CarRecallDB

2017 Kia Optima recalls and problems

3 recalls and 257 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia Optima.

3
recalls
257
owner complaints
4
complaints mentioning a crash
9
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2017 Kia Optima recalls

Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch

NHTSA campaign 23V594000 · reported August 24, 2023 · Kia America, Inc. · 319,436 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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."
The risk
A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.
The fix
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.

Engine · Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittings

NHTSA campaign 18V907000 · reported December 19, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 71,653 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.
The fix
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.

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 18V161000 · reported March 8, 2018 · Kia Motors America · 1,710 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 20, 2026 · Engine

3 weeks ago I had my vehicle towed to Car Pros Kia in the city of […]. They said that there was an issue with the engine which should be covered under the extended lifetime warranty that KIA issued Me 2 years ago due to a recall and a system update that they required that I do on my vehicle. We did the update. We are…

Sep 28, 2026 · Engine and engine cooling

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised to return for an oil…

Aug 24, 2026 · Engine

While driving at highway speed, my engine began to produce a loud knocking noise without prior warning. Within few seconds, the engine seized completely causing sudden loss of motive power.This caused a dangerous situation— loss of power steering and barking at highway speed, leaving me stranded in traffic lanes. I…

Aug 17, 2026 · Engine

Loosing oil putting oil in every 3 to 4 days no leaks on ground or oil pan or drain plug.oil don't smell or looks burnt happened around did 2 oil changes in a week still the same. Car will sputer hesitation on acceleration every so often have all updateds and recalls.

Aug 7, 2026 · Engine

I am requesting urgent assistance regarding my 2017 Kia Optima EX, which is experiencing a serious oil consumption/burning issue. The vehicle is burning oil into the engine, causing the oil level to continually decrease and creating a significant concern for engine failure, overheating, or a potential vehicle fire. I…

Optima model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2014 75912043
2015 41,0103174
2016 57602720
2017 325749
2018 22331010
2019 1212207
2020 015163

Across all years, the 2013 Optima has the most complaints (1,387). All Kia Optima years →

Questions

Does the 2017 Kia Optima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2017 Kia Optima, the most recent reported on August 24, 2023 (Latches/locks/linkages: trunk lid, latch). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Kia Optima?
Owners have filed 257 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is engine (165 complaints), followed by unknown or other (33).
How many 2017 Kia Optima complaints mention a crash or fire?
4 of 257 complaints report a crash and 9 a fire; 7 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 20, 2026.