2017 Kia Optima · symptom sheet
Check engine light or misfire
- 49owner reports
- 90,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report May 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
189 of the 256 complaints on this car are about the engine. 49 of those describe misfire. Only engine failure is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 49 reports
Misfire on other Optima years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them.
What this problem usually is
These reports start with the check engine light. Many describe the engine running rough or shaking at idle, a P0300-series code, or a catalytic converter code. A worrying number say the light was flashing. Owners often list ignition coils or spark plugs already replaced, and the light coming back afterward.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the sensor (14 reports), the spark plugs (8 reports) and the ignition coils (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the engine covers the 2017 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The high pressure fuel pipe that connects to the fuel pump outlet may have been damaged, misaligned or improperly torqued during the engine replacement procedure, possibly causing a fuel leak.
All 3 recalls on the 2017 Kia Optima, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Optima
Loss of motive power. Closed dec 12, 2023.
Engine fires. Closed feb 5, 2024, led to recall 23V-877.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 20V-088.
Non-crash vehicle fires. Closed may 10, 2019, led to recall 18V-907.
Scope and timeliness. Closed dec 22, 2021, led to recall 17V-224.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 50,000 and 100,400 miles, from the 26 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 2 service bulletins or notices for the 2017 Kia Optima that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
COMBINATION TSB/SERVICE ACTION: AIR FILTER AND NVLD REPLACEMENT (SA421) This bulletin provides the procedure to perform an evaporative leak test and replace the fuel tank air filter, and, if necessary, the Natural Vacuum Leak Detector (NVLD) on some Optima (JF HEV) vehicles, produced from June 27, 2016 through January 7, 2019, ...
1.6T GDI ULEV MIL ON LOGIC IMPROVEMENT FOR P0128 This bulletin provides the procedure to improve the logic of the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) on some 2016-2017MY Optima (JFa) 1.6T GDI ULEV DCT vehicles, produced from September 28, 2015 through September 03, 2016, which exhibit a MIL (Malfunction Indicator ...
What owners wrote
“Every time after I get an oil change Iâm constantly having to put oil in it because it goes dry every 2 days and my check engine light stays on before and after oil change, randomly shaking soon as I turn the car on then the oil light comes on every time I go over a speed bump! The car slams on breaks when it wants and has even did it when in fast traffic on the highway.”
Filed Feb 19, 2024
“Entered on to the highway and accelerated to get up to speed. Check engine light started blinking and could no longer accelerate.”
Filed Feb 14, 2024
“my check engine symbol started to flash, my car was not going over 2 RPM, took it to my mechanic, when he scanned it, he told me it's showing P132600, and that the engine might be failing, I have a KIA Optima 2017 with 70k miles on it. thanks god I wasn't on the expressway.”
Filed Jan 26, 2023 · 70,000 miles
“I purchase the car at the end of November of 2022 from drive time. I was driving on January 8th 2023 and the car speed reduced and the check engine light started flashing”
Filed Jan 13, 2023
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 49 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency
Other problems on this car
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 72 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 47 reports
- Burns oil or oil level rises 43 reports