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    Kia Optima

    EPA MPG: 28 mpg

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

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    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, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how used vehicles are holding up in 17 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical system.

    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

    Cylinder head

    "I have misfiring cylinders for 4 years with this car. KIA refuses to do anything about it (including replacing the engine) and has advised me to buy higher octane fuel and fuel injectors."

    Anonymous A., WA (2017 Kia Optima Hybrid 2.0-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Engine rebuild or replacement

    "Engine used excessive oil and after a series of tests, dealer replaced the engine"

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

    "Excessive use of oil"

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

    "for more than a year I noticed having to add oil between oil changes. Usually at least 1-2 quarts between service intervals. It took another year of painstaking visits to the dealership service department to document the oil usage. Finally it was approved for engine replacement. I was given a rental car and there was no cost to me. I did have to give up about 20 hours of my time over a year to get this done. Service advisor told me there are many Optimas that had same issue. I wonder how many people go to the effort of dealing with hassle of getting through all the documentation hoops!"

    Anonymous, FL (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major engine problem

    "high oil consumption, 1500 miles/quart. Have to check it every 2-3 weeks."

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

    In-car Electronics

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

    What Owners Say

    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "every time there is an IOS update, it connects worse than before"

    Anonymous, AZ (2017 Kia Optima LX 2.4-L 4 Cyl)
    Steering wheel controls

    "Cruise control doesnt work, lights on automatic feature doesnt work"

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Electronic ignition

    "Identified problem of car being able to be started and stolen due to faulty ignition and dealer did not recall or correct."

    Anonymous, IL (2017 Kia Optima SXL 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Heated or cooled seats

    "The drivers side set heating quit working. The cooling function still works, as does the both passenger seat functions."

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

    Exhaust

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

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "computer"

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

    "Trunk latch"

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

    Climate System

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

    What Owners Say

    Automatic climate control

    "Intermittent temp control failure. Dealer could not diagnose source of the issue."

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

    "AC occasionally turns on with low outside temperatures even in manual (not automatic) mode."

    Anonymous, NC (2017 Kia Optima EX 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

    Seat controls - power

    "Stuck in the up position"

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

    "The drivers side window wont roll up and down."

    Anonymous, AL (2017 Kia Optima)

    Engine Minor

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

    What Owners Say

    Engine computer

    "Had a few software updates because something was wrong with the ECU and it kept complaining about the alignment of the drive shaft. I did not fully understand from the technician's description whether the drive shaft itself had a real mechanical issue, or just the ECU was overly sensitive to this condition. For a while, we also had an unusual combination of warning lights come on. Initially the dealership diagnosed the car and found nothing, and eventually I think one of these recalls/software updates might have fixed the issue."

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

    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

    Shocks or struts

    "Weak suspension overall. EG, car bottoms out on speed bumps."

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

    Paint/Trim

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

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "This issue is with the trunk. It leaked in the truck for over 2 years."

    Anonymous, AL (2017 Kia Optima)

    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

    Exterior lights (other than headlights)

    "This car is constantly burning out brake and tail lights. I keep spares on hand."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Other emissions/fuel system problem

    "According to Internet a common problem in this car...manifold intake motor failure triggering Check Engine light. Told not to drive a lot until fixed. Mechanic strongly advised complete assembly replacement...$1100. Not by covered by Kia drive train warrantee"

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

    Noises/Leaks

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

    Transmission Minor

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

    Transmission Major

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

    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.

    Engine Cooling

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

    Brakes

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

    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
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA

    NA

    NA
    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    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 over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 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. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    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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