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2017 Kia Optima LX

The 2017 Kia Optima LX is a 185-hp inline-4 with a 6-speed automatic and front-wheel drive. It starts at $22,200 MSRP and is rated at 29 mpg combined.

It makes 185 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 178 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. EPA fuel-economy estimates are 25 mpg city and 36 mpg highway (29 mpg combined).

The Optima measures 191.1 inches long on a 110.4-inch wheelbase and has a curb weight of 3,219 lb.

Spec Value
Vehicle
Body TypeSedan
PowertrainGas
Price
MSRP$22,200
MSRP with Destination$23,095
Destination Charge$895
Engine
Engine TypeTheta II G4KJ 2.4L GDI DOHC inline-4, Dual-CVVT, naturally aspirated
Horsepower185 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque178 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm
ValvetrainDOHC 16-valve with Dual-CVVT
Bore and Stroke88.0 x 97.0
Compression Ratio11.3:1
Injection TypeGasoline Direct Injection (GDI)
Drivetrain
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive
Transmission
Transmission6-speed automatic
1st Gear4.212
2nd Gear2.637
3rd Gear1.8
4th Gear1.386
5th Gear1
6th Gear0.772
Reverse3.385
Final Drive2.885
Fuel Economy
City25 MPG
Highway36 MPG
Combined29 MPG
Recommended FuelRegular unleaded
Suspension
Front SuspensionIndependent, MacPherson strut, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear SuspensionIndependent, multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Turning Diameter35.8 ft
Tires & Wheels
Wheels Front16 in
Wheels Rear16 in
Tires Front205/65R16
Tires Rear205/65R16
Dimensions & Weight
Length191.1 in
Width73.2 in
Height57.7 in
Wheelbase110.4 in
Front Track63.1 in
Rear Track63.4 in
Ground Clearance5.3 in
Cargo Volume15.9 ft³
Curb Weight3,219 lbs
Interior
Headroom Front39.8 in
Headroom Rear37.8 in
Legroom Front45.5 in
Legroom Rear35.6 in
Shoulder Room Front58.1 in
Shoulder Room Rear56.4 in
Hip Room Front56 in
Hip Room Rear56 in

Safety & Recalls

NCAP safety ratings

Overall ★★★★★
Frontal crash ★★★★★
Side crash ★★★★★
Rollover ★★★★★ (9.8 % risk)
Tested variant: 2017 Kia Optima 4 DR FWD

Recalls

3 recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia OPTIMA. Not every recall applies to every trim or VIN — check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Aug 24, 2023 · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TRUNK LID:LATCH

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."

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V594000

Dec 19, 2018 · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS

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.

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

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 18V907000

Mar 8, 2018 · HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

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.

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

NHTSA campaign 18V161000

257 owner complaints to NHTSA for the 2017 Kia OPTIMA

Owner Complaints

257 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Kia OPTIMA (4 mention a crash, 9 a fire, 2 an injury). See all on nhtsa.gov

Most-cited areas
Engine165
Unknown Or Other33
Electrical System25
Power Train21
Fuel/Propulsion System20
Exterior Lighting15
A complaint can cite more than one area.
Most recent complaints
Oct 20, 2026 · Engine
“3 weeks ago I had my vehicle towed to Car Pros Kia in the city of [XXX]. They said that there was an issue with the engine which should be covered under the extended lifetime warranty that KIA issued…”
Sep 28, 2026 · Engine And Engine Cooling
“The contact owns a 2017 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after receiving an oil change, the contact became aware that the engine oil level was low. The vehicle was taken back to the service center…”
Aug 24, 2026 · Engine
“While driving at highway speed, my engine began to produce a loud knocking noise without prior warning. Within few seconds, the engine seized completely causing sudden loss of motive power.This caused…”
Aug 17, 2026 · Power Train, Engine
“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…”
Aug 7, 2026 · Engine
“I am requesting urgent assistance regarding my 2017 Kia Optima EX, which is experiencing a serious oil consumption/burning issue. The vehicle is burning oil into the engine, causing the oil level to…”

Complaints are unverified reports submitted to NHTSA by owners. They cover the whole model year, not a specific trim, and a count alone doesn't show how common a problem is.

Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (nhtsa.gov), matched as 2017 KIA OPTIMA. US-market vehicles only; data cached for up to 7 days.

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