2017 Kia Optima engine problems
164 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Kia Optima — 64% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Aug 24, 2026
“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.”
filed Aug 17, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 7, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- High pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged…Campaign 18V907000 · Dec 19, 2018
Related service bulletins
VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: THETA II 2.4L GDI EMISSIONS: ECM LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SC340 REVISION 5) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are…
SC340_TSB_R5 · Emissions · issued Apr 4, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 104 ) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_JF&JFA_104 · Emissions · issued Mar 17, 2026VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 103 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_JF103 · Emissions · issued Dec 19, 2025VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN: OWNER NOTIFICATION (SC340 FLIGHT 101 / JF) - This document is the owner notification advising that Kia is conducting a Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign to improve the emissions…
SC340_OWNR_JF101 · Emissions · issued Nov 27, 2025
Engine problems in other Optima years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 Optima | 98 | 68% |
| 2019 Optima | 88 | 43% |
| 2018 Optima | 131 | 56% |
| 2016 Optima | 424 | 56% |
| 2015 Optima | 621 | 62% |
| 2014 Optima | 283 | 48% |
| 2013 Optima | 612 | 44% |
| 2012 Optima | 398 | 43% |
| 2011 Optima | 256 | 43% |
| 2010 Optima | 9 | 12% |
| 2009 Optima | 14 | 12% |
| 2008 Optima | 19 | 13% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Kia Optima
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.