10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 8
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
31,663 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 1 of 7)

problem #125

May 232024

Optima

  • miles

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

Driving highway speed (75) after work may 23rd 2024 when my car just randomly stop accelerating and I pulled to the side of the highway and I heard a weird engine knock sound coming from engine. I turned the vehicle off and back on and it was still doing the same thing then it just cut off and wouldn-??t start no more. I reached out to Kia cooperate to find out that it-??s an extended life time warranty on the engine of the make of my car for rod bearings failure. I contacted Kia of Pelham Al to get an appointment to bring it in I drop it off June 9th, service app was June 10th. They failed to give a rental car -?? leaving me with no way to work -??

- Alberta, AL, USA

problem #124

Jun 192023

Optima

  • miles
Turbocharger failed at 90000 miles because fan assembly was bad. May have happened when dealership replaced high pressure fuel pump. Fan sheared and metal parts got in the engine about a thousand miles after that.

- Garden City, GA, USA

problem #123

Mar 222024

Optima

  • miles
The Hybrid Warning light came on. This was the third time this has happened. The first time Kia said it was the Air Box and I paid $600 to repair. The second time the shop mistakenly cleared the codes before determining the cause. The third time they say it is the Wiring Harness and will cost $4,550 to report if they have the harness. This vehicle has recall for the connecting rod in the engine which I suspect is the real issue due to clicking noise it makes just before the lights come on, but each time I take it in I am told it is something else. Since it is the Wiring Harness this time it could be a fire hazard especiall on a Hybrid with Lithium batteries, I am not going to repair it as it has left me on the road too many times and I am sure it has the connecting rod issue. I hope nobody else has this issue and unfortunately Kia does not seem interested in repairing it, it was in the shop for 6 weeks before they diagnosed it.

- Malvern, AR, USA

problem #122

May 052024

Optima

  • miles

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

I was driving on the highway, and my oil pan storage plug fell out of my car. All of the oil leaked out of the engine causing my engine to seize up while I was driving. The dealership says my vehicle is out of warranty, and will not replace it, and that it will cost me $12,000 for a new engine

- Odessa, FL, USA

problem #121

May 092024

Optima

  • miles
My 2017 Optima is consuming oil into the pistons and piston rings which is soaking the spark plugs causing engine misfire, my mechanic states it wont be long till the engine goes out, I talked to Kia and they told me the car has to be seized or knocking for them to replace the engine, knowing its a problem. I want my car fixed as its a known issue across all Optimas.

- Costa Mesa, CA, USA

problem #120

May 022024

Optima

  • miles
Vehicle Hybrid system wanring light has come on 3 times since January 2024. Kia has not been able to resolve the issue and just reset the system.

- Malvern, AR, USA

problem #119

Aug 292022

Optima

  • miles

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

Ms. Nadine Thomas, who is running for District 44 in Georgia, has served on the Georgia House of Representatives and the Georgia State Senate is my boss and know what I have been through with my vehicle and has heard from KIA in Athens GA that there is nothing they can do. I have a 2017 KIA Optima that I have been having problems with since around 06/2022 or a little before. I have been getting oil changes and putting oil in the vehicle every week or every other week. It finally took a mechanic to tell me it is an issue with Kia's and a recall due to the replacement of the motor because the cars are losing oil. I do not have an oil leak but losing it every week and replacing it and it is expensive for an oil change and a gallon of oil constantly. I have reached out to KIA Manufacturer and case was denied, BBB and KIA denied it all the way, through where I went has far as to the attributor. Georgia Attorney General and they sent a letter to the Bulldog KIA in Athens and they said I have to go through the process of either hearing a thumping noise or motor light flashing constantly and or car shuts off before my motor can be replace. None of this has happened. I had to pay out of pocket for a tune up which was over $300 in Sept 2023 and again early this year 2023 and no reimbursement but it-??s on my KIA receipts due to oil consumption (leaking of oil) it-??s causing me to keep replacing the spark plugs. Renting vehicles when they would have to keep my vehicle to replace the spark plugs, and missing time from work. They will not compensate me for it, replace the motor, and or provide me another vehicle. I feel also because I am a woman that I am racially profiled, I have been very professional, calm, and provided more than enough time, effort, and providing all the information to KIA and I am not getting nowhere or through to anyone that will hear me or understand what I am going through. Previous NHTSA ID Number is 11518826, awaiting for response back from Ossoff Office.

- Winder, GA, USA

problem #118

Oct 312022

Optima

  • 92,973 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the low oil pressure warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the contact's wife was asked to complete and record information for daily engine testing. The contact's wife completed the daily engine and oil pressure testing for ten consecutive days. The contact's wife submitted the information to the dealer and the manufacturer. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and an oil consumption test was requested. The vehicle was at the dealer for several days; however, a diagnostic update was not provided. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 92,973.

- Alachua, FL, USA

problem #117

Mar 072024

Optima

  • miles
ON [XXX], AROUND 11:30 A.M., I WAS DRIVING [XXX] ON [XXX], GOING ABOUT 78 MPH, JUST PASSED [XXX], WHEN THE LIGHTS ON THE DASH LIT UP, SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR, THEN THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD THEN SMOKE STARTED COMING FROM THE A/C VENTS. THERE WAS A FULL FLEDGE FIRE UNDER MY HOOD. THE GUY DRIVING NEXT TO ME, KINDA GESTURED FOR ME TO PULL OVER, ALTHOUGH I WAS ALREADY THINKING I NEEDED TO PULL OVER, THE SHOCK OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING, I LOST MY TRAIN OF THOUGHT. I PULLED OVER AND SO DID THAT GUY, HE HAD A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND TRIED TO PUT OUT THE FIRE BUT TO NO AVAIL. 5 MINS AFTER I GOT OUT, THE ENTIRE CAR WAS ENGULFED IN FLAMES. IT WAS VERY SCARY AND I AM THANKFUL FOR THAT GUY, BECAUSE I FROZE FOR A MINUTE AND COULDN'T THINK OF WHAT TO DO, I PULLED OVER JUST IN TIME. THE FIRE DEPT WAS CALLED AND IT TOOK THEM AWHILE TO PUT THE FIRE OUT, THE CAR WAS BURNT TO A CRISP, A 100% LOSS. A POLICE OFFICER TOOK MY NAME & PHONE NUMBER AND ARRANGED FOR A TOW TRUCK. I HAD TO ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE TO PICK ME UP FROM THE SIDE OF INTERSTATE I [XXX] AND HAD TO CALL OFF WORK. THE CAR WAS TOWED BY PROFESSIONAL TOWING TAMPA LOCATED - PHONE# 813-242-0610 EXT. 5 EMAIL - DISPATCH@PROTOWTAMPA.COM | WEBSITE - www.professionaltowingtampa.com I SPOKE TO SOMEONE AT THE TOW YARD AND THEY TOLD ME TO BRING THEM THE TITLE TO THE CAR THE NEXT DAY AND SUGGESTED I PAY THE TOWING FEE RIGHT AWAY BEING THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT DUE INCREASES EVERY DAY. ON [XXX], I BROUGHT THEM THE TITLE TO THE CAR AND PAID THE, I BELIEVE, $285 TOWING & STORAGE FEE. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Apollo Beach, FL, USA

problem #116

Feb 142024

Optima

  • miles
Oil pressure sensor leaked out all of the oil and no warning lights lit on the dashboard to let me know that I had lost oil pressure or that I was low on oil. Problem part #1: oil pressure sensor Problem part #2: no warnings on dashboard Result: #1: Engine failure / loss of engine #2: This caused engine to seize on main highway on Feb 14, 2024. This could have caused a major accident.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #115

Mar 012024

Optima

  • miles

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

The engine code p1326 code popped up after coming to a stop the same code associated with the Kia engine recall but my vin isn-??t covered

- Wentzville, MO, USA

problem #114

Feb 192024

Optima

  • miles
Every time after I get an oil change I-??m constantly having to put oil in it because it goes dry every 2 days and my check engine light stays on before and after oil change, randomly shaking soon as I turn the car on then the oil light comes on every time I go over a speed bump! The car slams on breaks when it wants and has even did it when in fast traffic on the highway.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #113

Feb 142024

Optima

  • miles
Entered on to the highway and accelerated to get up to speed. Check engine light started blinking and could no longer accelerate.

- Soringdale, AR, USA

problem #112

Feb 012024

Optima

  • miles
I was driving at 65MPH on the highway when the warning lights went flashing on my dashboard with "Check Hybrid system", "!HEV", and check engine light. I pulled over to the side of the highway and had a tow truck took it to the dealership to check out. Kia dealership did a diagnostic and mentioned the hybrid engine failed to convert from hybrid to gas and vice-versa. I am at 165,531 miles and Kia is charging me $13,000 to fix it. I am over the warranty of 150,000 miles. The "Check Hybrid system" message has been ongoing since 2021 and Kia mentioned it has to do something with the hybrid battery and Kia no longer makes a replacement battery for the Kia hybrid optima 2017. All Kia does it reset the system for the "Check Hybrid system" message to go away. After a few weeks, the message will appear again on the dashboard. I have upload an image of the dashboard with all of the warning lights. I need help as this is costing to much to fix.

- Winter Haven , FL, USA

problem #111

Jan 122024

Optima

  • miles
I was getting on the freeway and my car suddenly just stopped accelerating. I even tried pushing the pedal to the floor and all power was gone. I was almost ran down by a 18 wheeler who must not have noticed my hazards had been switched on. A warning came on -??check hybrid system. Turn off engine-?? When the car lost its momentum as I was pulling over and eventually came to a stop I followed the warnings directions and shut the car off since I couldn-??t get any further anyways. I tried turning the car back on and then all lights and power instantly started flickering on and off and going crazy and then the warning came back on and then the whole car shut off by itself. I have been too scared to drive it since and I just got it back in October and I need a car to get to work and school and I don-??t know what to do but the amount of danger this issue put me in is unsettling and cannot be overlooked. Not sure what caused the malfunction because so many different things happened at once that it was hard to tell It is available for inspection upon request A service center confirmed that there is a problem and they believe it is related to the coolant pump and hybrid battery There was one other time that a warning came up and it just said -??check hybrid battery-?? but it went away only like a minute later and then a couple days after that I came outside to go to work and the car was dead but then I jumped it and it was fine up until the issue I first mentioned happened where I was put in danger A warning light that said !HEV and the check engine light both appeared

- San Clemente, CA, USA

problem #110

Jan 292024

Optima

  • 96,500 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the engine was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the engine was consuming one quart of engine oil every two days after an oil change was performed. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where it was diagnosed that the detonation sensor was faulty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 96,500.

- Iola, KS, USA

problem #109

Jan 112024

Optima

  • miles
I was driving in morning traffic at 65MPH when the warning lights went flashing stating the HEV Electric engine was shutting down, I was crawling to 20 MPH. I had the car towed to a Kia dealer and was told the electric engine was fine, the gas engine oil was bone dry! NO LOW OIL light ever triggered! Not a single warning. Just out of the blue! This is wrong on so many levels! I get oil changes when they are due and use top synthetic oil. The dealer is reporting it to Kia and said at 87,500 miles I'm under the extended warranty, but Kia will tell them how to handle the issue. I cannot afford a new engine! This is the second Kia I had this problem! They said it passed the bearing test, so why is my engine bone dry? This is dangerous to be driving at high speed and have your car drop speed to 20MPH, then drop to 10MPH. I'm still waiting for Kia to get back to me, the dealer says it takes 48 business hours. I dropped it off Thursday 1/11/2024, Hopefully, tomorrow I will find out. I cannot afford a new car and I still have a balance on this car. I've read multiple complaints on this sight, all the same.

- Roselle, IL, USA

problem #108

Jan 132024

Optima

  • miles
I was driving down the highway and my car just went out in the middle of traffic I almost got into a accident with my kids in the car.there were no warning lights or anything on before it went out I finally pulled over in the far right lane and my car wouldn-??t turn back on and started flashing various lights on the dashboard and still wouldn-??t turn on I had to call triple A and have the car towed that put me in a very dangerous situation especially with my children in the car

- Neptune , NJ, USA

problem #107

Mar 092022

Optima

  • miles
Excessive Oil Consumption: Could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I have a 2017 Optima with Excessive Oil Consumption issue. I noticed the car is consuming excessive oil, for the third time. Many people had reported this issue, leaving customers with expensive repairs. This issue could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I took the vehicle to the dealer, (Kia) recommended additional services and kept the vehicle overnight for testing. These additional services were outside the normal maintenance interval and are expensive. Quick History: -As of 12/26/2023 Vehicle was dropped off due to excessive oil consumption, this time before the service interval was due. -2017 Optima/ 83,200 Mi -All Oil changes and scheduled maintenance performance at normal interval, sometimes sooner due to the Excessive oil consumption. -Car is for personal use/ normal driving - No Leaks detected in the Car

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #106

Dec 162023

Optima

  • 140,000 miles
Hev is not working happened 2 two times already

- New York, NY, USA

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