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: other or unspecified
121 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2024
The windows will NOT stay up, front passenger window has come completely loose from its track and has fallen down in such away, that it slams against the inside door panel, the only part of the window you can see is the triangle shaped edge that would normally fit in the corner of the window. I'm [XXX], with kids and this is my only transportation. Winter is here and the only window that stays up is the drivers side, and it's about to go too, it wobbles when rolling it up or down. My dad was a mechanic all his life, but he's [XXX]. I use to help him work on cars every day.. I have a torn rotator cuff from turning my now deceased husband in the month long hospital stay, been with him since I was 17, I'm now [XXX] , and can not do a lot of things I once did.. I do NOT have the money to fix this car as my husband died 2 months ago being flown in a helicopter twice to the hospital, is more expensive than ANY vehicle around here costs, i cant work due to my torn rotator cuff. No one in their right mind would buy my car with the windows.. I've done some research and my Kia optima is just one of thousands with this same issue. The only option I have is to walk the 5 miles into town to get what me and what's left of my family's essentials. I've never had a Kia before, and I'll never get another one. My car also burns oil, I know this because I was raised to know how to check to see if it's burning oil, I took it into dardanelle tire and auto, I know the lead mechanic. I was informed that in fact it was burning oil, and I knew that meant I would have to be checking the oil every other day. The exhaust pipe has SO much black burnt oil all over the entire end of the pipe.. check engine light came on 2 weeks after I bought it, something about the catalyst. The small dealership owner told me everything was perfect on this car, he lied, they have ways of turning the check engine light off, I've seen my dad do it. I think it's time for a recall already. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2024
The window regulators in my 2016 Kia Optima have/are failing. The white drum gear that rolls the window up/down shreds and the window falls. My safety is put at risk with this due to the fact that if the window glass were to drop abruptly, it would shatter. To add to the matter, I was out of town this past weekend when another one of my windows failed and had I had not known how to pull the door apart and pull the window back up and tape it, I could have been at major risk of robbery or more. The problem has been reproduced 3/4 times on my car so far. The first time was about a year ago, I repaired the issue myself (costly). Now i have 2 more windows that have failed and i have tape holding them up until i can afford to fix them because Kia charges an ungodly amount to repair.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2024
The front and rear windows come down unexpectedly. The power controls do not control the windows. This is especially dangerous when younger children are riding in the car and can reach their hands out the windows because the windows just come down. I have to manually lift my windows up
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2024
As of today all 4 of my power windows have failed. The first was in Feb, 2 in AUG (50K miles) and the last one today. Looking at the failed parts it matches Kia TSB#300.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Sep 30, 2024
All the window regulators continue to turn but the windows stay down and won't go up. Leading cause, the gear that connects to the motor and window regulator wires is plastic and erdes over time causing it to shred itself. Now my windows will not go up.
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2024
I am experiencing window regulator failures on all four windows of my 2016 Kia Optima LX, which began in 2021 and continues to the present. The windows either do not stay up or operate irregularly. I have seen similar reports from other 2016 Kia Optima and 2017 Kia Sportage owners. This issue poses a safety and security risk due to potential distraction while driving and inability to secure the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Sep 5, 2024
Unknown
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 29, 2024
I apologize if this is not filed in the correct place. Issue: 2016 Kia Optima, peeling paint on the hood and quarter-panel. New areas are popping up and old areas are getting worse. Color Paint: Snow White Pearl
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2024
My back windows will not roll up and down with the buttons and now whenever I hit a bump and even shut my door, the windows fall down. The only way to get them back up is to physically pull them back up. I cannot get the stay up.
Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2024
Mya paint is bubbling , chipping and peeling all over my car.
Other or unspecified, Jul 15, 2024
I got on the Highway after work, particularly hot day so I had the a/c running. Following nobody, and not next to any cars I hear a loud "crack," followed by yet another loud crack, glass flying to the back of my car, sunroof cover starts rattling back and fourth. I pull over after being jump scared, and come to find my sun roof to be blown upwards.
Other or unspecified, Jul 7, 2024
All four windows are not operational and ceased function. All 4 of the windows are currently propped up. I spoke to Kia Dealership and they are familiar with the problem they are having alot of complaints with this issue. They can repair all 4 windows for a cost of $2000.00 +. I really don’t have the money for this. I got pulled over by the cops and was so scared because I couldn’t roll my windows down. This is very unsafe. I’m in a very difficult situation. Kia vehicles are defective and dangerous because the power window regulators fail and cause the windows to fail. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Kia for this Issue, [XXX] et al. v. Kia America Inc., Case No. [XXX] filed in California. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2024
Window stop working and will not stay up.
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)
Other or unspecified, May 5, 2024
Vehicle is defectively unsafe, and unreliable due to PCM not functioning properly!!!
Other or unspecified, Mar 4, 2024
Snow White Pearl paint is flying off of my car in big splotches.
Other or unspecified, Feb 26, 2024
My 2016 Optima started burning a quart of oil at 60000 miles I am now burning over 1 quart of oil every 1000 miles. I took it to the dealership where I bought it from and was they would change my oil to do an oil consumption test and I was to drive it no more than 1000 miles. I brought up my warranty for engine replacement and was told yes I do have warranty. I drove it just under 1000 miles took it back, was told I was burning oil but I would need to do an engine flush 1st, for the cost of $600. I told the young women that was not what she said. I have been dealing with this issue since 2021. I don’t know if you can help me or not , if not can you give me any advice Thank you (I am not sure of the exact dates that it started)
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2024
Earlier this week, I went to the grocery store and noticed that the antenna cover had fallen off my car during the drive. Nothing unusual had happened on the way. In fact, the only thing unusual over the last few weeks was some rather cold temperatures for Georgia. I did look up recalls and saw that there was a recall for this item for Kia Optimas from 2016, but a service technician said that the recall did not include my vehicle. Is it possible that the recall is not inclusive of all vehicles with a problem? This is a surprisingly expensive repair for me otherwise. Thanks for your consideration and I appreciate any guidance you can give me.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 3, 2023
Purchased this car in July of this year. I checked all fluids prior to purchase and after driving it for 30 days the oil light flicked then went off. I decided to check the oil and it was 2 quarts low. I immediately called my extended warranty and they said to take it to the shop. After it being there for 3 months they said it was the rings in the piston and it needed a new motor. They referred to it as excessive oil consumption. Of course the warranty company Old Republic refused to cover it because it’s a on going issue with this model car.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2023
All four windows are not operational and ceased function within 2 months of the initial rear window failing. Three of the windows are currently propped up by door stops and the driver window is stuck all the way down. I spoke to Kia Dealership and they are familiar with the problem. It happens a lot in warm climates. They can repair all 4 windows for a cost of $2000.00 to $2400. Kia vehicles are defective and dangerous because the power window regulators fail and cause the windows to fail. There is currently a class action lawsuit against Kia for this Issue. Michael Le Beau, et al. v. Kia America Inc., Case No. [XXX] filed in California. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Structure, Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2023
My 2016 Optima has the Pearl White paint. In April 2018 I noticed that it started peeling on the hood. The dealership told me that since I was past the 36k mile warranty (I was at 39k miles then) that I would have to cover the cost out of pocket. It's sad that the vehicle was not even 2 years old and that the paint was coming off and the dealership basically told me "oh well". I am now scared to hand wash the vehicle for fear of it getting any worse. If Kia knew/knows there was an issue with the paint, why don't they just make it right? It's now all over the car that it has peeled off, not just exclusively to the hood, and theres even rust that has started to show up in aomw of those paintless spots. I have always hand washed the vehicle, waxed, never taken to a car wash either. You can see from the pictures provided that this is not caused by rocks or pressure. You see on the rear driverside how it starts to form bubbles or air pockets before it cracks and then peels off from the frame of the vehicle.
Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Nov 1, 2023
We were backing up of out a parking spot at the local 7 eleven and another car almost cream us till the associate that was outside at the moment yelled out a warning
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 21, 2023
I most recently started noticing that my oil changes were not lasting at around 46,174 miles. I found this to unusual in a car with low mileage. I had to result to buying oil from a local store. The light indicator started coming on when ever I apply the brakes. When I checked my oil, it was completely dry. So I started monitoring the oil intake, even after I had oil changes at the dealership in which I mentioned that it appears to be taking in an excessive amount of oil. What I noticed was that I was adding oil every week. I did not detect any outward appearance of a leak. In addition, I experienced on several occasion what felt like the car was having a seizure. As soon as I filled up the gas tank. The car froze up, steering wheel would not move and the car was in drive but not accelerating. I immediately shut the engine off, then restarted the car. That seem to alleviate the problem for that time. It then got really bad, that it shook and was running rough as if it was falling apart. So I drove it the dealership, explained the two problems I had, running rough and a high level of oil being used in between oil changes. I was given a diagnosis on cylinders misfiring and needing spark plugs replacement, and ignition coils. Nothing about the oil issue. I was later told that would be an additional diagnosis charge to check. I asked about engine warranty and possible complaints or recalls, and was told that my issues would not be covered under the warranty. I purchased the items they indicated needed to be addressed and took my car to someone else. That's where it was discovered, when the spark plugs were removed, that oil was sitting in each pocket or cup that holds the spark plugs. All of them were soaked in oil. Though the spark plugs have been replaced and the rough shaking of the car has subsided, the acceleration is still questionable and I'm still having to fill my car with oil weekly. I'm not due for oil change until 51,174 miles and I'm currently at 51, 098.
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
I got this recall done. I found out about it because my insurance raised a couple hundred dollars a month and when I called they told me about this recall. I got the recall done however, when the insurance pulls up my VIN # they state it is still flagged. I contacted NYS DMV about this and they stated the information is supposed to be sent to you (NHTSA). When I put in my VIN number in the window prior it came up with the safety issue and said 0 recalls. So, does that mean that it was sent in that the car has this? I was on the phone today with KIA for almost an hour and they could not advise me on anything pertaining to this. I would appreciate if you can let me know if the document was sent/processed because the insurance company is stating my VIN number is still flagged. Thank you for any help you provide me. I am using this form because when I clicked on email I do not have the email app installed and could not find a regular email address. my email is : [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Oct 5, 2023
I had all four of my window regulators to go out within two days of each other and now my windows constantly drop automatically while driving especially if I go over speed bumps, hit pot holes or any type of bump. I try to keep them up by placing paper or holders in them but they only hold up for so long and at times when I’m driving they drop down and I’m afraid the glass will break completely because one of them dropped while driving and the window cracked. This is a very dangerous situation and Kia tried to charge me when I went to them and I know this has to be a defect for all windows to go out.