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, Aug 1, 2022
My Odometer is going fast.Odometer is rolling very fast. Say if I travel 5-miles Odometer registering 15 miles. Calibrate Odometer.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 28, 2022
There is a known issue with this motor burning oil in the engine at an excessive rate. This caused my car to shut down on the California freeway from 65 mph. Warranty wont cover, dealership says its a manufacturer issue that is known and the manufacturer isn't replacing the problem engines. This is a life safety matter
Engine, Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2022
My 2016 Kia Optima EX with the 2.4L GDI I4 engine has been ticking for roughly a year. The ticking coincides with acceleration (the harder you accelerate, the faster the tick). I took it my local Kia dealer where I've gotten my service done since purchasing the car. They simply stated, "these cars tick, don't worry about it." So I continued changing my oil regularly and monitoring it. Shortly after this, I noticed my oil levels would be lower than normal midway through an oil change cycle (I check my oil periodically because I do not trust the dealership). I took it back in with a concern and they did an oil consumption test, stating my car is burning excessive amounts of oil. After this service, the dealer said it "passed" and that it would no longer be an issue. Still, ticking persisted and I took it back in and forced them to do a full diagnostic on the vehicle (with a hefty charge on my part) to get to the root of the problem. They then recommended a valve deep cleaning service as the next step in the oil consumption service as my car was "still burning oil". There were never warning lights or any other cause of concern of a failure to indicate something was wrong. This is a HUGE issue with Kia and they will not accept the blame for manufacturing faulty engines. My car is no longer covered under warranty and the dealership states that if the engine blows from an oil consumption issue, Kia will not cover the cost. I expect Kia to issue a recall on these engines as hundreds of thousands of customers across the USA are experiencing the same issue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 7, 2022
Egiene consum oil 1 quarter in 1000 miles
Other or unspecified, Engine, Mar 24, 2022
My car keeps running out of oil. I've taken it to kia and my mechanic. Both said I need a new engine. My car is hard to drive. I'm putting oil in my car after 200 miles because it's almost empty after having oil changes. I use 8 quarts of oil every time . My car drives horrible. I'm afraid it's gonna shut off on me when I'm driving and it's gonna cause an accident. I'm scared to drive it anymore and I owe 2 yrs left on it. I need a new engine and it's all been happening to my car after 1 yr of having it
Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2022
I have a pearl white vehicle paint is pealing on passenger back seat door
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2022
In November of 2021 at about 18500 miles the right rear window regulator drive gear disentigrated and the entire regulator had to be replaced. In Decemeber of 2021 at about 19700 miles the right front window regulator disintigrated and had to be replaced. The first 2 photos are the December failure the 3rd is the December failure I found it interesting that the same year model Kia has a recall for the exact same problem. Here is the link. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2020/MC-10176915-0001.pdf I am attaching photos of both failures. I have in my posession the front regulator if you want to examine it I will not dispose of it until I hear from you.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Jan 16, 2022, crash
When starting to move from traffic light, engine revved to full throttle, brakes would not stop the vehicle. I swerved right to avoid the vehicle in front of me, then went over a sidewalk and struck a tree. Car still would not stop. Finally came to rest in a ( luckily empty) bowling alley parking lot. Vehicle sustained heavy right side front damage and had to be towed from the scene.
Other or unspecified, Nov 10, 2021, crash
I experienced sudden acceleration while attempting to park our car. The car was double parked waiting for my husband to move a car so I could park in that space. I put my foot on the brake to put the car in drive. I start to pull forward and the car takes off and I eventually crashed into my apartment building. I remember having my foot on the break to stop the car and could not. The sudden acceleration caused damage to the building inside and out. I did do some research and saw there are others who have experienced the same thing across different models of Kia.
Other or unspecified, Nov 6, 2021
Oil light comes on after oil change. Check engine light comes on and the car feels like it going to quit or stall when going down high way.
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 26, 2021
Rear passenger window failed in June 2021 and cost $700 to fix, not under warranty per dealer. Replaced the window regulator unfortunately, I did not ask for the old part. One week later the rear window on the driver side failed in the same manner. Motor can be heard running and window drops down on it's own. My first fear was I was ripped off and dealer only switched the two parts because what are the chances? Having just spent $700 I did not return immediately but within 2-weeks, before making the appointment the passenger front window breaks! So at that point I start thinking a there must be a recall and start checking. I don't learn the cause of the issue until last month, Sept when the final window gave up as well. Not having the driver door window in FL where I drive on bridges is a hazard. I learned that a "plastic on plastic gear mechanism" fails over time. I am single and rarely have anyone in the rear seats so those gears crumbled from lack of use! KIA changed the design in 2018 due to failures but is failing to take care of earlier models costing owners thousands in repairs. I am the original owner, the car was 5-years old Feb 2021 and the car is garaged at work and home. These should be recalled no one should have to pay thousands in repairs when clearly this is defective and dangerous. All of the windows broke while the car was driving down the road. I live in Florida and this happened during storm season. Very luckily for the interior it wasn't raining as the windows were in the down position when they would not return to closed. I drive over Tampa Bay every day for work so not having working windows is dangerous. Someone should hold KIA accountable they know they are defective. I heard from a Hyundai owner they have the same problem, no surprise KIA owns Hyundai! I bet they changed that design too! My car is garaged work & home so likely helped mine from crumbling under warranty. Please recall window regulators!
Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2021
Here in Wisconsin Kias are being stolen at an alarming rate. It’s the most stolen car. It is being stated that this is due to how the cars were made and that Kia knew this but didn’t disclose it. My car was stolen at work, along with other coworkers. This is beyond insane. How many more cars have to be taken due to manufactures negligence for something to be done.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2021
I'm about to replace my THIRD window accuator on this car. The first one that failed was the rear passenger side at 54000 miles. The window was rarely if ever used, failed any way. The second failed at 60,000 miles.. driver side rear. Like the first, rarely used window. Now the third has failed at 66,000 miles. Cost to replace, over $300 because a $5 sprocket fails. Windows failing is definitely a safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2021
While driving at night with the "auto" function for the headlights on they turn off at random. This has happened numerous times during the past year. Very dangerous on dark roads. Dealer could not replicate situation to repair. No warning lights appeared.
Other or unspecified, Aug 28, 2021
All 4 of my windows have stoped working and fall down while driving it started pouring down my driver window fell down and I almost wrecked I see a lot of people having the same issue
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2021
Having trouble with my driverside window it let's down but will not let back up i called kia and they want over 200.00 to diagnose it plus labor to fix it from what I have been reading online alot of people are having the same issue
Other or unspecified, Aug 17, 2021
All four of my car windows fall down unexpectedly due a defect in the window regulator part, and window motor. The windows do not respond to door controls and I've now had to spend approx. $3500. and many trips to the dealer repair shop to get these windows fixed. I live in Florida, and when a window opens unexpectedly in the middle of a severe rain storm and cannot be closed, this is a safety hazard. I've had to pull over when there is very limited visibility on the road, and try, usually unsuccessfully, to close the window. The glass windows are fairly heavy and my attempts to tape them shut do not work. I've contacted KIA consumer affairs and have filed a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, but so far KIA has done nothing and has not responded to the BBB (according to the last BBB email I received). The 4th window is being fixed today at the dealer, and another window is getting re-repaired, I don't know if any of the repairs will last, as every few months another window breaks.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2021
The cars headlights turn off while driving under normal conditions. This has happened at least four times in a one month period. This is extremely dangerous as some areas are not well lit or an oncoming car may not see us. I have looked online and I see that this very same issue is occurring with this make and model dating back 6 or more months. It makes no sense that the bulbs would be defective since all lights go off and come back on randomly.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Apr 27, 2021
BURNING OIL
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2021
THREE OF THE WINDOW REGULATORS FAILED AT THE SAME TIME AND THE FORTH TWO WEEKS LATER. I HAD THEM REPAIRED FOR A ALMOST $ 2000 SINCE THE THE VEHICLE HAS 62K MILES AND THE WARRANTY WAS GOOD TILL 60K MILES.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 1, 2021
I STARTED HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE OIL DISAPPEARING NOT LONG AFTER I GOT THE NEW CAR KIA OPTIMA YEAR ABOUT FEBRUARY 2017 I KEEP POURING EVERYDAY MORE AND MORE OIL AS I DRIVE BUT IT DISAPPEARS. ON OR ABOUT AUGUST 28,2020, I RECEIVED AN EMAIL FOR A KIA ENGINE CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT FEDERAL COURT THAT ADVISES SUFFER FROM A DEFECT THAT CAN CAUSE ENGINE SEIZURE, STALLING ENGINE FAILURE AND FIRE ETC. AND THAT THE ENGINE CAN BE DANGEROUS KIA HAVE BEEN FOUND LIABLE FOR THESE CLAIMS. THEY SAID THEY GAVE ME EXTRA WARRANTY BUT IF IT CATCHES ON FIRE OR EXPLODES THEN THEY WOULD NOT HELP ME AND BY THEN IT IS TOO LATE!! I TOLD THEM THAT I AM SCARED SINCE I AM A GIRL AND KEEP ADDING OIL AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT THE ENGINE MACHINE MALFUNCTION CAN DO. I COULD CHECK THE OIL BEFORE GOING SOME WHERE BUT YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE OIL WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN DISAPPEAR COMPLETELY IT IS UNPREDICTABLE. I HAVE CALLED KIA MANUFACTURE PHONE AT 1-855-951-0807 AND THEY ARE GIVING ME THE ROUND AROUND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR THAT ONE DAY IT MAY DO SOMETHING AND CATCH ON FIRE. PLEASE I WOULD APPRECIATE ANOTHER CAR THAT WILL NOT CATCH ON FIRE AND BE DANGEROUS. SEE ATTACHED KIA ENGINE SETTLEMENT CLASS ACTION
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2021
I WAS JUST GETTING ON TO THE HIGHWAY AND MY SUNROOF EXPLODED! IT TOOK ME A SECOND TO REALIZE THATS WHAT HAD HAPPENED IT SOUNDED LIKE A VERY LOUD POP OR GUN SHOT ALMOST I PULLED OVER AND SEEN MY ENTIRE SUNROOF HAD EXPLODED
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 11, 2020
MY OIL PRESSURE LIGHT CONTINUES TO TURN ON AND OFF EVEN AFTER REPLACED PARTS! BURNING AT LEAST 2 QUARTS OF OIL PER WEEK! BRAKE LIGHTS STOP WORKING IF HEADLIGHTS ARE ON! HAD TO START USING SUPER TO ELIMINATE A RATTLE WHILE ACCELERATING UPHILL! ENGINE SHAKES!!
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2020
WHEN CAR COMES TO A STOP IT SHAKES AND IT FEELS LIKE YOUR DRIVING OVER UNEVEN PAVEMENT..