NHTSA (USA)Low Risk
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch base can crack, which may prevent you from opening the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly at no cost to you.
This page covers 6 recalls, 294 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2017 Kia Optima.
25–42 mpg combined
5.6–9.4 L/100km
Large Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Engine complaints dominate the 2017 Kia Optima's complaint record by a wide margin. Owners frequently report misfiring, hesitation, and sputtering, often paired with excessive oil consumption that requires topping off every few weeks. A recurring theme is progressive performance loss, jerking, shaking, metal clicking noises, and reduced power that worsens over time. Some owners describe the engine entering limp mode at highway speeds, sometimes accompanied by check engine or hybrid warning lights cycling on and off. The electrical system draws the next-largest share of complaints, with some owners describing corroded wiring in the fuel pump circuit, reportedly tied to missing factory-installed protective covering on the harness. Powertrain complaints follow at lower volume, with some overlap in symptoms, loss of drive power and warning light activity, that tracks closely with the engine-related reports.
294
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
12
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2017 Kia Optima has 6 recalls, the most serious involving engine connecting rod bearings that can wear and fail, potentially causing the engine to stall, cut power without warning, or catch fire.
Two of these engine recalls affect hybrid and plug-in hybrid models specifically, while a third covers vehicles that previously had an engine replaced under an earlier recall or warranty repair, where a fuel leak near an ignition source can create a fire risk. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models also face a separate concern with the voltage protection device that guards the high-voltage battery: if it activates unexpectedly while driving in electric-only mode, the electric motor loses power and the car can stall. On the interior side, the trunk latch base can crack and prevent the trunk from opening from the inside, which could trap a person in the trunk compartment.
At a glance
What can fail
The trunk latch base can crack, which may prevent you from opening the trunk from inside the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings in the 2.0L engine can wear and fail, causing engine knocking sounds, oil pressure warning lights, and potentially sudden loss of power or engine fire.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine for bearing damage and replace it if needed. A software update will be installed to detect and prevent excessive bearing wear.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, potentially causing engine damage.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the engine and replace it if bearing damage is found. A software update with a Knock Sensor Detection System will also be installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high pressure fuel pipe connecting to the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or improperly torqued during a previous engine replacement, causing potential fuel leaks.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe as needed at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery voltage protection switch may activate unintentionally, cutting power to the electric motor. If this happens while driving in electric-only mode, the vehicle loses driving power suddenly.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the voltage protection switch and wiring with new battery management systems that have improved overvoltage protection.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Voltage Protection Device that safeguards the high voltage battery may activate on its own without reason.
What the fix does
Dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two new Battery Management Systems with Overvoltage Protection Devices.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
