2017 Kia Optima Problems

What owners have reported about the 2017 Kia Optima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2017 Kia Optima a good year?

It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 256 complaints with NHTSA, the 7th most of 13 Optima model years. The most reported problems involve the engine, electrical system and fuel system.

256 complaints 3 recalls, 1 fire risk 7th worst of 13 Optima years

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Engine 66%

Unknown or Other 13%

Electrical 10%

Fuel System 9%

Transmission 8%

Lights 6%

Acceleration 5%

Steering 4%

Seat Belts 3%

Emergency Braking 3%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (84 of 256). The amber line is the middle value, about 55,000 miles.

0k50k100k150k

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2017 Kia Optima recalls

Trunk latch can crack, trapping occupants

Injury risk

The trunk latch base can crack, so the trunk may not open from inside. A person trapped in the trunk could be seriously injured, and the vehicles also fail federal safety standard 401 for internal trunk release.

Fix: The dealer will replace the trunk latch base subassembly free of charge.

Recall 23V594000 · Aug 2023

Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk

Fire risk

During an engine replacement, the high pressure fuel pipe at the fuel pump may have been damaged, misaligned, or under-tightened. This can cause a fuel leak, and fuel near an ignition source can start a fire.

Fix: The dealer will inspect the fuel pipe and replace it if needed, at no cost to you.

Recall 18V907000 · Dec 2018

Hybrid System

These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently. 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.

Recall 18V161000 · Mar 2018

Check your VIN for open recalls

Get an email when your 2017 Kia Optima gets a new recall

We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2017 Kia Optima, you'll hear about it the same week.

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Optima years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2013 Optima 1,386

2015 Optima 1,009

2012 Optima 920

2016 Optima 758

2011 Optima 594

2014 Optima 589

2017 Optima 256

2018 Optima 232

2019 Optima 212

2020 Optima 151

2008 Optima 144

2009 Optima 116

2010 Optima 75

2017 Kia Optima problems by system

Engine (168)

Common questions

Is the 2017 Kia Optima a reliable year?

What are the most common 2017 Kia Optima problems?

Owners most often report problems with the engine, electrical system, fuel system and transmission. 168 complaints (66%) name the engine.

At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima engine problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 41,000–99,000 miles, with a middle value near 72,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Optima have?

3. Trunk latch can crack, trapping occupants (23V594000); Fuel pipe may leak, causing fire risk (18V907000); Hybrid System (18V161000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2017 Kia Optima?

Ask for service records covering the engine, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2010, 2009 and 2008 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.