What 252 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Kia Optima

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 completed. The Kia technician mentioned verbally that this was due to excessive oil consumption and burning — an issue I later found to be widely reported in other Kia vehicles using this engine type. The estimated repair cost is over $14,000, which is more than the value of the vehicle. Despite my warranty being expired, this type of failure appears consistent with known manufacturing defects. I am reporting this for public safety and accountability. The vehicle failed without warning and could have caused a dangerous situation on the road.

NHTSA ODI 11677195

Excessive oil consumption started at 61,000 miles, causing engine misfires and dangerous power loss on the road. Engine codes 1326 and P0304 were frequent. Despite numerous services, including sensor replacements, spark plugs and oil top-offs, the problem worsened. At 97,769 miles, the dealer said a full engine replacement is needed along with other pertinent repairs related to the engine are needed. The situation was life-threatening each time as they occurred while driving and I now no working vehicle after my husband's recent death. Kia dealerships acknowledged the defect but refused to replace the engine and advised that Kia Corporate was refusing, although no claim information was ever provided that they indeed contacted the corporate office. I am seeking NHTSA support in holding Kia accountable.

NHTSA ODI 11677350

Code P1326, Faulty Knock sensor on 2.4GDI

NHTSA ODI 11676468

The car stalled out

NHTSA ODI 11674955

My Kia optima fe 2017 has been consuming a lot of motor oil it takes a quart every 2 to 3 weeks and of if I drive it more than average it needs motor oil sooner

NHTSA ODI 11674547

Engine is failing and using over 3 quarts of oil every 700-100 miles. Spark Plugs have become oil fouled and replaced all 4 spark plugs June 11th, 2024 and replaced all 4 spark plugs again January 12th, 2025. Today July 7th, 2025 Check Engine light came back on with Engine Misfire code P0303 Cylinder 3 Misfire, changing spark plugs again today. My safety is put at risk because oil consumption is a know issue with Kia GDI Engines. At any moment my car can run out of oil if it is not check every other week causing my engine to completely fail or a spark plug become Oil fouled and a spark plug needing to be replaced. In July of 2024 when this happened I was on the highway going 70 mph and my car just completed shut down. I could have been seriously injured had I not been able to pull over and only been 5 miles away from my home. I called Kia today to start an Oil Consumption test, stated I am the 2nd owner and while this is a known issue I will pay for and Upper Engine Clean which is only a band aid. This problem has been confirmed with Kia that the GDI Engines are consuming oil. I have also replaced all Engine Coolant, Coolant Temperature Senor, Thermostat as well as the PCV Valve.

NHTSA ODI 11671759

My vehicle is experiencing engine issues consistent with the known Theta II GDI engine defects — including rod bearing failure piston rings engine stalling, I understand that Kia has offered extended warranty coverage through the engine defect settlement, provided the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) update was installed before failure. I am unsure whether this update has been applied and would like to confirm my eligibility. I respectfully request: 1.Confirmation of KSDS update installation on my VIN 2.A review of my eligibility for engine inspection and coverage under the extended warranty 3.Assistance with coordinating service and coverage at my local dealership (LeBlanc Kia, New Iberia, LA) I am the second owner of this vehicle and want to ensure I am treated fairly under the known warranty extension guidelines. Thank you for your support. I look forward to your prompt response.

NHTSA ODI 11669359

I purchased a 2017 Kia Optima from Deal Makers Auto Sales in Georgia in February 2024. The vehicle broke down within 3 months. I later found out it had four open safety recalls that were never disclosed at the time of sale. This is dangerous and deceptive, and the dealership refused to take responsibility or make repairs.

NHTSA ODI 11664990

Engine stalled out while driving lyft. Got passenger to their destination safely, however lyft is my only source of income big risk to stall out on a highway.

NHTSA ODI 11665181

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle lost motive power with no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11657754

I was driving on the highway, the check engine light started flashing and the car lost power. This created a very dangerous situation because I could not go the speed limit and could not get off the highway since I was in the middle lane. We went and had the check engine light checked and were told the code was P1326.

NHTSA ODI 11652963

I was driving on the highway and randomly my car started to shake very badly and i couldn’t go faster than about 30 mph. My engine light didn’t turn on until i turned the car off and back on after finally making it home after almost getting hit by cars trying to make it back home. I sent it to get looked at and they said that it’s misfiring pretty severely and that kia had a recall on an engine/motor awhile back for my car and to take it to a dealership. I contacted KIA customer care but the only recall I see when I look up my VIN # is for the trunk recall.

NHTSA ODI 11650676

There appears to be an issue with Kia USA regarding an oil switch fault that the company may be aware of but has not addressed through a service bulletin. We own a 2017 Kia Optima with a 2.4L engine and 84,000 miles that has recently started experiencing an intermittent oil pressure light. Thinking the issue was covered under warranty, I took the vehicle in for repair, only to receive a quote of $6,000. The faulty switch had pushed oil through the wiring harness, contaminating the powertrain control module and fuel injectors. I have found information indicating that Kia issued a service bulletin in April 2022 for the same switch used in the 2.4L issue affecting 2015-2018 Kia models with 3.3L engines. However, when I provided this information to the dealer, they insisted the switch in my Optima was different and not covered by the bulletin. I have repeatedly requested the part number for the faulty switch referenced in the bulletin, but have not received a response from the dealer or Kia corporate. The information I found on-line is that the switch in both motors are the same switch. I understand that if this issue is not addressed early, the repair cost can reach upwards of $7,500. If Kia had proactively notified 2.4L owners about the switch issue in 2022, my problem may have been caught and resolved before the extensive damage occurred. Furthermore, if the faulty switch was used across multiple Kia models during the same time frame, the company should have included those vehicles in the service bulletin. I am not concerned with getting my own Optima repaired, but I find it unacceptable for Kia to take advantage of customers in this manner. An $18 part failure should not result in such significant damage, and Kia's lack of transparency and action is disappointing. I hope that by sharing this experience, Kia will be compelled to address this issue and prevent further financial hardship for their customers.

NHTSA ODI 11649658

1.) What component or system failed or malfunctioned? Engine failure due to excessive oil consumption and/or a malfunctioning Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). •The engine failed at only 50,000 miles due to internal issues. •The KSDS system triggered a flashing check engine light, but Kia refuses to cover the repair despite known past issues. •Kia engineers and the dealership confirmed the engine failure but are denying warranty coverage. The vehicle is currently at the dealership and available for inspection. 2.) How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? •A flashing check engine light appeared, indicating possible catastrophic engine failure while driving. •Loss of engine function on the road could have led to an accident. •The KSDS system was designed to prevent this type of failure, but it failed to stop the damage in time. •If the engine had completely failed at highway speeds, it could have created a dangerous situation. 3.) Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue was confirmed by the Kia dealership. •The dealership confirmed that the engine has failed and needs to be replaced. •A tech line case was opened with Kia engineers, who confirmed the failure. •Kia refuses to cover the repair, claiming it is a "top-end failure" instead of a "rod bearing failure." 4️.) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? Yes, it was inspected by the Kia dealership and Kia engineers. •A tech line case was created, and Kia engineers reviewed the issue. •Kia admitted that the engine failed but refused to cover the repair under warranty. 5.) Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes, a flashing check engine light appeared due to the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS). •The same warning code had previously appeared while

NHTSA ODI 11648736

My Engine is burning a quart or more of oil a week. Since my last oil change I have put in 15 quarts of oil. I called KIA service department and they said there is nothing they can do unless my check engine light is on.

NHTSA ODI 11644864

I have been dealing with an engine issue for almost two years now, dealership is telling me I need to wait till a barring goes out for the engine to be replaced at no charge. Car does not go over 60 mph, oil is burning like crazy

NHTSA ODI 11644890

The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle stalled. The oil change warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that an oil change was needed almost every two weeks. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil change warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed; however, the result of the diagnostic test was unknown. The vehicle was repaired; however, the oil change warning light remained illuminated. The contact research and was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V907000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11642742

Yes, the issue has been confirmed by Kia. They acknowledged the high oil consumption and indicated that the engine requires a rod bearing replacement. However, Kia does not want to fully recognize the problem. I have taken the car to another mechanic who confirmed that the ignition coil has burnt on cylinder number 3 and identified it as an engine failure along with the high oil consumption.

NHTSA ODI 11638978

The contact’s daughter owns a 2017 Kia Optima. While the contact’s daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle. The check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start on the first attempt. The vehicle started on the second attempt was able to be driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who determined that the engine rod had failed, causing complete engine failure. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact became aware that the vehicle was included in an undisclosed Product Improvement Program for a software update; however, the contact was unaware of the software update which voided the Extended Warranty for the engine repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11629027

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 ODI 11625072

Took the car to the dealership to diagnose an issue that I know Kia has a settlement for which is the engine class settlement and the dealership is trying to say the cause of known issue is from another source so they do not have to cover the cost of a replacement engine. The dealership is saying my option is to pay 8-10k for a new engine when it should be covered under the lifetime engine warranty which they confirmed I have. Engine light popped up the day of taking it to dealer. The engine has the possibility of seizing putting the driver or others at risk of serious accident.

NHTSA ODI 11619423

Engine is burning 2 QT of oil every month and burning it in under 1000 miles. Kia dealership says it's a common issue but can't help me until the engine seizes up. The car has less than 85k miles on it. How can this be a common issue but they can't fix it till the engine dies? What if the engine dies out of warranty? Then I'm out 12k for a new engine that will die in 80k miles. This should be a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11615129

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 issued and they didn’t. My CHECK ENGINE light is flashing now and it continues to lose power. I have contacted Kia about the issue and I’m waiting on a response.

NHTSA ODI 11607864

The engine Is losing oil. Taking it to KIA dealership and other repair shops around our area and she has to have her oil changed every thousand miles because the oil is going somewhere but they don’t know where because there’s no leakage anywhere. I see there’s 100 of other complaints about this key should be responsible. Please indicate what we can do about this doesn’t have that many miles on it.

NHTSA ODI 11606247

Driving highway speed (75) after work may 23rd 2024 when my car just randomly stop accelerating and I pulled to the side of the highway and I heard a weird engine knock sound coming from engine . I turned the vehicle off and back on and it was still doing the same thing then it just cut off and wouldn’t start no more. I reached out to Kia cooperate to find out that it’s an extended life time warranty on the engine of the make of my car for rod bearings failure. I contacted Kia of Pelham Al to get an appointment to bring it in I drop it off June 9th , service app was June 10th. They failed to give a rental car … leaving me with no way to work …

NHTSA ODI 11595951