15 complaints reported

2017 Kia Optima UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.

Reports
15
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0

Complaint Timeline

Chronological view of owner reports

Jul 2025

I previously submitted a report regarding engine failure in my Kia 2017, Optima. I’d like to update the complaint with new details. Upon mechanical inspection, it was confirmed that the engine bears Hyundai branding and has sustained internal damage including broken pistons and valve failure. These issues appear consistent with the known oil ring defect affecting Hyundai-manufactured engines used in Kia vehicles. Symptoms included: Engine knocking and rough idling Sudden loss of oil and reduced performance Full engine failure requiring replacement I believe my vehicle may have been missed in the recall or settlement programs and request this update be added to my case. I’m willing to provide repair estimates, diagnostic reports, and photos upon request. Thank you for investigating this issue further

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Sep 2022
Jun 2025

For years there has been a problem with my vehicle after it rains. On the drivers side when turning the steering wheel there is a scraping noise. The dealership service always said they can’t hear anything or duplicate the problem. Now the issue has extended to the passenger side. After a heavy rain or going through the car wash water get in under the glovebox. My sunroof is fine and not clogged, the problem is something else. Water no matter the source should not be getting inside the car causing odor issues, interfering with the operation of turning / steering gears. This needs to be a recall to force Kia to acknowledge this well known problem from hundreds of online complaints regarding leaks.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2020
Feb 2025

I was driving and as I was going to make a left turn, the steering wheel forced itself to the right and locked. And the whole car completely shut down. So I had to slam on my brakes as they were also locking on me.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2025
Feb 2025

Unknown Oil consumption Spark plugs need replacement about every 500-1000 miles. Also needs oil every 500-1000

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jan 2025
May 2024

Sunroof shattered while driving on the highway. Nothing hit the vehicle. Sounded like a loud explosion.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2024
Jul 2023

KIA states they are unable to provide the vehicle with the anti theft software update due to the vehicle having a remote start. I asked if they can remove the remote start. KIAs are not safe with only using the Club steering wheel lock. Theives are drilling a hole through the keyhole or cutting them off. My car is now worth less & auto insurance is becoming more difficult. Please make them do something! These cars are still getting stolen nonstop every single day!

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jul 2023
Jan 2023 Fire

No vehicle warning as it became engulfed in flames. Fire started from under the hood.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2023
Aug 2022

Since I purchased the car I have a had a issue with my vehicle misfiring. We purchased the car in 2018 and a few months in I had to bring the car in for a rattle and shaking while I was driving. It would give me a warning lamp stating that a “possible engine control issue had been found”. Since then I have taken the car in for the same issue three different time. Including the misfire and coil pack and spark plug replacement that I just had to pay nearly 600 for at the dealership. I have had this issue occur multiple time since we purchased the car and while driving on the freeway nearly putting my life at risk. This is an issue that needs to be addressed.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022
Jul 2022

While driving on the freeway and NO vehicles around me, the sunroof shattered, I am reaching out to consumers to see if they have encountered the same problem. As I reached out to KIA consumers affairs and after waiting 2 months I was told to reported it to my insurance and they will cover my deductible but it will take 90 days for my deductible to be processed and issued to me. A total of 5 months to wait for my sunroof to be fixed is unacceptable. FYI - KIA Dept. of consumers affairs (800) 333-4542 you will be on hold for hours before someone can help you, so annoying… Any suggestions or help will be greatly appreciate.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Apr 2022
Jun 2022

Car can be easily stolen due to not having an engine immobilizer

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Jun 2022
Mar 2022

After driving for more than 5 or so minutes I begin to smell a burning smell. I’ve had my brakes inspected, my oil changed and even took it to the dealership however it continues to keep happening

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2022
Aug 2020

ABS LIGHT AND TRAC LIGHT ON. RIGHT REAR HUB BEARING NEEDS REPLACING. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 78,000 MILES.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Aug 2020
Feb 2020

MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA, THE ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON AT NUMEROUS TIMES AND WHEN IT DOES IT STARTS TO RIDE ROUGH LIKE IT IS IN THE WRONG GEAR, SEEMS LIKE IT IS READY TO DIE OUT WHEN SLOWING DOWN. ALSO FEELS LIKE IT WON'T PICK UP SPEED. I WAS DRIVING ON FREEWAY MOST OF THE TIME AT SPEEDS FROM 40 TO 70 MPH. IT ALSO DOES THIS WHEN DRIVING IN TOWN. I AM CRYING OUT FOR HELP. THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT SEEM TO CARE ABOUT MY SAFETY. I COMMUTE IN THE MID MORNING HOURS AND VERY UNSAFE IF I BREAK DOWN . MY LIFE IS AT STAKE. THANK YOU

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Feb 2019
May 2019

THE SHARK FIN ANTENNA SNAPPED OFF WHILE DRIVING. I HIT NOTHING, JUST DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: May 2019
Jun 2017

WE LEASE A 2017 KIA OPTIMA HYBRID WITH TECHNOLOGY PACKAGE. IT HAS 1986 MILES AND IS THREE MONTHS OLD. LAST WEEK THE CAR WHILE IN MOTION JUST STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF TRAFFIC ON A MAJOR ROADWAY WITH NO WARNING. MY WIFE WAS ABLE GET OFF THE ROAD BY CONSTANTLY RESTARTING THE CAR. AFTER ALMOST ONE WEEK WE FOUND OUT THAT IT WAS A FAILURE OF THE BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM WOULD NOT CHARGE THE MAIN BATTERY.

Type: Vehicle, Vehicle: 2017 KIA OPTIMA, Manufacturer: Kia America, Inc.
Incident: Mar 2017

Trend Over Time

Complaints by year

Quick Summary

The 2017 Kia Optima has 15 UNKNOWN OR OTHER complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.