Kia Optima Complaints (2017)

306 consumer complaints on file.

#11711382January 16, 2026
ENGINE
The vehicle is consuming excessive amounts of oil. The dipstick was completely dry before 5000 miles were up. I had to add some oil to the engine to avoid engine failure. I have reported this to Jim Ellis dealership in Kennesaw GA but I was told to drive the vehicle until it knocks or the knock sensor goes.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708746January 5, 2026
ENGINE
The engine in my 2017 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) seized and locked up, a known defect associated with Kia’s Theta II 2.4L GDI engines. When I contacted Kia regarding engine replacement, I was told coverage would not apply because a required KSDS ECU update recall was not completed. During multiple phone calls with Kia Customer Care, Kia admitted that they did not have my contact information on file and added it during my call. Because Kia did not have my information, I never received any recall notification and was denied the opportunity to comply with the KSDS update. Kia has also provided conflicting information regarding whether recalls were open on my VIN while still relying on recall completion status to deny coverage. I believe Kia failed to properly notify me of a safety recall and is unfairly denying coverage for a known engine defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708673January 4, 2026
ENGINE
Kia Engine Settlement-Kia America and Grand Forks KIA dealership is refusing a mandatory diagnostic test for excessive oil consumption under the Kia Theta II Engine Class Settlement, despite the vehicle having the required KSDS software update installed. The vehicle is consuming 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles, requiring constant topping off to prevent engine seizure. Vehicle was brought to Kia Grand Forks on 7/21/25 was told that the valve gasket needed to be changed. Engine light illuminated 10/2025 and car was unable to make it back to dealership from 58369. Vehicle was brought to local mechanic where I was told that the has failed and that the spark plugs had oil on them. Mechanic changed the spark plugs to make it to Grand Forks Kia on 10/14/25 I was told that the Turbo needed to be replaced for $3300 before they can do an oil consumption test. There were no issues with the turbo before it was driven to Grand Forks on 10/14/25. Kia America refuses to cover the engine warranty which will lead to "sudden engine stall, loss of power, or vehicle fire," which are primary safety concerns monitored by NHTSA.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707896December 30, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound, the cruise control was inoperative, the infotainment screen darkened, and the charging outlet was inoperative. The Check Engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence, and the contact used a vehicle scanner to scan the vehicle. The contact stated that DTC: P1326 for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was found, which detected excessive engine vibration. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704089December 9, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Vehicle experiences sudden and dangerous loss of power while driving, including hesitation during acceleration, consistent with connecting-rod bearing failure risk known in this model’s GDI engine. Dealer estimate found timing and oil-flow component failures connected to internal engine damage. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and stalls/lacks power unexpectedly, creating a high risk of crash.”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699628November 16, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I own a 2017 Kia Optima with a major internal engine defect. Starting shortly after purchase, the car lost power and consumed fuel unusually quickly. Over time, the engine began burning excessive oil and now produces a loud knocking sound (bearing knock), indicating internal bearing failure. These symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine defects (bearing wear / piston ring failure). The defect is a serious safety concern: because of weak bearings and high oil consumption, the engine could stall, seize, or catch fire. The dealership has refused to repair or replace the engine. I am reporting this as a safety defect and request NHTSA investigation.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11696145October 28, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon routine maintenance with a local independent mechanic, it was discovered that the vehicle had low engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that an oil consumption test was needed to determine any failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that engine oil was added almost every 2 weeks. The message to "Contact the Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to Team Kia of El Cajon (541 N Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020), where it was determined that there was engine oil leaking onto the catalytic converter. The contact related the failure to a Kia recall related to a connecting rod bearing failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,400.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693506October 15, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I purchased the 2017 Optima Hybrid from Huntington Beach Hyundai on [XXX]. I made sure to double check with the dealer if the engine and hybrid battery were in good condition, in which the salesman reassured me everything is good. The car was driving okay for a while, and I had oil change and tires/alignment changed recently. Just barely 4 months in after I owned the car, the incident happened on the night of [XXX]. I was driving on the highway near the Getty going roughly 70 mph up the mountain roads while all of a sudden the "check hybrid system" warning came on in the car. The car immediately went into limp mode, and I did everything I could to slow the car to a complete stop, and stop on the freeway shoulder safely. It was a traumatizing experience to me, as this is a major safety issue with the vehicle, and other cars were travelling really fast in LA mountain areas. I had the car towed to a auto repair shop the next day, the mechanics did a deep inspection and informed me the hybrid inverter has failed. I paid $2,177 to replace the hybrid inverter with the mechanic. The mechanic also informed me while they were test driving they heard a knocking sound from the engine. I did a look up and found out there is a class settlement and safety campaigns on the engine for 2017 Optima Hybrid due to the faulty factory rod bearings, and the 150K miles extended warranty from Kia should apply to replace my faulty engine free of charge. I will be getting my car towed to Car Pros Kia in Huntington Beach on October 15th, 2025, and request the dealer to replace my engine per Kia's extended warranty. I am filing the complaint because the car is having problems after problems in barely 4 months of ownership, in which I believe I have purchased a lemon, or Huntington Beach Hyundai knowingly hid the facts the components were faulty. I have also filed a case with Kia corporate. Attached is the repair invoice for the hybrid inverter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692431October 9, 2025
ENGINE
Engine is consuming a large amount of oil. Oil is gunking up spark plugs causing them to be replaced every 10-12 months. Have to add oil 3-5 times per month. This is our 2nd Kia optima and the first (2011) with seized engine in which Kia paid for replacement.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690964October 2, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The contact stated that the check engine and oil warning lights illuminated and then turned off independently. The contact slowed down, and after arriving at the destination, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The contact was advised by the mechanic that there was potential engine failure and was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, and the contact was made aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V844000 (Engine); however, the KSDS software update was not performed prior to the engine failure, which disqualified the vehicle from the engine replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle did not qualify for the engine replacement. The failure mileage was approximately 64,500.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690860October 1, 2025
ENGINE, STEERING, POWER TRAIN
Oil is burning too fast... Car has had an issue like this in the past and the problem resulted in a blown engine... Re-call was found by dealer and honored and endinge re-placed.. Car is now expierenceing this problem again... Second, steering wheel is locking when turnning fully left... Third, car smells extremely strong like gasoline when car is warming up...
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11690228September 28, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving the vehicle home on the freeway after just buying it. I had only driven it for about 35-40 minutes and after 5 minutes the ev battery was drained completely and the car was running in hybrid mode. The vehicle suddenly lost all its power and a warning light came on flashing saying "check hybrid system turn off engine". I was forced to put on my emergency lights and quickly move over to the side of the freeway because the car lost so much power so quickly. It felt like the engine died and when i tried hitting the gas the vehicle would jerk. ONCE I got to a safe spot on the freeway. I called AAA to get a tow, then called the dealer to tell them. My wife and I have now checked the recalls for this car and all the customer complaints. There seems to be a similarity with the engine recall and or the hybrid electrical recall. It seems like Kia is making sure to cover its tracks with the cars so it doesn't have all the 2017 models in the recalls affecting the hybrid system as well as the defects with the engine components. There is definitely a problem. But i saw in the carfax that the vehicle was inspected a lot by KIA and that is why i would like it to get inspected by a 3rd party. I would like to get the vehicle inspected by a 3rd party before taking it to a KIA dealer but I don't have a lot of money. Can you help with this at all. Please contact me asap. You have the Vin. I told you I just bought the car so I am going to either see if the dealership I bought it from will fix the problem since it broke down the day I bought it. You should be able to see we bought the car from by looking at the carfax for the Vin. And you have my permission to also be able to get my phone numbers from that dealer I really don't think KIA should get away with these hybrid/engine problems with the car. Its very unfair to the consumers. If they as a manufacturer and dealerships are doing quick fixes when doing regularly scheduled maintenance. Thats unethical.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686675September 11, 2025
ENGINE
Engine completely shut down when driving it. Had it replaced among many other things then found out it was part of a class action lawsuit. I have spent two years trying to recoup the money I lost in repairs and the cash I paid for the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684748September 3, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
I own a 2017 Kia Optima. My vehicle was brought in for the tail light recall at Lupient Kia, but the dealership only replaced a bulb and refused to replace the harnesses. I was told by the service advisor (Brad Baranowski) that my tail lights had “nothing to do with the recall” and that I would need to pay $210 for a diagnosis, even though I am still experiencing the exact defect described in the recall (shortage/failure in the harness causing tail light malfunction and warning lights). This incomplete recall repair is a safety hazard my tail lights continue to fail, and I have received tickets because of it. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s failure to properly complete this recall. Lupient Kia 6030 N Green Bay Ave Glendale, WI 53209 Phone: (414) 351-3000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684750September 3, 2025
ENGINE
for the past year, I have been constantly replacing the spark plugs and ignition coil in my 2017 Kia optima. Recently I have had the valve cover gasket replaced. It is a constant oil consumption issue. I have received the P1326 diagnostic code. My dealership told me that the engine cannot be replaced unless it’s knocking. This is my only mode of transportation, and I would hate for me to be stranded because I’m waiting for the engine to knock for my engine to be replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11682175August 21, 2025
ENGINE
Car began hesitating and stalling, particularly from a stop. Engine light came on. Took the car to the KIA dealership for diagnosis. Was told by svc coordinator that the diagnosis indicated a bad knock sensor. The technician replaced the knock sensor, then test drove the car. It failed immediately. I was told that it would likely need engine replacement. After a few days, svc coordinator called and said that KIA recommended replacing the knock sensor (again) and perform a tuneup. They declined to replace the engine. The car runs in "limp home mode" (Kia's terminology), hesitates and stalls so as to make it very unsafe to operate. The engine on this car was replaced about two years ago for excessive oil consumption. There cannot be more than 30k miles on the new engine. KIA stated that there is a lifetime warranty on the replaced engines, but are apparently not going to honor the warranty. Car is serviced regularly and is in otherwise excellent condition.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681530August 19, 2025
ENGINE
My car is burning oil and oil is covering my spark plugs. Was mentioned about decarbonizing
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678456August 5, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated she had noticed that the vehicle required more oil between oil changes. Additionally, the contact had noticed that oil was leaking underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light would only illuminate upon depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where no oil leak was found, and the contact was advised to constantly check the engine oil level. The contact stated that upon checking the oil level recently, five quarts of oil needed to be added to the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678127August 4, 2025
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
--- **Summary of Complaint – 2017 Kia Optima** My 2017 Kia Optima (VIN: [XXX] ) experienced sudden engine failure due to a damaged piston. There were no warning signs—no knock codes or dashboard alerts—prior to the malfunction. Despite regular maintenance and timely oil changes, Kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me with significant repair costs. This issue appears consistent with reported engine problems in similar Kia models and could represent a broader manufacturing defect. I'm submitting this report in hopes of prompting an investigation into a potential safety hazard. A recall may be necessary to prevent similar failures and protect INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11677195July 30, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
While driving my 2017 Kia Optima (Theta II engine) at approximately 115,900 miles, I suddenly experienced engine failure. The vehicle began to stall and produced a burning smell shortly before the engine seized completely. I had the car towed to a Kia dealership, which confirmed an internal engine failure and noted that there were no signs of external oil leaks or neglect. The failure occurred only 4,500 miles after my last oil change, which was documented and professionally completed. The Kia technician mentioned verbally that this was due to excessive oil consumption and burning — an issue I later found to be widely reported in other Kia vehicles using this engine type. The estimated repair cost is over $14,000, which is more than the value of the vehicle. Despite my warranty being expired, this type of failure appears consistent with known manufacturing defects. I am reporting this for public safety and accountability. The vehicle failed without warning and could have caused a dangerous situation on the road.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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