2017 Kia Optima Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

161Engine complaints

63.9%Of all 252 complaints

#1Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ENGINE161 · 63.9%

Unspecified / other33 · 13.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM23 · 9.1%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM20 · 7.9%

POWER TRAIN20 · 7.9%

Share of the 252 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2017 Kia Optima overview page.

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2018 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, black smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe…”NHTSA complaint 11511029 — filed 03/09/2023

“The contact's son owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. Additionally…”NHTSA complaint 11508744 — filed 02/23/2023

“I am the second owner of this car. According to carfax it has been well maintained at kia since day one. I have owned it…”NHTSA complaint 11507594 — filed 02/16/2023

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Kia Optima have engine problems?

Engine is the most-reported problem area on the 2017 Kia Optima: 161 of 252 complaints on file (63.9%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2017 Kia Optima have in total?

252 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 4 involved a crash, 9 involved a fire, 7 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.