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
756 reports, newest first.
Engine, Nov 10, 2022
My vehicle's engine stopped working on October 15th as my son was driving us 80 mph on I90 headed east just outside of Rochester MN. The cruise control was on but then the car started to decelerate on its own and he pulled onto the shoulder. It smelled like burnt oil. I opened the hood and saw nothing substantial; waited 5 minutes and tried to start it again and although it was turning over, it did not start. Check engine lights came on when the problem started and it vibrated violently twice. AAA took 3 hours to get us which was beyond stressful and scary watching in the rearview mirror as semis and cars in the right lane past us at 80 mph. The Luther Kia dealership in Inver Grove Heights MN stated eventually that the 2 cylinders have no compression and there is a broken exhaust valve. There is only 115K miles on it and I had it into the Bloomington Luther Dealership a month prior. Initially for the front collision sensor that wasn't working but when I pulled in, it smelled of burnt oil and the service tech and I discussed that I had notice it sputtering every once in a while when I accelerated from a dead stop. They said they fixed it by changing the gasket covers. Now Kia wants me to pay $9,000 for the engine to be repaired because my warranty doesn't cover it. I've researched and spoke to people and have heard comments have been made that these engines are constantly failing and they know about it. I would have never put my 15 year old son behind the wheel if I thought it was going to possibly die while we were going 80 mph.
Engine, Nov 9, 2022
I have been having some issues with my Kia Optima. It is consuming so much oil. Constantly have to get oil changes. Recently, my engine light went on. Was told it was because of all the oil that is burning. Car does not perform properly. It does not want to accelerate. It feels like it will turn off. I get scared driving. What if my car stalls in the middle of the busy LA traffic? I have gone do dealership so many times. Whenever, I say the reason why I need an appointment, they tell me they have no available time slots. They just told me they will see me next year!! I say its because Kia doesn't want to fix it. Several mechanics have informed me that my engine needs to get replaced because of the excessive oil consumption. Kia needs to pay for it. They know it’s their fault.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Nov 8, 2022
Driving along the interstate approximately 70 mph, the vehicle jerked with knock sound then lost acceleration speed. At the same time, the check engine light started blinking. I pulled over to the side of the interstate put the car in park. I put it back in drive and slowly attempted to accelerate again. I was able to make it home because I was only about a mile and a half away, but I the acceleration was very slow and there wasn't much power behind it. At a speed of about 45-50, the vehicle barely seemed to have much power.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Nov 8, 2022
Right passenger window dropped down. It came off regulator track for no reason with a child in a car seat sitting at that window putting that child's safety at risk.
Other or unspecified, Nov 3, 2022
Unknown Driver’s window does not operate either up or down.. Making a noise when I tried to put the window down in order to open it. Only 23,700 mileage on my 2016 Optima This is a safety issue and my VIN number needs to be placed on the recall list. There has been a gear breakage issue on 2016 optima I cannot afford to repair this, being a senior citizen on fixed income
Engine, Nov 2, 2022
I took my car in for an oil change and it was extremely low on oil, I found out that Kia has a class action law suit for excessive oil consumption. I had the test performed at a Kia dealership and it does in fact have the oil consumption issue, it was down 2 quarts within 1000 miles. Kia is saying that they will not cover it or perform the necessary fix that is required (replace the engine or at least perform the combustion cleaning procedure). This in my mind is a safety hazard and Kia should back their product of a known issue. My wife drives this car and if the engine locks up she could be stranded or injured if it happens on the road.
Engine, Oct 30, 2022
The oil is leaking into the engine, was taken to a kia dealer for repair $542.45 unsuccessful , I am putting oil in my car every 3 weeks. Purchased the car in April and over $2500 spent. The oil is still going into the engine, no leaks on the ground. Was told to deal with it and wait until my engine pops by Thomas kia of highland indiana
Engine, Oct 25, 2022
Engine stalled while driving on main highway. It is available for inspection Safety: was on major highway when vehicle stalled other cars on highway had to swerve around me to avoid hitting me. no it has not been confirmed no it has not been inspected no there were no warning light
Engine, Oct 17, 2022
10-17-2022 * failure is plugged coil or spark plugs due to heavy oil consumption. Vehicle is available for inspection * driving when vehicle completely stalled and would not restart while on a 4 line highway barely got off the road almost hit by other cars as the vehicle just stalled Has happened before, has heavy oil consumption have been told it is due to faulty piston rings * At this time it is at the garage for investigation of problem *No *No
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 16, 2022
Was driving my car and it just lost all power and cut off. It will not start now. It only has 1 click. The car has used a lot of oil since I've owed it. I do regular oil change and the oil lights still go off and on. I researched why it had power failure and replaced the starter but that didn't work. I started looking into the engines for 2016 kias n found out some have a recall. I hope my car falls in that recall bc I need it fixed . my car gave no warning signs that anything was wrong . just cut off all of the sudden and will not start . had to have it towed to my home
Engine, Oct 9, 2022
It burns a quart of oil every thousand miles shouldn’t be doing this
Electrical system, Air bags, Engine, Oct 5, 2022
I have a 2016 Kia Optima within the 2nd year all my window motors fail within a 6 month timeframe. My car in the 4th year started to burn oil quickly the oil light would not appear until I begin to hear a knocking sound. Also, in the 4th year of having my car there has been cracking in my passenger side (I think it is where the airbag is located). All of the areas could put my life in some type of danger or a family member if KIA doesn't see fit to remedy these areas. In 2018, my warranty was out and I didn't know until I received my bill the service person didn't advise me of this issue. So, I ended up paying $700 for a battery installment when I advised him that it was the issue, he insisted I get a diagnosis done.
Other or unspecified, Oct 4, 2022
issues with all of the window regulators stop working. The gears in the regulators are plastic and become dry rot and strip out not allowing the windows to function.
Engine, Sep 29, 2022
Car has been burning oil since purchased. Over a quart in 1000 miles. Engine rattled during acceleration and sometimes stalls at red light. Every time I take it into Kia they state nothing is wrong. They performed an engine cleaning around 80,000 miles but won’t help me now that my car has 107,000 miles.
Power train, Engine, Sep 27, 2022
My car is experiencing excessive oil consumption, engine knocking and shifting delays, grinding or jumping during acceleration, the car jerking on the road.
Engine, Sep 26, 2022
Engine suddenly failed. Heard loud tapping sound and engine stopped working. No assistance from KIA,
Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2022
On Saturday, 09/17, I took my vehicle in for a standard oil change & alignment with a 3-party mechanic (pepboys). Once the work was done I was informed by the mechanic that the Driver's side window was in the down position and would not go back up. I was informed that it was because the Regulator went out and it is a Kia only part. Kia is unavailable on the weekends so they would get the part on Monday. On Tuesday, 09/20 Pepboys was able to get the part and repair the window to the tune of $822.67. The part alone was $542. Today, Thursday, 09/22 on my drive into work the back Driver's side window began to slide down while I was driving. This is a severe safety hazard that needs to be address by Kia. The Window Regulators will fail without warning & while the vehicle is in motion. I have 60k miles, this is not a high mileage vehicle.
Engine, Sep 20, 2022
I have a kia Optima Hybrid that has an Open Recall for the engine according to Kia's website' which they failed to address or informed me of it needing it on 07-30-2022 which was installing the KSD update for the engine. The engine started knocking on 09-12-2022. The informed me that they do not make the KSD sensor update available to customers anymore since it is passed the campaign in dates in 2021, and that is why it was not installed. Although the owners site shows the recall and asks if I want to make and appointment for it. They are doing this with multiple owners. I am also curious as to why my car doesn't show this recall on here and it shows on Kia's owner site as being and open recall along with another recall. Kia case #15050283
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 14, 2022
Every window in my car has come off track within a 3months time period . The motor steady runs in the door and the window will not move up or down.
Engine, Sep 13, 2022
This car has developed P0010 code which stands for "A" Camshaft Position Actuator Circuit/open bank 1. Car idles roughly, shifts weirdly and has less power than before. I found that there is a TSB from KIA for the same issue but only for cars made in South Korea in 2016, mine was built in Dec. 2015 in Georgia plant so it doesn't qualify for this TSB and I'll have to pay out of pocket to fix this issue.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2016 Kia Optima. The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact stated that the oil level warning light was illuminated. The contact also noticed that while following while his wife was driving the vehicle, a blueish color smoke would emit from the tailpipe. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer where he was given an estimate for an oil consumption test. The contact then took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where they confirmed that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact attempted to notify the manufacturer of the failure but received no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2022
Paint of the hood of my kia optima started peeling off as of Sept 5th,2022, there are small peelings on top of car and trunk. Took car to mvp paint&body, San Benito, tx to see if I needed to make an appt and he stated that he has dealt with this kind of problem and insurance companies and dealerships are paying for damages. I called Bert Ogden kia in harlingen and they told me there was no paint recall and until I got a letter to bring vehicle and letter. This is my dilemma and will now contact my car insurance carrier, Texas farm bureau, San Benito,tx to see if they can help, I don't want this to get worse and car gets rusty with more problems.
Engine, Sep 9, 2022
extreme oil consumption. Burning oil like crazy and occasional knocking
Engine, Sep 8, 2022
My car was just confirmed by the dealership it is burning 2 quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. I am consistent with getting oil changes, and just recently, my check oil light would start flickering when I was needing an oil change. It slowly started happening sooner and sooner until the repair shop recommended me to go to the dealership. I was told by the receptionist that this issue did not involve my warranty (which conveniently just expired May 2021) and that I would get my engine replaced if the Oil Consumption test failed. I just brought it in for part 2 and was told this was incorrect and all the repairs would be 100% my responsibility. The service guy told me to constantly add more oil, and if my engine fails CATASTROPHICALLY, Kia might step in to help. I am afraid to drive my car and feel like no one is stepping up to help?!
Exterior lighting, Engine, Sep 5, 2022
My oil light would flash on when coming to a stop. I was notified my car was low on oil my last oil change. However I was not made aware as to how much. About 2000 miles afterwards when checking the oil it looked to be empty. The oil light would again flash on when coming to a stop but then go back off seconds later. The dipstick was dry. I added the appropriate amount of oil to show in the safe zone on dipstick and again about 1500 miles later the oil light is flashing on when turning/stopping. Separately, the headlights have randomly turned off while driving at night and set on auto on multiple occasions.