The Lemon Index2017 Kia Optima.
The 2017 Kia Optima is better than average by owner complaints: 63 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 53, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 25 to 42 mpg combined. It's the best Kia Optima year we track.
Better than average. 1.9× fewer complaints than average.
Worst year 2001
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 282 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Kia Optima year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 17K to 92K miles on the car (104 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 33K–96K miles
Recalls 3
- latches/locks/linkages 2023
The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside.
- fuel system, gasoline 2018
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.
- hybrid propulsion system 2018
These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Kia told dealers about
Kia sent dealers 202 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Oil intrusion into e-cvvt cover - when diagnosing a dtc related to the e-cvvt system, remove
- E-cvvt cover inspection and motor plug replacement (sa305) - revised - this bulletin
- E-CVVT COVER INSPECTION AND MOTOR PLUG REPLACEMENT (SA305) - This bulletin provides
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedPedestrian alert sounds2023
- ClosedLoss of motive power2022–2023
- ClosedEngine fires2021–2024
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Optima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Kia Optima Hybrid 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1550–2550 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When u start the car the engine misses.if u give it gas it doesn't pick up like it should.missing and no power.
2017 Kia Optima owner · NHTSA complaint 11223042
More owner reports
When accelerating there is engine knock noises. There may be a blue smoke upon acceleration. The engine is using oil at a rate of 1 quart of oil every 1100 miles.
NHTSA complaint 11317326
A loud sound coming from engine. Car well maintained.
NHTSA complaint 11338491
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Kia Optima reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 53; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2017 Kia Optima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (46%), electrical (17%) and lights (8%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Kia Optima have?
3 safety recalls (latest: latches/locks/linkages). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Kia Optima get?
25 to 42 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Kia Optima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Kia Optima problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 17,600 and 92,200 miles. The middle report was at 45,500 miles, from 104 complaints.
Does the 2017 Kia Optima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2017 Kia Optima cost in fuel a year?
About $1550 to $2550 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Kia Optima have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works