MYRModel Year Report

2017 Kia Optima

◆ Worse than typical
2017 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
256
Recalls
3

Campaigns on file for 2017

Investigations
3

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

64% of complaints

Complaints per year

2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 256 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2017: 256 complaints 2017 256 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints
2001: 143 complaints 2001 2002: 107 complaints 2002 2003: 141 complaints 2003 2004: 225 complaints 2004 2005: 144 complaints 2005 2006: 155 complaints 2006 2007: 166 complaints 2007 2008: 144 complaints 2008 2009: 116 complaints 2009 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 593 complaints 2011 2012: 919 complaints 2012 2013: 1,383 complaints 2013 2014: 587 complaints 2014 2015: 1,008 complaints 2015 2016: 756 complaints 2016 2017: 256 complaints 2017 256 2018: 231 complaints 2018 2019: 210 complaints 2019 2020: 146 complaints 2020

2017: 256 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008144
2009116
201075
2011593
2012919
20131,383
2014587
20151,008
2016756
2017256
2018231
2019210
2020146

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

64% · 164 reports
FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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...

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-04-04

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

The engine on this vehicle caught fire while the vehicle was parked and not running. It had previsouly been drive for approximately 4 hours throughout the day but at the time of the incident there were no warning dashlights present.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-23

While my significant other and I were driving down the highway our car began smoking from under the hood, then smoke began coming through the air vents inside the car; within seconds we seen flames coming out from under the hood and immediately...

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-07-22

Also filed under Electrical system and structure

Electrical system

10% · 25 reports

Most commonly citing wiring and key/sender.

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. While attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle stalled without warning. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the contact's vehicle.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-08-24

Power train

8% · 21 reports

Fuel/propulsion system

8% · 20 reports
FIRE

Exterior lighting

6% · 15 reports

Most commonly citing headlights.

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 3 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2017Complaint volume 256 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2018-05-03Hybrid propulsion system18V161000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

    Remedy: Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. R
    2019-01-17Engine, fuel system, gasoline18V907000 Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS)...

    Remedy: Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  5. I
    2021-12-22Engineering analysisClosed 2024-02-05 Engine Fires
  6. I
    2022-09-12Defect petitionClosed 2023-12-12 Loss of Motive Power
  7. R
    2023-10-19Latches/locks/linkages23V594000 Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.

    Remedy: Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2017 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 164 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 25 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 18V161000 · Hybrid propulsion system
  • Recall 18V907000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 23V594000 · Latches/locks/linkages
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Kia Optima is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Optima?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 64% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Optima have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.