2017 KIA Optima

These are unverified consumer reports filed with NHTSA, shown as submitted.

• 12/30/2025· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

  The contact called on behalf of her daughter who owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal knocking sound, the cruise control was inoperative, the infotainment screen darkened, and the charging outlet was inoperative. The Check Engine warning light was intermittently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence, and the contact used a vehicle scanner to scan the vehicle. The contact stated that DTC: P1326 for the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) was found, which detected excessive engine vibration. A dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by the dealer. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

• 12/26/2023· ENGINE

  Excessive Oil Consumption: Could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I have a 2017 Optima with Excessive Oil Consumption issue. I noticed the car is consuming excessive oil, for the third time. Many people had reported this issue, leaving customers with expensive repairs. This issue could cause Engine failure, Engine Seizure due to lack of oil. I took the vehicle to the dealer, (Kia) recommended additional services and kept the vehicle overnight for testing. These additional services were outside the normal maintenance interval and are expensive. Quick History: -As of 12/26/2023 Vehicle was dropped off due to excessive oil consumption, this time before the service interval was due. -2017 Optima/ 83,200 Mi -All Oil changes and scheduled maintenance performance at normal interval, sometimes sooner due to the Excessive oil consumption. -Car is for personal use/ normal driving - No Leaks detected in the Car

• 12/20/2021· ENGINE

  I had got on the freeway when I got to my destination I got off the freeway and was waiting for the green light my car started shakeing and shut off. I was able to turn it back on

• 12/19/2019· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE CAR STALLS AND INTERSECTIONS INTERMITTENTLY. YOU HAVE TO TURN THE KEY OFF AND TURN IT BACK ON SO FAR IT HAS STARTED EVERY TIME.

• 12/18/2019· ENGINE

  2017 KIA OPTIMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE CUT OFF WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN AND SLOWING DOWN FOR A RED LIGHT THEN WOULD RESTART. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE*JS *JS

• 12/16/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

  Several weeks ago, we had trouble opening and closing the trunk of our 2017 KIA Optima. Then a few weeks ago, the trunk of our KIA Optima closed and would not open at all. Because of the pandemic, we didn't contact KIA. But today, 16 Dec. 2021, as my wife was driving north in heavy traffic on US Highway 25 in Albuquerque, NM, the trunk suddenly opened and blocked her view of the cars behind her. Luckily she was in the right lane and was able to exit the highway. Otherwise there might have been a serious accident. We bought the car in 2017 from Fiesta KIA in Albuquerque, NM (505-999-2745). They have been unresponsive.

• 12/13/2021· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

  During the week of November 14th, 2021, I noticed my vehicle begin to noticeably vibrate and generate an unfamiliar sound near the engine compartment. The vibration and sound was accompanied by a "check engine" light illuminating. I immediately scheduled an appointment at my local dealership and was provided a date of November 29, 2021. On November 29, 2021, I dropped off my vehicle at the dealership and learned of NHTSA Recall Number "21V844." The service representative and his technician believe the vibration and sound are a result of the recall. To date, my vehicle remains at the dealership and the matter is unresolved. The service representative has advised me that Techline / KIA Corp. is determining whether my vehicle's engine issue is due to the recall or not. It has been two weeks that the vehicle has been at the service center. As per the recall notice I received in the mail, the inspection for the recall should have been completed in a matter of hours. I reasonably believe that Techline / KIA Corp is searching for an excuse to not remedy my vehicle's engine issue, and are jeopardizing the safety of myself and my family. I have a newborn and kindergartener that I have in the car daily and am concern for their safety if the engine issue does not get fixed. I am a military veteran and active police officer. I appreciate any assistance you may provide and thank you in advance.

• 12/13/2018· ENGINE

  MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA BROKE DOWN ON 10/7/2018 AND THE CAR WAS TOWED TO FUCCILLO KIA. THEY REQUESTED A COPY OF MY LAST 3 OIL CHANGES BECAUSE THEY STATED THAT THERE WAS GUNK IN THE ENGINE. I SUBMITTED THE RECEIPTS AS REQUESTED AND A CLAIM WAS FILED WITH KIA'S CONSUMER AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT. THE CLAIM WAS DENIED ON 10/17/2018 BECAUSE INSUFFICIENT MAINTENANCE. I CALLED KIA CONSUMER AFFAIRS TO ASK WHY IT WAS CONSIDERED INSUFFICIENT MAINTENANCE. THE REP COULD NOT OR WOULD NOT TELL ME WHY. I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ONE WOULD HELP ME KEPT REFERRING ME TO THE CLAIMS DEPARTMENT. THEY AGREED TO SUBMIT AN APPEAL SO THE DISTRICT MANAGER WOULD REVIEW MY CLAIM BUT THAT WAS DENIED WITHIN 24 HOURS STATING THREE OIL CHANGES WERE NOT ENOUGH. I ONLY SUBMITTED THE LAST THREE RECEIPTS AS THEY REQUESTED. IN TOTAL, I HAD SIX RECEIPTS. I DID THE RUN AROUND AGAIN AND AFTER STATING I WOULD NEED EVERYTHING IN WRITING (CLAIM DENIAL, WARRANTY INFO, ESTIMATE OF DAMAGES) FROM KIA AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD NOT GIVE ME ANYTHING IN WRITING. I ADVISED THEM I NEEDED IT TO GET LEGAL REPRESENTATION AND THEN THEY STATED THAT THEY WOULD ESCALATE MY CLAIM ON 10/22/2018 AND I SHOULD HEAR FROM MY CLAIM SPECIALIST IN THREE BUSINESS DAYS. THEY ALSO REQUESTED THE ADDITIONAL THREE RECEIPTS, WHICH I SUBMITTED TO THEM WITHIN 24 HOURS. I CALLED THE ESCALATION DEPARTMENT WEEKLY TO TRY TO GET A STATUS ON MY CLAIM AND THERE WAS ALWAYS A REASON WHY IT HAS NOT BEEN RESOLVED. ON 12/11 TAMMY SHAMBURGER CALLED ME TO TELL ME THAT THEY WILL NOT HONOR THE WARRANTY. THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO PAY HALF THE COST TO FIX THE CAR. TOTAL COST $7,814.89 AND I WOULD HAVE TO PAY $3,907.45 PLUS ALL THE TAXES. I DID ASK WHAT EXACTLY IS WRONG WITH THE CAR AND SHE STATED SHE COULD NOT RELEASE THE DETAILS OF MY CASE BECAUSE IT IS PRIVATE INFORMATION. IN ADDITION, THEY WANTED ME TO SIGN AN OFFER LETTER AND A RELEASE AGREEMENT.

• 12/09/2025· POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Vehicle experiences sudden and dangerous loss of power while driving, including hesitation during acceleration, consistent with connecting-rod bearing failure risk known in this model’s GDI engine. Dealer estimate found timing and oil-flow component failures connected to internal engine damage. Vehicle is unsafe to drive and stalls/lacks power unexpectedly, creating a high risk of crash.”

• 12/06/2021· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 70 MPH, the speed decelerated independently while the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the accelerator pedal needed to be repaired. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where they informed the contact there was an unknown software update. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor software needed to be updated. The vehicle was repaired but two days later the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.

• 12/06/2021· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  The vehicle automatically turns the headlights off automatically (at night). While driving and not touching the multi function switch, the vehicle indicate that the headlights were switched manually to the "off" position from the "auto" position on the multi function switch. This happens randomly at random intervals and most noticeable at night when the car is driving and the lights are turned off and is not reproducible on demand. The safety of both myself and the other vehicles around me are put at risk if my headlights cannot turn on or turn off by themselves at night while operating the vehicle. I went to the dealer, and they told me that even though the car is under warranty since the problem cannot be reproduced I would need to pay a $175 diagnostic fee, the dealer told me that Kia will charge them if they can't prove that the multi functional switch is defective. I contacted Kia customer service, they opened a claim, but did confirm that if the issue is not re-creatable on demand the dealer can charge a fee and there isn't anything they can do to waive that. They told me since it's a safety issue they could escalate the issue, so I agreed to escalate it. Then I never heard back after that. The lcd in the control cluster indicated that the lights were turned off (even though the switch was physically not touched and remained in the "auto" position for the lights). Other Kia Optima owners are experiencing this issue as seen here: https://www.optimaforums.com/threads/headlights-turn-off-automatically-at-night.169987/

• 12/05/2024· ENGINE

  The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Kia Optima. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The vehicle started on the second attempt was able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the engine rod had failed, causing complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed Product Improvement Program for a software update; however, the contact was unaware of the software update which voided the Extended Warranty for the engine repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• 11/28/2023· EXTERIOR LIGHTING

  I have my headlights on auto so they turn on but they turn on during the day and then off at night they turn on they have turn off when I'm diving at night on freeway and turn back on

• 11/23/2020· VISIBILITY

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUN ROOF EXPLODED WITHOUT IMPACT WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE IN THE HOUSE SHE HEARD AN ABNORMALLY LOUD BOOMING SOUND. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,300.

• 11/19/2021· ENGINE

  Unknown … Right in the moment I started the car. My car turned on the check engine light and it started a fault as if it wanted to turn off, it shakes and the engine works without power. Since that moment it’s doing it constantly.

• 11/16/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I own a 2017 Kia Optima with a major internal engine defect. Starting shortly after purchase, the car lost power and consumed fuel unusually quickly. Over time, the engine began burning excessive oil and now produces a loud knocking sound (bearing knock), indicating internal bearing failure. These symptoms are consistent with known Kia engine defects (bearing wear / piston ring failure). The defect is a serious safety concern: because of weak bearings and high oil consumption, the engine could stall, seize, or catch fire. The dealership has refused to repair or replace the engine. I am reporting this as a safety defect and request NHTSA investigation.

• 11/13/2024· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  A auto repair shop said my Kia Optima has a bad knock sensor which is a common problem with those cars. My safety and others was put at great risk when I suddenly lost power on the freeway Problem was confirmed at an independent service center Has not yet been inspected by manufacturer Warning message came up at the same time as losing power

• 11/13/2022· UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

  Forward collision avoidance system activated with no vehicle stopped in front. Brakes locked up multiple times and then unlocked.

• 11/10/2023· STEERING

  This has happened several times to me! While driving the steering wheel locks up and I have to coast to a stop to turn off the engine to reset the wheel. It has happened going 60mph down the hwy with my 3 young kids in the backseat. Going 30mph and I have almost hit two cars because of this. If I couldn't stop in time and time hwy wasn't a straight road we would've died. The part I need for the car has been on a back order for over a year. Kia said its not that big of an issue but my life and my kids life is at risk every day!!! Please help!!! This can't only be happening to my car!!!

• 11/10/2020· ENGINE

  I'VE TAKING MY LEASES VEHICLE INTO CARSON OF KIA 3 TIMES FOR OIL LIGHT THEY REPLACED THE OIL PRESSURE SWITCH TWICE OF THE 3 TIMES WHILE DRIVING AFTER THE CARS WARMS UP I GET TICKING NOISE YOU CAN HEAR THE BETTER WHEN WHEN DRIVING NEXT TO A RETAINING WALL AT THIS I'VE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE MANUFACTURER AND AFTER REVIEWING THE WORK ORDER FROM THE DEALER ALL THEY OFFER ME WAS 2 MONTHS OF CAR PAYMENT WHICH I DECLINE SO I'M CONTRACTING NHTSA FOR HELP AND ADVISE

• 11/08/2022· ENGINEFire

  On June 5th 2022 as I was traveling out of state with my wife and daughter the car lost power on the highway. I pulled over to the side when safe and noticed whitish grey smoke puffing from under the hood by the hinges. Being a fire lieutenant, I recognized this as the car being on fire. We exited the vehicle, my daughter was asleep in the back seat, so it was a panic to wake her and make sure she got out away from traffic. Within the 3 minutes I was on the phone with 911 the car was engulfed. A few minutes after the first Chief arrived the fire had reached the fuel tank and the vehicle exploded, approximately 8 minutes in. I opened a claim with my insurance and with Kia America. Kia has taken the blame but refused to replace the vehicle, instead offering me $15000 for the car with only 57000 miles on it. After fighting with Kia for 3 weeks during my claim they finally provided me with a rental vehicle paid for by their insurance. To this date they have not paid for said rental and I am now on the hook for the $930 charge. This event has caused much undue stress on me, I already have cardiac issues, my wife and daughter still have nightmares from the event. Kia inspected the vehicle which is totally burned, they found it to be an engine failure causing oil to spill onto the hot exhaust. They accepted blame. There was no warning, no noises, no lights. I never received a recall notice, I found out about the recall from my insurance after the fact. Kia has been less than helpful.

• 11/07/2019· ENGINE

  THIS IS MY NEW CAR, I BOUGHT IT BECAUSE MY GOOD EXPERIENCE WITH THE 2 KIA SPECTRA WE BOUGHT FOR WORK MORE THAN 10 YEARS AGO AND BECAUSE THE BEAUTIFUL SHAPE AND COMFORD INSIDE. BIG MISTAKE !!! WHEN YOU ARE IN A DATE WITH SOMEBODY IS BETTER TO WAIT , BEAUTY SEXY BODY NOT ALWAYS COME WITH A GOOD SOUL OR ENGINE. ONE WEEK BEFORE MY FIRST CAR PAYMENT DRIVING CHARLOTTE OCT. 20 , DOWN I-77 MY CAR BEGAN TO SLOW DOWN, THEN ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, FEW SECONDS LATER THE BATTERY LIGHT AS WELL, LOW OIL LIGHT, ALL THE ALARMS GO ON LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. IN MIDDLE OF THAT CHAOS LOOKING FOR A SAFE PLACE TO STOP THE FRONT DRIVE TIRE HIT A POTHOLE AND CAUSED DAMAGES TO THE BOTTON OF THE CAR. FEW MINUTES LATER THE CAR STARTED AGAIN AND I MOVED IT TO A BUSINESS PARK WHERE IT DIED 100 % . I PAID TO A TOW COMPANY TO MOVE IT TO MY HOUSE AND NEXT DAY TO THE KEFFER KIA DEALER HERE IN MOORESVILLE WHERE I BOUGHT IT. IF THIS HAPPENS DRIVING AT THE MOUNTAINS I CAN KILL SOMEBODY OR KILL MY FAMILY WITH A FAULTY CAR AND THE DEALER KNOWS ABOUT THE ENGINES PROBLEMS BUT THEY NOT TAKE AND REFUSE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEIR CARS, NOW THE SECOND CAR PAYMENT IS COMING AND IS NOT WAY TO GO TO WORK WITHOUT A CAR. BECAUSE ALL THE INFO. FROM THE CAR COMPUTER IS GONE THEY SAY IS MY FAULT. ANY IDEA WHAT TO DO?

• 11/02/2019· STEERING

  I WAS DRIVING TODAY AND THE STEERING LOCKED UP WHILE I WAS MOVING.

• 10/31/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 35 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact reset the check engine warning light however, the light became illuminated again. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the engine oil was low and needed to be topped off. Additionally, the dealer offered to perform an oil consumption test. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that he had researched online and related the failure to an engine design flaw. The contact requested that the dealer attempt to repair the engine and was refused. The contact was advised by the dealer to drive the vehicle until the engine failed and then he would be placed under consideration for a manufacturer engine replacement program. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 76,000.

• 10/30/2023· ENGINE

  Driving down the interstate, the vehicle started to decelerate and the engine light started flashing. Got it to a mechanic and he started that it was a knock sensor failure P1326 code. Same as the recalls, but my vin number was not included in the recall report. Already had this vehicle in for excessive oil consumption. Paid for the dealer consumption test. They said it only burned a qt. and that was acceptable. In 1000 miles. Have done my own 1000 mile test and have been burning 1.5 or more qts. on three separate tests. Something has to be done about these engines. This is dangerous when going interstate speed and dropping to 20 mph in heavy traffic.

• 10/30/2019· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

  DRIVING ON THE EXPRESSWAY THE VEHICLE WAS SLOW TO ACCELERATE INTO TRAFFIC HAD TO PUSH THE GAS TO THE FLOOR TO GET VEHICLE TO MOVE ALMOST HIT IN THE REAR. CAME TO A STOP LIGHT ONCE GREEN PRESSED ON THE GAS THE CAR WENT TO 25MPH JERKED AND WOULD NOT ACCELERATE OVER 25MPH. SOMEONE CAN BEEN KILLED.

• 10/28/2025· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that upon routine maintenance with a local independent mechanic, it was discovered that the vehicle had low engine oil. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was determined that an oil consumption test was needed to determine any failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that engine oil was added almost every 2 weeks. The message to "Contact the Dealer" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to Team Kia of El Cajon (541 N Johnson Ave, El Cajon, CA 92020), where it was determined that there was engine oil leaking onto the catalytic converter. The contact related the failure to a Kia recall related to a connecting rod bearing failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,400.

• 10/28/2023· ENGINE

  Oil from engine does not cycle through the engine and instead it foams up and comes out of the top of the engine and I need to put oil in my car every week.

• 10/26/2023· LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V594000 (Latches/Locks/Linkages) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted and determined that the next available appointment would be in February 2024. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that there were a lot of customers in front of him and the dealer would not be able to get to the vehicle until February 2024. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil and failed to start occasionally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 126,000. Parts distribution disconnect

• 10/26/2022· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that oil was leaking from the vehicle onto the driveway of her home. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the mechanic stated that the spark plugs needed to be replaced. The sparks plugs were replaced but the failure persisted. On another occasion, the contact noticed that oil was leaking from under the vehicle again, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was oil cylinder #3 spark plug. The spark plug and PCV valve was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the contact would receive a call back. The failure mileage was 93,226.

• 10/25/2023· ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and drove to the residence. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked while driving. An independent mechanic diagnosed the vehicle at the residence and retrieved DTC Code: P1326, and the contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the knock sensor was previously replaced for the same issue; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN and that the vehicle was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 100,670.

• 10/23/2023· ENGINEFire

  The engine on this vehicle caught fire while the vehicle was parked and not running. It had previsouly been drive for approximately 4 hours throughout the day but at the time of the incident there were no warning dashlights present. It is currently available for inspection, however depending on the length of this invesitagion it may no longer be available as i work with my insurance company determing next steps. My safety and the safety of other were put at risk by and open flame and smoke that occured during the fire. Ultimately the Fire Department were required to put out the fire. Approximately 8 months ago the engine was replace by the dealership Summit Place Kia East in Michigan due to an open recall for a knock sensor issue. I suspect this vehicle will be a total loss.

• 10/23/2022· ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

  For the past 5-6 months I’m have ongoing issues with my engine and excessive oil consumption. I’ve completed the three oil consumption test per 1000 miles. On the last test(3rd check), I was told I passed and nothing further was needed. Approximately 1 month after that my engine light illuminated and my car violently shook upon acceleration and while sitting idle. Was informed it was my spark plugs and electric coil… oh and a routine oil change, which I paid to have repaired at approx. $650 this was in late August/Early September. Now here we are in late October and my oil lamp is on yet again! My car does not achieve speeds no higher than 50 mph. I’ve been to the dealership 7 times since April 2022. There’s an expense with owning cars but this is ridiculous. I’m currently a few hundred miles shy of 80,000 miles

• 10/23/2020· VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,SERVICE BRAKES

  WITHIN A WEEK BOTH FRONT AND REAR PASSENGER WHEEL SPEED SENSORS FAILED. RESULTING IN A PROMPT ON DASH AT START UP AND CONSISTENTLY DISPLAYED FOR AEB SYSTEM SERVICE AFTER VEHICLES AUTOMATIC SYSTEM SCAN AN SEE DIFFERENCE IN MILEAGE IN ATTACHED PICTURES. KIA TECHNICIAN SAID IT IS A COMMON ISSUE AND SEES ATLEAST 4-5 VEHICLES PER WEEK WITH THIS PART FAILURE.

• 10/22/2021· ENGINE

  My Kia Optima was burning three (3) quarts of oil for every 1,200 miles driven. I brought the vehicle to Willowbrook Kia and they stated that they would need to do an oil consumption test. After the 1st test, it showed that I burned 3 quarts after 1,200 miles driven. Kia completed an intake carbon test and had me drive it for another 1,000 miles. After the 2nd test, it showed that I burned 1.5 quarts of oil after 1,000 miles. Willowbrook Kia stated that the engine needed to be replaced and it will be under warranty. They rented me a car which they paid for and it took me to call after 1 week in a half and they stated that the vehicle is not covered under warranty as I am the 2nd owner of the vehicle. The gentleman (Vic) at Kia told me the only way to get Kia to replace the engine is to drive it until their is no oil and the engine seizes. I explained to him that I drive on the expressway everyday and that is kind of like an accident waiting to happen. No accident has happened as of yet, but thought I would at least try and send a complaint your way. If there is nothing that can be done, I completely understand, but was trying to avoid a possible accident in the future.

• 10/22/2019· ENGINE

  TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 KIA OPTIMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE CONSUMED ONE PINT OF OIL EVERY ONE THOUSAND MILES. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO WALMART FOR AN OIL CHANGE AND WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS VERY LITTLE OIL ON THE DIPSTICK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KIA OF ANDERSON (5281 US-76, PENDLETON, SC 29670, (864) 328-0542) THREE TIMES WHERE THEY TOPPED OFF THE OIL AND ADDED MORE OIL. THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK AFTER ONE THOUSAND MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AFTER THE ONE THOUSAND MILES WAS TRAVELED AND IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE OIL WAS LOW ONE HALF OF A QUART. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT TO REPEAT THE SAME PROCEDURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER AND THE RESULT WAS THE SAME. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ENGINE COMPRESSION AND OTHER UNKNOWN TESTS WERE COMPLETED AND THE INFORMATION WAS SENT TO KIA SUPPORT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 54,000.

• 10/20/2021· STRUCTURE

  The trunk won't close.

• 10/20/2020· ENGINEFire

  MY 2017 KIA OPTIMA CAUGHT ON FIRE ON OCTOBER 15, 2020. I WAS DRIVING TO THE STORE AND HEARD A TICKING SOUND AND SOME NOISES. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ALSO CAME ON. I PULLED OVER IN THE LEFT TURNING LANE ON THE HIGHWAY TO EXIT THE VEHICLE. I HEARD A POPPING SOUND AND SAW FLAMES. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY CALLED 911. MY CAR BURST INTO FLAMES.

• 10/16/2023· ENGINE

  I was driving my kiaon a very busy interstate. When I was going around 65miles per hour and all of a sudden I lost all power it went from 65 miles per hour to 30 all at once when I hit the gas peddle the car went in jerks finally I got it back up to 55 but it only goes in a jerking motion and r. Very small hill u come to u lose power and it goes jerking . I thought several times I would get rear ended by the vehicle behind me I'm scared to drive this and when the car is running and you step out of the car the smell of gas is very strong and it is using a lot more gas than it mostly does . This happened to me September 20th2023.

• 10/15/2025· ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  I purchased the 2017 Optima Hybrid from Huntington Beach Hyundai on [XXX]. I made sure to double check with the dealer if the engine and hybrid battery were in good condition, in which the salesman reassured me everything is good. The car was driving okay for a while, and I had oil change and tires/alignment changed recently. Just barely 4 months in after I owned the car, the incident happened on the night of [XXX]. I was driving on the highway near the Getty going roughly 70 mph up the mountain roads while all of a sudden the "check hybrid system" warning came on in the car. The car immediately went into limp mode, and I did everything I could to slow the car to a complete stop, and stop on the freeway shoulder safely. It was a traumatizing experience to me, as this is a major safety issue with the vehicle, and other cars were travelling really fast in LA mountain areas. I had the car towed to a auto repair shop the next day, the mechanics did a deep inspection and informed me the hybrid inverter has failed. I paid $2,177 to replace the hybrid inverter with the mechanic. The mechanic also informed me while they were test driving they heard a knocking sound from the engine. I did a look up and found out there is a class settlement and safety campaigns on the engine for 2017 Optima Hybrid due to the faulty factory rod bearings, and the 150K miles extended warranty from Kia should apply to replace my faulty engine free of charge. I will be getting my car towed to Car Pros Kia in Huntington Beach on October 15th, 2025, and request the dealer to replace my engine per Kia's extended warranty. I am filing the complaint because the car is having problems after problems in barely 4 months of ownership, in which I believe I have purchased a lemon, or Huntington Beach Hyundai knowingly hid the facts the components were faulty. I have also filed a case with Kia corporate. Attached is the repair invoice for the hybrid inverter. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

• 10/14/2022· ENGINE

  UNKNOWN

• 10/13/2023· ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE

  The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the oil warning light was frequently illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that oil had leaked into an engine cylinder. The mechanic informed the contact that a Technical Service Bulletin had been placed on her vehicle in relation to the failure and referred the contact to a dealer for assistance. The contact called Pride Kia of Lynn and Herb Chambers Kia of Burlington and was informed that the vehicle was out of warranty. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.

• 10/12/2019· VISIBILITY/WIPER

  THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS SITUATED TOO LOW, CREATING A LARGE BLIND SPOT IN THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. OFTEN, AT A 4-WAY STOP, THE CAR APPROACHING FROM THE RIGHT IS COMPLETELY BLOCKED OUT. DRIVER IS FORCED TO CROUCH DOWN SO AS TO LOOK UNDER THE MIRROR IN MANY DRIVING SITUATIONS. THIS HAS NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT A NUMBER OF TIMES.

• 10/11/2024· ENGINE

  Took the car to the dealership to diagnose an issue that I know Kia has a settlement for which is the engine class settlement and the dealership is trying to say the cause of known issue is from another source so they do not have to cover the cost of a replacement engine. The dealership is saying my option is to pay 8-10k for a new engine when it should be covered under the lifetime engine warranty which they confirmed I have. Engine light popped up the day of taking it to dealer. The engine has the possibility of seizing putting the driver or others at risk of serious accident.

• 10/10/2023· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  Kia fuel rail spurting gas out. Kia dealer said it’s not under warranty and no recalls. Gas leak is so bad car can’t be driven.

• 10/09/2025· ENGINE

  Engine is consuming a large amount of oil. Oil is gunking up spark plugs causing them to be replaced every 10-12 months. Have to add oil 3-5 times per month. This is our 2nd Kia optima and the first (2011) with seized engine in which Kia paid for replacement.

• 10/08/2024· SEAT BELTS

  Drivers side seat belt will not click into latch

• 10/01/2025· STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ENGINE

  Oil is burning too fast... Car has had an issue like this in the past and the problem resulted in a blown engine... Re-call was found by dealer and honored and endinge re-placed.. Car is now expierenceing this problem again... Second, steering wheel is locking when turnning fully left... Third, car smells extremely strong like gasoline when car is warming up...

• 10/01/2023· ENGINE

  Complete engine failure while driving 70mph down the freeway. No lights came on before engine started shaking, knocking, and failed. We were stranded at a gas station. We checked oil and there was none. (This was shocking because we changed oil regularly and car had just received complete oil change several weeks prior) We bought enough oil to drive it to nearest auto mechanic shop. He inspected the car and said complete engine failure and that we needed to contact KIA immediately. Spark plugs were burnt and melted more than he had ever seen. He said this is a recurring problem with their engines. (A few months prior to this incident, check engine light came on and car had a slight sputter during acceleration. We took the car to local repair shop. Car received complete tune up weeks prior to incident and check engine light was resolved.) Car was taken to Kia dealership in Little Rock, AR. Diagnosis: Major oil consumption caused engine to overheat and lose pressure/fail. Engine is non-repairable. New engine will cost $10,000. Kia will not back their product. After investigating further, I have found a Facebook group with tens of thousands of people with similar incidents in their Hyundai/Kia cars. This is a dangerous problem and KIA needs to be held accountable. The most recent class action settlement DOES NOT cover engine failure due to major oil consumption, only rod bearing failure. Where is the oil going? There were no leaks detected, no oil light to warn me. Where does the oil go? Burning up through exhaust? Surely that violates some sort of environmental standard that car manufactures should be abiding by. These cars are dangerous to consumers, and bad for the environment. I’m stuck with a car that I still owe money on that is worthless. If I spend $10,000 to repair, they will put the same engine back in the car and I will repeat the cycle of engine failure and loss.

• 10/01/2020· FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

  THE CAR STALLS AND HESITATES AT TIMES WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS PRESSED