2017 Kia Optima

The 2016 Optima shares the infamous Theta II 2.4L engine with the Hyundai Sonata and Santa Fe Sport, making it part of one of the largest engine recalls in automotive history. Manufacturing debris left in the crankcase causes connecting rod bearing wear, leading to engine knocking, oil starvation, and sudden engine seizure. Some engines have caught fire after seizing. Over 3.4 million Hyundai and Kia vehicles were ultimately affected.

Kia issued recall SC157 and subsequent expansions for the Theta II engine. Dealers will install the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) software update to monitor for bearing noise and limit engine power if abnormal knock is detected. If the engine has already failed or shows signs of bearing damage, it will be replaced free of charge under the lifetime warranty extension. Contact Kia at 1-800-333-4542.

The 2016 Optima is subject to NHTSA investigations for sudden loss of electric power steering assist while driving. The MDPS system may fail without warning, causing the steering to become extremely heavy and difficult to control. The EPS warning light may or may not illuminate before or during the failure.

Kia released TSBs for MDPS software updates and hardware inspection. Dealers will update the MDPS ECU software and inspect the system for faults. If the MDPS motor or torque sensor has failed, the entire steering column assembly will need replacement. The repair may be covered under a service campaign or goodwill.

The 2016 Optima suffers from various electrical issues including premature headlight bulb burnout, turn signal intermittent failure, and dashboard warning light malfunctions. The headlight wiring harness can develop high-resistance connections that cause bulbs to flicker and burn out prematurely.

Inspect and clean the headlight wiring harness connectors for corrosion or heat damage. Replace burned-out bulbs and consider upgrading to LED replacements for longer life. For turn signal issues, check the multifunction switch (combination switch) on the steering column and replace if faulty.

The Theta II 2.4L engine consumes oil at an abnormally high rate, with many owners needing to add a quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. Low oil levels accelerate the connecting rod bearing failure the engine is already susceptible to, creating a compounding risk of catastrophic engine damage.

Have the dealer perform a documented oil consumption test per Kia's procedure. If consumption exceeds 1 quart per 1,000 miles, the engine qualifies for internal repair or replacement under the Theta II recall/warranty extension. Check your oil level at every fuel stop and keep it topped off.

The 2016 Optima with traditional key ignition lacks an engine immobilizer, making it vulnerable to the widely exploited theft technique. The Optima was one of the most commonly stolen Kia models during the 'Kia Boys' theft epidemic, with some cities reporting Kia/Hyundai thefts comprising over 60% of all vehicle thefts.

Kia provides a free anti-theft software update and complimentary steering wheel lock. The software update extends alarm sound duration and adds ignition security. Visit owners.kia.com/us/en/recalls.html or call 1-800-333-4542 to check eligibility and schedule the update.

Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Rio, 2016-2018 Optima, 2017-2018 Optima Hybrid and Optima Plug-in Hybrid vehicles. The trunk latch base may crack, preventing the opening of the trunk from the inside. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 401, "Internal Trunk Release."

A person inside the trunk compartment may become trapped, increasing their risk of injury.

Dealers will replace the trunk latch base subassembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC278.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2011-2017 Optima, 2012-2017 Sorento and 2011-2018 Sportage vehicles that previously received an engine replacement under recall number 17V-224, warranty, or the Knock Sensor Detection System (KSDS) Product Improvement Campaign. 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.

A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a fire.

Kia has notified owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the fuel pipe, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 17, 2019. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC172.

Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Kia Optima hybrid vehicles. These vehicles are equipped with a Voltage Protection Device (VPD), designed to protect the high voltage battery module, that may activate inadvertently.

If the VPD activates while the vehicle is being operated in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, there may be a loss of power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Kia will notify owners, and dealers will remove the VPD switch and install two newly designed Battery Management Systems (BMS) that contain Overvoltage Protection Devices (OPDs), free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 2018. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC162.