a bit to be desired. The dealer service writer suggested that too much force (pneumatic socket driver) was employed when tightening the oil pan bolt. I stopped at the location where the April 27, 2023 was done. The General Manager assured me they use a power torgue ratchet and not a pneumatic socket driver. He went under the car and detected a minute leak and said he would forward his report to their Quality Control Department. He asked me if I could bring the car back on Tuesday or Wednesday, September 5th or 6th for a re-inspection. I said I would do that. He did mention there is a possible Class Action Suit that might be filed over Kia/Hyundai Oil Pans and Bolts. It cites the use of poor materials used in the pan construction. Reports range from leaks to the oil bolt plug falling out due to expansion/contraction under duress. Don't know where or when any Class Action will manifest itself, but this oil change facility needs to step up and replace the oil pan, since they were the last ones to do a change before today.

- Bensalem, PA, USA

problem #88

Jan 102023

Optima

  • miles
First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and it-??s been problem after problem. Not to mention only a month after buying it was stolen. Due to no immobilizer So I-??m sure a lot of the issues are also a result of the dumb theif who decided to damage my car. Also my cruise control doesn-??t work a lot of the time.

- Burien, WA, USA

problem #87

Aug 122023

Optima

  • miles
My 2017 Kia Optima is running out of oil between oil changes which I do on time. Before my next oil change it has no oil reading on the dip stick. I just had this occur again and I had to add two quarts. The oil light only blinked on for a second. When I checked it, no oil was reading on the dip stick. Taking it to auto store I was told by worker his mother has the same problem with her 2016 Kia and they replaced the motor in a recall. Mine is a GDl engine. Something needs to be done with these engines. I'm having the same problem a lot of other people are having.

- Newton, IA, USA

problem #86

Jul 042023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have replaced my cars spark plugs and all things related to the spark plugs for the last 4 months. After taking NY car for maitnence over and over again at the Santa Fe Kia in Santa Fe, NM. The car has cintun3d to have issues. My car is currently having a issue with the knock sensor and wire harness from the Diagnostic I received from my Local Auto Zone in Las Vegas, NM. The car does not drive correctly and sputters. I have took it to be be maintenence over and over again and spent over $500 for the maintenence this last four months. And it seams it has been one issue after the other my car is under 70,000 miles. I give it proper maintenence and oil changes.

- Las Vegas, NM, USA

problem #85

Jul 272023

Optima

  • miles
Have lost 4 qts of oil in the last month. Brought it to the mechanic and they couldn-??t find any leaks. They said the only way I-??m losing oil, is that the car is burning through it. They-??ve seen the same issue with these cars. Only 65,000 miles on it.

- Enosburg Falls , VT, USA

problem #84

Jun 022023

Optima

  • miles
I only had the car 2 years. In the last two years, I have been getting my oil changed every 3 months. The oil goes out fast. I'm a local driver so I don't go too many places. When I brake or stop, my oil light blinks, when I'm completely out. This month (June 2023) it's staying on. When the temperature gage rises half way the oil light comes on and stays on. I just recently put oil in, so it's not empty or low. Nor is it overfill. I was told it's the GDI Engine. Honestly, idk where the oil is going and why it's running out so fast. And I just learned today a friend of mines KIA is starting to do the same.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #83

Jun 022023

Optima 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on two separate occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the steering wheel became stiff and seized before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where an unknown software update was performed, and the anti-theft software was updated. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started to hesitate. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact then stated that every two days he had to add 1-quart of engine oil. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty, but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

- King George, VA, USA

problem #82

May 242023

Optima

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I have the oil problem that everyone else has. I drive everyday for work and every week I have to put oil in my car. I am coming up on 100,000 miles. My car hesitates and this is the second battery I have had to put in it in three years.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #81

May 012023

Optima

  • miles
To whom this may concern, I have had my car for several years now and the oil consumption is outrageous. I burn 5 quarts of oil every 2-3 weeks. Every time I had taken my car to get oil changes I am told that my specific engine has always been an oil guzzler. Well fast forward to last week. I was driving my car to work when the engine light came on and my car no longer wanted to accelerate. I pulled over and turned the car off. I changed out the battery considering maybe this was the issue. This did not fix the issue. I ended up towing my vehicle to the Kia Dealership in Hurst. I was told that I had 2 broken cylinders and my engine is not replaceable. My question to the service tech was how would my cylinders just break? I was given no answers but a number to call. This number ended up being Kia Consumers who don-??t call me or answer the line. I have had the knock sensor replaced which should cover me for any extended warranty that is said to be in place but I am pulled in circles. I need help getting my car through the motions.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #80

Apr 242023

Optima

  • miles
I took my car into the local Kia dealership after my engine failed while driving down the highway. I was approved for the engine replacement due to the recall. However after my engine was replaced, and still in the shop, the side curtain airbag module gave an error due to low voltage. Now I'm out $1200 for an item that should not fail within the first 6 years. I have had vehicles 3 times as old that did not have safety sensors or features failing. As Kia obviously has issues with airbag modules I believe my vehicle year and model should be included in this recall. Anytime there are multiple complaints for a failing safety feature on a vehicle less than 10 years old, the manufacturers should have an indepth investigation by an independent agency. These recalls should not be so narrow focused when there are many other models and years that have the same issues. Putting the responsibility on consumers to file complaints and beg for recalls to be issued seems like a backward system that is a burden to those that can't affoard to wait to MAYBE be reimbursed IF their car gets included in a recall later. When searching complaints for Kia airbags, there are several models/years that are not covered under current recalls.

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #79

Aug 292022

Optima

  • miles
This is how I am feeling and the reason for being an unhappy customer. I shouldn't have to keep buying gallons of oil to put in my car every other day. Oil change was done on Sept 6th along with spark plugs put in due to oil consumption. Took my car again to Kia on Sept 21th because there was no oil in my vehicle, so they put oil in. Then on Sunday Oct 2nd I had to spend $44 on a gallon of oil because there was no oil in it once again. It-??s a recall and should be fixed regardless if it doesn't shut off while I'm driving, hearing the knocking noise, and or the check engine light comes on. First I was told to bring it or call if the check engine light comes on and stays on now I am told it has to come on and stay blinking. I can be on the highway with my family or infant grandchild and my car shuts off what if I cause and accident, kill someone, or myself or family dies in my car. Would you rather have a lawsuit or fix the problem before that happens. I have talked to other mechanics that have went through it with their customers and they fixed the issue with the Kia's before it gets to this point. Still has of now every two weeks I am buying $44 worth of oil to put in my car. Even from the advisor that I have been dealing with at Kia named Beau stated that my spark plugs issue was from the oil, and he always stated oh its getting close to the motor going out. Now my car is hesitating and its doing the same thing as it was before the new spark plugs except the check engine light isn-??t on. I can-??t afford to keep putting oil in it and constantly getting oil changes. Just from the receipt the Kia Manufactured attached isn-??t the only time that I have been to Kia or contacted the manufactured company regarding this. It took me to take it to a different shop when I can-??t stating to Kia the issue than finally they said it-??s a recall on the car. It-??s also a recall on the fuel pump and I advised them and still didn-??t order the part or fix that as well. Still having issues now

- Winder, Ga, GA, USA

problem #78

Mar 252023

Optima

  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began to violently shake with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The check engine and the engine oil pressure warning lights flashed but disappeared. The contact veered to the side of the road and towed the vehicle to an independent dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

- Vestal, NY, USA

problem #77

Sep 082022

Optima

  • miles
My car has an oil consumption problem with more that a quart every 1000 miles. It has around 94000 miles on it now. Took it to dealers and they say its normal with Kias. Have not pulled it apart because I do not have the money.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #76

Mar 122023

Optima

  • miles
Car went into limp mode (three times since July 2022) and slowed down on the freeway from 70mph to 20mph without prior warning, putting my life at risk. Dash reads -??check hybrid system-??. Kia-??s had my car for a week without allowing me a loaner or answers.

- Irvine, CA, USA

problem #75

Nov 282022

Optima

  • miles
I took my car in for a recall, Kia let me leave with an unsafe vehicle. Everything in the recall is happening to my car and it is extremely unsafe. These things were happening before I went in for the recall and after I left from having the recall checked. "Abnormal knocking noise from engine, " "illumination of oil pressure warning light." The HEV warning light comes on and tells me to turn off my car immediately which has happened many times in unsafe conditions i.e. being in the middle of the highway in the rain. The check engine light came on but it comes on, then is off, then comes back on. There is a recall for the engine, oil is leaking into the engine on to the hot exhaust which can cause fire to the engine. This started happening not long after getting the car, this is why I brought it in for the recall. I made the appointment right away but the closest appointment was in about 2 months. It continued to happen after they "checked" the recall. The oil pressure light illuminates, the traction control light illuminates, and then 5-10 seconds later a warning comes across the dashboard saying "Check Hybrid system. Turn off engine. HEV!" Now I am being told I would have to bring my car in today, let the car sit at Kia for 4-6 weeks until they can diagnose it, and they will not give me a loaner car. I cannot be without a car for 4-6 weeks, this isn't my fault, and I cannot go pay for a rental car for 4-6 weeks. They are saying I cannot make an appointment for this, which makes no sense to me because I initially made an appointment to get the recall checked. My safety, the safety of my three children, and other passengers has been put at risk because I am driving and all the sudden these lights come on, the car starts dinging, and tells me to turn off the engine. This constantly happens when I am on roads where I can't just pull over quickly. I have been on the highway a few times and this has happened. Couldnt get over immediately and the car was barely moving.

- Mcdonough, GA, USA

problem #74

Jan 102023

Optima

  • miles
My car is consuming oil crazily and way too often. I just bought this car from a dealership 4 months ago and it is getting worse and worse. Losing power. I-??m scared to drive it on the highway due to stories from other people and their kias. I have no choice but to drive it because I have to work. I need help.

- Seminole, OK, USA

problem #73

Sep 052022

Optima

  • miles
The vehicle will shake during acceleration. It comes without warning and will cause the check engine light to flash and stay on for about a minute. It goes away on its own. However, there do not seem to be any stored codes, according to my personal OBDII scanner. The dealer refuses to take it in because there is no check engine light. However, this has happened in several occasions and could lead to an accident. The dealer appears to be waiting for the warranty period to run out.

- Long Beach, CA, USA

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