Kia Optima Complaints (2017)

306 consumer complaints on file.

#11677350July 30, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Excessive oil consumption started at 61,000 miles, causing engine misfires and dangerous power loss on the road. Engine codes 1326 and P0304 were frequent. Despite numerous services, including sensor replacements, spark plugs and oil top-offs, the problem worsened. At 97,769 miles, the dealer said a full engine replacement is needed along with other pertinent repairs related to the engine are needed. The situation was life-threatening each time as they occurred while driving and I now no working vehicle after my husband's recent death. Kia dealerships acknowledged the defect but refused to replace the engine and advised that Kia Corporate was refusing, although no claim information was ever provided that they indeed contacted the corporate office. I am seeking NHTSA support in holding Kia accountable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676468July 27, 2025
ENGINE
Code P1326, Faulty Knock sensor on 2.4GDI
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674955July 21, 2025
ENGINE
The car stalled out
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674879July 20, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I previously submitted a report regarding engine failure in my Kia 2017, Optima. I’d like to update the complaint with new details. Upon mechanical inspection, it was confirmed that the engine bears Hyundai branding and has sustained internal damage including broken pistons and valve failure. These issues appear consistent with the known oil ring defect affecting Hyundai-manufactured engines used in Kia vehicles. Symptoms included: Engine knocking and rough idling Sudden loss of oil and reduced performance Full engine failure requiring replacement I believe my vehicle may have been missed in the recall or settlement programs and request this update be added to my case. I’m willing to provide repair estimates, diagnostic reports, and photos upon request. Thank you for investigating this issue further
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674547July 18, 2025
ENGINE
My Kia optima fe 2017 has been consuming a lot of motor oil it takes a quart every 2 to 3 weeks and of if I drive it more than average it needs motor oil sooner
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11671759July 7, 2025
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
Engine is failing and using over 3 quarts of oil every 700-100 miles. Spark Plugs have become oil fouled and replaced all 4 spark plugs June 11th, 2024 and replaced all 4 spark plugs again January 12th, 2025. Today July 7th, 2025 Check Engine light came back on with Engine Misfire code P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire, changing spark plugs again today. My safety is put at risk because oil consumption is a know issue with Kia GDI Engines. At any moment my car can run out of oil if it is not check every other week causing my engine to completely fail or a spark plug become Oil fouled and a spark plug needing to be replaced. In July of 2024 when this happened I was on the highway going 70 mph and my car just completed shut down. I could have been seriously injured had I not been able to pull over and only been 5 miles away from my home. I called Kia today to start an Oil Consumption test, stated I am the 2nd owner and while this is a known issue I will pay for and Upper Engine Clean which is only a band aid. This problem has been confirmed with Kia that the GDI Engines are consuming oil. I have also replaced all Engine Coolant, Coolant Temperature Senor, Thermostat as well as the PCV Valve.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669619June 27, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Warning lights displayed for ABS and ESC systems. Had Autozone pull the OBD2 codes which indicated the left rear wheel speed sensor failed resulting in failed/disabled ABS and ESC systems. I replaced the bad rear wheel hub/sensor which corrected the problem. I no longer have that failed component. A few months later, warning lights came on again. I again had the codes pulled by Autozone and this time it was the right rear wheel speed sensor. I have the new part but have not yet replaced it so I could keep the defective part for the right wheel. The first one failed in April 2024 and the second in November 2024. This seems to be a bad design with two of the same parts failing in the same timeframe affecting two main safety features of the vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669359June 25, 2025
ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
My vehicle is experiencing engine issues consistent with the known Theta II GDI engine defects — including rod bearing failure piston rings engine stalling, I understand that Kia has offered extended warranty coverage through the engine defect settlement, provided the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update was installed before failure. I am unsure whether this update has been applied and would like to confirm my eligibility. I respectfully request: 1.Confirmation of KSDS update installation on my VIN 2.A review of my eligibility for engine inspection and coverage under the extended warranty 3.Assistance with coordinating service and coverage at my local dealership (LeBlanc Kia, New Iberia, LA) I am the second owner of this vehicle and want to ensure I am treated fairly under the known warranty extension guidelines. Thank you for your support. I look forward to your prompt response.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669102June 25, 2025
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the low battery warning light was illuminated, and the message stating an electrical failure was occurring was displayed on the infotainment center. The battery was tested and found to be non-defective. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where a mechanic diagnosed and determined that the alternator had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V161000 (Hybrid Propulsion System) and linked the recall to the failure. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11667117June 16, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
For years there has been a problem with my vehicle after it rains. On the drivers side when turning the steering wheel there is a scraping noise. The dealership service always said they can’t hear anything or duplicate the problem. Now the issue has extended to the passenger side. After a heavy rain or going through the car wash water get in under the glovebox. My sunroof is fine and not clogged, the problem is something else. Water no matter the source should not be getting inside the car causing odor issues, interfering with the operation of turning / steering gears. This needs to be a recall to force Kia to acknowledge this well known problem from hundreds of online complaints regarding leaks.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11665181June 5, 2025
ENGINE
Engine stalled out while driving lyft. Got passenger to their destination safely, however lyft is my only source of income big risk to stall out on a highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664990June 5, 2025
ENGINE
I purchased a 2017 Kia Optima from Deal Makers Auto Sales in Georgia in February 2024. The vehicle broke down within 3 months. I later found out it had four open safety recalls that were never disclosed at the time of sale. This is dangerous and deceptive, and the dealership refused to take responsibility or make repairs.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664504June 3, 2025
STEERING
Randomly when turning, my steering will jolt in the opposite direction and lose power steering. The red power steering light does come on at this moment where I have to pull over, turn the car off, and restart and the symptoms clear itself up. In addition, there is there is, randomly, grinding noises (and I can feel it in the steering) when turning. When this occurs, relocating the steering column by changing the position (via tilt and telescopic) seems to help clear it up for awhile. I have almost jolted to oncoming traffic when turning and a few instances. I have had it serviced to check steering points at tires, axel, cv joints, and my mechanics can't seem to find the fault there. Even after doing alignments, it helped for a little bit but the same problems came back. They believe it to be a steering column issue. They believe that it is getting caught when turning and causing the issues. This has been occurring for about 6-8 months now. The power steering losing power happens maybe once or twice a week to once every two weeks. The grinding and vibration in the steering column while turning happens a few times a week to maybe just once a week. Its occurrence worsens when it rains. I am reporting this because I have read other reports of people have the same experience as myself.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661833May 19, 2025
POWER TRAIN, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, STEERING
The power steering stopped working and the car became hard to turn because of it. The power steering light (red color with steering wheel and exclamation point to the right of it) came on also.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11659448May 7, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima PHEV. The contact stated that there was an abnormally loud rattling sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was turning on and off. The contact stated that the catalytic converter and battery were damaged. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact contacted Putnam Kia Service (2 California Dr Suite D, Burlingame, CA 94010), Hilltop Ford (3280 Auto Plaza, Richmond, CA 94806) and Oakland Kia (2500 Webster St, Oakland, CA 94612), but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined that the rings and seals needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the walls were scored in the engine. The mechanic determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658585May 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving and as I was going to make a left turn, the steering wheel forced itself to the right and locked. And the whole car completely shut down. So I had to slam on my brakes as they were also locking on me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657754April 30, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11656397April 23, 2025
STEERING
Failure of Flexible Steering Coupler, part of the Motor Driven Power Steering. This flexible coupler deteriorated noticeably over about 6 months time. Currently steering is very erratic with crunching sounds when turning wheel. This is a serious safety concern. I had the steering and suspension inspected at an official PA state inspection station (annual requirement) and was assured that the mechanical under car parts are all good. HAs never needed any repairs in this area, not even a wheel alignment. I am the original owner and the vehicle has been well maintained. Vehicle currently has 141,000 miles, mostly highway driving. KIA advises that there is no recall and no warranty repair available. I believe this is a design defect and safety issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652963April 5, 2025
ENGINE
I was driving on the highway, the check engine light started flashing and the car lost power. This created a very dangerous situation because I could not go the speed limit and could not get off the highway since I was in the middle lane. We went and had the check engine light checked and were told the code was P1326.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11652349April 2, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Unknown Oil consumption Spark plugs need replacement about every 500-1000 miles. Also needs oil every 500-1000
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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