Worst 2017 Kia Optima Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Electrical Faults
Transmission / Drivetrain
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2017 Kia Optima.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 156 | — | 8 | 85,561 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 23 | 1 | 2 | 37,456 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 19 | — | — | 39,900 mi | |
| Fuel System | 18 | — | 1 | 59,333 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 14 | — | — | 61,640 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 13 | 1 | — | 5,380 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 8 | — | — | 15,688 mi | |
| Engine & Cooling | 7 | — | — | 114,599 mi | |
| Brakes | 6 | — | — | 51,763 mi | |
| Airbags | 5 | 1 | — | 45,096 mi | |
| Body Structure | 5 | — | 1 | 59,500 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Immobilizer/Proximity:Key/Sender | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Wiring | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward-Collision Avoidance Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Optima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2017 Kia Optima
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~392,799 vehicles.
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."
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) Product Improvement Campaign. The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
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.
Other Kia Optima Years
2017 Kia Optima — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?
What are common problems with the 2017 Kia Optima?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Kia Optima?
How safe is the 2017 Kia Optima?
Does the 2017 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2017 Kia Optima?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Kia Optima reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2017 Kia Optima
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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