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    Kia Optima

    EPA MPG: 28 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2017 Optima is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2017 Kia Optima has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2017 Kia Optima owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Engine was failing and had to be replaced. Took way longer as Kua argued the case."

    Anonymous, (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "warranty covered engine and transmission replacement"

    Anonymous A., VA (2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "This engine is part of a class action lawsuit. They were built with the incorrect crankshaft bearings that eventually fail. The engine burns oil, one quart per tank of fuel. The bearings eventually fail. Kia eventually agreed to replace the mid engine under their warranty."

    Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Engine lost power, check Hybrid system popup, pulled off to side of highway. Couldn't restart, engine locked up. Knock sensor software didn't put car in limp mode, catistrophic failure. Kia replaced engine under extended warranty, mileage at failure was 108,000 miles. Took 6 weeks to get engine replaced, Kia provided rental car."

    Anonymous, KY (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other major engine problem

    ""The car is burning oil. There is never any on the ground. I am adding oil every few thousand miles between oil changes, which is not normal. I insisted the dealer complete an oil consumption test. The dealer insisted the test showed no issues with the engine. The check engine light came on a few months ago. I had to stop at a nearby auto parts store and add 5 quarts of oil. This is not a normal issue!""

    Anonymous A., IL (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other exhaust system problem

    "I had to replace the fuel filler neck. It had a small leak causing the check engine light to emit a trouble code indicating a leak in the air pollution control system."

    Anonymous A., PA (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other/unsure

    "several chips had issues and needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, ON (2017 Kia Optima Plug-in 2.0-L 4 Cyl plug-in hybrid)

    "Very expensive insurance due to theft problem"

    Anonymous, (2017 Kia Optima EX 1.6-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Pulsation or vibration

    "pads broke"

    Anonymous, MO (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Brakes were reportedly pulsating when applied firmly by the dealer that accepted the vehicle as a trade in."

    Anonymous A., FL (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Regular brake failure

    "Regular brake pad replacement"

    Anonymous, (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Mirrors

    "Drivers mirror motor that retracts entire motor failed"

    Anonymous, TX (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - power

    "The seat got stuck in the forward position"

    Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "Even though the blower motor was replaced at great expense last year, it intermittently blows almost nothing."

    Anonymous A., FL (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    "Yikes, Ill try. Ive had two years of general a/c issues that the dealer could not diagnose until March 2025. It needed parts replaced. Issues were sporatic so that I had to keep a diary. The a/c would work just fine then suddenly it stopped and just blew uncooled air. By the time Id get it to the dealer it was working fine again. My dealer is very good and I think my a/c situation more speaks to the complexity of Optimas."

    Anonymous, GA (2017 Kia Optima SXL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "The rear bumper is loose and the paint trim is peeling"

    Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    "Jerked going into reverse in eco mode"

    Anonymous, CA (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "warranty covered transmission replacement. the dealer I used to replace it was a nightmare. KIA has been very slow to pay me for rental car while it was in the shop - still waiting over 7 mos after work was completed."

    Anonymous A., VA (2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "Make squeaks when temperature is below 60F"

    Anonymous, NC (2017 Kia Optima EX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    "Holding an alignment is an ongoing issue-perhaps thats normal? Realignment resolves the issue for a while then its back out of alignment. Factoring in road conditions in America today, I still think its been hard to hold anything related to tires, rotation, balancing and alignment-even when routine maintenance is done."

    Anonymous, GA (2017 Kia Optima SXL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "2024 replace battery"

    Anonymous, NY (2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    2017 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Kia vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict
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    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
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    Engine Cooling
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    Engine Electrical
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    Transmission Major
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    Transmission Minor
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
    Aug 24, 2023
    A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V594000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 319436
    ENGINE
    Oct 29, 2021
    A damaged engine can increase the risk of a fire or it can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The connecting rod bearings inside the engine may wear prematurely, which can result in engine damage.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect the engine. If bearing damage is found, the engine will be replaced. Dealers will also install a software update containing a Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 29, 2021. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC218.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V844000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 10731
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Dec 19, 2018
    A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V907000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 71653
    HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
    Mar 08, 2018
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V161000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 1710
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