2017 Kia Optima: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
Known weak spot on this generation: Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine. 3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 65% about engine & cooling.
Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Known problems on the 2017 Kia Optima
Theta II 2.0T / 2.4L GDI engine $4,000–$7,000 to fix
If equipped with the 2.4L or 2.0T Theta II GDI (most were), this generation has a documented rod-bearing failure — knocking, then seizure or fire. Covered by huge recalls, a class-action settlement, and a knock-sensor software update (KSDS); a lifetime warranty applies to many, but only for the original-owner chain in some cases.
Check for: Cold-start knock/rattle that fades as it warms, oil consumption, a check-engine light for the knock sensor. Confirm the KSDS software recall was performed and ask whether the engine was ever replaced.
Basis: NHTSA recalls 15V568/17V226/others; Hyundai/Kia engine class-action settlement; KSDS campaign
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2017 Kia Optima recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2017 Kia Optima. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Fuel systemFire risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
Details 18V907000
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.
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.
- Doors & latches
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
Details 23V594000
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."
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.
- Hybrid Propulsion System
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.
Details 18V161000
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.
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.
2017 Kia Optima safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Doors and locks: Kia has developed a software upgrade that can be installed on the vehicle to restrict the operation of the vehicle's ignition system should a locked vehicle be the subject of a break-in and theft attempt without the key.
- Fuel system: Kia is extending the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for repairs related to low-pressure fuel pump failure in 2016-2020 MY Optima vehicles manufactured at a Kia assembly plant in the U.S.
- Steering: The affected vehicles may exhibit the MDPS (also known as EPS) warning lamp âÂÂONâÂÂ.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2017 Kia Optima safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
255 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Kia Optima years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator