2017 Kia Optima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Kia Optima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 246 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Kia Optima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2017 Kia Optima. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2017 Kia Optima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Kia Optima has 246 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Kia
- Model
- Optima
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 246
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 31
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 28 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 610
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Kia Optima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Kia Optima?
The 2017 Kia Optima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Kia Optima
Inspection Focus
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, electrical system, and transmission before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or steering defects.
Before You Close the Deal
- Request service records for engine repairs or replacements.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Have a mechanic inspect the engine, electrical system, and transmission before purchase.
- Check for any history of unintended acceleration or steering defects.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Kia Optima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Kia Optima are heavily concentrated in engine-related issues, with a smaller but notable number of electrical and transmission problems. The data suggests a recurring theme of engine failures, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Engine Problems account for the majority of complaints (163 out of 246).
- Uncategorized Issues and Electrical Faults are the next most reported categories.
- Crash-related complaints are very few (4), suggesting safety incidents are rare in this dataset.
- Engine Problems
- Electrical Faults
- Transmission / Drivetrain
All 2017 Kia Optima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Optima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 163 | — | 8 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 33 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | — | 1 | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The electrical wiring harness connecting to the hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) was found to have significant corrosion and a missing factory-installed protective covering. This is a manufacturing defect. The protective covering was never installed at the factory, leaving the…
On March 23, 2026, I took my 2017 Kia Optima Plug-In Hybrid (VIN: [XXX] ) to Mark Kia [XXX] ) solely for two open safety recalls: SC218 (Engine Inspection/Replacement and KSDS software installation) and SC278 (Emergency Trunk Latch Release) under Repair Order #6807251. No custom…
Engine issues started the third month after sales. Jerking, shaking, declining performance, metal clicking noise, loss of power while driving. Kia has been working on the car for a year.
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 67 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of drive power, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine and HEV warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact entered the vehicle settin…
“My vehicle, a 2017 Kia Optima, had repeated safety issues documented in service records. Despite multiple repair attempts (per attached records), the problem remained unresolved and put my safety at risk. I’m seeking further investigation or resolution.”
My fiancée and I just recently bought this car with the 1.6T-GDi engine I immediately replaced the oil even though the dealership said that he just replaced it. I put 7 quarts of oil topping off from awk consumption after I initially changed the oil filter. Those 7 quarts were ad…
unknown
The vehicle is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The dipstick was completely dry before 5000 miles were up. I had to add some oil to the engine to avoid engine failure. I have reported this to Jim Ellis dealership in Kennesaw GA but I was told to drive the vehicle until it knoc…
The engine in my 2017 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) seized and locked up, a known defect associated with Kia’s Theta II 2.4L GDI engines. When I contacted Kia regarding engine replacement, I was told coverage would not apply because a required KSDS ECU update recall was not completed…
Kia Engine Settlement-Kia America and Grand Forks KIA dealership is refusing a mandatory diagnostic test for excessive oil consumption under the Kia Theta II Engine Class Settlement, despite the vehicle having the required KSDS software update installed. The vehicle is consuming …
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound, the cruise control was inoperative, the infotainment screen darkened, and the charging outlet was inoper…
Vehicle experiences sudden and dangerous loss of power while driving, including hesitation during acceleration, consistent with connecting-rod bearing failure risk known in this model’s GDI engine. Dealer estimate found timing and oil-flow component failures connected to internal…
I own a 2017 Kia Optima with a major internal engine defect. Starting shortly after purchase, the car lost power and consumed fuel unusually quickly. Over time, the engine began burning excessive oil and now produces a loud knocking sound (bearing knock), indicating internal bear…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon routine maintenance with a local independent mechanic, it was discovered that the vehicle had low engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that a…
I purchased the 2017 Optima Hybrid from Huntington Beach Hyundai on [XXX]. I made sure to double check with the dealer if the engine and hybrid battery were in good condition, in which the salesman reassured me everything is good. The car was driving okay for a while, and I had…
Engine is consuming a large amount of oil. Oil is gunking up spark plugs causing them to be replaced every 10-12 months. Have to add oil 3-5 times per month. This is our 2nd Kia optima and the first (2011) with seized engine in which Kia paid for replacement.
Oil is burning too fast... Car has had an issue like this in the past and the problem resulted in a blown engine... Re-call was found by dealer and honored and endinge re-placed.. Car is now expierenceing this problem again... Second, steering wheel is locking when turnning full…
Engine completely shut down when driving it. Had it replaced among many other things then found out it was part of a class action lawsuit. I have spent two years trying to recoup the money I lost in repairs and the cash I paid for the car.
I own a 2017 Kia Optima. My vehicle was brought in for the tail light recall at Lupient Kia, but the dealership only replaced a bulb and refused to replace the harnesses. I was told by the service advisor (Brad Baranowski) that my tail lights had “nothing to do with the recall” a…
for the past year, I have been constantly replacing the spark plugs and ignition coil in my 2017 Kia optima. Recently I have had the valve cover gasket replaced. It is a constant oil consumption issue. I have received the P1326 diagnostic code. My dealership told me that the engi…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Kia Optima.
2017 Kia Optima Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Optima. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Kia Optima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 246 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Kia Optima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Optima?▾
#1: Engine Problems (163 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (33 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (25 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Kia Optima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Kia Optima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Kia Optima, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 9 fire reports out of 246 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Kia Optima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Kia Optima. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Kia Optima?▾
The 2017 Kia Optima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Kia Optima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.