2017 Kia Optima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima and 306 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (192), unknown or other (41), electrical system (39). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–31 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
The 2017 ranks #4 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with fewer complaints than the average year (644). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Kia Optima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch
Problem: 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."
Risk: A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Engine
Problem: Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
Risk: A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
Problem: 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.
Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix: 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.
Hybrid propulsion system
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
3 weeks ago I had my vehicle towed to Car Pros Kia in the city of [XXX]. They said that there was an issue with the engine which should be covered under the extended lifetime warranty that KIA issued Me 2 years ago due to a recall and a system update that they required that I do on my vehicle. We did the update. We are having the same mechanical issues we did two years ago with…
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised to return for an oil consumption test. There was no oil leak found and the contac…
This car is registered under my sons name, [XXX]. I helped him buy the car as we paid cash for it ( Money was provided by my ex-wife). We bought it on XXX and was sold as-is but then the seller said theres no problem with it. A week after we bought it as my son was driving it on [XXX] it drove it suddenly loss power then it stop. He was in the middle lane in a 45 mph road. He…
Safety ratings
2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Kia Optima.
Optima
Auto (AM7) · 4 cyl · 1.6 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Regular
Optima FE
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Optima have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima, most recently for latches/locks/linkages · trunk lid · latch (08/24/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Optima?
Based on 306 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (192), unknown or other (41), electrical system (39).
Is the 2017 Kia Optima safe?
The 2017 Kia Optima earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Kia Optima?
The 2017 ranks #4 of 9 Optima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2020), with fewer complaints than the average year (644). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Optima get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Kia Optima range from 25 to 31 mpg combined, depending on configuration.
Own a 2017 Kia Optima in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved November 2, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OPTIMA, OPTIMA HYBRID, OPTIMA PLUG-IN HYBRID, Optima.