Kia Optima Complaints (2017)

306 consumer complaints on file.

#11651716March 31, 2025
STEERING
-
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11650676March 26, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway and randomly my car started to shake very badly and i couldn’t go faster than about 30 mph. My engine light didn’t turn on until i turned the car off and back on after finally making it home after almost getting hit by cars trying to make it back home. I sent it to get looked at and they said that it’s misfiring pretty severely and that kia had a recall on an engine/motor awhile back for my car and to take it to a dealership. I contacted KIA customer care but the only recall I see when I look up my VIN # is for the trunk recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11649658March 21, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There appears to be an issue with Kia USA regarding an oil switch fault that the company may be aware of but has not addressed through a service bulletin. We own a 2017 Kia Optima with a 2.4L engine and 84,000 miles that has recently started experiencing an intermittent oil pressure light. Thinking the issue was covered under warranty, I took the vehicle in for repair, only to receive a quote of $6,000. The faulty switch had pushed oil through the wiring harness, contaminating the powertrain control module and fuel injectors. I have found information indicating that Kia issued a service bulletin in April 2022 for the same switch used in the 2.4L issue affecting 2015-2018 Kia models with 3.3L engines. However, when I provided this information to the dealer, they insisted the switch in my Optima was different and not covered by the bulletin. I have repeatedly requested the part number for the faulty switch referenced in the bulletin, but have not received a response from the dealer or Kia corporate. The information I found on-line is that the switch in both motors are the same switch. I understand that if this issue is not addressed early, the repair cost can reach upwards of $7,500. If Kia had proactively notified 2.4L owners about the switch issue in 2022, my problem may have been caught and resolved before the extensive damage occurred. Furthermore, if the faulty switch was used across multiple Kia models during the same time frame, the company should have included those vehicles in the service bulletin. I am not concerned with getting my own Optima repaired, but I find it unacceptable for Kia to take advantage of customers in this manner. An $18 part failure should not result in such significant damage, and Kia's lack of transparency and action is disappointing. I hope that by sharing this experience, Kia will be compelled to address this issue and prevent further financial hardship for their customers.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11648736March 17, 2025
ENGINE
1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Engine failure due to excessive oil consumption and/or a malfunctioning Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). •The engine failed at only 50,000 miles due to internal issues. •The KSDS system triggered a flashing check engine light, but Kia refuses to cover the repair despite known past issues. •Kia engineers and the dealership confirmed the engine failure but are denying warranty coverage. ➡ The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •A flashing check engine light appeared, indicating possible catastrophic engine failure while driving. •Loss of engine function on the road could have led to an accident. •The KSDS system was designed to prevent this type of failure, but it failed to stop the damage in time. •If the engine had completely failed at highway speeds, it could have created a dangerous situation. 3.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? ✅ Yes, the issue was confirmed by the Kia dealership. •The dealership confirmed that the engine has failed and needs to be replaced. •A tech line case was opened with Kia engineers, who confirmed the failure. •Kia refuses to cover the repair, claiming it is a "top-end failure" instead of a "rod bearing failure." 4️.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? ✅ Yes, it was inspected by the Kia dealership and Kia engineers. •A tech line case was created, and Kia engineers reviewed the issue. •Kia admitted that the engine failed but refused to cover the repair under warranty. 5.) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? ✅ Yes, a flashing check engine light appeared due to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). •The same warning code had previously appeared while
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644864February 25, 2025
ENGINE
My Engine is burning a quart or more of oil a week. Since my last oil change I have put in 15 quarts of oil. I called KIA service department and they said there is nothing they can do unless my check engine light is on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11644890February 25, 2025
ENGINE
I have been dealing with an engine issue for almost two years now, dealership is telling me I need to wait till a barring goes out for the engine to be replaced at no charge. Car does not go over 60 mph, oil is burning like crazy
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642742February 14, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled. The oil change warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an oil change was needed almost every two weeks. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil change warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the result of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil change warning light remained illuminated. The contact research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11642636February 13, 2025
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 70 MPH, there was an abnormal amount of smoke coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that DTC: P1326 was displayed on the instrument panel, with the message, “For Your Safety – Please Pull Over” displayed. The contact pulled over and opened the hood and there was a green liquid sizzling on the heat on top of the engine. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer where it was inspected; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the upper radiator hose had melted, and that the battery was an OEM part. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11640169February 2, 2025
SEAT BELTS
My driver's seat seatbelt has completely locked up rendering unusable. It neither retracts or goes out further so it is stuck in a state where it cannot buckle with a person in it. My car is only 7 years old and I have only had it for4 years.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638978January 27, 2025
ENGINE
Yes, the issue has been confirmed by Kia. They acknowledged the high oil consumption and indicated that the engine requires a rod bearing replacement. However, Kia does not want to fully recognize the problem. I have taken the car to another mechanic who confirmed that the ignition coil has burnt on cylinder number 3 and identified it as an engine failure along with the high oil consumption.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11638094January 23, 2025
ENGINE
The contact’s son owns a 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid. The contact stated that after coming to a complete stop, the vehicle started leaking oil. The vehicle was not taken to a mechanic or the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11629027December 5, 2024
ENGINE
The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Kia Optima. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The vehicle started on the second attempt was able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the engine rod had failed, causing complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed Product Improvement Program for a software update; however, the contact was unaware of the software update which voided the Extended Warranty for the engine repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11625072November 13, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
A auto repair shop said my Kia Optima has a bad knock sensor which is a common problem with those cars. My safety and others was put at great risk when I suddenly lost power on the freeway Problem was confirmed at an independent service center Has not yet been inspected by manufacturer Warning message came up at the same time as losing power
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619423October 11, 2024
ENGINE
Took the car to the dealership to diagnose an issue that I know Kia has a settlement for which is the engine class settlement and the dealership is trying to say the cause of known issue is from another source so they do not have to cover the cost of a replacement engine. The dealership is saying my option is to pay 8-10k for a new engine when it should be covered under the lifetime engine warranty which they confirmed I have. Engine light popped up the day of taking it to dealer. The engine has the possibility of seizing putting the driver or others at risk of serious accident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618738October 8, 2024
SEAT BELTS
Drivers side seat belt will not click into latch
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11615129September 18, 2024
ENGINE, SEAT BELTS
Engine is burning 2 QT of oil every month and burning it in under 1000 miles. Kia dealership says it's a common issue but can't help me until the engine seizes up. The car has less than 85k miles on it. How can this be a common issue but they can't fix it till the engine dies? What if the engine dies out of warranty? Then I'm out 12k for a new engine that will die in 80k miles. This should be a recall.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611800August 30, 2024
STEERING
Car engine stuttered when turned on, then after a moment smoothed out . I noticed some looseness in response in the steering wheel while driving forward, after a short period of time driving the antiskid symbol and the EPS symbol came on and I lost power steering. I turned off the car and turned it back on . The emergency symbols were gone and the power steering was OK. I headed back home and the symbols came back on and lost power steering again after driving about 3 blocks. I repeated turning car off and on to get home.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11611145August 27, 2024
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but failed to accelerate as intended or change gear as intended. The vehicle was then taken to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the triaxle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11607864August 11, 2024
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The KSDS in my engine is causing engine failure due to the dealership failing to fix the problem when I first experienced stalling, lagging and misfiring of my vehicle, which would often make it shake and I would have to turn the car off and reignite it, sometimes more than once. My safety is at risk when driving, because the vehicle will lag while trying to accelerate in traffic. My mechanic researched the issue and found the recall and Kia said they fixed it when it was issued and they didn’t. My CHECK ENGINE light is flashing now and it continues to lose power. I have contacted Kia about the issue and I’m waiting on a response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11606247August 3, 2024
ENGINE
The engine Is losing oil. Taking it to KIA dealership and other repair shops around our area and she has to have her oil changed every thousand miles because the oil is going somewhere but they don’t know where because there’s no leakage anywhere. I see there’s 100 of other complaints about this key should be responsible. Please indicate what we can do about this doesn’t have that many miles on it.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Kia Optima