2017 Kia Optima problems

“My 2017 Kia Optima LX with the 2.4L Theta II GDI engine has repeated engine misfires caused by oil-fouled spark plugs. The engine burns 1 to 2 quarts of oil every week on only 200 to 250 miles of driving, 4 to 10 quarts per 1,000 miles, far above the 1 quart per 1,000 miles threshold in Kia’s own TSB ENG222. Every time the spark plugs are removed, they are coated with oil. Cylinder #4 has misfired three times in five months (June 5, August, and November 2026), and cylinders #2 and #3 misfired on June 17, 2026. All four ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced in August 2026, and the #4 misfire returned within about three months. We have paid out of pocket for repeated repairs since January 2025. The KSDS update was installed at a Kia dealer. The vehicle is now unsafe to drive because misfires can cause sudden loss of power at highway speed, and running low on oil risks engine bearing damage and seizure. We have taken it out of service. I have written to Kia America’s executives requesting diagnosis under TSB ENG222 and repair under the Theta II settlement’s lifetime warranty. I am asking NHTSA to investigate excessive oil consumption and repeated oil-fouled…”

“The electrical wiring harness connecting to the hybrid system electric fuel pump(s) was found to have significant corrosion and a missing factory-installed protective covering. This is a manufacturing defect. The protective covering was never installed at the factory, leaving the wiring exposed to moisture and corrosion from the time the vehicle was built. COMPONENT THAT FAILED: Electrical wiring harness to hybrid electric fuel pump(s). Missing factory protective covering caused corrosion. The failed component is available for inspection upon request. SAFETY RISK: Corroded wiring in a hybrid vehicle electrical system poses serious risks including electrical shorts, potential fire hazard, and sudden loss of hybrid propulsion while driving. The vehicle is currently inoperable and unsafe to operate. CONFIRMED BY DEALER: Yes. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Kia dealership where it remained for approximately 8 months. The dealership and manufacturer inspected the vehicle and confirmed the wiring issue but denied warranty coverage. THIRD-PARTY CONFIRMATION: A third-party warranty representative independently reviewed photographic evidence and confirmed the…”

“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.”

“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”

“I own a 2017 Kia Optima. My vehicle was brought in for the tail light recall at Lupient Kia, but the dealership only replaced a bulb and refused to replace the harnesses. I was told by the service advisor (Brad Baranowski) that my tail lights had “nothing to do with the recall” and that I would need to pay $210 for a diagnosis, even though I am still experiencing the exact defect described in the recall (shortage/failure in the harness causing tail light malfunction and warning lights). This incomplete recall repair is a safety hazard my tail lights continue to fail, and I have received tickets because of it. I request that NHTSA investigate Kia’s failure to properly complete this recall. Lupient Kia 6030 N Green Bay Ave Glendale, WI 53209 Phone: (414) 351-3000”

“The power steering stopped working and the car became hard to turn because of it. The power steering light (red color with steering wheel and exclamation point to the right of it) came on also.”