2017 Kia Optima Brakes Problems
3 owner-reported brakes complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (3)
Warning lights displayed for ABS and ESC systems. Had Autozone pull the OBD2 codes which indicated the left rear wheel speed sensor failed resulting in failed/disabled ABS and ESC systems. I replaced the bad rear wheel hub/sensor which corrected the problem. I no longer have that failed component. A few months later, warning lights came on again. I again had the codes pulled by Autozone and this time it was the right rear wheel speed sensor. I have the new part but have not yet replaced it so I could keep the defective part for the right wheel. The first one failed in April 2024 and the second in November 2024. This seems to be a bad design with two of the same parts failing in the same timeframe affecting two main safety features of the vehicle
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.
When driving above 30 mph if you apply light brake pressure to the brake pedal and then allow the vehicle to slow down without applying additional force the ABS will activate when the speed drops to around 20 miles per hour. At that point if you release the brake and reapply them they will operate without issue. If on the other hand you hold the force or apply more force the ABS activation continues the brake pedal gets hard and it feels lie the vehicle is not going to stop. As an employee of Kia America I cannot provide any documentation. That said you should have full access to all the details via the TREAD ACT and I would encourage you to investigate it. Please also note I was able to duplicate this issue in 3 other like vehicles and feel this issue could hurt or kill someone.