2017 Kia Optima Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 5, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

3 weeks ago I had my vehicle towed to Car Pros Kia in the city of [XXX]. They said that there was an issue with the engine which should be covered under the extended lifetime warranty that KIA issued Me 2 years ago due to a recall and a system update that they required that I do on my vehicle. We did the update. We are having the same mechanical issues we did two years ago with the first recall. I reached out to Kia corporate Kia says they're reaching out to Car Pros Kia I've been in contact with both companies three to four times a week for the last 3 weeks and they both are saying they never received anything from each other. The mechanical issue is very dangerous the car jerks slows down to a very low speed around 30 Mi an hour in the middle of high speed traffic. Is very dangerous I've been without a vehicle for 3 weeks which is slowing down my process to continue to pay my bills I need my vehicle can I get any help from anyone. I feel disrespected taking advantage of and now I'm starting to fall into a financial issue because they cannot communicate with each other to fix an issue that should be covered under the warranty that they said it would and I have documents to prove it INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: August 20, 2026 · Filed: September 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center, and the engine oil was topped off with an additional quart of engine oil. The contact was advised to return for an oil consumption test. There was no oil leak found and the contact was informed that there was an internal oil leak.

Incident: July 18, 2026 · Filed: August 24, 2026

While driving at highway speed, my engine began to produce a loud knocking noise without prior warning. Within few seconds, the engine seized completely causing sudden loss of motive power.This caused a dangerous situation— loss of power steering and barking at highway speed, leaving me stranded in traffic lanes. I was forced to coast to the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to the nearest independent repair shop because it was not drivable and I was stranded far from home. The shop diagnosis —- seized engine due to big end connecting rod bearing seizure, identical to NHTSA Recall 17V-224 and KIA recall SC 17/ SC165 and TSB P1803 related to Theta engine bearing wear and engine seizure.My vehicle has the 2.4 L engine covered by this recall/defect.The failure occurred exactly as described in the recall: knocking , the seizure. KIA has denied warranty coverage because the vehicle was initially diagnosed and repaired at independent shop after the roadside emergency.The shop was used only because the vehicle was immobilized on the freeway away from home. I did attempt to contact a dealership in FortWorth, Texas, Morits KIA, but they could not provide roadside assistance or a tow solution at that time. I am reporting because: 1) This is a sudden loss of power at highway speed, which is a major safety risk 2) This appears to be the same defect KIA has recalled for, but the vehicle was not remedied or remedy failed 3) KIA is refusing to honor the extended warranty for this known defect I request NHTSA document this failure as part of the ongoing monitoring of Theta II engine failures. Vehicle is available for inspection and defective engine have been preserved.

Incident: August 17, 2026 · Filed: August 17, 2026

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 have all updateds and recalls.

Incident: March 15, 2024 · Filed: August 7, 2026

I am requesting urgent assistance regarding my 2017 Kia Optima EX, which is experiencing a serious oil consumption/burning issue. The vehicle is burning oil into the engine, causing the oil level to continually decrease and creating a significant concern for engine failure, overheating, or a potential vehicle fire. I am extremely concerned about my safety and the safety of others because I depend on this vehicle every day. This is also my only vehicle, and I am still making payments on the financing. I do not have the financial ability to simply purchase another vehicle or take on a new car payment. I am asking Kia to please take this matter seriously and investigate the vehicle as soon as possible. I am requesting that Kia review whether there is a known engine issue, applicable warranty or assistance, recall/campaign coverage, or any other program that could help with the necessary repairs or engine replacement. I cannot afford to lose my only means of transportation because of an engine problem that is beyond my ability to financially resolve. I am asking Kia to work with me toward a safe and reasonable solution as urgently as possible. Thank you [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: April 21, 2026 · Filed: June 30, 2026

Since 4/1 my car has intermittently lost power steering. I received dashboard warning lights and the wheel was difficult to turn. When I shutoff the car and turned back on, the warning lights were gone and the steering returned. My mechanic did a diagnostic and found the following codes c1259, c1260, c1290 and c1688 each time the incident occurred. After research, we discovered these codes relate to TBS CHA114 and TSB CHA864 under extended warranty WTY023. I was unable to upload the TBS documents. The same thing happened on 6/18. I brought the car to a different dealer. The first time they supposedly did a diagnostic and said there were no codes. I have pictures of the codes. They said it did not matter because the codes need to be active and the lights need to be on the dashboard. The second time at a different dealer, they didn't do a diagnostic but said it did not matter because the codes need to be active. No where is any documentation does it say the codes need to be active. They are stored in history and Freeze frame data. It is impossible for me to get the car there with the illuminated dash and "active" codes because when it happens, I cannot steer the car and when I shut if off they go away. Plus when I get to the dealer, they will tell me they cannot take me and to make an appointment. I am now working with KIA escalation department but she informed me today that she did not have the authority to authorize a dealer to repair the car. When I asked who does she said I need a techline which is opened by the dealership. WHAT??? This all started with the dealer. The car is now having glitches with the steering while driving. IT IS DANGEROUS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE IT. I have no idea when the steering might go out. I need help in getting a Kia dealership to fix the issue under the extended warranty they sent me in 2022. I am so sick of the run around and brush off. How do I get this accomplished?

Incident: June 1, 2026 · Filed: June 26, 2026

I just bought this car and it runs thru oil fast.

Incident: March 3, 2026 · Filed: June 3, 2026

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

Incident: March 25, 2026 · Filed: May 27, 2026

The engine of this vehicle is still exhibiting the issues that are under the class action lawsuit. Engine. Was not repaired properly by dealership. I must change my oil around 1700 miles

Incident: March 7, 2023 · Filed: May 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that on three of four occasions while driving at approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle began rattling and shaking, and he observed a knocking noise emanating from the engine compartment. The check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the knock sensor needed to be replaced, and he was advised that his vehicle may have been included in Manufacturer Recall Number: SC162. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.