MYRModel Year Report

2017 Kia Optima

◆ Worse than typical
2017 Kia Optima
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Kia Optima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2017 highlighted. 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: 143 complaints 2009: 116 complaints 2010: 75 complaints 2010 2011: 592 complaints 2012: 919 complaints 2013: 1379 complaints 2013 2014: 583 complaints 2015: 1006 complaints 2016: 754 complaints 2016 2017: 255 complaints 2017 2018: 231 complaints 2019: 205 complaints 2019 2020: 142 complaints 2020
2017: 255 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2001143
2002107
2003141
2004225
2005144
2006155
2007166
2008143
2009116
201075
2011592
2012919
20131379
2014583
20151006
2016754
2017255
2018231
2019205
2020142

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

ENGINE 64%

64% of complaints: engine — 164 distinct reports on file.

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, 20240404

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, 20231023

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, 20190722

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STRUCTURE

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 10%

10% of complaints: electrical system — 25 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing wiring and key/sender.

CRASH FIRE
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, 20170824

POWER TRAIN 8%

8% of complaints: power train — 21 distinct reports on file.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8%

8% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 20 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING 6%

6% of complaints: exterior lighting — 15 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing headlights.

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2017 — complaint volume: 255
R 20180503 — hybrid propulsion system

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.

Campaign 18V161000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20190117 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 18V907000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190419 — EA (closed 20240919)

Electrical overstress

I 20211222 — EA (closed 20240205)

Engine Fires

I 20220912 — DP (closed 20231212)

Loss of Motive Power

R 20231019 — latches/locks/linkages

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.

Campaign 23V594000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2017 Kia Optima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for engine issues (164 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for power train issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 18V161000 (hybrid propulsion system) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 18V907000 (engine, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V594000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2010 ▲ 2002 ▲ 2009

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2015 ■ 2012

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.