2017 Kia Optima engine problems
173 complaints about engine have been filed for the 2017 Kia Optima, which is 48% of all its NHTSA complaints. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 173 49% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 76,000 miles 55 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 0 and 8
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 7 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 3 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 9 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 11 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 10 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 9 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 5 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 0 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 1 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 0 |
| 200k+ miles | 0 |
What the data shows
Of the 55 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 76,000 miles, and 35% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 8 fires.
What owners wrote
While my significant other and I were driving down the highway our car began smoking from under the hood, then smoke began coming through the air vents inside the car; within seconds we seen flames coming out from under the hood and immediately evacuated the vehicle in heavy traffic with no where to pull over. Within minutes the entire car was engulfed in flames.
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 and the vehicle was jerking. The oil warning light was illuminated. The contact added engine oil. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where oil was found on unknown sensors and on the coils. The contact was informed that an oil change was needed, and the filter needed to be replaced.
Other problems reported for the 2017 Kia Optima
- Electrical system 25 complaints
- Fuel system 22 complaints
- Drivetrain & axles 21 complaints
- Lighting 15 complaints