2016 Kia Optima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 756 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 20 Optima model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 27 involved a crash and 19 involved a fire. 21 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Latches/locks/linkages, trunk lid, latchAug 24, 2023
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.
Campaign 23V594000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsDec 19, 2018
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.
Campaign 18V907000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleJan 6, 2017
Kia Motors America (Kia) has recalled one 2016 Optima vehicle. In this vehicle, the end seal for the driver's frontal air bag inflator may not have been properly installed, possibly resulting in reduced inflation of the frontal air bag in the event of a crash.
In the event of a crash, an air bag that does not inflate fully increases the risk of injury.
The affected vehicle was remedied on January 10, 2017. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC143.
Campaign 17V007000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, axle assembly, axle shaftOct 3, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 13, 2015, to April 23, 2016 and equipped with a 2.4l engine. The right front axle driveshaft may crack and fail.
If the driveshaft cracks and separates from the vehicle, it will not be able to move forward. Additionally, if the parking brake is not applied upon exiting the vehicle, the vehicle may roll. Either scenario can increase the risk of a crash.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front axle driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began November 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC139.
Campaign 16V705000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalApr 21, 2016
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain model year 2016 Kia Optima vehicles manufactured November 10, 2015, to February 12, 2016. In these vehicles, a chemical enhancer required for the for the second stage deployment of the driver's frontal air bag was not loaded, resulting in the second stage not deploying in necessitating crashes.
If the second stage air bag does not deploy it increases the risk of injury or death.
Kia will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began on May 6, 2016. Owners may contact Kia customer service at 1-800-333-4542. Kia's number for this recall is SC131.
Campaign 16V231000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
442 reports, newest first. Show all
Engine, Mar 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at approximately 60 MPH on the highway, the engine was shaking and the vehicle stalled. The contact pulled over and was assisted by her son who poured three quarts of oil into the engine. The contact restarted the vehicle and drove it to her residence. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 95,000.
Engine, Jan 23, 2022
The main problem with the car is the error p1326 is the knock sensor. I have this car for almost 5 or 6 months. The error has never been inspected by any insurance or police. The only warning about this problem was the "engine light" on the car.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Jan 5, 2022
#1Headlights & break lights going out often. Bulbs can’t be replaced anymore due to wiring burnt ( 1 headlight ) Took it in and they didn’t even look at it. Have do Documents to back that up #2 Engine light coming on, diagnostic testing indicated spark plugs need to be replaced . Had to do this two times with oil on plugs Took it in and they NEVER look at the spark plugs #3 car burning excessive amount of oil anywhere from 1 quart a week to 3 1/2 quarts after driving 600 miles. Took it into the shop for oil consumption testing only to be told that their warranty would not cover it and it needs a new engine. I have a 10 year or 100,000 mile warranty on my car! and at the present time I only have 88496 miles on my car I have documentation to back up my claim, I have been a loyal Kia owner for 18 years and they have absolutely treated me horrible in regards to this saying that it was lack of maintenance and they never checked the issues that led up to their findings. They indicated that there was sludge in my engine but could never prove or show me anything that they did to document the sludge and trying to blame it on me. This car is a safety hazard as I am aware of mini other Kia optima’s dad have either caught fire or repaired to have their motors replaced due to the same issues. Anything you can do to help me with this issue ! I’m 60 years old and know how to take care of my car
Engine, Dec 30, 2021
In Sept the car oil light came on. The car was out of oil. Took it to shop and they could not find a leak. The car was filled with oil. Less than 1,000 miles later in Oct the same situation occurred again. The car was inspected an no leak was found but the oil was gone. In Dec after going 2 500 miles the same situation occurred again and another shop inspected and could not find out why. In all 3 situations the driver had to pull over immediately and be stranded until oil came.
Engine and engine cooling, Dec 27, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the oil warning light illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road and checked the oil level of the vehicle with the assistance of her son. The contact stated that her son noticed that the vehicle did not have oil on the dipstick. The vehicle was taken to Pep Boys who had previously refilled the oil and the oil was refilled; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The dealer advised the contact to bring the vehicle back after 1,000 miles. The dealer also advised the contact to not open the oil cap per the manufacturer's instructions. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that oil was leaking in the engine compartment and an unknown part needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but did not provide assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000. Consumer stated mechanic put new oil valve gasket. Paid 300+ to put new gasket.
Engine, Nov 15, 2021
my engine started making a knocking noise so i get off the freeway and had my car towed to the dealership and they Confirm that the engine is making a knocking noise but they denied the engine replacement just because it didn’t have the software update done i have only had this car since july i had no idea of this or it would have been taken care of i make sure all my cars are up to date on every repair that it may need
Engine, Nov 4, 2021
My car has been burning oil and progressively got worse. The oil lamp light would only blink for a few seconds and turn off to indicate the oil tank was low. I would be around 3 quarts of oil low every 2,000 miles. I have taken my vehicle to the KIA dealership and started the process of a oil consumption test to build a case. After some maintenance work and coming due to check back with the dealer for the 3rd engine oil test, the engine light illuminated. I checked my oil level to make sure there was oil in there and after restarting my car the light turned off. 4 days later my car stalled when coming to a stop. After a few minutes I was able to power my car back on and drive it safely home. The car was taken to the Dealership I have been going to in San Bernardino. I let them know I had checked the oil dipstick after the engine light was on before the stall and they told me I would have to start the engine consumption test over for taking out the dipstick, altering the test. My car has been at the dealership for 4 days with no word on why my engine stalled but I can pick up my car today after they do an oil change to begin the oil consumption test again. They asked that I drive 1,000 miles and bring it back for a final check on the oil per KIA's instruction. In the meantime I have to hope that my car will not stall again possibly causing a wreck harming myself and others or that my engine will not fail before the 1,000 miles are up. If I make it to 1,000 I am hoping KIA will honor the powertrain warranty and fix the engine, but my hope is fading. Although a settlement for similar issues has been made in favor of KIA owners, my problems are occurring after the settlement date.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 1, 2021
Misfire– oil on the spark plug caused misfire. check engine light came on. OBDII scanner show a P0302 trouble code. Eventually the engine misfired enough and lead to a backfire. This also led to Decreased Fuel Mileage, Catalytic Converter Damage, and Blue Exhaust Smoke.
Engine, Oct 7, 2021
The contact owns 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that after an oil change on the vehicle, the mechanic informed the contact that there was only a ½ quart of oil in the engine prior to the oil change. A few weeks after the oil change was performed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and checked and noticed that the oil level was very low. The contact added 4 quarts of oil to the engine to fix the failure however, the failure recurred. The contact was concerned about the excessive oil consumption. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Sep 30, 2021
I was driving the car on the high way when I suddenly heard a strange noise from the engine with a shake in the car then the car completely switched to the hybrid engine from the gas one. The hybrid battery was depleted within a minute or two but I was able to put the car on the side of the high was before it completely stopped moving. After that whenever I press on the gas pedal nothing happened there was zero propulsion. I took the car for inspection the hybrid battery was depleted so it got replaced but then the engine itself isn't working and apparently there is a metallic parts in the oil My car is available for inspection if needed It was definitely unsafe to break down in the middle of the highway I believe the normal non hybrid car had a recall issue with the engine and the hybrid has the exact gas engine the 2.4L one The car wasn't inspected yet by the dealership as it is hard to get an appointment The car had 2 codes before breaking they were P0014 and P0420 they appeared approximately 2 weeks before the incident
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 25, 2021
Since purchasing this car I’ve had to have electrical repairs done every year. If it’s not the seat it’s the window. If it’s not the window it’s the dash. A couple of days ago my husband said he noticed that the oil in the car was running low really fast. We had just done an oil change on the car not even 30 days prior to this. We were driving late at night back from a work trip when al of a sudden the check engine light came on and the motor started to shake and a thudding noise was getting louder. We were able to pull over and saw that there was literally no oil in the car. No warning nothing. Again we had just had an oil change not even 30 days prior. My father had to come tow us home an hour and a half away because he was worried with the sounds it was making that it might blow. There was smoke coming from the exhaust and the motor was shaking like it had no control. I’ve read multiple issues just like this one and of course my car just passed warranty. I’m not even done paying the car off. This should be an issue Kia has to fix by now with so many similar complaints. It’s dangerous and fraud. I’m just lucky the car was able to pull over safely as my husband and our 8 month old were in the car with me. Please help get this fixed. I’m now out of a car that’s only 5 years old and not paid off.
Engine, Sep 23, 2021
2016 Optima with 111K miles: 7/17/19 car received ECU upgrade for the KSDS system. After upgrade, on 5/23/2020 at 90K miles, the car started to shake/knock, engine light came on, car went in to limp mode, car was taken back to the Kia dealer, code was recorded as P1326, another update was performed, and due to excessive damage bearings were replaced. Car performed ok until 9/22/21, again the car started to shake violently (bucking), loud knocking sound, engine light came on, went into limp mode, was pulled over immediately, dealership contacted, car driven directly there (3 miles). Notified at 4:30pm "there was a complete failure of the 'Fuel Injector System' and needed replacement". Was told that the "entire fuel injector system failed allowing fuel to soak and flood into the cylinder and spark plugs". This was ALARMING. Luckily, we knew to pull the car over and keep the RPMs below 1500, and only traveled a few miles. Had we been driving for a while, or the engine had been hot I do not think a rupture of the entire fuel injection system that again is located in the cylinders of the engine would have ended well. Kia Service now telling me the "Lifetime Warranty" on engine is not applicable bc a code did not get captured. The fact that my car previously captured that code speaks to the fact that the engine was faulty on production, misaligned, allowing damage to occur from mile 1 on. ECU upgrades and replaced bearings do not remove the damage that was previously sustained by the migration of metal shavings throughout the engine compartment for the 90,000 miles before it was detected and repairs were made. While the "Lifetime Warranty" speaks to engine replacement and engine repairs the original class action suit was due to engine fires, which you all (NHTSA) determined in its reporting that the exact cause of the fires in all cases was “undetermined”; noting dealers should be looking at fuel and or oil leaks within the engine. This is alarming to say the least.
Engine, Sep 2, 2021
As I was driving on the highway my vehicle started to decelerate without warning. I was able to move to shoulder and when the car came to a stop the temperature gauge immediately went from cold to hot and the engine light came on and the dash displayed engine overheating. While researching what to do if your engine overheats, I came across the issues Kia has been having with their engines. I had the car towed to the dealership for inspection and was told my vehicle would not be covered because I didn’t do the product replacement which I had no knowledge of. After calling the manufacturer and talking to several reps I was ultimately blamed for the defect and not knowing about the problem so therefore it’s not Kia’s responsibility to fix my vehicle. One rep told me that Kia sent out notices according to DMV records, which means I should have received a notice. Another rep discovered that they did not have a correct address for me on file and said that it was my fault because I am supposed to update my address when I purchased the vehicle. I was also told by a supervisor that customers that buy new cars get priority in being contacted and that used car costumers are supposed to notify the manufacture when they buy a car so that’s why I received no notification of the recalls or product replacement. I received less than adequate customer service, and being blamed for a problem that resulted for Kias negligence is totally unacceptable.
Engine, Aug 14, 2021
Oil consumption 2 Quarts every 1000 miles /sudden engine failure/ miss firing cylinders/blue smoke/ very hot engine
Engine, Aug 9, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving 40 mph, the vehicle would not accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed as engine failure. The dealer informed the contact that the manufacturer had not approved the vehicle for an engine repair because the software update had not been performed on the vehicle. The contact stated that she had not received a notice from the manufacturer for the software update. The vehicle was not repaired and remained at the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and initially informed the contact that the engine would be repaired under the warranty coverage however, the manufacturer later informed the contact that because the software update was not performed, the warranty coverage would be declined. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.
Seats, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 20, 2021
I have a flashing check engine light while driving my vehicle was not trying to give gas or anything
Engine, Jul 14, 2021
Burns oil, worn piston rings, bad gaskets! Engine replacement
Engine, Jul 12, 2021
My 2016 KIA was consuming 1 quart of oil every 500 miles in 2021. Called KIA dealer about oil consumption issue and they started 3-1000 mile oil consumption tests on 4/6/21 (miles 92,053). On the 1st 1000 mile test, 2 qts of oil were consumed. 2nd 1000 mile test 1.2 qts of oil were consumed. 3rd 1000 mile test 1.5 qts of oil were consumed. All results were reported to KIA. The 3rd oil consumption test was completed on 5/27/21 (miles 95,065) and I went home and checked the oil level on the dipstick, which was filled correctly to the full mark. On 5/28/21 the service mgr called to schedule an engine compression test on 6/8/21. On the morning of 6/8/21, I checked the engine oil and it was more than a qt low (miles 95,510) with only 445 miles since the oil was topped off. Delivered car to KIA for the engine compression test on 6/8/21, told service mgr of the 1 qt oil consumption in 445 miles, and he informed me that if the compression test is good, KIA will direct an engine cleaning procedure per KIA TSB 222. When TSB 222 was completed, they stated another 1000 mile oil consumption test had to be completed. On 6/9/21 I returned to the KIA dealer to pick up my car. Requested to check the engine oil level with the mechanic since this was the start of the 1000 mile test. The car was returned to the service floor, time was allowed for oil draindown, and the mechanic pulled the dipstick which indicated the oil was overfilled by approx 1/3 quart. Took a picture of the dipstick level. The service manager was told of the situation. No action was taken. They sealed the dipstick and I departed. Printed TSB 222 from NHTSA website. On 6/24/21 returned for 1000 mile check. I witnessed (took picture) mechanic check the oil and he said it was less than a qt. I showed service mgr the overfill picture. He change the consumption to 1 qt. Spoke with KIA mgr. He said another 1000 mile check was to be performed. Since TSB 222 states oil is to be filled to full mark, their test is invalid.
Engine, Jun 17, 2021
In August 2020, my check engine light started blinking which means my engine went into limp mode. I had it towed to the Kia dealership in Birmingham Alabama. They did a reset due to knock sensor detection. In October 2020, the engine light came in again. I took it to the Kia dealership in Murfreesboro and they had to replace a head in my engine. My engine has been burning oil so much so that I can’t even make it 3,000 miles between oil changes without having to add more oil. In June 2021, engine light is on again. This is the vehicle I use to transport my children to and from school and myself back and forth to work, this vehicle is unsafe due to the fact that an engine should not have this many issues and with a known recall Kia should replace the engines to prevent someone from being hurt or killed due to engine failure.
Engine, Jun 6, 2021
My 2016 Kia is burning excessive oil. After, each oil change; 400-500 miles later; the oil dipstick show the oil is at, the low Mark on the dipstick. I took the vehicle into the Kia Dealership; where they performed an oil compression test. On, 05-028-2021. We were told to drive the vehicle for a thousand miles; and, return it back to the dealership to complete the oil compression test. The dealership claimed I need a new engine. Because, there's a problem with the barring in the engine. I was told a new engine would cost $8,000 to replace. Since; there's no extended warranty. We have mantain regular oil changes between 2-3 weeks. Or, every 300-400 miles. The vehicle was purchased at about,54000 miles. And, now has 71000 miles. To our knowledge; there are other Kia vehicles under recall; which, shared the same problem; and, is deem unsafe. Because of,a defect in the engine's design cause, metal shavings to build up and, circulate through the engine, causing; a blown engine. And, a potential safety issue.
Engine, Jun 2, 2021
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle sputtered. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer nor an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Engine, May 12, 2021
MY 2016 KIA OPTIMA IS USING A QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES.THE DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT DID A OIL CONSUMPTION TEST AND CONFIRMED THE CAR WAS USING THAT MUCH OIL AND IT WAS NORMAL OIL USE ACCORDING TO KIA.I TOLD THEM I DIDN'T AGREE THAT IT WAS NORMAL AND THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT MAN AGREED IT WAS A LOT OF OIL TO USE BUT SAID HE HAD TO GO BY KIA'S GUIDELINES AND I COULD FILE A COMPLAINT ON THE KIA WEBSITE. I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH KIA AND WAS CONTACTED 3 WEEKS LATER AND TOLD THE SAME THING THAT 1 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000 MILES WAS WITHIN KIA SPECIFICATIONS.THE CAR IS STILL UNDER THE 100,000 MILES EXTENSION WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS DONE ALL OIL CHANGES
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, May 9, 2021
VEHICLE CONSUMES OIL AT HIGH RATE. APPROXIMATELY 5 QTS PER 3000 MILES DRIVEN SOMETIMES MORE OFTEN. AFTER NEW OIL IS ADDED, ACCELERATION WILL DELAY AT TIMES, USUALLY WHEN STARTING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGINS MOVING FORWARD A CLOUD OF BLUISH/WHITE EXHAUST WILL BE CREATED. THE CLOUDS OF EXHAUST OCCURS MORE OFTEN JUST AFTER AN OIL CHANGE OR OIL IS ADDED. WILL CONTINUE FOR THE FIRST 1000 MILES THEN WILL BECOME LESS FREQUENT AS MORE OIL IS CONSUMED AND THE AMOUNT REMAINING IN THE OIL PAN IS LESSENED. HAS OCCURRED SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
BURNING OIL
Engine, Apr 22, 2021
REQUIRES NUMEROUS OIL CHANGES, LOSS OF OIL. ENGINE SMOKES IF DELAYS. CAR HESITATES OFTEN.