Skip to content
WrenchConnect
NHTSA-Verified · Common Problems

2017 Kia Optima
Common Problems

Ranked from 112 federal NHTSA complaints. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.

2
Safety
8
High severity
4
Medium
1
Low
2 problems on this vehicle involve a crash, fire, or injury risk. If you are experiencing one, stop driving and have it inspected.

15 Common Problems

Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.

Sort by
  1. 1

    Engine Misfiring and Power Loss

    39complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine frequently misfires and experiences power loss, leading to dangerous driving conditions.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  2. 2

    Engine Consuming Excessive Oil

    24complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine consumes a large amount of oil, leading to frequent oil changes and potential engine failure.

  3. 3

    Engine Knocking and Bearing Failure

    13complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine produces a loud knocking sound, indicating internal bearing failure and potential engine damage.

  4. 4

    Engine Failure and Internal Damage

    12complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine fails suddenly, often due to internal damage such as broken pistons or valve failure, leading to engine replacement.

    $4,000–$8,000est. engine replacement · 12–20 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  5. 5

    Steering Issues with Power Loss

    12complaints
    Safety riskSteering

    The power steering intermittently fails, causing difficulty in turning the steering wheel and a grinding noise.

    $150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  6. 6

    Engine oil consumption and loss of power

    8complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine consumes an excessive amount of oil, leading to a loss of power and frequent need for refilling.

    $400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  7. 7

    Excessive Oil Consumption and Spark Plug Fouling

    8complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine consumes excessive oil, leading to frequent spark plug replacements and potential engine failure.

    $400–$4,500est. oil-consumption repair (rings/pcv) · 3–14 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  8. 8

    Headlight Malfunction

    6complaints
    Low severityElectrical

    The headlights randomly fail or go out, reducing visibility at night and posing a safety risk.

    $100–$900est. lighting assembly repair · 0.5–2 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  9. 9

    Check Engine Light Issues

    4complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    The check engine light frequently illuminates without specific warning codes, indicating underlying issues.

    $100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  10. 10

    Hydraulic Failure and Engine Overheating

    4complaints
    High severityEngine

    The engine overheats without warning, leading to hydraulic failure and potential engine damage.

    $150–$1,200est. cooling-system diagnosis + repair · 1–6 hrs labor
    Get local quotes
  11. 11

    Electrical System Malfunction

    3complaints
    Medium severityElectrical

    Random electrical system failures, including lights turning on and off, affect visibility and safety.

  12. 12

    Oil Pressure Light Issues

    3complaints
    Medium severityEngine

    Intermittent oil pressure light issues lead to confusion and potential engine damage.

  13. 13

    Faulty Seat Belts

    2complaints
    Medium severityOther

    Seat belts malfunction, potentially failing to secure occupants during collisions.

  14. 14

    Forward collision avoidance system malfunctions

    2complaints
    Safety riskOther

    The forward collision avoidance system activates erroneously, causing the brakes to lock up and unlock without a preceding vehicle.

  15. 15

    Vehicle catching fire

    2complaints
    High severityOther

    The vehicle catches fire while driving, leading to potential injury or death.

Other years & sources

2010 Kia Optima2016 Kia Optima2018 Kia Optima2019 Kia Optima2020 Kia OptimaAll NHTSA complaints for this vehicle →

Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.