general problems of the 2017 Kia Motor Optima

My fiancée and I just recently bought this car with the 1. 6t-gdi engine I immediately replaced the oil even though the dealership said that he just replaced it. I put 7 quarts of oil topping off from awk consumption after I initially changed the oil filter. Those 7 quarts were added over the period of three weeks and it’s just progressively gotten worse. I’m putting a quart to 1. 5 quarts of oil in here every other day. Worried about it causing total failure & being at risk of being stranded with 2 kids due to the only engine I’ve been able to find that kia doesn’t have any recall touched base on is the gamma 1. 6 engine. The turbo gamma 1. 6. The n/a 1. 6 was covered but it has ungodly pop/clunking backfiring sound coming from either intake manifold or valve train please help. Times are hard enough as it is to be without a vehicle due to a fault other than none of my own the dealership extended powertrain warranty isn’t being honored by kia even though they said it would just don’t want something to happen to me or the car that’s beyond my capabilities and knowledge and ultimately result in my spouse not having a reliable and/or safe means of transportation to/from work and commuting kids as well. Thanks in advance.

“my vehicle, a 2017 kia Optima, had repeated safety issues documented in service records. Despite multiple repair attempts (per attached records), the problem remained unresolved and put my safety at risk. I’m seeking further investigation or resolution. ”.

--- **summary of complaint – 2017 kia Optima** my 2017 kia Optima (VIN: [xxx] ) experienced sudden engine failure due to a damaged piston. There were no warning signs—no knock codes or dashboard alerts—prior to the malfunction. Despite regular maintenance and timely oil changes, kia denied warranty coverage, leaving me with significant repair costs. This issue appears consistent with reported engine problems in similar kia models and could represent a broader manufacturing defect. I'm submitting this report in hopes of prompting an investigation into a potential safety hazard. A recall may be necessary to prevent similar failures and protect information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I was driving and as I was going to make a left turn, the steering wheel forced itself to the right and locked. And the whole car completely shut down. So I had to slam on my brakes as they were also locking on me.

Unknown oil consumption spark plugs need replacement about every 500-1000 miles. Also needs oil every 500-1000.

Sunroof shattered while driving on the highway. Nothing hit the vehicle. Sounded like a loud explosion.

Hev is not working happened 2 two times already.

This pre-owned vehicle lost power at an intersection with my wife and child in the vehicle. Both of them were fearful and in tears. Several indicator lights suggested problems with the engine, hev system , and battery. Upon returning home, I notified carmax and scheduled the vehicle for service at a local kia dealership. Although the mechanic told me that he knew there is a problem with the vehicle, kia failed to diagnose or fix the problem(s), and could not assure me that the vehicle was safe to drive. Maxcare would not cover a rental car because no diagnosis was made. Kia also informed me of a previously undisclosed, long history of problems going back to 35 miles on the odometer. I requested a copy of kia's vehicle history report and kia refused to provide it. . Read more...

Kia states they are unable to provide the vehicle with the anti theft software update due to the vehicle having a remote start. I asked if they can remove the remote start. Kias are not safe with only using the club steering wheel lock. Theives are drilling a hole through the keyhole or cutting them off. My car is now worth less & auto insurance is becoming more difficult. Please make them do something! these cars are still getting stolen nonstop every single day!.

Car went into limp mode (three times since July 2022) and slowed down on the freeway from 70mph to 20mph without prior warning, putting my life at risk. Dash reads “check hybrid system”. Kia’s had my car for a week without allowing me a loaner or answers.

No vehicle warning as it became engulfed in flames. Fire started from under the hood.

My car was stolen on February 14, 2023 at 7pm.

First I had an oil leak which I was advised to warm my car up to prevent from getting worse. At the time I was told it was minor. Then my oil light started coming up every 2 weeks and when checked there was no oil. Now 2 months later, my car has stopped and showed a blinking check engine light. When checked I was told a code of p1326 which is the knock sensor. I have only had my car 7 months and it’s been problem after problem. Not to mention only a month after buying it was stolen. Due to no immobilizer so I’m sure a lot of the issues are also a result of the dumb theif who decided to damage my car. Also my cruise control doesn’t work a lot of the time.

Forward collision avoidance system activated with no vehicle stopped in front. Brakes locked up multiple times and then unlocked.

I previously submitted a report regarding engine failure in my kia 2017, Optima. I’d like to update the complaint with new details. Upon mechanical inspection, it was confirmed that the engine bears Hyundai branding and has sustained internal damage including broken pistons and valve failure. These issues appear consistent with the known oil ring defect affecting Hyundai-manufactured engines used in kia vehicles. Symptoms included: engine knocking and rough idling sudden loss of oil and reduced performance full engine failure requiring replacement I believe my vehicle may have been missed in the recall or settlement programs and request this update be added to my case. I’m willing to provide repair estimates, diagnostic reports, and photos upon request. Thank you for investigating this issue further.

I was driving with an SUV in front of me at 18-wheeler in front of them. This is on a road where the speed limit is 65 however there's a section on 301 where there's a traffic light. All three vehicles came to a slow normal stop and the adaptive cruise control was doing a good job of slowing the vehicle down without my input. But the SUV when we were at about stopping speed but had not yet come to a complete stop, the SUV switched to the left lane. At which point I was maybe 20 ft behind the 18-wheeler and all of a sudden the car is adaptive cruise control tried to accelerate the car back up to the setting of 65. It didn't register the 18-wheeler at all it just registered that the car in front of me had cleared the space and if I had not been paying attention and immediately applied the brakes to stop the car manually it absolutely would have accelerated directly into the back of the 18-wheeler. I was maybe 5 ft and it was still accelerating when I slammed on the brakes. I've been able to since reproduce the effects, it doesn't register 18 wheelers correctly in this specific situation as vehicles. I've even had the camera recalibrated in between tests. I have everything on video but unfortunately do not have access to the car's computer logs. I would be willing to send in my ecu for whatever is needed to identify this further.

Car can be easily stolen due to not having an engine immobilizer.

There is a viral trend spreading throughout the country that shows how easy it is to steal a key-start kia or Hyundai. The perpetrators bashed my back rear window, dislodged the undercarriage of the steering wheel, and used something as simple as a usb cable to turn a knob and start the ignition. My safety was put at risk as well as others because these people that stole my car clearly do not care about their own life or others. No one steals a car for a positive reason. They drove it recklessly and abandoned it without concern for anyone. Kia and Hyundai need to address this issue or more and more of them are going to continue to get stolen and people are going to continue to get hurt, both physically and financially.

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.

While driving on the freeway and no vehicles around me, the sunroof shattered, I am reaching out to consumers to see if they have encountered the same problem. As I reached out to kia consumers affairs and after waiting 2 months I was told to reported it to my insurance and they will cover my deductible but it will take 90 days for my deductible to be processed and issued to me. A total of 5 months to wait for my sunroof to be fixed is unacceptable. Fyi - kia dept. Of consumers affairs (800) 333-4542 you will be on hold for hours before someone can help you, so annoying… any suggestions or help will be greatly appreciate.

After driving for more than 5 or so minutes I begin to smell a burning smell. I’ve had my brakes inspected, my oil changed and even took it to the dealership however it continues to keep happening.

The contact owns a 2017 kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, while slowing down the brake pedal was depressed and would engage however, after several seconds the brake would disengage and the vehicle would roll forward. The contact was able to safely stop and noticed a knocking sound coming from the rear area in the trunk as the vehicle came to a stop. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed however, the mechanic found no failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 83,000.

Several weeks ago, we had trouble opening and closing the trunk of our 2017 kia Optima. Then a few weeks ago, the trunk of our kia Optima closed and would not open at all. Because of the pandemic, we didn't contact kia. But today, 16 Dec. 2021, as my wife was driving north in heavy traffic on us highway 25 in albuquerque, nm, the trunk suddenly opened and blocked her view of the cars behind her. Luckily she was in the right lane and was able to exit the highway. Otherwise there might have been a serious accident. We bought the car in 2017 from fiesta kia in albuquerque, nm (505-999-2745). They have been unresponsive.

During the week of November 14th, 2021, I noticed my vehicle begin to noticeably vibrate and generate an unfamiliar sound near the engine compartment. The vibration and sound was accompanied by a "check engine" light illuminating. I immediately scheduled an appointment at my local dealership and was provided a date of November 29, 2021. On November 29, 2021, I dropped off my vehicle at the dealership and learned of NHTSA recall number "21v844. " the service representative and his technician believe the vibration and sound are a result of the recall. To date, my vehicle remains at the dealership and the matter is unresolved. The service representative has advised me that techline / kia corp. Is determining whether my vehicle's engine issue is due to the recall or not. It has been two weeks that the vehicle has been at the service center. As per the recall notice I received in the mail, the inspection for the recall should have been completed in a matter of hours. I reasonably believe that techline / kia corp is searching for an excuse to not remedy my vehicle's engine issue, and are jeopardizing the safety of myself and my family. I have a newborn and kindergartener that I have in the car daily and am concern for their safety if the engine issue does not get fixed. I am a military veteran and active police officer. I appreciate any assistance you may provide and thank you in advance.

While driving on an interstate on-ramp, I heard a loud bang from under my hood. I exited to the shoulder and as soon as I stopped, I heard a second, larger bang from the same area. Within a few seconds, flames started coming out of the engine compartment and began to fill the cabin of my vehicle from the area of the air vents and all through the dash. Within five minutes, the vehicle was fully engulfed in flames. I had no problems with the vehicle up to this point and the maintenance was up to date.

The wiring harness was replaced in my 2017 kia Optima in 2019 at approximately 45,000 miles. Kia replaced my engine January 2020 because it was consuming large amounts of oil. I just got my car back in January 28, 2021 with a supposedly new engine. On March 3, 2021, my car caught fire while pulling out of my neighborhood actually driving down the street. Smoke and flames were coming out from underneath the hood the of the car. The entire front end of the car burned. Thankfully, the fire department got the fire out and no one was injured.

Abs light and trac light on. Right rear hub bearing needs replacing. Vehicle only has 78,000 miles.

Bought my kia 1� ago & always had a problem w/headlights always turning on & off when in auto mode. Trunk latch had to be replaced due latch not locking when trying to close trunk. Dealership said they get 20-30 latch issues w/my make & model of kia every week. After vehicle starts car just dies & engine light comes on. At times car will stay on but stutters like its going to die.

For years there has been a problem with my vehicle after it rains. On the drivers side when turning the steering wheel there is a scraping noise. The dealership service always said they can’t hear anything or duplicate the problem. Now the issue has extended to the passenger side. After a heavy rain or going through the car wash water get in under the glovebox. My sunroof is fine and not clogged, the problem is something else. Water no matter the source should not be getting inside the car causing odor issues, interfering with the operation of turning / steering gears. This needs to be a recall to force kia to acknowledge this well known problem from hundreds of online complaints regarding leaks.

The shark fin antenna snapped off while driving. I hit nothing, just driving on the highway.

I purchased a new 2017 kia Optima in Feb of 2017 and on July 17 2018 I was driving down a street when I slowed down to a stop so a car can back out when the car violently shook then shut off. I tried multiple times to restart it but just shook again and turned off. My husband pushed me to the sidewalk where I tried again to restart it and it finally stayed on with no lights showing up. Took it to the dealership on a tow truck and was told nothing is wrong with it. They kept the car for a day and said I can pick it up it's perfectly fine. I have a case open with kia and they told me not to restart the car because the codes will erase and that's what happened. I told kia I will not be driving the car because it's not safe and I have children. Their response is nothing is wrong with it so I decided to drive it only to take my husband to work for the next 2 weeks and on August 13 2018 while I was driving the lights came on and I could not get any gas so I was just coasting. Luckily I was able to pull into a parking lot and park but I also took a video of what lights came on as well as when the tow truck came showing the lights were still on even though I did not completely turn the car on. I have a rental for 2 weeks and a field tech is going to drive my car for 1 week to try and duplicate the issue even though it already happen for the second time. Now I'm waiting on what the issue is.

While on an hour's drive the bsd (bling spot detection system) ceased to operate. The actuator switch was illuminated, but an error exclamation point appeared on the dash noting the bsd failure. I drove on further until I came to stop at a traffic light. This had happened a couple of months ago, also. I turned off the engine and pulled the key. I waited 30 seconds and restarted the car. They system came back online. Further along on the drive it happened again, as I was driving on a hilly road. When I went to give the car more gas, the car did not respond. I floored the accelerator, and the car still did not respond, while the bsd malfunctioned again. It was simultaneous. Additionally, the system on the dashboard that indicates where the shifter is went dark and the exact same time as the failure in both cases on this day. Of course I took the car to the dealer. They could not re-create the issue. They called kia corporate to see if there were similar reports with a fix they might know of. The factory sent a cya response to the dealer stating that knew nothing of this issue. I had gone on the internet and found scores of similar bsd failures in both kia and Hyundai which are sister companies. I have to believe the bsd module is made by the same manufacturer for both companies. I told the dealership if it happened again while I was in the area of the dealership I would drive the car there so they could see and possibly come up with a diagnostic code while the failure was in progress. They had no explanation for the associated loss of power. . .

We lease a 2017 kia Optima hybrid with technology package. It has 1986 miles and is three months old. Last week the car while in motion just stopped in the middle of traffic on a major roadway with no warning. My wife was able get off the road by constantly restarting the car. After almost one week we found out that it was a failure of the battery management system would not charge the main battery.