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, Aug 7, 2024
One day I'm driving on route 78 and when I reached 60 mph, my car began to spudder and jerk. This happens quite often as I'm driving on a dangerous road. I brought my car, 2016 Kia optima, to a local dealer where they diagnosed the problem of a blown head gasket! They said I needed a new engine at 108k miles in 4 years since I had the car. I had to get a second opinion and went to Bridgewater Kia and they to said I needed a new engine. Now this car had a GDI engine that burned off a lot oil. Heavy oil consumption and there was never a recall regarding the issue. I've read many similar incidents where owners of this exact make and model and year have experienced issues with their engine seizing, stalling, and just shutting off in the middle of traffic. This is clearly a safety issue that Kia continues to ignore. They say it's not their problem but yet you designed the defective and deficient engine so why should I have to pay for a brand new engine and not get fully reimbursed. I filled out claim form after claim form contacting Kia engine settlement.com help desk which were no help. I believe they're ignoring me for the obvious reasons. So now I'm on this smear campaign against KIA and trying to raise awareness. I'll do it alone if I have to but I'm not giving up.
Engine, Jul 30, 2024
I bought the vehicle used in 2022 and since then the vehicle has misfired on 2 separate occasions while driving requiring it to be towed. I’ve had to change the spark plugs and coil packs 4 different times due to the vehicle misfiring. I contacted Kia when the issue first began and was informed that my vehicle is one included in a class action lawsuit for engine failure, and was given a Case Number, but was told the only way they will cover repair/ replacement of the engine is if a specific error code was shown at the time of engine failure. The last 2 times I had to change my spark plugs were within a month of each other, so the vehicle was towed to Kia where they informed me that they recommended a combustion chamber cleaning and once again replacing the spark plugs. However, this was not a final diagnosis as to why the vehicle was misfiring, and they stated the vehicle may still misfire even with those services. Upon having the combustion chamber cleaned completed at a different location, and once again replacing the spark plugs, the engine locked up in the middle of the road and would not start again. the vehicle has been non-driveable since mid June and is currently in a shop awaiting repairs.
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Jul 29, 2024
I purchased a 2016 KIA Optima from eCars in Wichita Ks in November of 2022. The car had no major issues until the Optima was stolen this last March. I recovered the car quickly but it was damaged. Had ignition pulled out steering column broken, window broken and lots of cosmetic damage. Was towed twice and in the shop twice. All has been fixed with auto insurance funds. I am part of the KIA theft settlement and waiting for funds to be dispersed. Second part of my issue is that on 07/22/24 the check engine light came on while I was driving to work. It was blinking which indicates a serious engine issue. I turned around and went home and parked it. I started researching KIA engine issues and found that my car is also eligible for the KIA Theta II engine class action settlement but the submission deadline was 12/07/23. Since I was not the original owner, I was never notified of this class action settlement so could not submit a claim. I contacted Midwest KIA in Wichita KS to see about their "Buy Back program" I found online that KIA will sometimes buy certain vehicles back due to quality or safety issues. They want me to drive the car over 30 miles from my house to their lot so they can see the car in person, which I am not comfortable with. My question is what kind of legal recourse do I have with KIA? Am I still covered under Kansas Lemon Law? I still owe over $15k on the Optima. I ended up buying a new car on Saturday from Rusty Eck Ford but didn't trade the Optima in because they told me it had a salvage title, which I wasn't aware of when I bought it. It caught on fire apparently. All the damage was fixed, which could have been covered under the settlement as a qualifying fire.
Engine, Jul 29, 2024
Driving approx. 65 mph on highway when car started shaking, then engine light came on, then car went into limp mode. Safety was at risk due to the fact this happened in the fast lane on highway, had to maneuver vehicle onto right side of road for emergency parking. Dealership and independent auto shop diagnosed problem to be misfire on cylinder #4, performed compression test, found intake valve and piston damage. Estimated repairs to be between $6,000 to $8,000 to rebuild engine. Mileage 82,826. We still have the vehicle for inspection.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 26, 2024
My vehicle has been having engine & electrical issues, I originally took the vehicle to a secondary mechanic after Kia Baltimore stated it would be a couple months before they could diagnose the issue. The secondary mechanic was changed spark plugs, and other fixes but advised the vehicle engine was still shutting down and he believe it was related to the Kia engine recall issues. Thereafter, I had the vehicle towed to Kia Towson on 5/22/23..they have had the vehicle ever since I call daily, leave messages with managers, and essentially pay car insurance and car note, and use ride share services while getting no response about my vehicle. The rental manager at the dealership doesn't return my calls, no one. This is unacceptable.
Engine, Jul 25, 2024
Complete engine failure on July 13th. While driving at on the interstate the car lurched and began to smoke. Oil light, engine light and battery light all came on. We turned on hazard lights and pulled off the freeway onto the off-ramp. As we stopped at the light the car completely died in traffic. Smoke was coming from the hood and the car wouldn’t no longer start. We were in traffic and had to wait for help to get our car safely pushed off the road. We had the car towed to a car lot. The engine had a recall but we were never informed of this or sent any letters about it. We received a recall About a trunk safety issue so we know they had our correct address. We have owned the car less than a year so previous owners never took care of the problem and we were not informed. Kia is denying helping pay for a new engine even though they have a lawsuit and have admitted to engine problems.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Engine, Jul 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at various speeds on several occasions, the vehicle was shuddering with a knocking sound coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that a message "Do not drive - Tow to Dealer" was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that a loosened turbo hose needed to be tightened. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to another dealer where it was diagnosed that the high-pressure fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
Engine, Jul 15, 2024
Excessive oil consumption, loss of power. Went in for a tune as previous owner never did one and car would not crank back up. In fact it didn’t respond to the key turn at all. SENSOR read wouldn't read a problem. Later found out engine was basically gone. Burned excessive oil, started coming out the tail pipe. Dash was not illuminating when there was insufficient oil. Has not been fixed
Power train, Engine, Jul 12, 2024
[XXX] 6:30AM: 2016 Kia Optima Ex I was driving on the freeway on my way to work when I lost all acceleration and immediately attempted to get over to the side of the road. Which was pretty [XXX] scary being that it's a busy freeway that early in the morning so everyone is laying on their horn while trying to get out of my way. It was either be stranded in the middle of the freeway or get over as quick as possible. My electronics were all still on however; my whole dashboard went from no "check engine" light to everything that could light up was lit up. I own a OBD2 scanner so I plugged that in and scanned it. I received a code that read "P0014: Exhaust Camshaft Position Timing - Over - Advanced (Bank 1)". I then had my car towed to a mechanic that diagnosed my engine and claimed there was "metal shavings" in my engine. And my engine was not turning; it seized up. I didn't believe him so I got a ride over to the shop and sure enough he simply had me pull my dipstick out to see the shavings on there. He also manually turned my engine with a socket wrench and told me it was harder than [XXX] to turn which was not supposed to happen. I tried it myself and sure enough it was tough as [XXX] to turn. He claimed I needed a new engine! He said I have the option to get it towed somewhere else or he can try and find an engine for me. I then called a Kia Service center in Visalia CA and explained to them what happened. They said they will not fix anything due to me not having a computer update recall fixed on my car. Yet I had never gotten a notice in the mail for it like they were supposed to do back in 2018. The only one I had gotten recently was a "safety recall" which was to fix my trunk latch. I knew that would not have any impact on my cars running condition so I did not get that fixed. However had I known I needed an update I would've gone in a heartbeat. I did not take it to the service center being that they told me they cannot fix my engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jul 11, 2024
UNKNOWN ISSUE: Car shut off while driving and would not crank back up. In fact it didn’t respond to the key turn at all. SENSOR reads the code p0014 which can mean costly repairs.
Engine, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle started to jerk and then decelerated while shifting into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was later examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the NOX sensor and Glow plugs were faulty. The vehicle was not repaired and later towed to the local dealer. No further information was available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 86,500.
Engine, Jul 2, 2024
Check engine light came on and has a loud knocking sound in the engine. When attempting to be driven, the vehicle losses power
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 2, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle shuddered. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rod bearings were knocking. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 17V224000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, neither the VIN nor the model year was included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.
Engine, Jun 29, 2024
Excessive oil consumption, loss of power, knocking, oil pressure light on, but has oil. vehicle has 72,000 miles. Available for inspection. Possible engine lockup if oil pressure drops during driving. may cause accident. It has not been confirmed, but i have read many problems associated with this problem on the internet. I will be taking the vehicle for Kia to inspect. problem started about 4 months ago noticed that the vehicle needed oil. added oil and had an additional oil change about 2 weeks ago. Oil pressure light started to blink and stay on.
Engine, Jun 25, 2024
CAR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURN ON AND STARTED TO SHAKE REALLY BAD WHILE DRIVING LIKE ITS GOING TO TURN OFF, AND SHAKES EVEN MORE WHEN I MAKE A STOP AND LOOSES POWER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. ALSO IT BURNS OUT OIL REALLY FAST I HAVE TO KEEP PUTTING OIL ALMOST EVERY TWO WEEKS
Engine, Jun 19, 2024
Check engine light came on and car started shaking pretty back than completely turned off.
Engine, Jun 18, 2024
My vehicle is consuming excessive oil. I have to keep oil in my trunk to replace oil regularly. My car is a 2016 Kia Optima and has about 58,000 miles on it. I have reached out to Kia on several occasions including consumer affairs and voiced my safety concerns about the vehicle and potential of the engine seizing due to oil loss and concern of a potential vehicle accident as a result of an engine seizure while driving. I asked for an oil consumption test to be performed on the vehicle because of its excessive consumption and was told that the oil consumption test only applies to the 1st owner.
Engine, Engine and engine cooling, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the engine was overheating. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to exceed 60 MPH, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,175.
Engine, Jun 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle was shuddering and making a loud clanking sound. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the diagnostic test result was undisclosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 129,104.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2024
Car was at about 70,000 upon purchase. Once driving it regularly, I immediately noticed a faint knocking noise upon acceleration. Also, when coasting the speed adjusted on its own intermittently, both up & down, not by much but enough that I felt it on the gas pedal. Other times it fails to accelerate when pushing on the gas pedal. I have to release the pedal & try again, sometimes more than once before it finally accelerates. Despite doing regular oil changes, my engine burns through oil long before next oil change is due, so I have to add 1 - 2 quarts of oil in-between changes. I was barely at 80,000 miles when engine started seizing & the following day the check engine light came on. It had to be towed to be serviced. They said the fuel injector or pump (not sure which) was allowing fuel to flood my engine which caused its damage. Even with what the warranty covered I had to pay $500 out of pocket so there were a lot of repairs. I can get a detailed print out of service if needed. When I do oil changes there's oil under the oil pan somehow, but its not leaking because there is no oil where I park. As of lately, even though all fluids are good, when the car is idle with a/c on, the temperature starts to go up until the car is in motion again, then the temperature goes back down quickly. It has only overheated once, which was the first time I noticed the problem because I was parked at a gas station on a hot day checking my phone & the a/c started blowing warm & dash said, "engine overheated". Only happen the one time because I have been cautious about watching the temperature to avoid it happening again. I recently passed emissions & had AutoZone do code reader check & nothing came back. In order to figure out problem I'd have to get diagnostics test that requires I leave the car for at least 2 days so it hasn't been something I can manage yet. My car is available for inspection if needed & I'm happy to provide detailed print out of repairs if requested.
Engine, Jun 6, 2024
Engine compression problem only had the vehicle for no longer than 3yrs and my engine need to be replaced
Engine, Jun 5, 2024
engine burns excessive oil that comes out the tail pipe. dash will not illuminate when there is insufficient oil and that could cause damage to engine. safety issue as it has it could leave or stranded with no working car in middle of no where. several independent oil and mechanic organization's have told me these models burn excessive oil. vehicle has been inspected by car manufacturer during oil changes. car rattles from lack of oil confirmed from a local mechanic. engine burns excessive oil due with no light indicator on dash. several mechanic and oil shops have told me this model has issues with this.
Electrical system, Visibility, Engine, Jun 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, there was a loud knocking sound coming from the engine, with the check engine, oil, and battery warning lights illuminated. Additionally, the contact noticed that all four windows failed to function properly and failed to roll up. The dealer was contacted; however, the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000.
Wheels, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 2, 2024
I brought this car [XXX] and the next day it broke down didn’t start at all I been saying I wanted my money back from day he didn’t take no for answer basically held me hostage until I paid everything. I brought this car and been without a car since this is totally unfair . The Clean state motors is a bad service communication place to buy car it was totally the opposite before I gave money for car. Once I gave money they all got mean and had attitudes was saying they was ready to leave instead of giving my money back kept going down finding different prices for car insurance reason why I really brought car I was mentally force and I’m mentally going threw a lot of things because of this . I don’t have no car and the car dealer shop called me and told me I couldn’t get no rental so I can stop calling . I need a new car . A rental . I have missed out on Money work and I have 2 kids going on [XXX] old this month on [XXX] these people do not care they took my money and still forcing me to pay 1000 and car note 284 when I haven’t had the car but for one day the next day the car broke down . I am sewing will hear from my lawyer He said I had 30 days to come get my Monet back the next morning I called for my money back they said no this unfair I turn in all information paid insurance 795 which is to high I just need my money back I didn’t even get to keep car a week literally next day car did not start he never said car was being brought as is if so I would have not brought it and I didn’t sign all those papers Delewin had to forfeit my signature this was fraud scam to me I need a car the engine broke down car batter was linking and white acid was everywhere inside front car and I wasn’t suppose to look at that car is was a white Kia 2019 This not right this unfair please help me on fixing this I deserve a car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine, Jun 1, 2024
Camshaft bearings wore out and failed causing a knocking condition. 1.6L (T-GDI GAMMA) Not covered under class action.