2017 Kia Optima fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V907000Dec 19, 201871,653 vehicles
  ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

  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.

  Risk: A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

  Remedy: 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.

• Recall 18V161000Mar 8, 20181,710 vehicles
  HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

  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.

  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.

  Remedy: 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.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 3, 2026INEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11741793 · source
2. Filed Apr 16, 2026GAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The electrical wiring harness connecting to the hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) was found to have significant corrosion and a missing factory-installed protective covering. This is a manufacturing defect. The protective covering was never installed at the factory, leaving the wiring exposed to moisture and corrosion from the time the vehicle was built. COMPONENT THAT FAILED: Electrical wiring harness to hybrid electric fuel pump(s). Missing factory protective covering…

   NHTSA complaint #11731494 · source
3. Filed Feb 6, 2026RIEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   “My vehicle, a 2017 Kia Optima, had repeated safety issues documented in service records. Despite multiple repair attempts (per attached records), the problem remained unresolved and put my safety at risk. I’m seeking further investigation or resolution.”

   NHTSA complaint #11716078 · source
4. Filed Nov 16, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11699628 · source
5. Filed Oct 15, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11693506 · source
6. Filed Jul 30, 2025CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving my 2017 Kia Optima (Theta II engine) at approximately 115,900 miles, I suddenly experienced engine failure. The vehicle began to stall and produced a burning smell shortly before the engine seized completely. I had the car towed to a Kia dealership, which confirmed an internal engine failure and noted that there were no signs of external oil leaks or neglect. The failure occurred only 4,500 miles after my last oil change, which was documented and professionally…

   NHTSA complaint #11677195 · source
7. Filed Jun 25, 2025120,000 miNCFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the low battery warning light was illuminated, and the message stating an electrical failure was occurring was displayed on the infotainment center. The battery was tested and found to be non-defective. The vehicle was taken to AutoZone, where a mechanic diagnosed and determined that the alternator had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact found information of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V161000 (Hybrid…

   NHTSA complaint #11669102 · source
8. Filed Nov 13, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11625072 · source
9. Filed Aug 11, 2024OKEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The KSDS in my engine is causing engine failure due to the dealership failing to fix the problem when I first experienced stalling, lagging and misfiring of my vehicle, which would often make it shake and I would have to turn the car off and reignite it, sometimes more than once. My safety is at risk when driving, because the vehicle will lag while trying to accelerate in traffic. My mechanic researched the issue and found the recall and Kia said they fixed it when it was…

   NHTSA complaint #11607864 · source
10. Filed Apr 4, 2024FLFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    On [xxx], around 11:30 a.m., i was driving [xxx] on [xxx], going about 78 mph, just passed [xxx], when the lights on the dash lit up, smoke started coming from the back of the car, then there was smoke coming from under the hood then smoke started coming from the a/c vents. There was a full fledge fire under my hood. The guy driving next to me, kinda gestured for me to pull over, although i was already thinking i needed to pull over, the shock of what was happening, i lost…

    NHTSA complaint #11581052 · source
11. Filed Feb 19, 2024FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Every time after I get an oil change I’m constantly having to put oil in it because it goes dry every 2 days and my check engine light stays on before and after oil change, randomly shaking soon as I turn the car on then the oil light comes on every time I go over a speed bump! The car slams on breaks when it wants and has even did it when in fast traffic on the highway.

    NHTSA complaint #11572828 · source
12. Filed Oct 10, 2023MNFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    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.

    NHTSA complaint #11549228 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology